tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58341229900148264502024-03-05T05:25:04.301-05:00Havoc Among The FlowersOld house, small town, big plans.MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-223779945592054952014-02-26T20:44:00.002-05:002014-02-26T20:44:58.951-05:00Finishing touches (but no shower door)Just a quick update, mostly on the decor front. I have oiled the soapstone counter; put out the hand towel holder made from a vintage lamp (found on Etsy); and filled the empty wall space between the vanity and window with an old apple picking ladder I found at a local antique shop. The ladder was bare wood mixed with faded red paint when we found it, so I dry brushed it with leftover flat white ceiling paint. Some of the wood still shows through but it is definitely a better match now for the rest of the room. We have the hardware for the pocket doors but it has not yet been installed. Thanks to my parents for the excellent towels and bath mats!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocLrncHT_qRS4Vo8lyYHhXB9l7hoRVn5kXKkdtFhcuKWDt6lYwb2K146zEguDyUkgzb1x2wnxyyZMfghU6_7vyITTzfBhGQC4kd6d8uTgZarYXAE0gJFqA9Z2jiKgeUr_mwqJakHsDjA/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocLrncHT_qRS4Vo8lyYHhXB9l7hoRVn5kXKkdtFhcuKWDt6lYwb2K146zEguDyUkgzb1x2wnxyyZMfghU6_7vyITTzfBhGQC4kd6d8uTgZarYXAE0gJFqA9Z2jiKgeUr_mwqJakHsDjA/s1600/007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oiled soapstone and hand towel holder</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4vGOV7jJkxvmiBEcyEpQ81jh2yR5b9ALHqoC-pCIUYwLI0eeEP3UkNtMN0CJ01raNeAG1EXsDP59Xwg1IftO8Q3hkyBRU4wLbZolJ8-GU7-c4y3wPJUk3GwW7SDkISBoov7p4T518A8/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4vGOV7jJkxvmiBEcyEpQ81jh2yR5b9ALHqoC-pCIUYwLI0eeEP3UkNtMN0CJ01raNeAG1EXsDP59Xwg1IftO8Q3hkyBRU4wLbZolJ8-GU7-c4y3wPJUk3GwW7SDkISBoov7p4T518A8/s1600/008.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladder means plenty of room to hang extra towels</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfc0zAfOJxcELMy6ixqh6pdEC6GwVT_gasTCZwntsGgwff-3b2MQ9JUhMzp3YoYgNJsL7HhGqZA3bML8pVz0I5epp6J1hcy8s9_Ibut4rhBitvW4_aeH7OPDPdqH4cQcwxvnb3IV1VUM/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfc0zAfOJxcELMy6ixqh6pdEC6GwVT_gasTCZwntsGgwff-3b2MQ9JUhMzp3YoYgNJsL7HhGqZA3bML8pVz0I5epp6J1hcy8s9_Ibut4rhBitvW4_aeH7OPDPdqH4cQcwxvnb3IV1VUM/s1600/010.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New curtains are semi-sheer with a faint stripe, heavy enough for privacy (and made in the USA)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ASSDgu5h2BgAnTPfXLw24pvxQ0mSV6bwBC0sLtQ9dWP-w0RYKxFxQreXayT8i0SGyXeGWX4Jxg7nRatpXAuPU1jdKc2FRugL3fzljPjaMzHiIr0ZDW4ZZX0OR6b8ex1607Yxviu1Ccc/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ASSDgu5h2BgAnTPfXLw24pvxQ0mSV6bwBC0sLtQ9dWP-w0RYKxFxQreXayT8i0SGyXeGWX4Jxg7nRatpXAuPU1jdKc2FRugL3fzljPjaMzHiIr0ZDW4ZZX0OR6b8ex1607Yxviu1Ccc/s1600/013.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this train rack over the tub</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vIzhmVu8PVtW19gE_n3gfcjuP_4VEU3OLdnaLE3WGGRvrPg5LwYBO-JV7TFYWXlmJx6EvcVpmLSrd-1XidOD0sVGeosVSvPbrHeOtXNa5z3JDJS6xRImo57i7I_LQHCAkHNmf8Na5FI/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vIzhmVu8PVtW19gE_n3gfcjuP_4VEU3OLdnaLE3WGGRvrPg5LwYBO-JV7TFYWXlmJx6EvcVpmLSrd-1XidOD0sVGeosVSvPbrHeOtXNa5z3JDJS6xRImo57i7I_LQHCAkHNmf8Na5FI/s1600/015.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double towel rack next to shower. We chose black and white towels for this room, but just black towels for the boys.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQoElky-GKPf_2gRaoS599Gcn_Y6tc30fmD_ep-CLraFtMMZppMEK1I-D0gxbfeyfIt_RvBqLPb7zc0Lrswy42JWeimAHdA2D8hJT-BBH00VYP_c2biz1HFiUyGq0gxFHYMYdDvqeJgI/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQoElky-GKPf_2gRaoS599Gcn_Y6tc30fmD_ep-CLraFtMMZppMEK1I-D0gxbfeyfIt_RvBqLPb7zc0Lrswy42JWeimAHdA2D8hJT-BBH00VYP_c2biz1HFiUyGq0gxFHYMYdDvqeJgI/s1600/018.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the door comes, the glass will be lightly frosted (in white). </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmJxbQjn2OEwkhCNfWnT1yB7BVu6rfuWmzvWf5UmlBOTea3A2ZSVF6MVlFhP2z3CIZl9PeU12yK5yPEJhXvNagEI1oc6fyik7rkaGtT4wm2XfZGnLc8lXQPGZcYmFsgl-YKLcUfAJGpg/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmJxbQjn2OEwkhCNfWnT1yB7BVu6rfuWmzvWf5UmlBOTea3A2ZSVF6MVlFhP2z3CIZl9PeU12yK5yPEJhXvNagEI1oc6fyik7rkaGtT4wm2XfZGnLc8lXQPGZcYmFsgl-YKLcUfAJGpg/s1600/017.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from hallway</td></tr>
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Because we changed the size of the the WC, the window had to be switched out for a smaller one. This necessitated replacing some of the siding on the exterior of the house as well. Earlier this week they started this work and found a bit of a surprise (though in hindsight it does make sense symmetrically):<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk8F2jtn5e1zb49SSEy8CfifMIch6NxQS666Jr0LDLVl0n1ybNuFpnTcny1AnAaxeaZtuXjNJjgsiohzLm2Z1VBFgsiFLvb7amHkWytrLbOTbNZwEzLQO9OXfl4XQpfqkYvPDXq_GZic/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk8F2jtn5e1zb49SSEy8CfifMIch6NxQS666Jr0LDLVl0n1ybNuFpnTcny1AnAaxeaZtuXjNJjgsiohzLm2Z1VBFgsiFLvb7amHkWytrLbOTbNZwEzLQO9OXfl4XQpfqkYvPDXq_GZic/s1600/001.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you can see the original wood siding (yellow) and a hidden window!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNS5ICbr2uBLMm2Cz8ntGzPGYiR6jef-6Gpd8njvSHLdBpfEWF3x9Uu2x1TOZKX-2lMi4TKL_6T-7PMo9e3cSoA7SMMaZGKzawvusHARpr8pgigaLMYQbuALnk4albBvGOVknre1lGLI/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNS5ICbr2uBLMm2Cz8ntGzPGYiR6jef-6Gpd8njvSHLdBpfEWF3x9Uu2x1TOZKX-2lMi4TKL_6T-7PMo9e3cSoA7SMMaZGKzawvusHARpr8pgigaLMYQbuALnk4albBvGOVknre1lGLI/s1600/006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This window on the right was apparently covered up in a previous renovation, probably by the 2nd owners. It's filled with insulation. We had no idea it was there! It will be covered by a board before the siding goes back up.</td></tr>
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As our siding is quite old, they could not find an exact match; when the weather warms up a bit a coat of paint should blend it in quite well.<br />
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So to be 100% finished we still need:<br />
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--steam shower door in master bath<br />
--pocket door hardware installed<br />
--soapstone backsplash in powder room<br />
--siding painted<br />
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Thanks for reading! <br />
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<br />MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-36460223046152917712014-01-30T19:15:00.001-05:002014-01-30T19:15:51.343-05:00Details large and smallWhile the master steam shower doors are still not in yet, lots of other details large and small are being attended to. Powder room is just waiting on a marble backsplash (made from a remnant of the old master bath countertop---just about the only section that didn't have a crack on the underside!); boys bathroom still needs an adjustment on the glass shower door, but is essentially complete.<br />
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As usual, I have photos---please excuse any construction stuff in the background and I also apologize for the ever-present layer of dust.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbV1wOPCdr-OIr3a67Rf36Q7oZqEF58jj5PlD5V6Qj0hm5UvidewgTtOrzNz41MXpj5EWaIYQrb-5weeLLB-aGP2a__zm2RsYNvGYrEtbzVDUIr7ZAG2MwXQpM6Dh8BZeS-pT0VtFsN8/s1600/hallway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbV1wOPCdr-OIr3a67Rf36Q7oZqEF58jj5PlD5V6Qj0hm5UvidewgTtOrzNz41MXpj5EWaIYQrb-5weeLLB-aGP2a__zm2RsYNvGYrEtbzVDUIr7ZAG2MwXQpM6Dh8BZeS-pT0VtFsN8/s1600/hallway.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The AC return was moved from in front of the powder room door to the side here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_WcFXpew9GrxRkmT1Z4iNOuFn2D9oC0A1CVvemIwdLqyB3iRepZju7B1I-sAqAa_QAijKRSW087v0PXCxXP3hyphenhyphenSjCyFrb5uofOpPlgIbU0l9511mVGaH8tLq_Fabl0IWN0DvJl6ROc8/s1600/newfloor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_WcFXpew9GrxRkmT1Z4iNOuFn2D9oC0A1CVvemIwdLqyB3iRepZju7B1I-sAqAa_QAijKRSW087v0PXCxXP3hyphenhyphenSjCyFrb5uofOpPlgIbU0l9511mVGaH8tLq_Fabl0IWN0DvJl6ROc8/s1600/newfloor.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New floorboards, I may put a small rug here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJsQ_OxojhHFgt7DN5QujwD5kEFJ8xifOQzG7MwH2CjfnWt5b5l5kkHcYsjCahN_Tl2RXkG6ea_yPLf2FWHjHssUKnEzzMpk6hE18qsrAA64uVqF4auiJjCzlFDvC5oBkAJ9wvJJU8dg/s1600/doorswing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJsQ_OxojhHFgt7DN5QujwD5kEFJ8xifOQzG7MwH2CjfnWt5b5l5kkHcYsjCahN_Tl2RXkG6ea_yPLf2FWHjHssUKnEzzMpk6hE18qsrAA64uVqF4auiJjCzlFDvC5oBkAJ9wvJJU8dg/s1600/doorswing.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We changed the door swing out into the hallway because of tub placement, seems to work just fine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNm3tLI9IAF1Wa18SROpZ4kz7xtVsdnqLgkg8rjHtQUIw0x4T0Sx1a8iGzfbG2_9roJ_I86qOL1sDn-gXVgLDi7VpC7mGA5j03ubn0Ah48rcToL-jjqLzjKVRYW0lwliGsoR1YuXPOKAE/s1600/tub.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNm3tLI9IAF1Wa18SROpZ4kz7xtVsdnqLgkg8rjHtQUIw0x4T0Sx1a8iGzfbG2_9roJ_I86qOL1sDn-gXVgLDi7VpC7mGA5j03ubn0Ah48rcToL-jjqLzjKVRYW0lwliGsoR1YuXPOKAE/s1600/tub.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New soaking tub</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8V1ZnIRIBdJdjM3X5lAvUqezLyclePx6mcJem9PTUuhjKd8NBm1f1Dn5JsFtkgQpxXOJlEfCDYVYAFSFN1wLGIcdZDp4Lcqc3MIJum5PWrgo2uhKLtHKn1usS2_keYVV8wo3FKSK4E9w/s1600/tub2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8V1ZnIRIBdJdjM3X5lAvUqezLyclePx6mcJem9PTUuhjKd8NBm1f1Dn5JsFtkgQpxXOJlEfCDYVYAFSFN1wLGIcdZDp4Lcqc3MIJum5PWrgo2uhKLtHKn1usS2_keYVV8wo3FKSK4E9w/s1600/tub2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good combination of modern and vintage lines</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5807vVY0Z7oSZXINQRpsGw1SglPuR-LTx69hWyIT1lCEHkRSb_-OcX4nkwC3JOCq_Q9BKMuC11l2Bp-doUVOmylUSTxuRpBQcGrfqc34Z_GbHUJjyv96KeDlVHjR-K8PkmEDNy3_Eusk/s1600/tub3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5807vVY0Z7oSZXINQRpsGw1SglPuR-LTx69hWyIT1lCEHkRSb_-OcX4nkwC3JOCq_Q9BKMuC11l2Bp-doUVOmylUSTxuRpBQcGrfqc34Z_GbHUJjyv96KeDlVHjR-K8PkmEDNy3_Eusk/s1600/tub3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A train rack will go on this wall to hold towels and my robe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqXMpXIOXnEjFfFV-PJV4BVJ6MrHllRYRS4GYEpHAQpqoFwUhqxi5fsOk0pZ2h1pjkaulXamd_XaFlRR6g5YNpPoZulvZL__ViB53LokF7ScuGNfbRwvimi3LELiXsp9esY6RFqAKILU/s1600/tubfixtures.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqXMpXIOXnEjFfFV-PJV4BVJ6MrHllRYRS4GYEpHAQpqoFwUhqxi5fsOk0pZ2h1pjkaulXamd_XaFlRR6g5YNpPoZulvZL__ViB53LokF7ScuGNfbRwvimi3LELiXsp9esY6RFqAKILU/s1600/tubfixtures.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice hand-held shower. That button just below it opens AND closes the drain stopper</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakVHQFhkgk7moFGZEI-f1425JyUEoa0iSoa04X7idGIiF-J59J-qgEaaAGmD91muwE3jgkUQ63RMe3lT4ALdovmrgTh0VFtHBCDRUSE2NQxnOQMws9EnoLJv1m2SREatUR9kauoQdvg0/s1600/pocket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakVHQFhkgk7moFGZEI-f1425JyUEoa0iSoa04X7idGIiF-J59J-qgEaaAGmD91muwE3jgkUQ63RMe3lT4ALdovmrgTh0VFtHBCDRUSE2NQxnOQMws9EnoLJv1m2SREatUR9kauoQdvg0/s1600/pocket.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closet hallway with new pocket door separating from master bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmVc6VgrgWPbLxglhqitmXQ1PQazbHeNyuFhdKo1Bp_2r92dpKmqgVwBCITJcCa_9yIDaUfI9MoSdGyRVR-f9OnHRq5PUAboGu8wHq6Y2tX-iid7kMzema49EJtE02y2f5-UZiL7h0fU/s1600/vanity.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmVc6VgrgWPbLxglhqitmXQ1PQazbHeNyuFhdKo1Bp_2r92dpKmqgVwBCITJcCa_9yIDaUfI9MoSdGyRVR-f9OnHRq5PUAboGu8wHq6Y2tX-iid7kMzema49EJtE02y2f5-UZiL7h0fU/s1600/vanity.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soapstone counters from Bucks County, mirrors are cabinets</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAQOVg63V7sqHke-Rd8mV0N-mSTKzMwsxulwzuB3W42gzAq048kUZX6gerzWb_pJawmV_5ihSc0QA9COHUcTMsSM0nQHaoFw_IyXQ9-dJgdVDg51srjX5ZoDjtjLRcqqZfwNeBilH-oo/s1600/sink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAQOVg63V7sqHke-Rd8mV0N-mSTKzMwsxulwzuB3W42gzAq048kUZX6gerzWb_pJawmV_5ihSc0QA9COHUcTMsSM0nQHaoFw_IyXQ9-dJgdVDg51srjX5ZoDjtjLRcqqZfwNeBilH-oo/s1600/sink.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New sinks and cross handle faucets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiui93XicjGtcMBo1j2056H0H-nCwavFp33I1upmhiQ0luilfAYmK-ANHD2yDGnC-CCA0snRxGmlU5HWAWB7ShHcxh-UKN4dSqRszKth0Y4dS8O5W123uTlh3GBNS-oFWarsA-RSLmDY/s1600/wc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiui93XicjGtcMBo1j2056H0H-nCwavFp33I1upmhiQ0luilfAYmK-ANHD2yDGnC-CCA0snRxGmlU5HWAWB7ShHcxh-UKN4dSqRszKth0Y4dS8O5W123uTlh3GBNS-oFWarsA-RSLmDY/s1600/wc.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water closet, also with pocket door</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXokGDRZlKIJktvlMprt-OWnXUbdWacdXgKW6HLubrkcm_PavMCwGMO0vhk6DqqGs0yB1-xQ48b77X5c2pYUXvPvLNOnOeIHoSHxO8ZIhCcrtHVUiVnz5Q6YeJPMecMsLr-ouDn4NdnfE/s1600/steamcab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXokGDRZlKIJktvlMprt-OWnXUbdWacdXgKW6HLubrkcm_PavMCwGMO0vhk6DqqGs0yB1-xQ48b77X5c2pYUXvPvLNOnOeIHoSHxO8ZIhCcrtHVUiVnz5Q6YeJPMecMsLr-ouDn4NdnfE/s1600/steamcab.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower half hold steam generator for shower, upper half for storage</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuITh1DJTmSGws47VPDCT3gS4tzmRTrmhRfsx1YpJoJN15F1btFDGZDNP7bta2W_pRVSNDbz2EtYcErrV3F34UrsLyGTnXuQR18WPugxKmWsBJnedhmygs2RqA-xX_3M6RX-7UPGfZ5A/s1600/toilet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuITh1DJTmSGws47VPDCT3gS4tzmRTrmhRfsx1YpJoJN15F1btFDGZDNP7bta2W_pRVSNDbz2EtYcErrV3F34UrsLyGTnXuQR18WPugxKmWsBJnedhmygs2RqA-xX_3M6RX-7UPGfZ5A/s1600/toilet.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toilet and new window (smaller than the old one)</td></tr>
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So that's where we are in the master bath---pretty close to the end! Hopefully in the next week or so I will have final pictures for you-----but don't hold me to it!<br />
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Thanks for reading!MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-9738880390543851772014-01-14T21:09:00.002-05:002014-01-14T21:09:54.546-05:00Peacock Feathers and Calypso BlueGreetings and Happy New Year! Sorry it has been awhile, but I have some good photos and a lot of progress to share.<br />
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The boys' bathroom is 99% complete---the Cambrian Black counter tops will be installed later this week and then all will be complete! We finally got our awesome 3 foot Kohler Brockway sink and cabinet delivered and it looks as great as I hoped it would. (Sorry about the bad lighting in these photos but I think you get the idea):<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UXxWPRdH2kfoErTpiyyJ-I6FnOhEGV5weXdf0MfZiFUA-IdY5cbc01_fv8hmhCfQV_DGdkpNqXDuvWhw2p1NdcEwWeoAb7bqn9u9C-xqQoK49ymC8CD3sVYV5Lp8h22laDP_CtzI8Xc/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UXxWPRdH2kfoErTpiyyJ-I6FnOhEGV5weXdf0MfZiFUA-IdY5cbc01_fv8hmhCfQV_DGdkpNqXDuvWhw2p1NdcEwWeoAb7bqn9u9C-xqQoK49ymC8CD3sVYV5Lp8h22laDP_CtzI8Xc/s320/054.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can also see our new built-in cupboard in the mirror; there are about 5 or 5 pullout drawers in there.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydLt-rg8xqPjwZ7G3PqPr-nne0JxfvEe3J-KcwAv9iX24ddLOcO7rPL0DUcQFqEMROkVQ8UxcP8BUGZxxDClUsTewEWh_2aARahBp0D1lGZBj5pbM6NhuwAQrU6Y_gmFTCriKvXpkPY0/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydLt-rg8xqPjwZ7G3PqPr-nne0JxfvEe3J-KcwAv9iX24ddLOcO7rPL0DUcQFqEMROkVQ8UxcP8BUGZxxDClUsTewEWh_2aARahBp0D1lGZBj5pbM6NhuwAQrU6Y_gmFTCriKvXpkPY0/s320/055.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The faucets come with the sink and are a mixture of stainless and chrome finishes; all other fixtures and knobs are chrome.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFxenyIfkwDzcQEpxT6P-o_4u05yHU1rbcNCtsGaJMbTz_erZeBAn0sACq7VrDSwb7U3N7dw-lK7Xrs3wh7PLiJuptrFcbGhDR-xmHhD7gQsnbugYuBzf3MTpwpywA7Jz5pVqsb24200/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFxenyIfkwDzcQEpxT6P-o_4u05yHU1rbcNCtsGaJMbTz_erZeBAn0sACq7VrDSwb7U3N7dw-lK7Xrs3wh7PLiJuptrFcbGhDR-xmHhD7gQsnbugYuBzf3MTpwpywA7Jz5pVqsb24200/s320/056.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now two can brush teeth at the same time!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The master has progressed much quicker than we expected, given the size of the room and the fact that it was a total gut job. Bathtub and toilet need to be installed and we are waiting on the glass doors for the steam shower. There are, as usual, other little detail jobs that also need to be completed, but those are the big ones.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQGDdnkTaA9Rfbq_J9cH-DtcLbtk4Vup5QUna3POYJcvR9U2LCOP4qmRpBhTzu1iXL9UqBVJsS3Nd4amYQjhPnZxFBYrthC7HV0YV1K0_uQ99drPIQZZVOIdZg3ycU0vGOvwRicFUzrg/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQGDdnkTaA9Rfbq_J9cH-DtcLbtk4Vup5QUna3POYJcvR9U2LCOP4qmRpBhTzu1iXL9UqBVJsS3Nd4amYQjhPnZxFBYrthC7HV0YV1K0_uQ99drPIQZZVOIdZg3ycU0vGOvwRicFUzrg/s320/052.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kind of hard to see but these are the new linen closets; used to be open shelves. Now the left side is for hanging clothes and the right side has adjustable shelves. Upper portion is just a big open cabinet for comforters, etc.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0k2KuqlbEgqrFELwsHcMaMEHW0KDQtKsU5ew8KcZbD-3QDHFiM6V0acMtoHdDZn_ky5exRFqzTqan7yFkAgSqIY6SIQTBbJpEzzCvk6ZrzEICpRe-wCnP5A_9PemszInSdi7h1MOBys/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0k2KuqlbEgqrFELwsHcMaMEHW0KDQtKsU5ew8KcZbD-3QDHFiM6V0acMtoHdDZn_ky5exRFqzTqan7yFkAgSqIY6SIQTBbJpEzzCvk6ZrzEICpRe-wCnP5A_9PemszInSdi7h1MOBys/s320/051.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revealed chimney. Cabinets were built by Amish craftsmen who don't use electricity or telephones (except 30 minutes per day!). They even needed a driver bring them and the cabinets on installation day!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fyPkXPOcO_dywYHIpnMrynDOMymsq4yIE9lvN6dZXiUSPm398KnU5url4D4HHz31aqKGmDar7nyXJnJU-ejthG2w-XqvPAPmE5gFV3hJcuhwicCrpaUNAaHeptdB32BObX2Dbqzt3zM/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fyPkXPOcO_dywYHIpnMrynDOMymsq4yIE9lvN6dZXiUSPm398KnU5url4D4HHz31aqKGmDar7nyXJnJU-ejthG2w-XqvPAPmE5gFV3hJcuhwicCrpaUNAaHeptdB32BObX2Dbqzt3zM/s320/050.