Tuesday June 24th

I have a finished kitchen! Finaly! It took the carpenters SIX full workdays to install cabinets and tile countertops. They ran out of screws - twice!, and glue - twice! Last tuesday afternoon they told me the job would be over friday. I was IRATE because they were moving sooooooo slow I knew we wouldn't be finished with what was supposed to be done. (On the other hand, I was so glad to be rid of them). They finished the kitchen wednesday afternoon which left only thursday and friday to build the stairs. As you can see below, they managed to build them but that's all. I've got alot of work ahead of me to finish. But first I have tons of cleanup inside and outside to do.

Saturday I started cleaning and putting things where they belong. Sunday I painted the floor. (thought I would have a real floor with this job - maybe next time). Monday I ran errands. And today I put up the new rods and curtains. Rest of the week more of the same plus yardwork. I have a yard full of construction debris to burn and some to haul off - after my truck goes in the shop thursday. Hopefully by the weekend I'll go to the Antique Warehouse - (12 huge buildings stuffed full, only 20 miles from here) and find a bench seat to put in front of the big window. And if I'm really lucky, a small trestle type table to go with it. Grin.

Tuesday June 17th

Eastern Phoebe

Finally caught a picture of the little bird who has her nest in my porch eaves. When I'm on the porch she flutters around on the fence of the dog pen fussing at me. There's babies in the nest - second batch.

No new progress to report. Spent the weekend catching upon my work around the yard and house and cleaning the new cabinets. Yesterday the carpenters showed up late then called to tell me they couldn't get in because of a tree that fell across the drive. I could tell they were dissapointed when I told them I'd come and get them, obviously they'd already decided they'd have a day off (not!). They worked about an hour then went to lunch. After lunch they helped Jim (my neighbor) remove the tree. When they finished that, they packed up and went home. So I'm pretty much where I was friday. Hopefully I'll have a kitchen by the end of the week.

Friday June 13th

Ta da! The left side is done!

Another busy week. Spent Saturday and Sunday weedeating, mowing, painting, and running errands. More or less getting my personal work caught up and making sure I had everything ready and all the supplies for the week for the carpenters. (If you haven't been here for awhile and have no idea what I'm talking about, scroll down to May 14th for the explaination). Monday was a rain day so my carpenters didn't come. Tuesday morning we picked up the cabinets! Yay! So this week was spent finishing door and window trim, installing cabinets and cabinet tops and starting the tile work. Below is how the right side used to look. Ugh.


And here's how it looks today.............
Still need to finish tile, install sink, install stove vent, and add hardware.

Friday June 6th

Busy week since last post.
Thursday I called Mrs Contractor and she assured me that my carpenter would be back monday so I decided to give them till then before calling someone else.
Friday I went to the feedstore to pick up some corn and even though I had no intentions of having a garden this year, I couldn't resist the baby plants so....
Saturday I spent the day removing the straw I had covering the garden, working the ground, and planting the plants.
Sunday it stormed most of the day
Monday my carpenter showed up. Early! And with another carpenter as his crew instead of just a helper.
Things have been progressing quickly since then. I've been working on paint prep and priming, today I'll start the actual paint. Plumbing is finished, electric is finished, sheetrock is finished, reblocking and leveling that corner of the house is finished.
Todays plan is to move the woodstove to it's new spot and start installing the window and door trim.