Trees and more

See, I haven't been sitting around the entire summer! I've added trees, four birch in the front yard (to go along with last summer's Lindens) and an ash and a pin oak in the back yard. Heck, you people didn't even know that I got grass, "bullet edgers," purple quartz rock, mulch, plants, and even some flower pots! Quite industrious in the past year, huh!! Mowing has been quite time consuming, especially when the tractor blew its engine. The empty lot next door has been neglected, I can only push mow for four hours before calling it quits. Mankato Implement says the mower should be repaired soon...thank goodness.

Stay tuned, big improvements next week!

One year already!

I LIED, Lizzy's puppies got their own blog. Go to lbpups.blogspot.com.



Time certainly flies when you are busy. We've been in the house now for more than one year. Janis asked a few months ago why I hadn't posted any new pictures...well its time to start up again.

This time the blog will be devoted mainly to my little mamma...Lizzy. Her pups are due in two weeks and I can't wait. The vet said at least three and probably more. What color? What gender? How many? Stay tuned!

I have two spoken for already, and the sire's family and friends may be interested in two more.

The waiting is painful!!!

December 23, 2004
OK, finally some pictures! The cambria installers finished the countertops late last night, although the breakfast bar pieces are still being refitted. There was a rumor they'd be bringing them this evening, but I'm not holding my breath. Things look great already. The little brown tile above the dishwasher is what I'll use on the backsplash.
island

Dec. 23

Merry Christmas to me! Actually this was my birthday present from Janis and Kook and company. The ornaments are all pictures of the family including everybody's dogs! We're getting pictures up on the walls and everything.

xmas tree

Dec. 23...
Another shot of the countertops. Today we can start putting things away in the kitchen. A great way to spend the day when its way below zero outside!

countertops

Countertops!

The Cambria installers left less than 20 minutes ago...what a long day for those guys. But the counters look great! Their brush with fame, the house they did before mine today was Corey Koskie.
I did find the camera, but is after my bedtime, so pictures on Thursday before I have my first Mountain Dew.
And thanks to Lynn for helping with picture arranging tonight.

ITS MOVING DAY!

December 18, 2004

Today was moving day! The builders and I were here until 9:30 last night doing the final cleaning and touch ups. Moving began at 5:30 this morning. And now, I'm sitting on the basement couch with Reggie and Lizzy next to me. We're watching a dvd with the surround sound working and surfing the internet with the new service and wireless router. It doesn't get much better than this.

A huge thank you to my moving crew: Wayne and Jack, Queb, Kirsten, Joe, Carl and Lizard, and Erica and Brian. You guys are awesome!

I promise pictures tomorrow...if I can find my camera that is!

December 16, 2004

One day shy of four months and the first OH SHIT happened. Cambria didn't show up and said I won't be installed until 12/27. It was time to call in the favors...hopefully we've moved it up to 12/24. I guess I can wash dishes in the bathtub if need be! A little soap and turn on the jets?

Otherwise things are on track. The moving help is lined up for Saturday. Wish me luck!

December 15, 2004

Oh my gosh, it really looks like a HOUSE! Only a few things left to do: Cambria is installed tomorrow, so does the bathtub, garage door openers, some more grout, and more. I really wish I didn't have to work tomorrow, I'd love to just hang out.

I got all the closet and storage room shelves put up today. Bought some towel bars that I really don't like...gotta think some more about them before I install 'em.

A night on the couch starts in 3, 2, 1.....bye

December 14, 2004

ENOUGH SAID!

main bath

December 13, 2004

OH CRAP, no toilets yet! I was so looking forward to actually having functioning baths today. Only one plumber was working. He got shower controls, water shut offs, and I'm not really sure what all done in the basement. I hope the army shows up tomorrow to finish.

This is the master bath.

master bath

Indeed a great room! With Cambria tile around the fireplace it looks modern and classic all in one. All the tools and "stuff" were moved into the great room today in preparation for the carpet. They'll all find their way into the garage in the morning. I have a pile of extra electrical stuff to return to menards!

The electrician in 99% done. All the lights are up, he just needs to finish the fireplace once the plumbers are done. The inspector comes tomorrow.

fireplace

The finishing touches, chandeliers and pendant lights over the breakfast bar. The carpet guys will finish up tomorrow. They've actually spent two days already installing pad and tackless. Its much less echo-ey now!

dining room

December 11, 2004

Things seem to be winding down! They are working off a checklist now and many things are checked off each day. The basement stairway got a railing, tile has been placed around the fireplace and on the island, the master shower is tiled, the bathtub is no longer sitting in the bedroom, and I have outside lights (just have to buy more bulbs!).

One week from now I plan to be laying on my couch in the basement watching a DVD on the big screen with the surround sound playing. I doubt there will be artwork on the walls yet...but that can wait a day or so.

My trips to the house will be limited for the next few days. Gene is going to Iowa pheasant hunting and I'm managing the kennel until Wednesday morning. I guess I can stop out after 5pm to see the progress.

And...Happy Birthday (tomorrow) to my favorite brother-in-law!

December 8, 2004

Looks like a kitchen, doesn't it! Since we totally forgot the island when Cambria measured, the island will have Cambria tile on the top. "It was by design to tie the kitchen in with the fireplace in the greatroom," that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

kitchen

...well its not quite the bathtub, but it is where it belongs. It is just waiting for the plumbers to install the tub. Yes, I am seriously considering a covering on that window!

bathtub

December 8, 2004
Its getting easier to picture the finished product. The hardwood is in the kitchen, dining room, along the breakfast bar and front entry. I'm so glad the builders care enough to cover the flooring to prevent scratching. They really are careful! Several pix today...

flooring

December 6, 2004

Would you believe they completed the hardwood flooring with 2 pieces to spare? That's cutting things pretty close and using a lot of scrap for hidden places (under the fridge, etc). It still looks great. They also placed the island in the kitchen.

I'm now wired for internet use. Clearwave is a wireless (well wireless up to the house) service. When I move in my friend Wayne will make it wireless inside too with a router. If this makes no sense to you, you're in good company. He wrote down exactly what I need to buy, hopefully I won't mess it up. Thank God for techie friends!

Cabinet hardware is complete with the exception of the island. I can't start that until they finish attaching it to the floor.

December 5, 2004

Are you tired of looking at the fence yet? Sorry! "Amazing Grace Fence Builders"-do we want to start doing this vinyl stuff? The back yard is REALLY, REALLY muddy. I can't believe I'm saying this...but I want it to freeze hard!

I spent the day installing cabinet hardware in the bathrooms and kitchen drawers, and cleaning. After vacuuming out the upper cabinets, I placed the shelves too. Now they just need to be wiped out with some soap and then they can get filled. Unfortunately nothing can go in the lowers until the countertops are installed on the 16th. (nothing like waiting til the last second!!)
back yard

just tooting my own horn...today I installed the bracing for the closet shelves in two bedrooms and in the storage room in the basement. You've gotta like those laser level things!

closet