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mirrors next to the chimney are actually medicine cabinets! The color on the top of the wall is Benjamin Moore Peacock Feathers; cabinet is Calypso Blue. I don't remember the color on the bottom part of the wall---oops.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCF9Cih8fDjiaVob50AE63QFwqViybRYTRVZBzpprCkXg81-5tX8TC8q3cNcxkLTMAy4M9RVWYb5YpQe7U5JAhLJPNDIkFh4r4TE5utiPzmBRToo21urRyLiAj0tF5I5KuNdBdnRIyE4/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCF9Cih8fDjiaVob50AE63QFwqViybRYTRVZBzpprCkXg81-5tX8TC8q3cNcxkLTMAy4M9RVWYb5YpQe7U5JAhLJPNDIkFh4r4TE5utiPzmBRToo21urRyLiAj0tF5I5KuNdBdnRIyE4/s320/049.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With all the color on the walls we kept it simple in the shower---white subway tile, a black hex border on the floor (there are black hex triangles scattered on the main floor, sorry they are not visible), and soapstone on the bench and shower entry.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1Ww37dG0CudpDkrjKjszW1SbvWYd-GTdoJVSTAbVpQcTqs26658hvrP7-zpfvbtHynZQEhlOYEj47PvipKoft1ihYpdr_ITY7UgQmNZMaA6I-AQQl6NWuaCEQJ1r3qco-PM0FIIN87E/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1Ww37dG0CudpDkrjKjszW1SbvWYd-GTdoJVSTAbVpQcTqs26658hvrP7-zpfvbtHynZQEhlOYEj47PvipKoft1ihYpdr_ITY7UgQmNZMaA6I-AQQl6NWuaCEQJ1r3qco-PM0FIIN87E/s320/048.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large shower head; you can also see the controls for the steam shower lower left. Also jets in the middle.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvZDH_o7lV_f58kcsdyBRYKZsCxshYBvh3t7p4a67cOwAQvASmh1xgIjwkPKvnVs3my4ua4e9LP7VmZWUKVDbmV-csaQ_fHrA7JiY6snhGTVL5l80NaTBqqlE2htGOsM7nF7ACKcBgVI/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvZDH_o7lV_f58kcsdyBRYKZsCxshYBvh3t7p4a67cOwAQvASmh1xgIjwkPKvnVs3my4ua4e9LP7VmZWUKVDbmV-csaQ_fHrA7JiY6snhGTVL5l80NaTBqqlE2htGOsM7nF7ACKcBgVI/s320/047.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view-- near the floor you can see where the steam will come out.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Hopefully I'll have more to post soon---thanks for reading!MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-15257791375018851162013-10-17T18:25:00.000-04:002013-10-17T18:25:00.660-04:00More demolition!They're really moving on the master bathroom demolition! With all the walls down, you can really see how big the room is. We did run into a potential problem, though.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LObP5-AdAJ-kX_jgB5EBnWRFqyjJEgA3xXPFIMmvMMf43EJow5HUyi_GlTT_LFJcjW6Gnym5asN3WqxmKji9NJTozJBdI4fn2H_O7sn-oKUKfGIV4l7rL1afY4izQYgrso9mW490_JU/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LObP5-AdAJ-kX_jgB5EBnWRFqyjJEgA3xXPFIMmvMMf43EJow5HUyi_GlTT_LFJcjW6Gnym5asN3WqxmKji9NJTozJBdI4fn2H_O7sn-oKUKfGIV4l7rL1afY4izQYgrso9mW490_JU/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bathtub still in place, buckets covering where toilet used to be</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3SS54rjNhzJwbthpwSzfnZcjoCUO7LUYjioTU0IqB33_ChnRVYOPUGv0TPx2qxxcZr8UJLeZD9neT1ONVTpnxLllulKdI4BcYs8NVNPfQXAOPE70Mf_UmuagnzhNT_donS_S4GUZ6Xc/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3SS54rjNhzJwbthpwSzfnZcjoCUO7LUYjioTU0IqB33_ChnRVYOPUGv0TPx2qxxcZr8UJLeZD9neT1ONVTpnxLllulKdI4BcYs8NVNPfQXAOPE70Mf_UmuagnzhNT_donS_S4GUZ6Xc/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">steam shower will go where tub is now, door is to hallway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHhceTUyazwE0HdlW6UV8EDDQdDCuTsOOLlgb66wwiiC9iaYsGBslAEk6nZO-ksaN1aii4j5qzwRI6DmKXPpSiFE-fOQEdgmpqs6lfwTBKqeSeWj6IVbbhOzpR8k4HiMrINfYuFpjwsQ/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHhceTUyazwE0HdlW6UV8EDDQdDCuTsOOLlgb66wwiiC9iaYsGBslAEk6nZO-ksaN1aii4j5qzwRI6DmKXPpSiFE-fOQEdgmpqs6lfwTBKqeSeWj6IVbbhOzpR8k4HiMrINfYuFpjwsQ/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new built-in closet where toilet is now stored, pocket door will be installed where plastic sheeting hangs between bathroom and bedroom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tfuy1UQ5jhY2adAQvqD8d49xMQuxN3i_81mGOBstTsU_d87MTFls3XJsu0DtUZVbRIZTkujyLOyUovpykrkMhbfSrAvr8tMsgnpt0MEjD8ggBhyphenhyphen2i2oMYvaHZYigJeu4RjD1dFol6Hc/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tfuy1UQ5jhY2adAQvqD8d49xMQuxN3i_81mGOBstTsU_d87MTFls3XJsu0DtUZVbRIZTkujyLOyUovpykrkMhbfSrAvr8tMsgnpt0MEjD8ggBhyphenhyphen2i2oMYvaHZYigJeu4RjD1dFol6Hc/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">where storage cabinet used to be</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyVyOCx-78KLFG5ifolENB-IIb1C9r7eziwcZ-pleAyMPlgZMJNdP90wPPj9C3DNL-0z-Yk08ivCA5yp4snDOXBjf3thWX9ry0xOgzuu3Ka2PqarJoFTo-tYuP2Z5SUVzK6xhMxd7NAM/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyVyOCx-78KLFG5ifolENB-IIb1C9r7eziwcZ-pleAyMPlgZMJNdP90wPPj9C3DNL-0z-Yk08ivCA5yp4snDOXBjf3thWX9ry0xOgzuu3Ka2PqarJoFTo-tYuP2Z5SUVzK6xhMxd7NAM/s320/002.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">window in what used to be the WC</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKo_GXWGjWiU2N_V1EVg-piWaDYMtQLAvE0CDA7Ile7AYOu7tcV5av-cNoRC9f0wRkPG2AvnW9Fi7F-4cZsE2awf8ZnGwBeML1gZ0nXoaJYW0hqBNjhyBGo1_r_N6Sn2siLCce7eGZ0M/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKo_GXWGjWiU2N_V1EVg-piWaDYMtQLAvE0CDA7Ile7AYOu7tcV5av-cNoRC9f0wRkPG2AvnW9Fi7F-4cZsE2awf8ZnGwBeML1gZ0nXoaJYW0hqBNjhyBGo1_r_N6Sn2siLCce7eGZ0M/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chimney that is the source of our problem (storage cabinet space on left, WC window on right)</td></tr>
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This chimney has been hidden behind a wall. We wanted to expose it as we did in our kitchen. It is a nice decorative element and removing the built out wall gives us more space. However, we thought the chimney was situated closer to the window. The original plan was to build the new WC wall with the chimney visible from both the WC and the main bathroom. The double sink vanity would have extended from the side of the chimney along where the storage cabinet used to be (though leaving about 18-24" for a smaller storage closet next to the front window).<br />
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Now that the chimney is more centered in the room, it really shoves the double vanity right up to the window and makes the room look lopsided. Putting one single vanity on either side will not work because of the window shown above--there is not enough room. So our only option at this point is to make room by replacing the current window with a much smaller window (which will still be in the WC) and gain more wall space on that side of the chimney. Then we can put a sink on either side.<br />
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It will be more complicated since it involves work on the exterior of the house, but I think it will be worth it in the end. We are still thinking about other options, and may very well come up with something else that works. As usual, you never know what will happen with an old house!MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-70955372682558737732013-10-15T17:22:00.000-04:002013-10-15T17:22:21.340-04:00You Can't Stop Progress!So I haven't been very good at the blogging this time around--sorry! But rest assured some progress HAS been made. We currently have 3 usable toilets, 2 functioning bathtub/showers, and 4 working sinks! However, that is all about to change as demo on the master bath has begun, and that means we will soon be down 1 toilet, 1 tub, and 2 sinks.<br />
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By no means does this mean that we have <i>completed</i> bathrooms, either. The powder room door finally has a new lock, but needs a coat of paint; the floor in there needs a threshold; and the AC return in the floor (right in the doorway) still needs to be moved.<br />
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In the boys' bathroom, we still need shower doors (which have been ordered and should be here soon); a storage cabinet; and the sink and vanity--I know I said we had a sink, but it is on loan from the contractor just so we can wash our hands!<br />
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Both rooms still need the lighting fixtures installed--the bare bulb look, while reminiscent of my favorite Broadway show "Rent", doesn't fly here.<br />
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A small problem I didn't really consider: shades of white. There are about a gazillion and I think I have at least half of them in my house. Redoing these bathrooms in true black and white means that my trim whites elsewhere in the house won't match. While they look white enough on their own, in these new rooms they ranged anywhere from slightly creamy to downright yellow. In both the PR and the BB, this means that we had to get creative when it came to the doors and jambs. The inside of the door and inner half of the jamb is bathroom white, and the outside of the door and outer half of the jamb is hallway white. There was no other way to handle it besides repainting all of the trim on the house to match the bathrooms! No thanks.<br />
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Some photos:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHs1U2qTOgtRPHJdffvO_aUCtmh2dIOxPz3L-DfRbiewFe43RObPas7fC9Q00bVVMl_X8QAEOR-UP-q2aJU8zMBbkBPt4H0Oh-UBBQ48e2oY7u6-BnzOJ0CGeOedNfW_-cHQzUWqyfjc/s1600/194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHs1U2qTOgtRPHJdffvO_aUCtmh2dIOxPz3L-DfRbiewFe43RObPas7fC9Q00bVVMl_X8QAEOR-UP-q2aJU8zMBbkBPt4H0Oh-UBBQ48e2oY7u6-BnzOJ0CGeOedNfW_-cHQzUWqyfjc/s320/194.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this area used to be part of a closet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisB_YU37IqeAbuFxw57Smi4SoCxK7q7D74UliIU2mEzVfaAP4wHW21yRAnSeJ9qf82Uf66ubpSMaoKmZ7MzUd_7j_pYNfGNMLM4k8Cdt7qO5jam_vQ8UwPM4MsKi_7JDtfKJIJ5UKuZ4Q/s1600/195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisB_YU37IqeAbuFxw57Smi4SoCxK7q7D74UliIU2mEzVfaAP4wHW21yRAnSeJ9qf82Uf66ubpSMaoKmZ7MzUd_7j_pYNfGNMLM4k8Cdt7qO5jam_vQ8UwPM4MsKi_7JDtfKJIJ5UKuZ4Q/s320/195.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">now my new bathtub will be here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqC2SnoRqKJ26gWxuYrMLCfzk0vpSwNMMwwms7zYu2JKKXCeaC3LpOmvb1Oj7WAN8GosaRNf6T95xpwU5RQ3-NCMHmRu0H3lOcxXueFSE2tI2DQ-60UxWdw2nU3w83DZn08-nphi0v1c/s1600/193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqC2SnoRqKJ26gWxuYrMLCfzk0vpSwNMMwwms7zYu2JKKXCeaC3LpOmvb1Oj7WAN8GosaRNf6T95xpwU5RQ3-NCMHmRu0H3lOcxXueFSE2tI2DQ-60UxWdw2nU3w83DZn08-nphi0v1c/s320/193.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">door back on powder room with new (antique-style) lock</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-9KZmyi-GddfKr2EXfvm7747EeGYJ5rwwqN0LhIegKUIs5Di7nH0Z6B2KqdmugZT1G3q3QlPYTD9zx3XwfIjDEag3k3YlXYjDftkYHhSIXvOWYDwy8_-l9qV7cDd9twKz-IGdgG2_mU/s1600/192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-9KZmyi-GddfKr2EXfvm7747EeGYJ5rwwqN0LhIegKUIs5Di7nH0Z6B2KqdmugZT1G3q3QlPYTD9zx3XwfIjDEag3k3YlXYjDftkYHhSIXvOWYDwy8_-l9qV7cDd9twKz-IGdgG2_mU/s320/192.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">door open</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5k1vc_9pjBvwWgvYkOl-XfRc3Zk9FrG2y8entQrF7KUoAei6GtOTdRIKDZM6Id6uz12m_EpvDt8mhJBGIpOR-dbWz-taczCmOEZkZQUY7EaAX_1T72aZQfxLSQrJiO9Q09HGYQ2nZD4/s1600/191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5k1vc_9pjBvwWgvYkOl-XfRc3Zk9FrG2y8entQrF7KUoAei6GtOTdRIKDZM6Id6uz12m_EpvDt8mhJBGIpOR-dbWz-taczCmOEZkZQUY7EaAX_1T72aZQfxLSQrJiO9Q09HGYQ2nZD4/s320/191.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i love the tile at the base</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDNW_rAGxxToiFW9p4tjGK3wIacuKpUGvdCDWfPm0LZMxUfFSDYvWAQ3oVmgnmnC0SEQSZE0KQIjoTAcCo_mEvX7e-XcZ4gScNNj4icUeMhENImdWNYp2Cg1ng7wicUsczu4WUFobs_U/s1600/190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDNW_rAGxxToiFW9p4tjGK3wIacuKpUGvdCDWfPm0LZMxUfFSDYvWAQ3oVmgnmnC0SEQSZE0KQIjoTAcCo_mEvX7e-XcZ4gScNNj4icUeMhENImdWNYp2Cg1ng7wicUsczu4WUFobs_U/s320/190.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new mirror</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWTP14CVBihfjpPqePesH_7IVanL3nrqYIIXr2sQVWVE1D1a-RL2UMoi7pRk22BgKUWgUHK2IVs2bYpnlAddHKfQICH9UyOXA9TpRruOCURt-2x6zwLlgcJEqbp7LeCMDYlnmeYkXePU/s1600/199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWTP14CVBihfjpPqePesH_7IVanL3nrqYIIXr2sQVWVE1D1a-RL2UMoi7pRk22BgKUWgUHK2IVs2bYpnlAddHKfQICH9UyOXA9TpRruOCURt-2x6zwLlgcJEqbp7LeCMDYlnmeYkXePU/s320/199.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new window</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeEVQueKIxqoylWYfxpbXwOMHvv6YnrIY9XQzVM1Liia__u9xGYTqVxEmxeKAk0QoOQ505FGvy9zFjnwWqToKYE33grstKFXlMQdUW4n_YI3WSJ_-8fOMN5Zl_O1Bn_NjwkLWGXasy9I/s1600/200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeEVQueKIxqoylWYfxpbXwOMHvv6YnrIY9XQzVM1Liia__u9xGYTqVxEmxeKAk0QoOQ505FGvy9zFjnwWqToKYE33grstKFXlMQdUW4n_YI3WSJ_-8fOMN5Zl_O1Bn_NjwkLWGXasy9I/s320/200.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new shower head, love the tile work</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawHvc11Ox6MnckkbalW3RVW32qU609Qrzm8Z-HT1fTbJibqv3wnnlAVthli-C5WjtgIqoWQAMmB8X36b288zfljEtdTzTirlcV8MSw9Qw2u3SM5B_fydXPxKr4MWFgRFBnEWN_hF1A5Q/s1600/201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawHvc11Ox6MnckkbalW3RVW32qU609Qrzm8Z-HT1fTbJibqv3wnnlAVthli-C5WjtgIqoWQAMmB8X36b288zfljEtdTzTirlcV8MSw9Qw2u3SM5B_fydXPxKr4MWFgRFBnEWN_hF1A5Q/s320/201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">waiting on glass sliding door</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEn2aGRgDW0MvSDf9e4eKJIbYa8V3UtwXXQhmL0nQrHXyatRtsnO7dfp2FJxLRapi_mZ8u-ZzAJSUABMSJyK12NtOuDwwlllMlRuaETdp9rKThAUjxGnYywvIdOd3-2cWwoTMHfonjqnc/s1600/198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEn2aGRgDW0MvSDf9e4eKJIbYa8V3UtwXXQhmL0nQrHXyatRtsnO7dfp2FJxLRapi_mZ8u-ZzAJSUABMSJyK12NtOuDwwlllMlRuaETdp9rKThAUjxGnYywvIdOd3-2cWwoTMHfonjqnc/s320/198.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">temporary sink, recessed medicine cabinet</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I think we only have a few more days in the master bathroom, then we will all be sharing the boys bathroom. I think we'll have to make a schedule because it could get crowded in there!</div>
MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-84091783638017106122013-08-28T16:46:00.000-04:002013-08-28T16:46:03.092-04:00Tile, tile, and more tileSorry so long since the last update. I took these pictures about a week ago, so more has been accomplished since then, but this will give a pretty good representation of where we are in the process. Things are moving along, and should be at a faster clip now that most of our supplies are finally here, and also since 95% of the tile work on the PR and the BB is complete. There is still grouting to be done, but I think the hard part is past us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7PG0dizPGqclDN1YG5o_jR0il2rvNpBQ5ernhPMXxLTv-icwP8dMoE5jPX5BWy2rRkCbaKE3bxfb1FL33DkP_I2TNL1f46LcdUzKixxGol5niyAhKtHiosJyLcQhaZ5Eg3HQfJ6vNlk/s1600/106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7PG0dizPGqclDN1YG5o_jR0il2rvNpBQ5ernhPMXxLTv-icwP8dMoE5jPX5BWy2rRkCbaKE3bxfb1FL33DkP_I2TNL1f46LcdUzKixxGol5niyAhKtHiosJyLcQhaZ5Eg3HQfJ6vNlk/s320/106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floor of powder room--the tile came in a black and white every other pattern, but it was too much for me so I came up with this with some help from the guys. I wanted to make it easy so they just had to pop out some black tiles and replace with white ones as opposed to moving black ones AND white ones all over the place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS8a7s7VwT1DZMRHNnojHCqJox5xJjvX_WSPTIEunZaXM0AStlq4RsVB6EdKkee2-MQtEELRGWkPM1jSq2h1TGJ9JQOWcZn-0o9JdQOJsovYDi82BYwjiKtiFADQijRo4ftxSo-JM2ek/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS8a7s7VwT1DZMRHNnojHCqJox5xJjvX_WSPTIEunZaXM0AStlq4RsVB6EdKkee2-MQtEELRGWkPM1jSq2h1TGJ9JQOWcZn-0o9JdQOJsovYDi82BYwjiKtiFADQijRo4ftxSo-JM2ek/s320/107.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the new sink, though not in its final position.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutlkxT4Z8neRIoB2oU5zROMNd8GFCdjSPPDHPxtdajDK96m1dWtsmTITNn9eVDIb-XZu88xyWhZSjU7hXEswUzFWw1M6kEobII5jMpiNAqDabUc6rpEvM2WmdCXKPFk3v-yYBcjN8ymg/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutlkxT4Z8neRIoB2oU5zROMNd8GFCdjSPPDHPxtdajDK96m1dWtsmTITNn9eVDIb-XZu88xyWhZSjU7hXEswUzFWw1M6kEobII5jMpiNAqDabUc6rpEvM2WmdCXKPFk3v-yYBcjN8ymg/s320/108.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys bath, more tiling completed including the black tile base. The toilet works!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVKYc7ZW_mX9Ru62PBc2M1fwO35eFMKwCR3q5J_mQCAqozOA6RsT1GNBEyxCiZ9tS1Eo31z6OZITsrBhpT5F72SCBX2_Oj7VmTtZLoNLZjm3fJp8WrtzGmks9O2tSvFy-aO-hwDDVYpA/s1600/111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVKYc7ZW_mX9Ru62PBc2M1fwO35eFMKwCR3q5J_mQCAqozOA6RsT1GNBEyxCiZ9tS1Eo31z6OZITsrBhpT5F72SCBX2_Oj7VmTtZLoNLZjm3fJp8WrtzGmks9O2tSvFy-aO-hwDDVYpA/s320/111.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of tub shower</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuXYfUKpwfFr65x9AT3ZJ1GAI_z_3FLtkYbNelbmk2BtL-6W-vX_6xksE5mtINzFP2YEaTn2MCjofGs9j_F2suPqNq3L7C4DUFA08RIgTExbN9h7tZAXk0Of3eGOlBPGAOFI5tobaIio/s1600/112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuXYfUKpwfFr65x9AT3ZJ1GAI_z_3FLtkYbNelbmk2BtL-6W-vX_6xksE5mtINzFP2YEaTn2MCjofGs9j_F2suPqNq3L7C4DUFA08RIgTExbN9h7tZAXk0Of3eGOlBPGAOFI5tobaIio/s320/112.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opposite wall of tub</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmVn_XQlMFzKNBd9-AYkr6x0s4uDxucZRXhWAsM-tP89ZJiMUsdfb3M9gLEZ5dhdHroNEhjsZCOjXLotwRuka7Wwiasnw9eP2pAYBTKo-A__dDwjVBdR2brfoCakzOwefjXlLExIKtQ4/s1600/110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmVn_XQlMFzKNBd9-AYkr6x0s4uDxucZRXhWAsM-tP89ZJiMUsdfb3M9gLEZ5dhdHroNEhjsZCOjXLotwRuka7Wwiasnw9eP2pAYBTKo-A__dDwjVBdR2brfoCakzOwefjXlLExIKtQ4/s320/110.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really like that we tiled the front of the tub! The top where it is now dark gray will have the same black tile used vertically on the wall.<br /><br /><br /><b>Hopefully I will have more news this weekend. Please have a safe and happy Labor Day!</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-75602825171092244882013-07-25T15:38:00.001-04:002013-07-25T15:38:42.062-04:00Boys Bathroom updateSo we didn't hit our goal of having the boys' bathroom finished, or at least in working order, by the time they returned from camp. But progress has been made, and so far we are all surviving just fine using one toilet---we're just cleaning it more!<br />
