Small Business Saturday, Round 2

After buying locks, we drove over to a shop that's right in our neighborhood to look for new exterior lights. Wright Lighting at 1572 Meridian Avenue in San Jose has a great selection of interior and exterior lighting including stuff they can order from their catalog. We were seeking a brand that was recommended to us by our electrician and we're investigating the style and pricing from the shop. Again, wonderful service and warm relationships with the shop, and we hope to make a purchase very soon after we figure out the final plan.

Small Business Saturday, Round 1

For our remodel, we spend minimal amounts in places like Home Depot and Lowe's since Bill already has preferred vendors that he has been patronizing for a long time. When it was time to buy exterior doorknobs, we went to a shop in Mountain View that Bill has been buying at for more than 20 years. The service is great, the selection is wonderful, and there's nothing quite like someone recognizing you as soon as you walk in the door. Not quite like Norm on "Cheers" but still a warm familiar greeting. Here are some shots of the goodies available at Custom Security and Hardware at 2150 Old Middlefield Way in Mountain View. Which one do you think we chose?

"Oh, sure. I'll help design the new porch. You betcha."

Textures of a remodel

It's fun to stop and see the details and textures of a remodel to appreciate our journey. As the sun was setting, I saw a few parts of the remodel that are fun to share.

Pythagorean theorem, oh boy

Today, we had a planning session with our electrician. Lots of decisions were made, and in a metaphorical game of dominoes, a few important things need to be decided before we can move much further. It's a challenging math problem, but as they say, there's always a solution. We just have to re-work the math and choose the best option with the fewest compromises. No problem.

Tuesday tidings, too

One of yesterday's blog posts disappeared, so here it is again. A rerun, of sorts!

Measure twice, cut once  

Our red runner beans provide a little beauty among the sawdust.

No doubt who is the professional in this conversation!

Why, yes, electrical is expensive!

Quality, quality

I've had opportunities this week to spend a few minutes with our electrician and plumber, and am appreciating them a lot. These are fellas with whom Bill has worked for many years, and they are friends as well as incredibly talented subs. I realize as I chat with them that they are just like Bill, very focused on quality work, detail-oriented, friendly, fun to be around, helpful, and honorable. While our project isn't anything close to a speed sport, it is a daily experience in what we truly value. Thanks, fellas, you're the best.