Saturday, January 31, 2015

Not a kitschy kitchen

Today, we went shopping for kitchen appliances, something that must be done early so that the kitchen can be built around them. We visited two stores, with the second one decidedly more upscale. We even found a 7-foot-wide Sub Zero refrigerator, clearly too cool for us. Any guesses on the price?

We don't think that we will get the orange oven, either. Nope.



Opening doors

This morning, I walked through a doorway for the first time in our new house. I reached out to the satin nickel doorknob, turned it, and walked over the threshold. That is indeed a milestone. Until now, the site has been open, without doors. It's a simple thing but a definite moment of gratitude and enjoyment of the journey.


Saturday, January 24, 2015

Remedial building

One of the best remedies for an overly busy day at work is receiving messages from Bill like this one. Well, it starts with a wordless photo that is the way I last saw it. Then, bam, the other photo. In this case, it is the installation of our new front door, which has been an epic experience getting the finish on in the way that Bill wanted. Getting these photos are such a great opportunity to step outside of my work busy-ness and appreciate our accomplishment. Such beauty, in the door and in the carpenter plus the two friends who assisted.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Island living

The closest thing that we will get to an island getaway in the near future is sitting at our new kitchen island, which suits us just fine. Stock up on the paper umbrellas, it's time to design the shape of the island and the location of the cooktop. :-D







Wednesday, January 7, 2015

How to survive a remodel

It's been a big day, a big week, all part of a big, sometimes intense time in our lives. Even with all that's going on, we survive and thrive by enjoying the big and small moments. Like these plumber's tools. Yep.

Saturday, January 3, 2015

South Bay Decisions, Inc.

Today, we visited South Bay Materials in San Jose to look at materials that will be spread in our soon-to-be new front yard as temporary ground covering. At some near point, we will move the construction fence back and put the selected materials over the ground. We took advantage of the holiday break to go together to look at options, and learned that several types of bark or wood chips are dyed to reddish browns, blacks, etc. Who knew? Our favorite option is a dye-free material that is kid-safe and often used in play areas. Decision made and ready to implement when the project is ready.

This stuff is called Gorilla Grass. Huh?
Checking out each option
Super helpful worker guy coming, beep, beep, beep...

Bins full of options

Carpenter, meet Caterpillar

Shades of my childhood!
Shades of my childhood, part 2



No idea what these are, but they look cool on the shelf

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Pew-rific!

Bill is measuring the spot for our breakfast nook pew, a $10 find during a sale of historic San Jose treasures.

If he were using a laser level, he could be saying in a high voice, "Pew! Pew! Pew!"

A bit blurry because I said, "Hold that pose!" while he was working hard. {:-o