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My apologies in advance for the photos. the bathroom is hard to photograph as it is not all that large and some of the corners have stuff in them so I can't get to a good distance for broad shots. It will give you a general idea, though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFYn35rf0ylfZ_PQCp7lopz9-MxtL7csM_YSffw_cpZs4bOR7F6LKHTvEwL12CJzjQYaWNKFTakbChWsZYAez1YOMnu9kZJuefU4gZE8jwolDt9NrChPakSTWhpOqMPvezEIqx3tQIpk/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFYn35rf0ylfZ_PQCp7lopz9-MxtL7csM_YSffw_cpZs4bOR7F6LKHTvEwL12CJzjQYaWNKFTakbChWsZYAez1YOMnu9kZJuefU4gZE8jwolDt9NrChPakSTWhpOqMPvezEIqx3tQIpk/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The floor---the previous floor was kind of similar, though the pattern was larger and the black diamonds were light blue. Grout will be a medium to dark gray.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiya2Sewman3_wD8YntsWQsGYxL1fAXbrRA4SNlq0X5AioW7dptbcSuMUofw9UE1Ju6U_5iGl5yGBBtPlcpmcotz1cP44aZGyxuwUp3DQ_w8IB8AP0Y2DxnSUoy0O4enGSLKFS9qt8ZFyQ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiya2Sewman3_wD8YntsWQsGYxL1fAXbrRA4SNlq0X5AioW7dptbcSuMUofw9UE1Ju6U_5iGl5yGBBtPlcpmcotz1cP44aZGyxuwUp3DQ_w8IB8AP0Y2DxnSUoy0O4enGSLKFS9qt8ZFyQ/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walls--tiling not finished, there will be a row of black subways on top of that vertical row of white. Grout will be a very light grey.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ARxY31Zxsbhq7mxV2G5h97l8LyGcljnm0tei4MrEONCaeEWtnal1V0ZTM38PTIG3t72ni3er4YlDZWfkvES50fniZx-g4A2pXE-oNQorNJns0RGXZSSNyOdy1XAOYcP6mN6ll-qSljc/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ARxY31Zxsbhq7mxV2G5h97l8LyGcljnm0tei4MrEONCaeEWtnal1V0ZTM38PTIG3t72ni3er4YlDZWfkvES50fniZx-g4A2pXE-oNQorNJns0RGXZSSNyOdy1XAOYcP6mN6ll-qSljc/s320/002.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New tub and new walls, bye bye plaid wallpaper!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAyZcGUCup1R7KMJnojl-iqIHnjziDftTbFwDIC4AM17jI6Qw_bsoEwPGz-01RM175u-ycFn-rsfObqVVaev9ranRRlqX8aLAC2T9uVj7Z1cKgJhaf3w5S_H5r2Dva4H-YOUkVwmgRek/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAyZcGUCup1R7KMJnojl-iqIHnjziDftTbFwDIC4AM17jI6Qw_bsoEwPGz-01RM175u-ycFn-rsfObqVVaev9ranRRlqX8aLAC2T9uVj7Z1cKgJhaf3w5S_H5r2Dva4H-YOUkVwmgRek/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This area where the bucket is will be storage--in the past it was a cupboard but very deep large and mostly unusable/impossible to keep organized. Now we are thinking open pullout shelving to take advantage of the depth and make the space more utilitarian.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmu-i2960hWrhiSj08z2wYbtTtAasKZ1ZkVX9uetUs8vwbE2Hez8icrO-3UkwcnwFX3mfdjqiNKMHlOM8gRehIWSEFD6jOucljzMEWuRKRqfzyhC4vcgbfbGWJCxjw9fqSbvsFmPBeEg/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmu-i2960hWrhiSj08z2wYbtTtAasKZ1ZkVX9uetUs8vwbE2Hez8icrO-3UkwcnwFX3mfdjqiNKMHlOM8gRehIWSEFD6jOucljzMEWuRKRqfzyhC4vcgbfbGWJCxjw9fqSbvsFmPBeEg/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front of the tub will also have the white subways, as will the shower walls.</td></tr>
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As for the powder room, it is even more difficult to take a good picture, due to size and the fact that the walls and ceiling have been primed and so the whole place is just white. No floor there as of yet due to a mistake in tile delivery, but the correct tile should be in by the end of the week.<br />
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Thanks for reading!MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-89747514277859082942013-07-01T11:46:00.000-04:002013-07-01T11:46:15.793-04:00Back with BathroomsIt's been a while since I've posted here; in that time, we've had to fix our front porch (leaking and rotting wood). Aside from painting the porch ceilings "haint blue", there really wasn't much interesting about that project, so I didn't document it on the blog.<br />
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We are now on to another huge project, remodeling all three bathrooms at once. Well, technically not all at the exact same time---we have to have at least one working toilet, sink, and shower in the house, so for now, that is the master bath. The powder room and boy's bathroom are completely gutted. While taking on all three at once is a major undertaking, we figured it is better to get it over with!<br />
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Our reasons for tackling the bathrooms are many. First, they were last renovated about 20-30+ years ago (aside from perhaps a new faucet or toilet, but the tile work, tubs, sinks, floors, and countertops are at least that old if not older). Second, both the master and the powder room have seriously defects in layout; you could fit three toilets in the WC portion of the master, and the powder room was just wrong in one very major way I will explain below. Third, we are making some changes in amenities that will increase the utility of the spaces; right now we have a lot of cavernous, impossible to organize cabinets in all three bathrooms; poor water flow and pressure; one tiny sink for three growing boys; poor lighting, etc.<br />
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Unfortunately, I forgot to take "before" pictures of the powder room and boy's bathroom (PR and BB henceforth) pre-demo; I will see if I can dig some up for a later post. Here are some photos of the work done so far--a lot in one week!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCDtxwbEmi2Md8LiyOcVXqpnJZEecaOflFOZ1pIA8HjqXKfjf5hOkUn7UxQNlNokixCcx05BZRpYhn8A0ag4hxMm2E96RP6D1oe_1QcKslQDmlCWtMDe5VFzmDi2L5EPlk5HjFBH1fuM/s448/352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCDtxwbEmi2Md8LiyOcVXqpnJZEecaOflFOZ1pIA8HjqXKfjf5hOkUn7UxQNlNokixCcx05BZRpYhn8A0ag4hxMm2E96RP6D1oe_1QcKslQDmlCWtMDe5VFzmDi2L5EPlk5HjFBH1fuM/s320/352.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from hallway into BB</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PonjRDqtj5UGD7tY6AiV2ExMOg_isyXGIk2o5PSiKQW68twM8KkDMKM-jbvwUV1bqN6WJ3MOF8-wT-D7pumWS9DQJpwlQQFZ93Tw_Niqfxwoh0Ha7zTD7obesbZa9vhc4dAe1IABFCc/s448/354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PonjRDqtj5UGD7tY6AiV2ExMOg_isyXGIk2o5PSiKQW68twM8KkDMKM-jbvwUV1bqN6WJ3MOF8-wT-D7pumWS9DQJpwlQQFZ93Tw_Niqfxwoh0Ha7zTD7obesbZa9vhc4dAe1IABFCc/s320/354.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">where BB bathtub used to be (toilet moved there after removal)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxESGN2uj77DSCy-UQCaIUR9nf4xa1Jxzv1c0wS1s582OcwJ4fErq0N4n-qjBAiv6rG1rZNCVBasjEyLMuMh8MhTnzqeW41LQ7j9ilVAxPFZMzBnlYXNDNz13qHA-mSdm7mUOrJiXmFuA/s448/355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxESGN2uj77DSCy-UQCaIUR9nf4xa1Jxzv1c0wS1s582OcwJ4fErq0N4n-qjBAiv6rG1rZNCVBasjEyLMuMh8MhTnzqeW41LQ7j9ilVAxPFZMzBnlYXNDNz13qHA-mSdm7mUOrJiXmFuA/s320/355.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some fun wallpaper that was uncovered</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOcoKVNnLgZpvaxeVdJqBjUb8QCv5QofRx2jXMsMlZkifb3IYNR4tZCRaOJjMOQGL8KxVyh5J-8oMoj32ygmtVaAlOZnTTT5onOldxF_xw02LOEyhmKC1JIKGU9D8wveAiThaXzGGzQ0/s448/353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOcoKVNnLgZpvaxeVdJqBjUb8QCv5QofRx2jXMsMlZkifb3IYNR4tZCRaOJjMOQGL8KxVyh5J-8oMoj32ygmtVaAlOZnTTT5onOldxF_xw02LOEyhmKC1JIKGU9D8wveAiThaXzGGzQ0/s320/353.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more groovy wallpaper where the sink used to be</td></tr>
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In these next photos you will see our biggest issue with the powder room:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRnFN2cz7QwpUCCpmQRed0KcJeygaJGChEUIPPL2QzyXk2lGbgXxOyeWZ7jnsM9ahA8l7fZzGjVOmrugHC9C0y6FhIm_O57eRbFdKzP-3U3c2FdceOuakTbDGmjfra30Up29cjcdcAmg/s448/351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRnFN2cz7QwpUCCpmQRed0KcJeygaJGChEUIPPL2QzyXk2lGbgXxOyeWZ7jnsM9ahA8l7fZzGjVOmrugHC9C0y6FhIm_O57eRbFdKzP-3U3c2FdceOuakTbDGmjfra30Up29cjcdcAmg/s320/351.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the entrance to the PR is in the dining room. this is awkward.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetd8dFnWjuYqSSjrAneCy_2zRA6Vf2K67JYfpkTwh9Xt_tsfnpw7ojaXRvOfgWRlvx9rvrDqP2Y2TwcLE_OqMOH9S4J9leEtePSjJ0_QfwUYgRJKt1fS4lnGotY30Swd2tPloxaEtl88/s448/350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetd8dFnWjuYqSSjrAneCy_2zRA6Vf2K67JYfpkTwh9Xt_tsfnpw7ojaXRvOfgWRlvx9rvrDqP2Y2TwcLE_OqMOH9S4J9leEtePSjJ0_QfwUYgRJKt1fS4lnGotY30Swd2tPloxaEtl88/s320/350.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at least only the corner sink was visible from the doorway, and not the toilet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_R1gH576O6dGcz5Tq_2w8GclfesvXutBaByH_7urs5ZgUYUJdVqFT4Qhiwd0ZsFSHgnsXQbdzTlgkWVhr19eFPrPU2HVhHD_FiY49aRVMRdcwvhN2XkShANfoPFce6N60o0nN3VSjRdA/s448/356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_R1gH576O6dGcz5Tq_2w8GclfesvXutBaByH_7urs5ZgUYUJdVqFT4Qhiwd0ZsFSHgnsXQbdzTlgkWVhr19eFPrPU2HVhHD_FiY49aRVMRdcwvhN2XkShANfoPFce6N60o0nN3VSjRdA/s320/356.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">here is the front hallway where we want to move the entrance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0MHh0BB-SzmR0ipqIrvzKWCApY6GogtWJCwEc-gkYIL0rC6tYjgVrKFk24o6p22hXfs5nlge5E0Dz4uJbUmNNFgUDbiV7U8IGoHk71TIGiztWvx-FonWANkbLofEO8MdrWRUKAHyhr0/s448/362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0MHh0BB-SzmR0ipqIrvzKWCApY6GogtWJCwEc-gkYIL0rC6tYjgVrKFk24o6p22hXfs5nlge5E0Dz4uJbUmNNFgUDbiV7U8IGoHk71TIGiztWvx-FonWANkbLofEO8MdrWRUKAHyhr0/s320/362.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new doorway is cut!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjobvbnzNEB4tfeGzMtJdiaCdnvfF2g5Se4avns28DLOyzToaXHKKYyVJPWphqvsSMFUis3ZJrKAQpcmNdtSR5uaZi7j6WFVPQiyZadNV2sTV105IAOglXEtQOFNZ6k4uJxBlSEVJLfNY/s448/359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjobvbnzNEB4tfeGzMtJdiaCdnvfF2g5Se4avns28DLOyzToaXHKKYyVJPWphqvsSMFUis3ZJrKAQpcmNdtSR5uaZi7j6WFVPQiyZadNV2sTV105IAOglXEtQOFNZ6k4uJxBlSEVJLfNY/s320/359.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it's always so interesting to see the guts of this old house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vSQ2hyphenhyphenI-wkDhykCPCPqK0YKWRXC0VXEjInOYRmOuNkWNUT-ILXwJ80m5jLb1DYgTdFtIdilRq2ZWXJyuVvradavYZLbVkrPAwuqjFB24dGZYn3KRrIlxAxkaSyYpYuq9IRReBPwjhPE/s448/363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vSQ2hyphenhyphenI-wkDhykCPCPqK0YKWRXC0VXEjInOYRmOuNkWNUT-ILXwJ80m5jLb1DYgTdFtIdilRq2ZWXJyuVvradavYZLbVkrPAwuqjFB24dGZYn3KRrIlxAxkaSyYpYuq9IRReBPwjhPE/s320/363.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">door frame of new foyer entrance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDThw6eC-zRJ9bHEndgVtW3sgOJmkk9qt_4220lZqpxdFhlP_zZFYwbwjCWw__YdWs3-ToQE7jjh61Oem_uCZ9f7PZlA-cCxAknFbv_ATm74l3jw1L4D4qoMouFYXJ-RB4m60nxoKV4M/s448/360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDThw6eC-zRJ9bHEndgVtW3sgOJmkk9qt_4220lZqpxdFhlP_zZFYwbwjCWw__YdWs3-ToQE7jjh61Oem_uCZ9f7PZlA-cCxAknFbv_ATm74l3jw1L4D4qoMouFYXJ-RB4m60nxoKV4M/s320/360.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">old dining room door and trim removed, looking through to new doorway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-RJzN5jaHiz4UwyuJKUVNAhdX8MotsncL_CycGxIop1yjBsPmCKt-TiIKFXBlhCHmgwK5hNLqUuA1OX_tuOoosPFryJ_F3y5KC2oo3h78sYilHxpTeKTcFerXV8_lFoPqJs_Aye5F5k/s448/366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-RJzN5jaHiz4UwyuJKUVNAhdX8MotsncL_CycGxIop1yjBsPmCKt-TiIKFXBlhCHmgwK5hNLqUuA1OX_tuOoosPFryJ_F3y5KC2oo3h78sYilHxpTeKTcFerXV8_lFoPqJs_Aye5F5k/s320/366.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new dining room wall! all old chair rail and baseboards from foyer were carefully removed and saved for reuse on new DR wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The new section of wall is also being insulated to hopefully provide some kind of sound barrier. We are also reusing the original door, albeit with a new or repaired doorknob---that thing hasn't worked right since we moved in.<br />
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Thanks for reading!MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-35543390453747799582011-05-21T17:23:00.000-04:002011-05-21T17:23:30.318-04:00No more oil!It is now official--we are no longer dependent on oil. The furnace is dismantled, the hydronic baseboards have been drained, and the hot water now comes from a new 80-gallon electric tank. The actual heating/cooling unit has also been installed in the basement and hooked up to the wells. Monday the crew returns to cut vents in the family room floor (this was left to the end as it is over a tiny crawl space and running the ducting will be difficult); the kitchen (these will be toekicks due to our cabinet configuration and the fact that we have radiant floor heating there); and the foyer (the old baseboard must be removed first). Then once the ducts are connected, I believe we will be in business!<br />
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It is a bonus for us that this company will not only be removing and carting away the old furnace but also removing all of the hydronic and electric baseboards and all of the old thermostats too.<br />
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Here are a few more photos:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y79rWjX68L20gGPguKCzg7uOKM_QQ-5Vya7Dw6vrpkj2wUDJbWlM6_ugI_X0bSHdVV1HUErvqifeW1B4KIntt7GKseiry3UnrYyNaePt2_R7XP85mPTh7RZrnjQGzZfmSAqNA29n2Os/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y79rWjX68L20gGPguKCzg7uOKM_QQ-5Vya7Dw6vrpkj2wUDJbWlM6_ugI_X0bSHdVV1HUErvqifeW1B4KIntt7GKseiry3UnrYyNaePt2_R7XP85mPTh7RZrnjQGzZfmSAqNA29n2Os/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old furnace, no longer in use</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtRoaGj6KzD4Bawgm9NRtu1vT4QvinSgAuNvwKiEAD4sgRopBTlK0Hr9TgRPR1Y0PrFvEjTyqDDK-fJ01vrAsqJEYDo_XwTWwXzjRHL59371Wtf8LzEtN2rKo8o50sgFmBfqYBEI06Po/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtRoaGj6KzD4Bawgm9NRtu1vT4QvinSgAuNvwKiEAD4sgRopBTlK0Hr9TgRPR1Y0PrFvEjTyqDDK-fJ01vrAsqJEYDo_XwTWwXzjRHL59371Wtf8LzEtN2rKo8o50sgFmBfqYBEI06Po/s320/002.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the old hot water tank used to be</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLicBHJjbvnBBYVhkxOg5OvdEgCSg11F1qhD4XBi86XIZ7zWJn0pHf8aR5SxhZmpCg3pTwkaUBpDX1EIUf9Qvm9k-DH119lh4GJis1dwZtSVW87NJdpY2jqANgDWjavYQwLJKDFEwrDE/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLicBHJjbvnBBYVhkxOg5OvdEgCSg11F1qhD4XBi86XIZ7zWJn0pHf8aR5SxhZmpCg3pTwkaUBpDX1EIUf9Qvm9k-DH119lh4GJis1dwZtSVW87NJdpY2jqANgDWjavYQwLJKDFEwrDE/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big guy is the 80-gal water heater; smaller guy is a 50-gal holding tank for pre-heated water from the geo system.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPDBxzcMeGblwzFKdGrdZGIgzlOH6Cci0uU5_pDL5i3EK-sjlJ-JOSCGskqd_NBo_mn5S8vfxvECQ4r4wVRWjBDS6fGPYMk3c0wYTQRDXUCsuO_Id0khE7Z8Y0iGo9s7sFbVgStXHSJ8/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPDBxzcMeGblwzFKdGrdZGIgzlOH6Cci0uU5_pDL5i3EK-sjlJ-JOSCGskqd_NBo_mn5S8vfxvECQ4r4wVRWjBDS6fGPYMk3c0wYTQRDXUCsuO_Id0khE7Z8Y0iGo9s7sFbVgStXHSJ8/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new WaterFurnace Synergy unit</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IxXqPOMdSbzp-bdCZS7BKlv5VlPNIaAcQhMLAAK0PENdM-6eE591w6atgVALAXPkQWakwpKzf2m0xc9XdrFOdTURy3Q5-bbMN88P60Xu_oSENudkJHhr2JUfhQrFlpRC9WKU2SUocz8/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IxXqPOMdSbzp-bdCZS7BKlv5VlPNIaAcQhMLAAK0PENdM-6eE591w6atgVALAXPkQWakwpKzf2m0xc9XdrFOdTURy3Q5-bbMN88P60Xu_oSENudkJHhr2JUfhQrFlpRC9WKU2SUocz8/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the unit hooks up to the wells</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We had our first 80+ degree day today and it has been pretty humid--this change is coming just in time!MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-6025241165281195362011-05-19T13:34:00.000-04:002011-05-19T13:34:09.030-04:00Geothermal/Insulation UpdateWow, it has been a while! Work has progressed the past few weeks, albeit in fits and starts. Holes have been cut in ceilings, ductwork hooked up, wells drilled, insulation blown on the attic floor....Here are some photos:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNSAQn7N39wqlLGT89Mx0nyAZj2LBgkShTYYCKEz51_ZbM4XLu_EOGKQ_z38sbgO2Y_iWevK9EJ9Uk6364McUA_d4HLB9z2Q_vMIwl0VNQxF6wMfdeCBkZ8-pkKZ6Vhdsp6FIQhtwO3E/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNSAQn7N39wqlLGT89Mx0nyAZj2LBgkShTYYCKEz51_ZbM4XLu_EOGKQ_z38sbgO2Y_iWevK9EJ9Uk6364McUA_d4HLB9z2Q_vMIwl0VNQxF6wMfdeCBkZ8-pkKZ6Vhdsp6FIQhtwO3E/s320/042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative ducting in the basement</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwDzX3noayO8p9cnXzLttJ45JK-HwIMspFWmoznRoJLzF7KANgVhSA6XxtFaP89uoDwYDRH2OWoFRMNLvPJ-HlM711vQO7Z7tqNuZmuI8gzVwkfF-ZDUrI6ihA08XCOwLUpyd-aFkWNg/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwDzX3noayO8p9cnXzLttJ45JK-HwIMspFWmoznRoJLzF7KANgVhSA6XxtFaP89uoDwYDRH2OWoFRMNLvPJ-HlM711vQO7Z7tqNuZmuI8gzVwkfF-ZDUrI6ihA08XCOwLUpyd-aFkWNg/s320/044.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duct through dining room closet--and we will still have some storage!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJz8Nk_2rlWtNV2V9d6BL-TqGVn6GLBmlWzQpVZtNs6pkuaBkYJSP9GcYmfcRWY9pb1G_yKuDhQZ_i4_mczwmATy0tvSM2ThpUHO15JLHYSba4ZXqcQORNgzx2Kt37ubEUk-hhH7DMdB8/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJz8Nk_2rlWtNV2V9d6BL-TqGVn6GLBmlWzQpVZtNs6pkuaBkYJSP9GcYmfcRWY9pb1G_yKuDhQZ_i4_mczwmATy0tvSM2ThpUHO15JLHYSba4ZXqcQORNgzx2Kt37ubEUk-hhH7DMdB8/s320/051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radon system had to be shifted over to make room</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpEXV1NOaCzqi326NFce28WrVgp93DZ2k3BllVLuHKXuteDG77cuidewjbCkAcuDU4nZB1e7yv7hF8Y2Ugxx4gI3lelV2Eq-JbSlhzfYgbhOJgIBEPt6HtDsMvFmeQx7VHtdvNSNsSlQ/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpEXV1NOaCzqi326NFce28WrVgp93DZ2k3BllVLuHKXuteDG77cuidewjbCkAcuDU4nZB1e7yv7hF8Y2Ugxx4gI3lelV2Eq-JbSlhzfYgbhOJgIBEPt6HtDsMvFmeQx7VHtdvNSNsSlQ/s320/052.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second floor guest room closet, heading up to the attic</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy23gLZkRIbanxL4LQ5vYk6QgfNvRplmJJ8quwDYAy56K0LJR4lcxESnPza4zzhOARQ5ZHZsomAqiZOHk8t9gTS0Dg9MvOcnSCuo-KHYps1_6-Mjacy3xlEo3meC1npbl36vE6APomEZg/s1600/246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy23gLZkRIbanxL4LQ5vYk6QgfNvRplmJJ8quwDYAy56K0LJR4lcxESnPza4zzhOARQ5ZHZsomAqiZOHk8t9gTS0Dg9MvOcnSCuo-KHYps1_6-Mjacy3xlEo3meC1npbl36vE6APomEZg/s320/246.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well driller--this is well #1 of 5. Well #5 was difficult--first attempt now has a $2000 drill bit buried at the bottom! Try #2 was fortunately successful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpcMG-5G49QdK_2JvLZTFAI8-JMydw9DaFAK5XvX5TVZu5vbNURSn1nZiDa6qafdj6uvLKMuN205Y0L5_rouCY4PSZ04YaJBdZLd0cD4M7zONhzxPArv8stzUA2WQGOQTLCv_Vn1GJGU/s1600/248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpcMG-5G49QdK_2JvLZTFAI8-JMydw9DaFAK5XvX5TVZu5vbNURSn1nZiDa6qafdj6uvLKMuN205Y0L5_rouCY4PSZ04YaJBdZLd0cD4M7zONhzxPArv8stzUA2WQGOQTLCv_Vn1GJGU/s320/248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's messy work, though the birds have been enjoying our new mud pit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdP8dqDq2vC7vMbGPRbZh8MnQB3VVPR6nznwTMK557-F3flCPC_vmeB7NoSethDzjGCqpFezeRSKEXjCPa5x8xnX6LqI1dz8_p_nDdBBnkozhSOx6Cz0vCP4GYtYI5j3VtINY4uwTI1Uc/s1600/249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdP8dqDq2vC7vMbGPRbZh8MnQB3VVPR6nznwTMK557-F3flCPC_vmeB7NoSethDzjGCqpFezeRSKEXjCPa5x8xnX6LqI1dz8_p_nDdBBnkozhSOx6Cz0vCP4GYtYI5j3VtINY4uwTI1Uc/s320/249.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding in the pipe</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiT5eg37c7e3lQLIHOkHz8vLHa1Wnl7mTiuWjqRLdn0kp_u2jFCz-uSkPuWsxGqBvAWiA_pTrqVIJrIPRxRlwL7kBnLAWhtQYCIHZenG-j6zdWLoQzhiCuyZrEuJA4K3jKXA2rMDTj3tI/s1600/251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiT5eg37c7e3lQLIHOkHz8vLHa1Wnl7mTiuWjqRLdn0kp_u2jFCz-uSkPuWsxGqBvAWiA_pTrqVIJrIPRxRlwL7kBnLAWhtQYCIHZenG-j6zdWLoQzhiCuyZrEuJA4K3jKXA2rMDTj3tI/s320/251.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling vent in master bathroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZVwSnCXqZAOsa-msIi_2hdnksUolPUNbsY5bEIX4Y0K3bcQUdilTkE1vqPes-eMrDXIRMn3O2VsvPMHzK2_ITGv-y73cd3qU2dochRfEgm0W9T1oBUW0BlaAB49aEMM5tdBmZd5hRcw/s1600/257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZVwSnCXqZAOsa-msIi_2hdnksUolPUNbsY5bEIX4Y0K3bcQUdilTkE1vqPes-eMrDXIRMn3O2VsvPMHzK2_ITGv-y73cd3qU2dochRfEgm0W9T1oBUW0BlaAB49aEMM5tdBmZd5hRcw/s320/257.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the wells are finished and have flexible tubes sticking out of them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFI07jEjf2g2-6SduedNvdcP70bt1cn6l58Xl_4o1HkgMtGvuwdmLpcTh3ZABhxkY9_YP0SdOqDsS2KHECKEx0txKNRlVUxvASfcA-wucVqlB3PeRRxxzbJc-r-E3Cn8DxZcIYaq3uemM/s1600/258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFI07jEjf2g2-6SduedNvdcP70bt1cn6l58Xl_4o1HkgMtGvuwdmLpcTh3ZABhxkY9_YP0SdOqDsS2KHECKEx0txKNRlVUxvASfcA-wucVqlB3PeRRxxzbJc-r-E3Cn8DxZcIYaq3uemM/s320/258.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digging the trench towards the house</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLIHVF41K3LIN1OHfbuMZ6QJD38wtz4JoFcr5qAuoMQiVInb9yGDmyA9n4dbRreTnxGPXPhsBkMOL44L8dxBQ7yyhV7DZuwCFJxi-JY-flsJ1VtHy8y1mtAK8YsD40tzZ4sYMgutUhPk/s1600/255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLIHVF41K3LIN1OHfbuMZ6QJD38wtz4JoFcr5qAuoMQiVInb9yGDmyA9n4dbRreTnxGPXPhsBkMOL44L8dxBQ7yyhV7DZuwCFJxi-JY-flsJ1VtHy8y1mtAK8YsD40tzZ4sYMgutUhPk/s320/255.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trench, almost to the basement</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjMF7j-_4wTy1MmRws2U1doSm5YjxvEru2cL34w2_e5HzhLy2E8SVJBAU1d_-U-jaiDtVgFzNZXZefAmimg9xShHq6lwd0COTRV3avBVUvO0eOnA8hsu3z1R4R66Tc0gPgIfkibV6KmY/s1600/260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjMF7j-_4wTy1MmRws2U1doSm5YjxvEru2cL34w2_e5HzhLy2E8SVJBAU1d_-U-jaiDtVgFzNZXZefAmimg9xShHq6lwd0COTRV3avBVUvO0eOnA8hsu3z1R4R66Tc0gPgIfkibV6KmY/s320/260.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attic--the pink is thick insulating foam board, the silver is a duct, and the fluff is cellulose.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2txmRKqS2VQfJ0xbzf201MY2aKqHBHkkRb4iJ4cr4exKBuNYEZHEvFrYRTfMULubdhuYrcQvietgJeRVZGMqmFsL6fWdALh8JiUuDGnlUvFf4X9DL_o6EtgFUnkGj-t2t4M0n4TmjMFM/s1600/262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2txmRKqS2VQfJ0xbzf201MY2aKqHBHkkRb4iJ4cr4exKBuNYEZHEvFrYRTfMULubdhuYrcQvietgJeRVZGMqmFsL6fWdALh8JiUuDGnlUvFf4X9DL_o6EtgFUnkGj-t2t4M0n4TmjMFM/s320/262.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sea of cellulose</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WqmlWOyWdD0aq5KbOIudj-IR023m-2K0DOPU6otP9EsYMhnNgZelRs5xmvBtfEuEv52yEazuADcvbZ3B1ycpL8N12Cujp0hO4uhVt_SMh5L3BDjuFP_Xrwqc0af7jmjz89iSqH75E5E/s1600/263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WqmlWOyWdD0aq5KbOIudj-IR023m-2K0DOPU6otP9EsYMhnNgZelRs5xmvBtfEuEv52yEazuADcvbZ3B1ycpL8N12Cujp0hO4uhVt_SMh5L3BDjuFP_Xrwqc0af7jmjz89iSqH75E5E/s320/263.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our storage area at the top of the attic stairs</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaw0vPxcaNC5cijCqEbhnMF31AyxVRKcmDSNZy6-86MUPt1TF4lrVTe48YcvTm6cMp_1aHXnFDeH5GJXtS18uNA_MmU88yrUPisHTge1UFMM-SVYSLZSCqeTrjJDrBpGGDqqO_Q2ypFF0/s1600/264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaw0vPxcaNC5cijCqEbhnMF31AyxVRKcmDSNZy6-86MUPt1TF4lrVTe48YcvTm6cMp_1aHXnFDeH5GJXtS18uNA_MmU88yrUPisHTge1UFMM-SVYSLZSCqeTrjJDrBpGGDqqO_Q2ypFF0/s320/264.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New cover for the attic hatch keeping us cozy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Today the new electric water heater and the desuperheater tank are going in; the unit itself should be here and installed tomorrow or Monday. I'll try to post more photos/news soon!MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-6033806191528976782011-04-12T21:10:00.000-04:002011-04-12T21:10:43.839-04:00Geothermal surprise!Last week we signed our geothermal contract, and I have been waiting to hear a start date. Sunday night I had a dream that I woke up in the morning and the trucks were there, ready to begin. Well, Monday passed uneventfully, but this morning I received a call around 830, asking if today would be a good time to start. Though I was a bit shocked, I said sure---so our geothermal adventure has begun!<br />
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The majority of work on our project entails ductwork--up from the basement to the first floor, and also up through a dining room closet to a bed room closet to the attic. Here is what was accomplished today:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_MmMTZz1wYTAubejuUFdJqYmbRqHnKF2p1bEbUcqyuhyphenhyphenShaU9dmPrXz3gwKpmCGUjVH2WAMyimbMSOuIAvcqS5iX_V-NdBZYw3BvS3qOFZszHdvukeFRuz89ZR8adpavjs984DQ3cQo/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_MmMTZz1wYTAubejuUFdJqYmbRqHnKF2p1bEbUcqyuhyphenhyphenShaU9dmPrXz3gwKpmCGUjVH2WAMyimbMSOuIAvcqS5iX_V-NdBZYw3BvS3qOFZszHdvukeFRuz89ZR8adpavjs984DQ3cQo/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducts in basement--they seriously cut down on our headroom, so there is a lot of ducking in our future!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyWyelswzNIx1HZPK7Wd7CjvF59ugDsXkfM_2_NNYefT8BSAtP_vHSHnRwgzd7AsMNpKHNhkWXUQoBYvb-7U4SHm26O-TUuVKOJ_uidYL37tj7mvfChWj6qafbDzb5N1ZyetmPQh-vL0/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyWyelswzNIx1HZPK7Wd7CjvF59ugDsXkfM_2_NNYefT8BSAtP_vHSHnRwgzd7AsMNpKHNhkWXUQoBYvb-7U4SHm26O-TUuVKOJ_uidYL37tj7mvfChWj6qafbDzb5N1ZyetmPQh-vL0/s320/022.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure what this is yet.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYA1v4YEuLEvZBKXavX5mlLiorWRiIMo5Njo2Y73c4xwe9nNlNcm3TQZIAyNeWKIhLVEhQsBSHymkHiV-2w8aZkecWppcm8rNmxxTMu1Qm1SyMWIuTN3RzWLci7LpxFpN0KhAM3JyRY-Q/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYA1v4YEuLEvZBKXavX5mlLiorWRiIMo5Njo2Y73c4xwe9nNlNcm3TQZIAyNeWKIhLVEhQsBSHymkHiV-2w8aZkecWppcm8rNmxxTMu1Qm1SyMWIuTN3RzWLci7LpxFpN0KhAM3JyRY-Q/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDKipp_8_Ige_n9443SHmBC0L0i9Ph7qs_SAUGe4EVWWHtxyuLP_nKN5SZxDPnMIdAfPdB7NXipYOq4kqL3Ektuy48PqAytLm9nPwigpTh1PcexVqaheqJ_aMtaIthr5CMmL7k1c68jY/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDKipp_8_Ige_n9443SHmBC0L0i9Ph7qs_SAUGe4EVWWHtxyuLP_nKN5SZxDPnMIdAfPdB7NXipYOq4kqL3Ektuy48PqAytLm9nPwigpTh1PcexVqaheqJ_aMtaIthr5CMmL7k1c68jY/s320/016.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I will be getting new floor registers....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMMbbnSjcK0I1CRi9rpJCos-wVauP9DX1nnNRQNSTvbquTRC8fIy0Vt8bnRgmvMKnKCtqsQt4ro43NkRyBrHE9lT2CUWJlRApaY6fXofo3LfLxzK3Ev_AvCJPIiuRrg6WkW3xAwHZ4rQ/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMMbbnSjcK0I1CRi9rpJCos-wVauP9DX1nnNRQNSTvbquTRC8fIy0Vt8bnRgmvMKnKCtqsQt4ro43NkRyBrHE9lT2CUWJlRApaY6fXofo3LfLxzK3Ev_AvCJPIiuRrg6WkW3xAwHZ4rQ/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The baseboards will be ripped out as soon as the conversion is complete.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SfOC8re3PmrBgskIp3vcTZXNMT_X4oeNWbSt-LiTUEwUq3-Cu8NFiGAHHN9zNFbZoRSvPUfrb8hr-Y9Wzjy9Nwz-FU4SzJwo53FYqB8i_T13nYq9xzRpQJE3WPF9odCfQA7DexQQA9c/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SfOC8re3PmrBgskIp3vcTZXNMT_X4oeNWbSt-LiTUEwUq3-Cu8NFiGAHHN9zNFbZoRSvPUfrb8hr-Y9Wzjy9Nwz-FU4SzJwo53FYqB8i_T13nYq9xzRpQJE3WPF9odCfQA7DexQQA9c/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The registers can't be any closer to the wall due to the home's construction--in other words, there's a beam in the way!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkgQ8dS6ecZN-v-FGQ5FW1JFhfkEvMwWH_ygKaCyKvD17kWXtQnPaWl6t_3AXMj1YEoPdSWz6pZNnHpwtlDMftVt5HqbUlMouzvW3OM-MTEjJZJP1mIrKbrCoKLaRuE_TofaCkwOE4Ik/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkgQ8dS6ecZN-v-FGQ5FW1JFhfkEvMwWH_ygKaCyKvD17kWXtQnPaWl6t_3AXMj1YEoPdSWz6pZNnHpwtlDMftVt5HqbUlMouzvW3OM-MTEjJZJP1mIrKbrCoKLaRuE_TofaCkwOE4Ik/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxOFADGYcGM5PHve8US5AKAHPodu0jiqf0BusDArHbtmlMOSmi1ddxi4RoOlt7gW4Ni7gZ-O-xnw7lf6L0VPpadZLJUEIpBZasN8pgmsw16sjjboXaA-fSFzXgWzXcQlFrCWk-s-YMH4/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxOFADGYcGM5PHve8US5AKAHPodu0jiqf0BusDArHbtmlMOSmi1ddxi4RoOlt7gW4Ni7gZ-O-xnw7lf6L0VPpadZLJUEIpBZasN8pgmsw16sjjboXaA-fSFzXgWzXcQlFrCWk-s-YMH4/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hole in the floor--but no duct yet!<br />
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Thanks for reading, and I'll keep you posted on our progress! :-)<br />
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</tbody></table>MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-35645034511615046932011-04-08T15:26:00.000-04:002011-04-08T15:26:42.718-04:00The rest of the insulation storyDay 2: Air sealing in the attic continues, along with the announcement by John that three bats have been found in the attic; they were probably nesting in the old fiberglass batts. He brings one outside with his bare (gloved) hands, but the other two have hidden again. I am a bit skeeved out by this, but as long as they don't encroach on my living space, I suppose I can ignore them for now. C is out of town and this is definitely under his job description, not mine.<br />
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As more holes are drilled in the master bed and bath, holes made in the kids' rooms yesterday are filled. This is a process that takes a few days--fill, dry, sand, fill again, dry, sand again. As bad as the dust was yesterday, it is five times worse today, and spreading fast. The guys put in another looong day (here at 8am, leaving at 7pm) but they all comment on what a "good time" they are having on our "interesting project." To each his own, I guess!<br />
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Day 3: The basement crew joins in for a day of spray foaming. They cover the rim joists and squeeze into crawlspaces to spray under the sunroom and family room floors. I can hear the poor guy from where I am sitting in the family room saying he is stuck in a corner, but I am assured he is a bit of a character and just putting on a show. The smell from the foam becomes a bit overpowering (it smells until in hardens and cures, and then is odor-free) so we open windows throughout the house. Aside from this, the day proceeds as usual, with John of the Bats and Kyle taking their leave around 7pm and heading home. All of the insulating has been completed, but there is still patching work to be completed, and Brian wants to do another blower door test to check his work, so Brian and John will stick around one more day.<br />
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G and R head up to bed, and after they have read quietly for half an hour they prepare for sleep. G throws his book to the ground and all of a sudden something is flying around the room. They watch for a few minutes, then come downstairs. "Mom, there's a bird in our room." Well, we did have all those windows open today, and G's didn't have a screen--so it's quite possible. We all head back upstairs to take a look. I peek in the doorway to see where the critter is hanging out, and there it is, dangling off the window molding. <br />
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Hmm, I think, birds don't usually hang like that. That's a freakin' BAT encroaching on MY living space! I quickly shut the door and think for a second. I decide to get a broom for some reason, perhaps remembering that time in England we came home from vacation to find three blackbirds had flown into our home through the fireplace and taken up residence in our absence--my dad went after them with a broom and whacked the floor so hard he broke the head onf the broom from the handle! While I am downstairs older son B has the presence of mind to ask the boys if they were bitten; both say no, thank goodness.<br />
<br />
When I return with the broom I slowly open the door, still not sure of my plan. The bat is still hanging there and I am just about to enter the room when ZOOM, there it goes, flying circles around the room. Door slams as I let out a little shriek and drop the broom like a hot potato. G starts breathing fast and R starts crying; I calm them down, telling them I was just startled. Why does this stuff always happen when C is out of town? I tell the boys to get sleeping bags and camp out in the guest room; Griffin says his boots and clothes are in his room--what will he do for school? I tell him to wear his sneakers and he will have to wear some of R's clothes to school instead. Luckily they are only a few inches apart in height.<br />
<br />
Not knowing what else to do, I call C--who is at an awards dinner that night, and thus without his phone---and as a last ditch measure, Brian. Brian says no problem, just leave it shut up in the room and he will take care of it in the morning. I put some towels along the bottom of G's door so the thing can't squeeze through the opening and call it a (rather uneasy) night.<br />
<br />
Day 4: G's pants are too short but he doesn't mind as he has a story to tell at school. B has some fun at breakfast talking about rabies shots and vampires. When Brian and John arrive, John starts on the walls while Brian deals with the bat. He finds it hanging off the crown molding, manages to get it in a towel and out the window. Luckily it didn't seem to leave any droppings, but I still washed all the bedding anyway.<br />
<br />
You may remember from an older post that the results of our first blower door test showed a heat loss of about 143 kbtu/hr. Well, the results of our second test showed we are now at a loss of 64 kbtu/hr! This is a pretty impressive result. Brian had hoped to get us down to a 61 or so, and he has a few more recommendations of things we can do on our own to get us closer to that ultimate goal--but really, we are quite happy with the result! The house does feel better; I have already turned down thermostats, the house isn't as dry, and it also seems quieter.<br />
<br />
Now I just have a ton of painting to do, though I believe I will wait until after the geothermal install is complete. We should have a start date soon!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrg7HEFUxXRvn0ZOphlv7qi-D-Ue8n3XXuBSk6DCoQ2WEHPEiibTdn1yFf5fob4yxjqd5cTI9VqqpNsBSsI-hleML_dk5skzRANI5Ig40BYpOFK5P9I2tBii97lvVN0n1kGITi8gjCW8/s1600/insulation+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrg7HEFUxXRvn0ZOphlv7qi-D-Ue8n3XXuBSk6DCoQ2WEHPEiibTdn1yFf5fob4yxjqd5cTI9VqqpNsBSsI-hleML_dk5skzRANI5Ig40BYpOFK5P9I2tBii97lvVN0n1kGITi8gjCW8/s320/insulation+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hole they drill, I think it is about 2" in diameter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9viWhuxbdTEm8r4kxATkKIlphhjkH2DwaKzxYRY2F8-aKG9IZqSTSE8rKb87uJMJmvSBPyxbFpASVTLBbPGXSFMsyIijsQ7D0njaTVNOzI7Xw8JCjptwcmMSTDx68s95HLQ5LWMN2M4I/s1600/insulation+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9viWhuxbdTEm8r4kxATkKIlphhjkH2DwaKzxYRY2F8-aKG9IZqSTSE8rKb87uJMJmvSBPyxbFpASVTLBbPGXSFMsyIijsQ7D0njaTVNOzI7Xw8JCjptwcmMSTDx68s95HLQ5LWMN2M4I/s320/insulation+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it is after the cellulose has been pumped in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFxj8PgTV-qF3HQkEwqN27xgAQQnyIJuGETUTsGQrOx1JrRszY-KhJAzs-dCM1resLWQuZ_1Ti8pCoZ-VQDHD7wrE5DJD0o9y77rvRT8k7m6wOVLat-3UR2z9NoqrKstFZ-YxoPWh-90/s1600/insulation+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFxj8PgTV-qF3HQkEwqN27xgAQQnyIJuGETUTsGQrOx1JrRszY-KhJAzs-dCM1resLWQuZ_1Ti8pCoZ-VQDHD7wrE5DJD0o9y77rvRT8k7m6wOVLat-3UR2z9NoqrKstFZ-YxoPWh-90/s320/insulation+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upstairs hallway, lots of holes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8m_XeL2mV-qrO69qFqD3I7U6AJ5oLqACZWtJF_i8TxQF94l8CXDgr4blbYPXfmhR5APYgH2waFmioR8Go-6LNVMAOAFwOxyOiSjUw9MopEasoxbPTwVLwPJpaOli7q6O8wG9D4N50po/s1600/insulation+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8m_XeL2mV-qrO69qFqD3I7U6AJ5oLqACZWtJF_i8TxQF94l8CXDgr4blbYPXfmhR5APYgH2waFmioR8Go-6LNVMAOAFwOxyOiSjUw9MopEasoxbPTwVLwPJpaOli7q6O8wG9D4N50po/s320/insulation+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drywall boxes in the attic built over the can lights.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxfwSHRNnzZtvjC3qBB20ITW9zE9r5n641aCsmlpjv5NmJntInIjxziJMQ2pddwALHDZduzU3giAP95KBhFkmpEZu-FiHzEVExdhs4xqXu4XEd_zo9QW9KsG9Chv6yyEle3fV1kSihFo/s1600/insulation+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxfwSHRNnzZtvjC3qBB20ITW9zE9r5n641aCsmlpjv5NmJntInIjxziJMQ2pddwALHDZduzU3giAP95KBhFkmpEZu-FiHzEVExdhs4xqXu4XEd_zo9QW9KsG9Chv6yyEle3fV1kSihFo/s320/insulation+043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same box sealed up with foam.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-X9z4uOVXdyup-YPjwZyTJiqbdfxkh39BugM2Q3Hhyphenhyphen_c8_VE9DyCT_oqY5wNinD5H4SWEA6004dm5cCO8x-x7Ogw_R3elfAYScLwK9UQW7X8d4BB7OVHGRdo8EqznDyVg2KWyTkdLyuc/s1600/insulation+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-X9z4uOVXdyup-YPjwZyTJiqbdfxkh39BugM2Q3Hhyphenhyphen_c8_VE9DyCT_oqY5wNinD5H4SWEA6004dm5cCO8x-x7Ogw_R3elfAYScLwK9UQW7X8d4BB7OVHGRdo8EqznDyVg2KWyTkdLyuc/s320/insulation+024.JPG" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A patched hole.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MHocXVjf-VND8DVqKIlB8w8K-_fabytLQGSijDjANy5rNYA6HktOHys72gyQllzaXw66jmUlheUMAcYu0pcnH1ZdgRsMzS75lL_TJRDtHzZdKJGbF-fjuYAYRf0cJ4lrBloGLRbBiD0/s1600/insulation+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MHocXVjf-VND8DVqKIlB8w8K-_fabytLQGSijDjANy5rNYA6HktOHys72gyQllzaXw66jmUlheUMAcYu0pcnH1ZdgRsMzS75lL_TJRDtHzZdKJGbF-fjuYAYRf0cJ4lrBloGLRbBiD0/s320/insulation+026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before they apply the drywall compound, a small styrofoam disk is placed in the hole.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RoHexLkVnyjU72DSF0cFcHNrsPPBQ4RdUsbJSOrHkplOKZ7wldxKoh2VJuT7w2KzlYljlh3S15OQTu50ieAH84SkVhHE2LD2BiD2UIp7Ydtz3fju5zu2KguT28m4RWI49xLFCIjSddM/s1600/insulation+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RoHexLkVnyjU72DSF0cFcHNrsPPBQ4RdUsbJSOrHkplOKZ7wldxKoh2VJuT7w2KzlYljlh3S15OQTu50ieAH84SkVhHE2LD2BiD2UIp7Ydtz3fju5zu2KguT28m4RWI49xLFCIjSddM/s320/insulation+038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling the wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiFjmHDOPxUDgYn3c51ok6RW5v61sWrkPvy0eA73UC_c7RoywoC1rJ7COzSI3envdyT6HbJU-EbjCWvesl9aPaScI77R7hposf-i8e3zRJmHR7h8FCeAX9wXyrN0EGBK3vkXJNtdZdm8/s1600/insulation+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiFjmHDOPxUDgYn3c51ok6RW5v61sWrkPvy0eA73UC_c7RoywoC1rJ7COzSI3envdyT6HbJU-EbjCWvesl9aPaScI77R7hposf-i8e3zRJmHR7h8FCeAX9wXyrN0EGBK3vkXJNtdZdm8/s320/insulation+042.JPG" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new tenant--yuck! He's been summarily evicted!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A big thanks to Brian for the use of his photos and all of his hard work and planning on our behalf, and to John, Kyle, and John, all from <a href="http://envinity.com/">Envinity</a>. You guys made this as painless as possible, though I am convinced the dust will never completely disappear (I dust a desk Monday, and Wednesday it looks like it's never seen a rag--what's up with that?). :-)MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-21486217329746559382011-03-30T11:52:00.000-04:002011-03-30T11:52:12.118-04:00Insulation Day 1: My walls look like swiss cheese!Greetings and salutations! I know I have taken some time off from writing here, mostly because I felt I had nothing to write about (for example, that rotten porch post? Still not fixed.). But now things are happening again, and in a pretty big, disruptive, yet exciting way. <br />
<br />
You may recall my last post about my difficulties getting estimates for our insulation work; well, we ended up going with Brian (and the awesome crew of John, John, and Kyle), and it wasn't just because he was our only option. Based on our meetings with the other companies, I believe we would have picked him anyway---he was the only one who used cellulose instead of fiberglass, for instance; his proposal was thorough and thoughtful; and really, his upbeat attitude just can't be matched--this is a guy who really seems to love, and take pride in, his work. There's a lot to be said for that.<br />
<br />
So yesterday the crew arrived bright and early--and promptly got their trailer stuck trying to get into the driveway. Muddy gravel + heavy trailer loaded with equipment = tow truck giving you some extra help. But things were quickly sorted out and soon the house was a flurry of men in masks and the sounds of hammering and drilling. Because of the issues with our aluminum siding, we are having most of the wall work done from inside the house (except for two spots where small areas of siding will have to be removed and hopefully replaced incident-free). I fear I will never get all the dust off the floors, but it will all be worthwhile if we see results in lower energy bills and increased comfort.<br />
<br />
Here is what is inside that heavy trailer:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2q_ZTbqDOAXP1NfLqDhEnsyhGc8iGcowFsHGsS4Ee33i9mlGDDbDHzXbGEf-Fi_l1DxUf_b5aZt_BEcel3VTKKODAfUo76-un17XULGQqyx4y68c8_0Th_i1qSy-WLMwRPykCIkDaSo/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2q_ZTbqDOAXP1NfLqDhEnsyhGc8iGcowFsHGsS4Ee33i9mlGDDbDHzXbGEf-Fi_l1DxUf_b5aZt_BEcel3VTKKODAfUo76-un17XULGQqyx4y68c8_0Th_i1qSy-WLMwRPykCIkDaSo/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bales on cellulose on the left are fed into that blue machine on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The hose running out of the blue machine is then fed through the house and put into holes drilled every so often in the exterior walls:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5Hi5qX89CwObirgQnEaQCIFQHi74QPu0HAl_13srvIYQppA2Mj-Xo-4Ueui5KAeqUZicR5kbesNh8_cW6J6rKIDp1le77bjIn1By-FcbnoJWMDLeCAD-WaaO94v1OmsYFkLj_PYCJHU/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5Hi5qX89CwObirgQnEaQCIFQHi74QPu0HAl_13srvIYQppA2Mj-Xo-4Ueui5KAeqUZicR5kbesNh8_cW6J6rKIDp1le77bjIn1By-FcbnoJWMDLeCAD-WaaO94v1OmsYFkLj_PYCJHU/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hose running though second floor window</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4rMf1la9y6lKexmX8_G4FzXtbabBYidmRWdBXQ5O172gfSjD_90yi5hqcF6tm2KXh3qXE2LlleA66wWN431pL2eo9bzHsEz1MQk1Xjn45hRCTwE6iKvgnBp7vJmqf9HtddxucTcEaWA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4rMf1la9y6lKexmX8_G4FzXtbabBYidmRWdBXQ5O172gfSjD_90yi5hqcF6tm2KXh3qXE2LlleA66wWN431pL2eo9bzHsEz1MQk1Xjn45hRCTwE6iKvgnBp7vJmqf9HtddxucTcEaWA/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This room was often the coldest in the winter and hottest in the summer</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPW0DrVqADqbqI0QHMFNeSishyphenhyphen3jcy4Drg9PT2KBNPKeatyyyZZL4Dy0rLfnc21ga3w-gb90PRe2T6ktWDeOxS1VmZjfEdnIEilKVaaF5tv5gkj0Czsbe4jfsjIAOItIyJq-ULhUW8V5c/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPW0DrVqADqbqI0QHMFNeSishyphenhyphen3jcy4Drg9PT2KBNPKeatyyyZZL4Dy0rLfnc21ga3w-gb90PRe2T6ktWDeOxS1VmZjfEdnIEilKVaaF5tv5gkj0Czsbe4jfsjIAOItIyJq-ULhUW8V5c/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you can see that besides holes regularly spaced in the walls, holes also have to be drilled above and below windows </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-guLlsxZp7RQLisLkFyDcT6aG2Fx_unQicb8kq30nXTTOfN-ro2_G14IAnDc3DQeHaxoNnCgldNQ5IuyiG-NM7VdrGxlabkEqN6Eamo7N-kj-scZ-CgP2XYSzX3ajkBYQa4c24XY3w_8/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-guLlsxZp7RQLisLkFyDcT6aG2Fx_unQicb8kq30nXTTOfN-ro2_G14IAnDc3DQeHaxoNnCgldNQ5IuyiG-NM7VdrGxlabkEqN6Eamo7N-kj-scZ-CgP2XYSzX3ajkBYQa4c24XY3w_8/s320/009.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom wall---there are even holes drilled in that tiny cupboard far right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The cellulose itself is not itchy. It reminds me of that grey fluff that comes out of padded envelopes (maybe it is?). It appears that it is pretty easy to vacuum up from the floor and rugs, but is pretty difficult to keep off the dog.<br />
<br />
While in the attic doing some air sealing work, John found something fun and interesting: part of an old local paper from 1926! I was able to make out an article about a high school dance; a YMCA basketball game; and an article out of Detroit about Henry Ford demanding an investigation into how his private airport was apparently used by an aerial rum running ring bringing booze in from Canada!<br />
<br />
Here are a few of my other favorites:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ga05YUUuGcf0Tnaog6Hys1mZb6DdMfvu_blQivx0XXe9r39tlGv_Y18TaUXfRLr_xaSQ9saL9RIaocCBwbjfXiIqCLF3M6b-_JUvf9gUdvXIDHfByWAoHxogUOJqJEE7yfyw66jNnAA/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ga05YUUuGcf0Tnaog6Hys1mZb6DdMfvu_blQivx0XXe9r39tlGv_Y18TaUXfRLr_xaSQ9saL9RIaocCBwbjfXiIqCLF3M6b-_JUvf9gUdvXIDHfByWAoHxogUOJqJEE7yfyw66jNnAA/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Moonshine and Dishonesty"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRstXu3hFSbRMuSiz7E91Ngy5Fhbyh7qjK7zwWg1nTxU-Dr5IvXEoTrNZMtk-fwP8hzZm0IwWg8vdG-yuSJYyjjpKWyg6tE5rCcAl4KWgjI7ZRsY4eTUxSZsPOwLQPZFX2Xm3xyhZIqg/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRstXu3hFSbRMuSiz7E91Ngy5Fhbyh7qjK7zwWg1nTxU-Dr5IvXEoTrNZMtk-fwP8hzZm0IwWg8vdG-yuSJYyjjpKWyg6tE5rCcAl4KWgjI7ZRsY4eTUxSZsPOwLQPZFX2Xm3xyhZIqg/s320/012.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So things haven't changed that much--he's complaining about being "The Fall Guy", and how he has to pay for school outfits, weatherstripping the house, football "togs" for the boys, college expenses, fixing the furnace, etc. The only ones that really date this are "coal bill" and "fur coat for sister." This is a usual fall expense?!?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And my absolute number one favorite article (though the one about Parisian-style bed jackets making breakfast in bed all the nicer is fun too):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVt7vks9N_YYoH7m4vMvUFp83ZWzc27poDL7HntaCJ-yod223Z7RimVMWCUqhBrNnh5VPchawRb91zmFxzVWEk2gzDYFevi9ulOK2N1sqT8PtXGyC2td0LaqsROcqyDC05Go8MMmTxrxE/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVt7vks9N_YYoH7m4vMvUFp83ZWzc27poDL7HntaCJ-yod223Z7RimVMWCUqhBrNnh5VPchawRb91zmFxzVWEk2gzDYFevi9ulOK2N1sqT8PtXGyC2td0LaqsROcqyDC05Go8MMmTxrxE/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It is difficult to read so here is a transcription:<br />
<br />
"<em>Little Miss Rose Marie Roberts,<strong> eight months old</strong>, claims that she has visited the barber shop more times than any girl her age in the United States.</em><br />
<em> That is, Rose Marie doesn't loudly assert it herself but her mother, Mrs. Harvey Roberts, local citizen, has so stated. The baby has had <strong>her hair bobbed five times to date</strong>.</em><br />
<em> She was named after the well-known music show, and her parents hope she will become a famous singer.</em><br />
<em>This "hair bobbing championship" announcement is not an advance publicity stunt, her parents declared.</em> (emphasis mine)<br />
<br />
Say whaaaat? All I could think of when I read this was the episode of <em>Designing Women</em> where Suzanne tried to put a wig on Charlene's baby. Again, seems like things haven't changed all that much in 90 years!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gXZhkl-Rv0I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-32790569145689820612011-02-07T20:21:00.000-05:002011-02-07T20:21:44.657-05:00May I vent?Sorry not to have posted in the last few weeks, but I have been a tad frustrated. Whether it is the weather (cold, icy, and snowy), or life in a small town/semi-rural area, or living in an old house bound to be full of surprises--it has been nearly impossible to find anyone willing to take on the job of insulating our home. The saga thus far:<br />
<br />
After our energy audit, Brian sent an estimate for the work he proposed; he also encouraged us to get other estimates, which we would have done anyway. I contacted the only other insulation companies I could find, two of which said we were out of their service area. The three remaining companies agreed to come out for free estimates, and very quickly at that. Each one had some new bit of information to offer, and I thought the meetings went well. <br />
<br />
What followed was a whole lot of...nothing. One week went by, and when we hit day 10 I made follow-up calls or sent an email. Still nothing. At the three week mark, I called back and left messages asking each one for an estimate or to just let me know they weren't interested. One responded two days later (said he had the flu, so I felt a bit badly for pressing him) but with a quote for only a portion of the work we really need.<br />
So after contacting all the insulation contractors in our area who were willing to come out and look at the job, we are left with...our first estimate. No materials to compare, no prices to compare, nothing. If I was okay with that I wouldn't have bothered chasing people down for three weeks, and the job would already be done. Perhaps it is for the best; I researched the elements of Brian's proposal and it does seem very sound and optimal for our situation.<br />
<br />
One thing all four contractors could agree on was that if we are planning to put in a geothermal heat pump, it might be best to do that first and then insulate the attic, so all the work was not stepped on and compromised. This recommendation spurred us on to get estimates for a geothermal system as well. We found three local companies, all with varying degrees of expertise in the field and again, different ideas about the best system for our home. Fortunately, all of these companies were able to get us estimates in a timely fashion and we have selected a company for that project as well.<br />
<br />
The issue now is that we have a <em>projected</em> heat loss calculation (for after the insulation improvements are made) upon which the geothermal installer is basing his system design. We might meet that projection, or more likely, we will come somewhat close. But we obviously do not want either a system that is over kill or a system that is inadequate for our needs. So what we would like to do is have all the insulation work completed (except for the attic floor, so it won't get messed up by the HVAC guys), have <em>another</em> blower door test, and base the geo system on that more realistic number.<br />
<br />
I am sure everything will work out wonderfully when all is said and done; it was just one of those times where I really noticed a difference between living in a small town, where if three or four people don't get back to you the job maybe doesn't happen, and a larger metro area, where if four people blow you off you just call the next 40 in the phone book.MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-7950873829537538872011-01-23T14:49:00.000-05:002011-01-23T14:49:04.845-05:00Wanna see something scary?Though lately I have been wrapped up in toilets and insulation and HVAC systems, thinking this will be our next big home improvement project, this past week I was reminded of that old adage "Expect the unexpected." The unexpected is, thankfully, not so major a project--just one that must be completed as soon as possible. And if I am truthful, it was not <em>completely</em> unexpected; we had been warned during our home inspection, and kind of had our fingers crossed that we wouldn't have to deal with it so soon.<br />
<br />
We had two snow days this week, and while the boys were out playing, B decided to knock the icicles from the eaves. To do this, he stood on the post of our side porch--<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwRJCVJ4mPkdyUQ4fxRAEWvXZOwUUN0F5UpKK9xrYwgJINxmlVlWPvcVU3tQcv1Zwmq9MvHIBYsUZOwGCkVBxMa1e7yltRjZxSdLN2dmZ-h6KkFs7rDB5_dYGoSo-B8rJVH7iM1-3Hvg/s1600/porch+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwRJCVJ4mPkdyUQ4fxRAEWvXZOwUUN0F5UpKK9xrYwgJINxmlVlWPvcVU3tQcv1Zwmq9MvHIBYsUZOwGCkVBxMa1e7yltRjZxSdLN2dmZ-h6KkFs7rDB5_dYGoSo-B8rJVH7iM1-3Hvg/s320/porch+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Similar to this one</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
and then immediately found himself on the ground, with no icicle in hand, as the post essentially disintegrated (he was completely fine, and to his credit promptly confessed to his misdeeds).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-msdnemKlqg2Xe5QXyhe1tMJwoLOt1qp1bPtMQ6doxgwgZYjC2p5eKOTVHawR_cZq_dED4KaTqcMs9uvIeXMGLG3o22AwDDuc9tyeLyOi0qQBGQw3mT49zU7iMuECgRn6fBS1wAPDLM/s1600/porch+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-msdnemKlqg2Xe5QXyhe1tMJwoLOt1qp1bPtMQ6doxgwgZYjC2p5eKOTVHawR_cZq_dED4KaTqcMs9uvIeXMGLG3o22AwDDuc9tyeLyOi0qQBGQw3mT49zU7iMuECgRn6fBS1wAPDLM/s320/porch+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the trim fell right off</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-YF9FyLgy1BlTsARlTtyjK_LFw6yQZiktlzvemq8wt9vKD8sRqXYEPjoH-0sWxf1s_hpkTDsq4tvxRlR2l3UFL_emyiMlKjNLRrOWuGXfppsAQX1DlM7K8JDH2QogVitCWSD23PpPac/s1600/porch+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-YF9FyLgy1BlTsARlTtyjK_LFw6yQZiktlzvemq8wt9vKD8sRqXYEPjoH-0sWxf1s_hpkTDsq4tvxRlR2l3UFL_emyiMlKjNLRrOWuGXfppsAQX1DlM7K8JDH2QogVitCWSD23PpPac/s320/porch+003.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Around the bottom too</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_s20AqkU4w5bC-GuOoT9RdEJF4N1KzOa-Nvr_8HdDC3P2KR8hwUyIDWt5n-Rjjt5EoaVlQVxHcNYiNU5mSiIpFNRfY8h0eE3a9NW8XpmeQKtGqL7UU7i7-VrTgxIDJghVlP0OYdDl40/s1600/porch+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_s20AqkU4w5bC-GuOoT9RdEJF4N1KzOa-Nvr_8HdDC3P2KR8hwUyIDWt5n-Rjjt5EoaVlQVxHcNYiNU5mSiIpFNRfY8h0eE3a9NW8XpmeQKtGqL7UU7i7-VrTgxIDJghVlP0OYdDl40/s320/porch+004.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry rot we knew about, and probably ancient termite damage as well</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDWd0riDGEds_k0XeN9RYHz0-XgJWIuyVSZ904_lakEm4wDw4pijVzyMTDpsmCLUSFZ_ghMqiq7u5LNz6IR5j9IxF6pJFN3Jt7n5tKCwceo1tk9CzBWnvE0Rho7Lzn7OtMmKrSr8Aub4/s1600/porch+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDWd0riDGEds_k0XeN9RYHz0-XgJWIuyVSZ904_lakEm4wDw4pijVzyMTDpsmCLUSFZ_ghMqiq7u5LNz6IR5j9IxF6pJFN3Jt7n5tKCwceo1tk9CzBWnvE0Rho7Lzn7OtMmKrSr8Aub4/s320/porch+005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yikes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>C has wedged a board between the porch floor and ceiling to help keep it supported. The good news: the whole post may not have to be replaced, but instead can be repaired; the rot does not appear to extend through the whole piece. I also walked around the rest of the porch, stabbing rails and posts with a screwdriver--it all seems fine, except for needing a new coat of paint. <br />
<br />
The culprit in this dry rot is most likely our gutter, which, when it dams up with leaves or snow, sends a steady drip of water right down the length of the post. This will have to be remedied as well.<br />
<br />
Hopefully we will have our rotten post repaired and good as new in the next week or so!MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-77222507705947360152011-01-15T21:37:00.000-05:002011-01-15T21:37:51.583-05:00And Toto Too?Yes, and Toto too. But not the dog--the toilet. Last post (sorry it has been so long; I'll fill you in on my insulation/heating saga next time) I mentioned we were expecting a delivery; it was indeed a toilet. A WaterSense, dual-flush <a href="http://www.totousa.com/ProductDetail/tabid/75/Default.aspx?ProductId=022566e1-3617-40b4-a2d6-e832c2604d18">Toto Aquia</a> toilet, to be exact. <br />
<br />
When C and I went to Italy four years ago, they had these dual-flush toilets everywhere we went, and I thought they were kind of nifty. The idea is that you have a small flush for #1 and a bigger flush for #2 to save water. Sounds logical, right? That's not to say they don't take some getting used to--the water spot is much smaller, and you may have to work on your aim to hit said spot accurately for an optimum flushing experience, if you get my meaning...But if my boys have been able to figure it out, believe me, anyone can.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n_K7wtFsLEvTp2kNYv1veReek1mBUcmahMgAc_-gwKVRinB5-nXUJHR9jfUJ9yn3ER_wvNShHs2nMuON-bB_HBqsOhRLYctv-swn6Y8Piamm74KZ8I4mMvxlk_-GdAEXB7HNjapADMQ/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n_K7wtFsLEvTp2kNYv1veReek1mBUcmahMgAc_-gwKVRinB5-nXUJHR9jfUJ9yn3ER_wvNShHs2nMuON-bB_HBqsOhRLYctv-swn6Y8Piamm74KZ8I4mMvxlk_-GdAEXB7HNjapADMQ/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New toilet in powder room</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1bQ67Wre82-QOhY_0Mchk8n8eYGqbcgRZ3lE9IlJj9fH8F93l2NWokdAqF7-xSm2MnJnjXl3B8ID4uBN8Heu14ysoQVIbhvRA8yT0WLV5dVyxWRkX5bPukDk88n4L2U38lDhH4Maz54/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1bQ67Wre82-QOhY_0Mchk8n8eYGqbcgRZ3lE9IlJj9fH8F93l2NWokdAqF7-xSm2MnJnjXl3B8ID4uBN8Heu14ysoQVIbhvRA8yT0WLV5dVyxWRkX5bPukDk88n4L2U38lDhH4Maz54/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That button on top is the flush</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnme8Z8U_f72NMlGPo8DP0hYwQxCkVFtexduhvz0c5ErAXGqgQj-7r8Us47Q_lfb-3rtF9FKNeQtP_L3g1EwNTmP7H3GUt3pOTeQsQgnBnEkpOqyGDcc8C8YB1Qx0PisS-BsMBPMdfrDs/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnme8Z8U_f72NMlGPo8DP0hYwQxCkVFtexduhvz0c5ErAXGqgQj-7r8Us47Q_lfb-3rtF9FKNeQtP_L3g1EwNTmP7H3GUt3pOTeQsQgnBnEkpOqyGDcc8C8YB1Qx0PisS-BsMBPMdfrDs/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little button on left is #1 flush, bug button on right is #2 flush<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>C installed the toilet in a few hours and found it surprisingly headache-free. The whole experience, from install to actual usage, has in fact been so pleasant we plan on ordering two more for the upstairs bathrooms.<br />
<br />
We are continuing our quest to weatherproof the house; this morning we were out buying door sweeps and cans of spray foam and the like. I spent the afternoon placing foam pads inside all the outlet covers and switch plates, some of which were quite breezy indeed. C was working on replacing our few remaining incandescents with CFLs, and will probably be hitting the basement for some projects tomorrow.MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-90348838879660223012011-01-04T19:46:00.000-05:002011-01-04T19:46:04.588-05:00Some energy tips and what we've accomplished so farLately I've been discussing some pretty large projects to improve the efficiency and comfort of our home, but at the end of his report, Brian left us with a list of easy, inexpensive (or free!) ways we could start making changes today. Without any further ado:<br />
<br />
--Lower the set point on your thermostat during heating season. When you aren't home (at work, or on vacation), and while you sleep, you could set it back 5 degrees or more. While you are home, try just setting it one degree lower than usual--it might save you 3% on your bills. If you have a programmable thermostat, it makes all these changes easier, of course.<br />
<br />
--In the winter, try to capture any warmth from the sun that shines in your windows by opening curtains and blinds. Conversely, if it is dark or cloudy, shutting the drapes reduces heat loss from the room out that same window. In the summer, best to keep blinds down on sunny hot days so you don't overheat your home (and make your cooling system work that much harder).<br />
<br />
--Get your systems serviced on a regular recommended schedule; at the very least change/clean any filters to keep things running clean.<br />
<br />
--Shut and lock windows in the winter---it helps make a tighter air seal.<br />
<br />
--Lower the set point on your water heater 5-10 degrees (only if you never run out of hot water). Another thing to look out for---some dishwashers require a certain water temp, so you don't want to go below that.<br />
<br />
--Switch out your shower heads for high efficiency ones---they aerate the water so the pressure is good, but you cut water use up to 50%.<br />
<br />
--Another bigger project, but if the timing is right: switch out your toilet for one with a WaterSense label. They use 20% less water than current standards but work just as well, and could save you thousands of dollars over the use of the toilet.<br />
<br />
--Putting an aerator in your existing sink faucet or getting a new WaterSense faucet could also save you in water usage and hot water bills.<br />
<br />
So there you have it--hopefully you will have found at least one of these tips useful!<br />
<br />
As I mentioned, we have already started the process in our quest to tighten our house (sorry I keep saying that--it just reminds me of the scene in <em>Knocked Up</em> when Katherine Heigl is not so much told to lose weight--which is illegal--but instead is told to "tighten"). Before the audit, we had already decided we had to replace our screen doors. Both of them had been damaged by our dog since our arrival, and they weren't in the best shape to begin with. They also did nothing as far as keeping out the cold winds blowin'.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLewYUmrCIyc7mxeP972P1v1FAAjyesZWwHN6gMWUzDWcsL7WNdRGZlTkagA5r7mPb1TBVMlaJ2bSE9KqYLoh9jednMC_0ar8CkMNbzDGN8MYlsv2FnxtKLc80p9z-bL6nJvco1sC9rI/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLewYUmrCIyc7mxeP972P1v1FAAjyesZWwHN6gMWUzDWcsL7WNdRGZlTkagA5r7mPb1TBVMlaJ2bSE9KqYLoh9jednMC_0ar8CkMNbzDGN8MYlsv2FnxtKLc80p9z-bL6nJvco1sC9rI/s320/036.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other one looked the same, but had chicken wire for a screen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We had to order custom sizes (since nothing in this house is regular), and even so, C had to do some creative shaving here and there to make them fit (and all with a minimum of swearing; in fact, there was even whistling!), but let me tell you, these doors are awesome! They have retractable screens on the top, so we can have as much or as little screen showing as we like:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dQ79QfmEggy3w3m1QEAhTvTZAnWwsGk4nzWtrKSoJGFVU2ddXrzxQgcs6o8XfJ8TEcLYYS-3bHtj3UyrvkzVmE3vJKrxycx3REfiHFsZth2qJqbe1hM63TnCR5nVcv-RQW-PC-yCn3w/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dQ79QfmEggy3w3m1QEAhTvTZAnWwsGk4nzWtrKSoJGFVU2ddXrzxQgcs6o8XfJ8TEcLYYS-3bHtj3UyrvkzVmE3vJKrxycx3REfiHFsZth2qJqbe1hM63TnCR5nVcv-RQW-PC-yCn3w/s320/035.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retractable screen<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>These doors are also thick and substantial, and when they are closed they create a powerful vacuum that seals out everything; it even makes our interior doors more difficult to open. We went from feeling drafts blowing around these doors from across the room to feeling nothing at all using just the storm door! Definitely an improvement.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8w5x4ORx-XpJCEDdUlCazbk-LKhPJuoMfn9YqEiqHQsUSbVSTx5xSoxeu9sk7DJtnhTUKmZ_Q0rJ5_dkG-TSSkenhOsDMeHsblxZPXSOZnhUrEftF6Q-eL8j3zJyfw78wpihNDC7IHQ/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8w5x4ORx-XpJCEDdUlCazbk-LKhPJuoMfn9YqEiqHQsUSbVSTx5xSoxeu9sk7DJtnhTUKmZ_Q0rJ5_dkG-TSSkenhOsDMeHsblxZPXSOZnhUrEftF6Q-eL8j3zJyfw78wpihNDC7IHQ/s320/034.JPG" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The door---we initially preferred a solid (not glass) bottom, but this was the only style available in custom sizes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thursday afternoon we expect delivery of another energy saver--I'll fill you in then!MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-57468038847114106362011-01-03T19:53:00.000-05:002011-01-03T19:53:57.603-05:00Energy RecommendationsLast post I went over the many holes (figurative and literal) in our home's energy use. Obviously there is much room for improvement, both in energy conservation and financial considerations. We're looking for a good balance of both, with an added desire for an increase in our family's day-to-day comfort. And yes, we realize all of this could have been avoided if we'd built a new house, or even bought one built after 1940 when most houses were built with insulated walls standard---but we love this house, so what could we do?<br />
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I'll start with a recommendation that I am 100% sure we will not be doing, at least not in the foreseeable future, and that is replacing the original windows with new Energy Star models. Yes, we have air leakage around the pulleys, and yes, they are single pane, but we have exterior storms for the winter and can weather strip/caulk on the inside if need be. Our reasoning to nix the new windows is two fold: 1) we really like the originals and 2) it will cost a ton of money for measly savings. According to our report, laying out tens of thousands of dollars in windows would save us only about $300 a year on our bills and 5% in energy usage. In our opinion, not enough bang for the lotsa bucks.<br />
<br />
So what DOES give us the most bang? The winner for cost savings is attic insulation! We would not only reduce our energy use by 23%, but also get back 36% of the project cost in yearly savings. When you combine this with the air sealing (also done in the attic, as well as the basement), we cut our use by an additional 6% and recoup an extra 18% of our project outlay. The project would entail using closed cell spray foam to seal attic leaks and basement rim joists; removing the whole house fan and patching the ceiling; building dry wall boxes around the recessed lights; and insulating the attic door. Additional insulation (R-39) would then be installed with our existing R-11 to bring us up to (actually slightly over) the recommended R-49 for our area. This is definitely on our to-do list.<br />
<br />
Now we come to the wall insulation (tops in cutting energy usage, and also helpful in reducing air leakage). This is tricky, as we are not about to gut the place. Brian proposes a dense pack cellulose to be blown into the walls. This can be done from the interior of the house, but drawbacks include holes every 16" in every room/hallway of the house, which then need to be patched and painted. Oh, and there's all the dust and moving furniture around, too. It can also be done from the exterior of the home, which is less messy and disruptive, but this method has its own cons. A row of siding all the way around the house must be removed on each floor; holes are then drilled and patched. The potential problem comes with reinstallation of the siding--ours is aluminum and who knows how old; if it were to crimp, bend, or be otherwise ruined, we'd have to get new siding to match, which will most likely be darn near impossible and leave us with two discolored bands wrapping around the house, as well as the additional expenses siding replacement would entail.<br />
<br />
There is a third option, mentioned by Brian during the audit, which we are hoping works for our home; blowing the insulation into the wall cavities from the attic and basement. The one drawback to this method is that coverage may be less thorough, and we may feel cold spots or experience settling. Our feeling? It's got to be better than nothing, which is what we have now. Insulating the walls could reduce our energy usage by 36% and we'd see a yearly return in savings of 28%.<br />
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All of this work is leading up to the big kahuna---putting in some form of a central heating/cooling system. But which kind of system is best for us? I have considered three: a ductless minisplit heat pump; a traditional heat pump, and a geothermal heat pump. With any of these, we'd also be replacing our water heater (15% yearly cost savings, lower energy use by 5%). To be honest, the first one is a non-starter; there is a huge benefit in not needing ducts, but neither C nor I is thrilled with the look of those blowers hanging off the walls ("no better than our window a/c units" says C), and they appear to work better with a more open floor plan anyway. The cost of such a system falls between the other two options, and the energy savings are comparable to a traditional system (16%), but in terms of monetary savings, it's just 4.9% a year of what we'd spend to install it.<br />
<br />
Option two is the traditional heat pump. Many of our neighbors have successfully had these installed in their older homes, usually with one unit in the attic and one in the basement, and ducts running up and down through closets. As mentioned above, we'd see a 16% reduction in energy use, but the highest savings; while it chops less off our utility bills than the split system, the initial outlay is smaller so we'd see about 6% back per year. This is probably the most straightforward, practical option.<br />
<br />
Option three is geothermal, or using the earth as a heat source/sink. These systems can be extremely efficient, but it is by far the most expensive choice upfront. Our energy usage would be reduced by a whopping 33%, and we'd see almost double the yearly savings as the first two options; however, due to the higher initial costs, this works out to just about 5.5%. There is also a 30% tax credit for these systems through 2016, as well as other incentives offered by our state, which help defray the costs. I think this is the way we'd like to go, if drilling/excavating our yard is feasible and we can get our home "tight" enough to make it worthwhile.<br />
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We will be getting estimates for all of this sealing/insulation work in the coming weeks, and hope to have it complete by the spring, when we can start getting estimates for both traditional and geothermal heat pumps.<br />
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I've kept you all long enough--I'll pass on those DIY tips tomorrow, along with a few steps we've already taken that have really helped on the draftiness front!MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-84974171525481489582011-01-02T22:05:00.000-05:002011-01-02T22:05:17.922-05:00Happy New Year...and energy audit results!Sorry it has been so long since my last post; lots of travelling the past two weeks! I do have lots to share, so I will probably be posting more frequently in the next few days. Thrilling, yes? Let's get started.<br />
<br />
We received the energy audit report on December 23rd, like an early Christmas present (or not). Since Brian had kept us informed of most findings during the walk through, nothing was too surprising, but it was still a bit of a shock to see all of our facts and figures in black and white. Like how much we spend each year in oil and electricity, even without central air and even with keeping the thermostats at 62 in the winter.<br />
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First item in the report: our HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Score, calculated with EPA Accredited software. A 100 means your home is built to current code; an 85 gets you an Energy Star rating---the lower the score, the more efficient the home, in other words. So what did we get? Maybe a 90, or a 104? No. A 147. So, uh, we're pretty inefficient over here. Knew that, but still, it's a bit embarrassing.<br />
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Good news! We passed all of our safety tests for carbon monoxide and the like. So at least we are not dealing with danger here, just comfort and cost.<br />
<br />
Insulation--ack. Here are some figures for you: our ceiling (attic) currently has an R-value of 11; should be 49. Our basement ceiling is currently at 19; should be 25. And the walls, both basement and above ground? Should be 15-20; we currently have a big fat ZERO. So clearly a lot to be done here.<br />
<br />
Air leakage: an average home in our area has an Air Change per Hour rate of .45-.60. Ours is .74---so pretty leaky. We're losing air through the recessed lights on the second floor; rim joists in the basement; first floor windows (original to the house and unlikely to be replaced); the whole house fan (which should be replaced with a newer tighter model or removed altogether); and again, the fact that the walls are not insulated.<br />
<br />
Our oil boiler was determined to be working at 83% efficiency; this could probably be improved with some good maintenance/cleaning. I have been on the waiting list for service since the end of October---perhaps I should give them a call tomorrow to see what's up? We use the oil furnace to heat our hot water as well, and while this is fine in the winter when the boiler is running anyway, it is much less efficient in the summer.<br />
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More good news! We are mostly good on appliances and lighting, having installed Energy Star appliances in the kitchen and switched most of our bulbs to CFLs. I know there is some debate on the worth of an Energy Star label, and CFLs have their own issues (disposal, the fact that they need to warm up), but hopefully these changes are at least saving us a few pennies here and there. I am trying to be better about unplugging my computer at night too!<br />
<br />
Here is one last statistic from our home--the Energy Usage Disaggregation. This is a breakdown of how we use our energy (heating, cooling, lights/appliances, and hot water) and what percent of our energy bills goes to each. In our neck of the woods, we obviously spend more on heating than cooling, but still--get a load of these numbers:<br />
<br />
Cooling (with window a/c units, if anything) 5%<br />
Lights and appliances (apparently about average for our area) 9%<br />
Hot water (high for our area, probably due to inefficiency in the summer) 8%<br />
Heating (combo of oil and electric, thermostats set to avg of 62) 78 %<br />
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That 78% is why we scheduled this audit in the first place. Well, the fact that it's 78% of "what do you mean they are already filling the tank again?" and not 78% of well, anything less.<br />
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Tomorrow I will go over the recommendations for our home, as well as provide some of Brian's energy saving tips anyone can implement immediately--see you then!MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-42342507690828058752010-12-07T15:46:00.000-05:002010-12-07T15:46:11.580-05:00I think we failed our energy audit.....Today we had a visit from B, an enthusiastic young man who works for an energy auditing firm. His company also does remediation work, and installs solar panels and geothermal systems and the like. But for today, we were simply interested in a complete energy audit of our 137-year-old home. We already knew from last winter that we had some serious issues; drafty doorways, cold floors, closets that felt like ice boxes, and crazy high oil and electricity bills. What we need to know is what is causing these problems and how we can fix them or change them for the better. <br />
<br />
We started our four-hour meeting by discussing the house--its age, how we live in it, and what I knew about the current heating systems and how the home was built. We also went over a year's worth of utility bills for the propane, oil, and electricity. Then B got out his infrared camera and I showed him around the house, pointing out areas we had already noticed as weak spots in our energy fortress. R (under the weather and home from school) was roused from the couch long enough to see the dog on infrared, pronouncing it "Cool." I learned that our oldest son's room stays warmer in winter because the chimney for the furnace runs through his wall and emits heat. I also learned that what we had already suspected was in fact true: our exterior walls are NOT insulated. Not at all. Not one little bit. Nada. Zip. Nope. Nothing.<br />
<br />
B then spent some time measuring rooms and ceiling heights indoors, and perimeter measurements outdoors. He went to the basement, where he checked the efficiency of our furnace and also inspected our crawlspaces; this was followed by a trip to the attic, from which he returned quite excited about "all the possibilities for improvement!" (Read: Your attic is so leaky you may as well not even have a roof on it!) After this, things got a little magical; B set up a door frame wrapped in red material, into which was placed a large fan. This whole contraption was wedged into our exterior doorway (door open) and the fan turned up to a speed of about 25mph. B brought out a special wand and we proceeded to walk around the house again as he held his wand around doors and windows and gaps and crevices, and swirly vapor appeared---sometimes it just kind of sat there, indicating normal to minimal leakage, but other times it blew and grew and moved, indicating a big ol' gap somewhere in the wall.<br />
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B will now write up a report with recommendations on how to improve our energy efficiency and save some coin. He prioritizes recommendations based on where he believes we will see the biggest improvements; whether that be in comfort or cost, I don't know. I am sure saving money will no doubt entail spending money; the question is how far are we willing to go? One of our motivations in doing this audit was our plan to put in central air in the next year or two. We know this is essentially pointless if our home is a sieve, so we need to have it sealed up enough to make a new heating/AC system worthwhile. <br />
<br />
Some of the ideas tossed around today seem quite feasible: weatherstripping, caulking, and crawlspace insulation, for example. Air sealing and insulating the attic. But insulating the exterior of the house? We could get a patchy, but okay result attempting to blow stuff into the walls from the attic and basement; or a better result ripping off a few layers of siding, drilling holes every 16", blowing stuff in, filling the holes, and replacing the siding--but if the siding is damaged, it has to be replaced, and if it doesn't match? Hmm. We'd have what B called a "house scar"--ouch! I have even read about other people with older homes basically building a whole new exterior sheath, with the insulation between the old exterior and the new--but this seems way out of the realm of our possibilities....<br />
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When I get the final report I will be sure to share the results, as well as whatever decisions we make in our quest to "tighten" our home.MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-6968624770490012122010-12-03T13:00:00.001-05:002010-12-03T13:00:02.512-05:00Accessorize your kitchenI don't really consider myself an accessory person. I am both baffled and impressed by people who have a bracelet for every outfit, or 20 pairs of black heels, or know how to artfully drape a scarf about their shoulders. But I have to admit I had fun dressing up my new kitchen.<br />
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Most of my accessories are actually holdovers from the old kitchen, but I think being in a different kitchen has given them new life:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWE5iS2GjqpJfpgl2g6qZmR_Ci5Z3B4mcUTgSNZX6fDHHxRUlDLPZNH2sVdyAPGUGG8Zxa_vptzaMaGYlaSD9YUbyfotRBd6H9Q8KwAy1O1mHQraaZhosGSJB_OKSLlwrM7iqMX1z4niM/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWE5iS2GjqpJfpgl2g6qZmR_Ci5Z3B4mcUTgSNZX6fDHHxRUlDLPZNH2sVdyAPGUGG8Zxa_vptzaMaGYlaSD9YUbyfotRBd6H9Q8KwAy1O1mHQraaZhosGSJB_OKSLlwrM7iqMX1z4niM/s320/004.JPG" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New cork board from Etsy. The sewing machine was my grandmother's, and we are using it as a telephone table/charging station.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rdk6GMKTocxsSfEVlBhaFG1SZPZnrsKqFR3a-tZe9BTJJgEttgkL2yD6zHVPXsieTUJbkgzc4tSC8C1Ew1p34tsMg9HM_N08Yp-KRS8DvdP5QKoSi-jHcgnuDRwXo4BlqSU2AUrNecE/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rdk6GMKTocxsSfEVlBhaFG1SZPZnrsKqFR3a-tZe9BTJJgEttgkL2yD6zHVPXsieTUJbkgzc4tSC8C1Ew1p34tsMg9HM_N08Yp-KRS8DvdP5QKoSi-jHcgnuDRwXo4BlqSU2AUrNecE/s320/015.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mason jar soap dispenser</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU47MYw2Izipxwz2KbL_Dve9GP-C1-67_IU5KAiDuaFypUV9v01tNZcjL-xFmThVG-Mk3mrhscIvO2-5MhgVHgSUiR7NrQVzQScZvIy-yOxDnuE0XAKLZSgDaVtsVJFif6mZ7_0eUp70/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU47MYw2Izipxwz2KbL_Dve9GP-C1-67_IU5KAiDuaFypUV9v01tNZcjL-xFmThVG-Mk3mrhscIvO2-5MhgVHgSUiR7NrQVzQScZvIy-yOxDnuE0XAKLZSgDaVtsVJFif6mZ7_0eUp70/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old glass medicine bottles dug up from the streets of New Haven by my grandfather.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9eKgT5ekOZ9IA5SzGn514mTOZ-F3-Z10ej3JULRIULbO_ericE2d67_l_i6N3v9oU8AJ4OEOVhkaCO0lNBBy8-F8NlzGUERlnW11yVtiZ-rYKE9MFZtZqcCP0mkTPNkQQvceubOD_Fw/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9eKgT5ekOZ9IA5SzGn514mTOZ-F3-Z10ej3JULRIULbO_ericE2d67_l_i6N3v9oU8AJ4OEOVhkaCO0lNBBy8-F8NlzGUERlnW11yVtiZ-rYKE9MFZtZqcCP0mkTPNkQQvceubOD_Fw/s320/010.JPG" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New pot rack holding old copper pans, rendered useless (but still beautiful) by switch to induction</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsTIoCTB6E0tV6OmxKWcSW_gQUP33Qy9T4UIokuKAe98aiETyvVzqrILWS1i1amEqWc5cjgnjP2k1phQW9eKYbu0rJXKNaVdbpRIKAj1Jm-0FP16CCSpLU9J0uPyd3RrbKvYB4MzJWYc/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsTIoCTB6E0tV6OmxKWcSW_gQUP33Qy9T4UIokuKAe98aiETyvVzqrILWS1i1amEqWc5cjgnjP2k1phQW9eKYbu0rJXKNaVdbpRIKAj1Jm-0FP16CCSpLU9J0uPyd3RrbKvYB4MzJWYc/s320/009.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandmother's cuckoo clock</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZWLv0d13bjScCxklOyuhgVguAz6jViRt7jUuIOn0ycMg5r_s1o6r5ioElASbQrComno1gt_KUQfzbtta0zDakkK488axAMRxYtxCLQemY2a5W4DlNPbPx7hEnBKjTBlCkpyz7eH-5P0/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZWLv0d13bjScCxklOyuhgVguAz6jViRt7jUuIOn0ycMg5r_s1o6r5ioElASbQrComno1gt_KUQfzbtta0zDakkK488axAMRxYtxCLQemY2a5W4DlNPbPx7hEnBKjTBlCkpyz7eH-5P0/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canisters--the off-white ones are from a flea market; the terra cotta ones used to belong to my parents.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On a different topic: we hosted Thanksgiving this year, and were so happy to have my parents, C's parents, and one of C's brothers spend the day with us. Cooking went swimmingly, and I took great advantage of the warming and convection features on my new ovens. Really helped in getting all the side dishes to the table hot and fresh! The turkey, of course, was fried....MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-34442386243775715972010-12-02T17:25:00.000-05:002010-12-02T17:25:34.613-05:00Timber!So we had some nasty weather yesterday---high winds, over 2" of rain, even some hail. I was sitting all cozy in front of the fireplace when I heard a sound; a faint crack, followed by a muffled thud. Didn't even wake up the dog. I assumed our outdoor towel rack had blown over and went back to my knitting.<br />
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Imagine my surprise, then, when an hour later I passed by the sunroom window and saw this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiclwRkTFpHnIEIJL2GMK6aVYblmno31HzJJMPZV8bXol_qilYdm_6j54FueAFoM9g2vj6WzvpG1SS0qlKfc6GNizdxGJyVJNcyktq9p2ZmFUr4YhJfZSqlkzpV3TnN49gaSzL1IaXzM/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiclwRkTFpHnIEIJL2GMK6aVYblmno31HzJJMPZV8bXol_qilYdm_6j54FueAFoM9g2vj6WzvpG1SS0qlKfc6GNizdxGJyVJNcyktq9p2ZmFUr4YhJfZSqlkzpV3TnN49gaSzL1IaXzM/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The towel rack is just fine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj-ZWZy8R3IyvOJOccbRGDNDYGqJRFmomRgWTHCCmVVPNSaWLYql1nbBYZ9RetLI7jZJ-eVnIMUb40UekxZwGVXLTOwbpyq8bYKakwhqGZpcyQoAk9eMDaA5dZ38a-S4Za1Y3C5IejVI/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj-ZWZy8R3IyvOJOccbRGDNDYGqJRFmomRgWTHCCmVVPNSaWLYql1nbBYZ9RetLI7jZJ-eVnIMUb40UekxZwGVXLTOwbpyq8bYKakwhqGZpcyQoAk9eMDaA5dZ38a-S4Za1Y3C5IejVI/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This poor tree is not.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiO_49o6aJ4NDYxOnQUs3XhC2w43FV49K_FQcr8QXxbRakUfy_NxT4yzQ5SBUilIwVB7TS_VGYijnmTC8woQo4BckwlIUzP7L9FmsFxd8sP1nDi2eKzBOyBWkjqGvBVO9lLx0J0nlo75g/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiO_49o6aJ4NDYxOnQUs3XhC2w43FV49K_FQcr8QXxbRakUfy_NxT4yzQ5SBUilIwVB7TS_VGYijnmTC8woQo4BckwlIUzP7L9FmsFxd8sP1nDi2eKzBOyBWkjqGvBVO9lLx0J0nlo75g/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C and B have gotten a start on hacking it up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This sad tree was not very large, and managed not to do any damage when it fell, but you can see it just missed hitting <em>another</em> tree that could very well have been knocked onto the roof of our sunroom. So we are quite lucky in that respect. We knew this tree was in bad shape---losing its bark and infested with bugs--and removing it was on our to-do list. We just hadn't gotten to it yet. Thanks, Mother Nature!MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-70839719499713380952010-11-06T14:54:00.000-04:002010-11-06T14:54:32.682-04:00...And Everything In Its PlaceI forgot to give a shout-out yesterday to Gordon and Butch for coming over Wednesday morning to work on the refrigerator. The major wobble has been taken care of and the door now opens much more smoothly. They also finished hooking up our ventilation to the outside (now you can stand on our back porch and smell what's for dinner). So it's thanks to them that I was finally able to move all of our food from the old fridges to the new one. Yesterday the ancient laundry room refrigerator that we bought for $35 on Craig's List last year was picked up for recycling (through a program run by our electric company). They will take any old (but working) fridge, freezer, or AC unit and send you a rebate. For the fridge, it is $35, so we are essentially breaking even. I will have to keep track of our bills for the next few months to see how much of a difference the new appliances are actually making; hopefully we will see some change now that the energy hog is gone!<br />
<br />
Now, on to part 2 of our tour around the kitchen:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPoKsPsySQlRcb-2dWL9vkQFFoyhmKIxNNTSb53p77kVj3T6rDnZMZAYZVeebIoCxa8S7WcaKKbpK5XTRs1dyT52l04no2aYK9LvJpHLiz0KApwctLTyCZEE39P4pDFYkbZo50uMoSXo/s1600/organization+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPoKsPsySQlRcb-2dWL9vkQFFoyhmKIxNNTSb53p77kVj3T6rDnZMZAYZVeebIoCxa8S7WcaKKbpK5XTRs1dyT52l04no2aYK9LvJpHLiz0KApwctLTyCZEE39P4pDFYkbZo50uMoSXo/s320/organization+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top peanut: waffle maker, bagel slicer, hand mixers, sifter, and grater</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1Mg4Sgx82cXrIdNEcVB5tQDD6xOj8WrJdrEVLy1G-QQU4PoypCr2pRzWP4raET_Jqp9RiJc3jhj-ln9TSnTw6EDrrtrllkK8riMTHnx6XdsbPpwlg1ipt20Mnd17uWE4M3LMex8UMw4/s1600/organization+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1Mg4Sgx82cXrIdNEcVB5tQDD6xOj8WrJdrEVLy1G-QQU4PoypCr2pRzWP4raET_Jqp9RiJc3jhj-ln9TSnTw6EDrrtrllkK8riMTHnx6XdsbPpwlg1ipt20Mnd17uWE4M3LMex8UMw4/s320/organization+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom peanut: food processor and crockpot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bank of three small drawers next to dishwasher:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqp8vKjD5kr8fS_WFDDuILk6YhlOC81zDC2sz8nIzmgZ4-3nlZO69l5afvTrYGteBnYy0GWi8NnoNmNltoCZjTV7Iml5SD39Qg1mdyn7K1PqJKsGA2-ay0p67Dp2MtSkXWvpyuk-fZttA/s1600/organization+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqp8vKjD5kr8fS_WFDDuILk6YhlOC81zDC2sz8nIzmgZ4-3nlZO69l5afvTrYGteBnYy0GWi8NnoNmNltoCZjTV7Iml5SD39Qg1mdyn7K1PqJKsGA2-ay0p67Dp2MtSkXWvpyuk-fZttA/s320/organization+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top drawer: can openers, garlic press, ice cream scoops, pizza cutter</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgH-yIrZM2v3aADcMxMRpQDwdJVGOl_ODHmeiu11lryfs0q-dWncyvcadVNQ0MVMLOrrRY4H0GdJRNP-7d2Ts0M5k5-09LpIFs3iUYYvuTUnwivWQKSaWs7DiblhxhQW8zCf73TO3Ulk/s1600/organization+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgH-yIrZM2v3aADcMxMRpQDwdJVGOl_ODHmeiu11lryfs0q-dWncyvcadVNQ0MVMLOrrRY4H0GdJRNP-7d2Ts0M5k5-09LpIFs3iUYYvuTUnwivWQKSaWs7DiblhxhQW8zCf73TO3Ulk/s320/organization+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle drawer: small graters, cake slicers, mashers, tenderizers, basters</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagESh8Qnb0uoRA0R9n5Yr244la8h6oEVfMMbYKRikvmeYQl6DELEHVoC3DRdz9O9xK7RJQ7RBwmNrpElCNW79h4tba0WoOkQ47uCAft7_tR72ePSICa-KTLmhexcgVYSvWrFe0MQPl5o/s1600/organization+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagESh8Qnb0uoRA0R9n5Yr244la8h6oEVfMMbYKRikvmeYQl6DELEHVoC3DRdz9O9xK7RJQ7RBwmNrpElCNW79h4tba0WoOkQ47uCAft7_tR72ePSICa-KTLmhexcgVYSvWrFe0MQPl5o/s320/organization+026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom drawer: mostly fruit and veg-related stuff---apple slicer, herb mincers, onion slicer, pineapple corer, peelers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBE5HWa8a4yV4zZVx5EpThV0uLgPM6hSYypAHZhhqQpiaou1NVEXUR7JkuPCfPZoDGbz6ho3spFu8cSz1b2cwYXH9Y8b18lQl9W494w68AWU4SGO-rWJX-qRwNPpgDWFZYFhTci3T6uI/s1600/organization+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBE5HWa8a4yV4zZVx5EpThV0uLgPM6hSYypAHZhhqQpiaou1NVEXUR7JkuPCfPZoDGbz6ho3spFu8cSz1b2cwYXH9Y8b18lQl9W494w68AWU4SGO-rWJX-qRwNPpgDWFZYFhTci3T6uI/s320/organization+027.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper to left of sink: extra white dishes, bowls, nice china</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GXaxFD6XS3FYkpVuOcgBzT267PYOBwjRcEBQ0V-tGx9tM4Aefey2FF1jkbZczBINP6N6URFBD07wwu75BZEpyIxB6vUOgQfGKl4Hoaxg3hKxO6eQWBmOo6Z8enmUIahAtrq61o9Q0tA/s1600/organization+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GXaxFD6XS3FYkpVuOcgBzT267PYOBwjRcEBQ0V-tGx9tM4Aefey2FF1jkbZczBINP6N6URFBD07wwu75BZEpyIxB6vUOgQfGKl4Hoaxg3hKxO6eQWBmOo6Z8enmUIahAtrq61o9Q0tA/s320/organization+028.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper to right of sink: wine glasses, cocktail glasses, carafes, extra mugs (mostly kept for sentimental reasons--my first gallon of donated blood---awww!) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Drawer bank next to trash pullout:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJz54MW2ZQIHeOBcezOhjVOhhtkrKjClq_AsFCFDnRGn2tknWbn2Ma973G6tDRcZtYxjNoXPH_NOlWLpmEktdFBqqnIyoKbMwzTopBdswqnEFvoZNm_XtaDpbnvKk0eg0EVWraKFmO_g/s1600/organization+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJz54MW2ZQIHeOBcezOhjVOhhtkrKjClq_AsFCFDnRGn2tknWbn2Ma973G6tDRcZtYxjNoXPH_NOlWLpmEktdFBqqnIyoKbMwzTopBdswqnEFvoZNm_XtaDpbnvKk0eg0EVWraKFmO_g/s320/organization+029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top drawer: "entertaining" stuff--corkscrews, bottle openers, chopsticks, tiny spreaders for odd cheeses, wine stoppers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2V65KHfRy8a5hdjHc7Kn0xGwBwKBSnTdJ0qgBHv2i-MbRUmdLNQvj9asui_KvTxQAYxy4I6w_IfkEbPvpuEWWoFCe1D9vw88wlRJ5j8L3FVyfFk6IlEUVU7soom5TDEquWlq9w-jY00/s1600/organization+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2V65KHfRy8a5hdjHc7Kn0xGwBwKBSnTdJ0qgBHv2i-MbRUmdLNQvj9asui_KvTxQAYxy4I6w_IfkEbPvpuEWWoFCe1D9vw88wlRJ5j8L3FVyfFk6IlEUVU7soom5TDEquWlq9w-jY00/s320/organization+030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle drawer: dish towels</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTpnBLg6byMK3yKoIhRInx9-vvY-VgNdRG7_eAvaTJTONtSYzy2_bdKN5PklveRJqeyA5eJR5dooKv1-6jeH_A8kcDGjaqVBQ9X2fg7E2Y-MKBSXRYlQAP8WXGhC8Bg0sENB6i8aoI6Y/s1600/organization+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTpnBLg6byMK3yKoIhRInx9-vvY-VgNdRG7_eAvaTJTONtSYzy2_bdKN5PklveRJqeyA5eJR5dooKv1-6jeH_A8kcDGjaqVBQ9X2fg7E2Y-MKBSXRYlQAP8WXGhC8Bg0sENB6i8aoI6Y/s320/organization+031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom drawer: BBQ tools, skewers, corn holders, fondue forks</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2VBMJscVPIQNMzHwsJ48IqvxvkvkZJR_AaLMP0tGAqO0LorjbdvTP2S5XOvHQSH6_9uu64_jqZsQP6J6PnUzTxhrLhuboSvKMKGA37nFTCJWecin8kPlRKNQUw5ZJw911_wtqy1mCgs/s1600/organization+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2VBMJscVPIQNMzHwsJ48IqvxvkvkZJR_AaLMP0tGAqO0LorjbdvTP2S5XOvHQSH6_9uu64_jqZsQP6J6PnUzTxhrLhuboSvKMKGA37nFTCJWecin8kPlRKNQUw5ZJw911_wtqy1mCgs/s320/organization+032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top peanut: mugs (coffee maker is on counter right above)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRGwYJb2uohgwDWTskOuT3vMd2szfY2DJJzVzQWWa8aMkObFj1LgtsrnLxkPscpm6mJTjGSjWacJaZdJfubQ6tUWDYjTFSXFOg9_V_MS7Tkz0LErmkiD92fLw6cLkNQZkuybKP2fZlng/s1600/organization+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRGwYJb2uohgwDWTskOuT3vMd2szfY2DJJzVzQWWa8aMkObFj1LgtsrnLxkPscpm6mJTjGSjWacJaZdJfubQ6tUWDYjTFSXFOg9_V_MS7Tkz0LErmkiD92fLw6cLkNQZkuybKP2fZlng/s320/organization+033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom peanut: panini maker, blender, coffee/spice grinder</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7FnHY4BB-3HWbzxA5Yk2qaG3hKVzx3d5utjMu7XNqQs30MefO9m9PdJy1xe66580FlRhZX1GB25Afl1jcxcuvAEHeHies-OGTomhp6qkyVo8MAg5R6Af45gUscKAmF4urDzf5HWo2YU/s1600/organization+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7FnHY4BB-3HWbzxA5Yk2qaG3hKVzx3d5utjMu7XNqQs30MefO9m9PdJy1xe66580FlRhZX1GB25Afl1jcxcuvAEHeHies-OGTomhp6qkyVo8MAg5R6Af45gUscKAmF4urDzf5HWo2YU/s320/organization+034.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookie sheet/cutting board/metal bakeware storage (I love this one)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9gW7j-gQHUA87aPSXBKC5MznBcA8zleUBmPZxqCaq7ig0uk500kWLHQ9MvOmsIad2G4gIiNHoJdIibC9eT9hj5phx6ZehtYnw1lMvtMxAynM8KwDr2-BDPei9gkNDfb9IgN0Mn8Y5HI/s1600/organization+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9gW7j-gQHUA87aPSXBKC5MznBcA8zleUBmPZxqCaq7ig0uk500kWLHQ9MvOmsIad2G4gIiNHoJdIibC9eT9hj5phx6ZehtYnw1lMvtMxAynM8KwDr2-BDPei9gkNDfb9IgN0Mn8Y5HI/s320/organization+035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French door freezer</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHefsA9tD46qLKSse1XSSRTAHIeOri5JTsuQxsW_6v2C7-cAjrb4yQRxS5-iyMjAVF1sWz47GfnL7eDVjA6R8iN8PvUQDpsAY6m4cSjBFzg0_9qHriD-IjcNgsSlJoZ7SC8XqC2DsyRY/s1600/organization+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHefsA9tD46qLKSse1XSSRTAHIeOri5JTsuQxsW_6v2C7-cAjrb4yQRxS5-iyMjAVF1sWz47GfnL7eDVjA6R8iN8PvUQDpsAY6m4cSjBFzg0_9qHriD-IjcNgsSlJoZ7SC8XqC2DsyRY/s320/organization+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French door fridge--it is shallower than we are used to, but you can see everything, and we do have our old side-by-side in the laundry room for items we don't use on a daily basis, like fish sauce and Thai red curry paste</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So there you have it! Now we just need our window hardware, a few doors, some thresholds, and the exterior of the windows finished and WE ARE DONE! Phew.MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-87345583386023993872010-11-05T12:03:00.000-04:002010-11-05T12:03:49.561-04:00A Place for Everything....For all my kvetching about putting everything back into the kitchen, and in a convenient and practical way that would maximize work flow, I did finally get 'er done. It took me the better part of two whole days, and some "D'oh!" moments where I filled a drawer only to realize something else should go there instead. In the end, however, we are pleased with our new layout; everything is nice and spread out, easy to find, and we even have some space left over to boot! It certainly helped that we did a purge of broken, useless, and otherwise unused items when we cleared the kitchen out before demo, so even with a few new purchases of bakeware, I think we moved less into the new kitchen than we moved out of the old.<br />
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Here are some pictures of how the filled drawers and cabinets look; I'll do half the kitchen today and half tomorrow so as not to completely bore you....I myself have never been too excited about seeing other peoples' fabulously organized closets or kitchens (they make me angry, really), so I completely understand if you find my "okay but not even close to Martha Stewart" skills uninteresting to the nth degree.<br />
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Also, please ignore any questionable food choices you may see herein; we are still easing out of temporary kitchen/convenience food mode!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyH7qA6kH9vqJ8Wg_Bt39p7mnhcZo2R24p_U7cGg3z12neG9uPiAVlCRF2oYFuUaToB9HCtiFVjXWKK8CzdYEecLphP3t0Cc_rgNd3H50CfndMcPULxr2k8auzdapcArNNiUA8qU-u3Q/s1600/organization+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyH7qA6kH9vqJ8Wg_Bt39p7mnhcZo2R24p_U7cGg3z12neG9uPiAVlCRF2oYFuUaToB9HCtiFVjXWKK8CzdYEecLphP3t0Cc_rgNd3H50CfndMcPULxr2k8auzdapcArNNiUA8qU-u3Q/s320/organization+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic container storage--every container has a lid for once!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zXSPobaaQdNwRGtWUfzBoMNUhiyu5w2DcubbEtt7a1xhkDDPaMIF6mBOmfqihoMoQ3sskqp5ryLIObVGTxkSWDpvtC1O_KwqgH6t775UMUHJYGvfeGBYbTo4Pn-AREEIgAp8h5fuFlw/s1600/organization+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zXSPobaaQdNwRGtWUfzBoMNUhiyu5w2DcubbEtt7a1xhkDDPaMIF6mBOmfqihoMoQ3sskqp5ryLIObVGTxkSWDpvtC1O_KwqgH6t775UMUHJYGvfeGBYbTo4Pn-AREEIgAp8h5fuFlw/s320/organization+006.JPG" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water bottles, cups, and plates for the kids--left over from the temporary kitchen. The comparable cabinet on the other side of the refrigerator drawers holds a trash can for the hole in the countertop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXtl1zaqSl65TyamMBOI95V1scD0iBGo6KLkPjsK8rnoL30d2L-M-DpiNbbyoZHlS_RE-MgrlA7A7nqmYckqHXg1mIV-VJk5zCTPjpIJGq9NtcEGFQ0IxeCWbwpcQNvGGcjl7DR30NOs/s1600/organization+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXtl1zaqSl65TyamMBOI95V1scD0iBGo6KLkPjsK8rnoL30d2L-M-DpiNbbyoZHlS_RE-MgrlA7A7nqmYckqHXg1mIV-VJk5zCTPjpIJGq9NtcEGFQ0IxeCWbwpcQNvGGcjl7DR30NOs/s320/organization+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refrigerator drawer--the kids can even keep their own milk in here</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHKwyinyrzUBY-yJsSEZ2_zYCw26C_Wh81kSQ4f2zxFFQURXUIfcVRRU8bmsLC_Z87WxVVHFxxWAws7Xm9yrOlcZ9FrqjSKbH_7_niVEDSCvqE1h-bXdbr2ZAljcoS2igqIpw1gGaKWo/s1600/organization+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHKwyinyrzUBY-yJsSEZ2_zYCw26C_Wh81kSQ4f2zxFFQURXUIfcVRRU8bmsLC_Z87WxVVHFxxWAws7Xm9yrOlcZ9FrqjSKbH_7_niVEDSCvqE1h-bXdbr2ZAljcoS2igqIpw1gGaKWo/s320/organization+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ice maker takes up a lot of room, but we can still fit waffles and snacks in here</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmaayAKvVMFm3344QcAUKjPAv9GwhfpT_Dqx48cG59BUygr3XMZvM6T3vWBJ78i52RCny-tr9gdm4d3NifYyU4VmgzJo0MVFTot09R3J3mb6lcZF3_MxJOsF2b71SXJhmfZJiWQbGs08/s1600/organization+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmaayAKvVMFm3344QcAUKjPAv9GwhfpT_Dqx48cG59BUygr3XMZvM6T3vWBJ78i52RCny-tr9gdm4d3NifYyU4VmgzJo0MVFTot09R3J3mb6lcZF3_MxJOsF2b71SXJhmfZJiWQbGs08/s320/organization+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liked the look of these drawers in the middle of the pantry, but wondered what to do with them; they are perfect for all of our wraps and bags</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9cUA_gIzFNdKITiU3r9Sm0pyZSQS9s0KO5KOvD0KJtkO2seTgKpQrvHMwLcnpQ9CzYLsB_LhUzBBdLsUG7DI6Oem1zNI5gSnQkgnLnrf9wmB2L9rMyrM75qoCBaYATOZDpgBT7PcsjE/s1600/organization+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9cUA_gIzFNdKITiU3r9Sm0pyZSQS9s0KO5KOvD0KJtkO2seTgKpQrvHMwLcnpQ9CzYLsB_LhUzBBdLsUG7DI6Oem1zNI5gSnQkgnLnrf9wmB2L9rMyrM75qoCBaYATOZDpgBT7PcsjE/s320/organization+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of pantry with dry goods, teas, snacks and cereals</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9JUZ9S2Vn8TZD3KhM6Jz16MQ9_jWkgVcJhyphenhyphenLYTCHv5z1lllinpUYKPbh0B51GWxwmQEzIOxAkSU3WFNOZm6_8K4jumSzuI-2B6M_oqjfiyRnwIGJDARs9uqox8K8SK_uuhAKivit25g/s1600/organization+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9JUZ9S2Vn8TZD3KhM6Jz16MQ9_jWkgVcJhyphenhyphenLYTCHv5z1lllinpUYKPbh0B51GWxwmQEzIOxAkSU3WFNOZm6_8K4jumSzuI-2B6M_oqjfiyRnwIGJDARs9uqox8K8SK_uuhAKivit25g/s320/organization+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom of pantry with rices and pastas on top pull-out, canned goods on lower pull-out</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz40cE03XH9invbl9qmXE_P0dQ9EfTXtpoMVH-WgdO3estvmdp2wx-aNvZ1UqZvZtLZ28-d_LelLTOcWY3EGVtPwhEsasnR8UlgrLH6uf5NWPCHxlzLsgAtJaoryvpm4oUtjrbQnN2iZM/s1600/organization+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz40cE03XH9invbl9qmXE_P0dQ9EfTXtpoMVH-WgdO3estvmdp2wx-aNvZ1UqZvZtLZ28-d_LelLTOcWY3EGVtPwhEsasnR8UlgrLH6uf5NWPCHxlzLsgAtJaoryvpm4oUtjrbQnN2iZM/s320/organization+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the double ovens; we also keep a large cast-iron griddle in here</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-JAyjoK878LGCeGNfK9nijtLxA8vOjVImFg5UhUmTrSMoMg9U6cyt4IG4HopohSoJ6dpYX0Tb-dEmbmROvTekYLLJUxuW4T2ziST7lSOWa_7IYe3GMf8SFZIPFoLUf1yeTrGTUveJhQ/s1600/organization+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-JAyjoK878LGCeGNfK9nijtLxA8vOjVImFg5UhUmTrSMoMg9U6cyt4IG4HopohSoJ6dpYX0Tb-dEmbmROvTekYLLJUxuW4T2ziST7lSOWa_7IYe3GMf8SFZIPFoLUf1yeTrGTUveJhQ/s320/organization+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above double oven; serving platters, mixer, bread maker and fondue pots!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocO6uhDVOvqIO6WtxFhtnBYxe1slRhqy0NZllfxDWAcSRzItBIaiEasL2E-aXmSv1FkdIeFwUCtP609yzWS66RVKKuo44fo6oV5Obtvl8O7r-QEmmbias2exp2sazrfk7qH2jFPtuq7c/s1600/organization+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocO6uhDVOvqIO6WtxFhtnBYxe1slRhqy0NZllfxDWAcSRzItBIaiEasL2E-aXmSv1FkdIeFwUCtP609yzWS66RVKKuo44fo6oV5Obtvl8O7r-QEmmbias2exp2sazrfk7qH2jFPtuq7c/s320/organization+014.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left of hood--alcohol on a high shelf, liquid measuring cups, and oils/vinegars close by for cooking</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCp6MJ351jbpiUrdsEbsPvY5N1jErfs8U9bFE8VqpSV13zHeqme2nKzFvBraowPXaJsZmwDLRU1jnIv1I3QnlaZjGA-YOGnjJoNSTujWD7iOjBDf3vKAVlf2hgrl2AeBxubDdh875YRWM/s1600/organization+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCp6MJ351jbpiUrdsEbsPvY5N1jErfs8U9bFE8VqpSV13zHeqme2nKzFvBraowPXaJsZmwDLRU1jnIv1I3QnlaZjGA-YOGnjJoNSTujWD7iOjBDf3vKAVlf2hgrl2AeBxubDdh875YRWM/s320/organization+015.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right of hood---vases, infrequently used spices in the middle, commonly used spices on the bottom shelf</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoN3otkP-XkO6AMNMmm859Z5xE7OZ3M-cX_owAm9FpugHf0hI133gjd0KYcTXNRIASLvKKWmVBZDfAzbwS1p1iah4W1N6-r6OT9PatSZpV4xhDo1ZnIkz0f52NvM7FinEe648IKLStZ4/s1600/organization+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoN3otkP-XkO6AMNMmm859Z5xE7OZ3M-cX_owAm9FpugHf0hI133gjd0KYcTXNRIASLvKKWmVBZDfAzbwS1p1iah4W1N6-r6OT9PatSZpV4xhDo1ZnIkz0f52NvM7FinEe648IKLStZ4/s320/organization+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the cooktop--oven mitts, spoons and spatulas, ladles and whisks (having the drawer right under the cooktop be usable space is awesome!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2ELBmV2WlGhvi_CKSdRCxpS2z9PNlB1Ptmh-vOm09PW6ky3iIC2wo6RHBn0bZZfYrpXlgL5LlpzrqTJiPTypU9rOhTotePJliSls7KJTt1uh5zfTcp_VOTlWAodE9dhYnYMCWcPD-8Y/s1600/organization+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2ELBmV2WlGhvi_CKSdRCxpS2z9PNlB1Ptmh-vOm09PW6ky3iIC2wo6RHBn0bZZfYrpXlgL5LlpzrqTJiPTypU9rOhTotePJliSls7KJTt1uh5zfTcp_VOTlWAodE9dhYnYMCWcPD-8Y/s320/organization+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left drawer--metal mixing bowls, funnels, measuring cups, and measuring spoons in a flatware tray laid out by size (no more searching for the elusive 3/4 tsp!) Right drawer--glass baking dishes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWUx3OX12HhWdfsfFw_C_ei4zG1Esklj_HDembcqoybhtop0s-rpZ0Aij-wlu8DWDN8xHULVyI77TJ9KLrWqvd9emmM8gBfsjIN0tw12v3V8Hm59HC36v3vNhpg4Z6fjpF-f44urdwc8/s1600/organization+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWUx3OX12HhWdfsfFw_C_ei4zG1Esklj_HDembcqoybhtop0s-rpZ0Aij-wlu8DWDN8xHULVyI77TJ9KLrWqvd9emmM8gBfsjIN0tw12v3V8Hm59HC36v3vNhpg4Z6fjpF-f44urdwc8/s320/organization+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left drawer--glass mixing bowls, more baking dishes, casseroles. Right drawer--pots and pans with lids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bank of three drawers between cooktop and blind corner cabinet:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLx_tMVC9mNdfq7BFz0iy6rKw5sy8ODyrxZl6UDWRxReneNrl_D1F4oVRTCd5qC77Suqp7sNo5ggC4zj21TCSaE0reeMNsSIJ49bPiIy_oW1ngse9H2I-Ad0i5Bvf-icJShk18yW0e0Q4/s1600/organization+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLx_tMVC9mNdfq7BFz0iy6rKw5sy8ODyrxZl6UDWRxReneNrl_D1F4oVRTCd5qC77Suqp7sNo5ggC4zj21TCSaE0reeMNsSIJ49bPiIy_oW1ngse9H2I-Ad0i5Bvf-icJShk18yW0e0Q4/s320/organization+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top drawer--flatware. This drawer is in a convenient location to the dishwasher for putting clean utensils away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDlgcUGy0oB4DobV0eExTZ3ZI7hQJo1pArttQiMiTvYKSo3Goqo2yLESWiYmmg0Q3IT9JGlvdGlfYbVc6-NYEJkDwEZg1mgpjeRvVqaKWZrIe0d6UVyTlSX-VWshKnZnDZmo4GEMgugs/s1600/organization+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDlgcUGy0oB4DobV0eExTZ3ZI7hQJo1pArttQiMiTvYKSo3Goqo2yLESWiYmmg0Q3IT9JGlvdGlfYbVc6-NYEJkDwEZg1mgpjeRvVqaKWZrIe0d6UVyTlSX-VWshKnZnDZmo4GEMgugs/s320/organization+020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle drawer---casual cups and glasses. I plan on putting some cushy shelf liner in this drawer to keep the glasses in their places and cut down on chipping. I made this decision to put the glasses in a drawer because it is more convenient for the kids.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVK4spqgq1Fly6cr-NRSKnTSXMEx_VTSWZpO3umJyrLdLJkXYIQRkM1K-X-Mi2cF9d5ShJUX-9wJd565-f09y41nyYpLRUy5DHUFJcs4wjlEg36FhO6V_Np013XjqyOpdBgNPjy8sWKI/s1600/organization+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVK4spqgq1Fly6cr-NRSKnTSXMEx_VTSWZpO3umJyrLdLJkXYIQRkM1K-X-Mi2cF9d5ShJUX-9wJd565-f09y41nyYpLRUy5DHUFJcs4wjlEg36FhO6V_Np013XjqyOpdBgNPjy8sWKI/s320/organization+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom drawer---ditto the plates; much easier for the kids to help set the table, or get a bowl of cereal with the dishes in here.<br />
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</tbody></table>If you made it this far, thanks for sticking with me. I'll post the rest of the kitchen later. Off to make my beloved granola for the first time in eight weeks---yum!MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834122990014826450.post-86286297463674246952010-11-01T20:24:00.000-04:002010-11-01T20:24:26.187-04:00Whistle while you workWith most of the work completed, and the house empty of tools and shop vacs and spare pieces of trim and the like, I finally had an opportunity to CLEAN. I'm embarrassed to say that, aside from wiping down some toilets and sinks and attempting to dust and vacuum during a parental visit last month, I haven't really done much cleaning during this remodel. There hasn't been much point; I would wipe down a shelf, and literally 20 minutes later it would be covered in dust again. I felt like Ingrid Bergman in <em>Gaslight, </em>with a little Charles Boyer dumping tiny bags of dust on my bookshelves and kicking it around with evil glee<em>.</em><br />
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Besides the sunroom/temporary kitchen, the worst hit room was the purple room where C and I like to hang out. Everything went through this room--appliances, workers, paint, pieces of lumber---and a lot of sawing was done on the porch right outside. This room looked like the Sahara, and I couldn't wait to get it clean; I just didn't think it would take me 6 hours to do it! Granted, I did a pretty thorough job, moving couches and tables and lifting up the edges of the rugs, cleaning all the knick knacks and picture frames and doors....but <em>6 hours of dust in one room</em>? Crazy. Fortunately for me, the rest of the first floor went much faster; second floor is up later this week after everything is finished tomorrow.<br />
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Today Kevin was here doing some touch ups and door trimming, etc. Butch was also here working on the refrigerator (if this appliance does not put me, and possibly everyone involved in this process, into therapy, it will be a miracle). It <em>looks</em> great, but the freezer door is all wonky and wobbly and scrapes on one side. If G and B can't get this hunk of metal in line, I may have to call in the cavalry (otherwise known as "service guys from the store where I purchased it") to come take a look. I really want to move stuff into this fridge, especially since our old laundry room fridge (currently in service in the temp kitchen) is being picked up for recycling on Friday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdpfgEdwTcpSWtUKUwHWUr8a39sUcWkSxCildBQ7CFeZs0UHYnGlfod811wRn_TFXwevhyphenhypheny1HdI5rYQ-kdwlrN4Qf4-vAAGBic4MTkG8G6VQFU7vViAWlpAj-ENUnab51CNsEI8c8KwQ/s1600/fridgehutch+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdpfgEdwTcpSWtUKUwHWUr8a39sUcWkSxCildBQ7CFeZs0UHYnGlfod811wRn_TFXwevhyphenhypheny1HdI5rYQ-kdwlrN4Qf4-vAAGBic4MTkG8G6VQFU7vViAWlpAj-ENUnab51CNsEI8c8KwQ/s320/fridgehutch+001.JPG" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both pocket doors now installed </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5fA8pb5LALK04oGNjQREN0Bwh5Y6NDFiM-aQ-f5mI-A-eQpC_Z0c-2FlDplyJ056ADQgfE-cJsSRennffoOwzI6SCbdkxIZcssYa6YJg0XxakrwI2F9Iq6XmSE-nlR3LVuuRm9vT2sw/s1600/fridgehutch+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5fA8pb5LALK04oGNjQREN0Bwh5Y6NDFiM-aQ-f5mI-A-eQpC_Z0c-2FlDplyJ056ADQgfE-cJsSRennffoOwzI6SCbdkxIZcssYa6YJg0XxakrwI2F9Iq6XmSE-nlR3LVuuRm9vT2sw/s320/fridgehutch+002.JPG" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both doors up--microwave had to be elevated because the plug was in the way</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmsvAkCxgIbTpfGc5dMi4q3UpMUj1QER9aGIevMJvfbW9FHDWLF8n0l-pmGOgnQ4K5M4VPZ0a7TAYQo46UbOdb7zMn3ui7XpR5AKC7vqRpedeFgMs5u6KIMnzcEMdWIGj9BKLpg4kZkU/s1600/fridgehutch+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmsvAkCxgIbTpfGc5dMi4q3UpMUj1QER9aGIevMJvfbW9FHDWLF8n0l-pmGOgnQ4K5M4VPZ0a7TAYQo46UbOdb7zMn3ui7XpR5AKC7vqRpedeFgMs5u6KIMnzcEMdWIGj9BKLpg4kZkU/s320/fridgehutch+003.JPG" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fridge with panels and cool handles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBmVkujXi2XSiTeQfXnXCIxCgy0JRhWmYOAzDPi0SH0K-0_wpM9cRvlztGkGBZ-YXSFPd_MMJoF5kyyGjMed3OkGTTpmPjrQ2aoa6r2GnCwcBBEN1udZwGiL4et-1k8bP7A1-Q2Ym7fA/s1600/fridgehutch+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBmVkujXi2XSiTeQfXnXCIxCgy0JRhWmYOAzDPi0SH0K-0_wpM9cRvlztGkGBZ-YXSFPd_MMJoF5kyyGjMed3OkGTTpmPjrQ2aoa6r2GnCwcBBEN1udZwGiL4et-1k8bP7A1-Q2Ym7fA/s320/fridgehutch+004.JPG" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of fridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvmVH_-qVOtQqupdOt4r_p-IEefs1KwiYKUX11iip4EbCyBORL7E6YPTU_DJeSYgr8jvqhJDhALwQhqoj_FsDU2jV4GXR40l5iDTIXBo_RFVL0dNIPiLTXyvNJHgJ9jH6cIUAaXOd2co/s1600/fridgehutch+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvmVH_-qVOtQqupdOt4r_p-IEefs1KwiYKUX11iip4EbCyBORL7E6YPTU_DJeSYgr8jvqhJDhALwQhqoj_FsDU2jV4GXR40l5iDTIXBo_RFVL0dNIPiLTXyvNJHgJ9jH6cIUAaXOd2co/s320/fridgehutch+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We moved our tables back in!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoH7xtPx9dXyn5ruxnkkxUe1C3bso7Fnvdh6r8chLkdCTpkaAUO2QUwulVO2WBSZh-lzvxUthmMHVNwSd7mcyZ2VGIdXkYdO-GFzzm2HcfesrGFk8Uut05f6RJ1JfzP5-dFBOzYIIPQ-w/s1600/fridgehutch+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoH7xtPx9dXyn5ruxnkkxUe1C3bso7Fnvdh6r8chLkdCTpkaAUO2QUwulVO2WBSZh-lzvxUthmMHVNwSd7mcyZ2VGIdXkYdO-GFzzm2HcfesrGFk8Uut05f6RJ1JfzP5-dFBOzYIIPQ-w/s320/fridgehutch+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from sink toward pantry--you can see my Grandmother's old sewing machine in the corner, now in use as a telephone table<br />
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</tbody></table>Kevin will finish up tomorrow, and as soon as the vent cover arrives (hopefully tomorrow) Gordon and Butch will return to finish up all of their work and tackle the refrigerator. My next battle: organizing our kitchen gear into all these new drawers and cupboards. I don't even know where to begin!MLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12550486336335326850noreply@blogger.com0