Sounded like a good idea

This morning as I left for work I decided to introduce Jingle to Yukon's old kennel. I moved in his new doghouse. Bribed him with an ample supply of treats. Locked him in and left him alone. From the window I was able to observe that he was comfortable being in the kennel...so I left for work.

Background: The last few days the ground near the back fence is essentially just mud. Where do you think Jingle chooses to take his day long naps? You guessed correctly. My motivation to put him in the kennel was to a) keep him clean and b) allow for time outside in the fresh air.

The plan worked beautifully...except I put the doghouse in the wrong location. There is only one concrete square missing in the kennel. Jingle, while content, decided to attempt to tunnel his way out of Stalag 1524. He's a muddy mess (again!). Alas, I'm a quick learner and I will attempt this experiment again tomorrow - but with the house about 3 feet north of its current location!

APPLIANCES!

APPLIANCES!
Originally uploaded by J-Travels.

The appliances are here (but they're in the dining room). Like a kid at Christmas, Lisa couldn't help but peek into the boxes! It's only a matter of time until this project is complete How much time? Nobody knows.

Base cabinets start going in

Base cabinets start going in
Originally uploaded by J-Travels.

Steve chased followed the flooring guys with base cabinets. Countertop measurements are scheduled for Friday morning so he's under a little pressure to get all the base cabinets in place.

Wall-to-wall WOOD

Starting from the back of the house the guys laid down a large amount of hardwood today. The room(s) are really starting to take shape. Steve'll be here tomorrow to start setting the bottom cabinets and giving us a better idea of the shape of things to come.

Colorful Transformation

Lisa got busy glazing over the new paint in the old dining room and front room. The finished product will take it from a green-ish taupe to a shimmery bronze finish.

Painting, painting, paint....

The painters showed up at 7:20 this morning. Jack was in the shower and I was in my bathrobe. Nice...I made John answer the door.
It's worth every penny to watch someone else paint for once! They will probably be here all day, we will be at an Irish/New Orleans style wedding. (don't ask)
Jingle will be playing by himself in the backyard. He can play catch with himself now. It's very funny. He throws his stuffed animals and then runs to retrieve them. Poor guy- he's been banished outside for much of the day lately.
Lisa

If you listen really close you'll hear the it drying....

Today was a peaceful day at the Janezic residence. I'm so happy- I got to sneak in a nap! Steve was here cleaning up after the drywallers. They claimed the bid did not include sweeping up the garbage. Steve won't ream them out until they're done working. Smart man.

I like the fireplace wall and the smaller opening to the front of the house. It might make the upstairs more quiet. You can see the 10 million light holes for all the recessed lighting.

The "new" doorway to the kitchen/family room:

The photo above is from the back door.


Fireplace wall:

Kitchen wall and ceiling:

It's hard to see, but to the right will be the little cubby for our shelves in the laundry room. There will be a bench on the left.

Color Under Pressure

I take no responsibility for errors in picking the right color. I had less than 24 hours to choose, and had to guess at the right shade- because we have no lights downstairs! Well, it's only paint, right? The middle shade is the laundry room. Kind of bright, but it's a small space! If I hate it I'll just close the door.

The green on the upper left is the kitchen/family room. The bottom right is the color for the dining room/ front room. It will have a metallic glaze over that color. So it will look more bronze.

One busy Wednesday

The flooring arrived today. I thought the pile would be bigger! Unfortunately the drywall was still being completed. So, it sits in the front room "breathing" for a few days. The drywall workers were nice enough to leave not only the big garage door open, but the inside door to the house about two feet open as well. I got home at 8:00 to find the door standing open to a completely pitch black house. Jack was nice enough to remain on the phone with me while I searched the house- just in case he needed to call 911. Their excuse was, "they thought I was home".....hmmmm. Should have told them I was leaving in Spanish....

New Fireplace

New Fireplace
Originally uploaded by J-Travels.

We are excited to see the new fireplace in place and in action.

Something New!

Our new fireplace wall is taking shape today. This wall will have shelves and cabinets to hold all our stuff. I haven't seen anyone in two days- but my dryer keeps moving. Now it's in the front room! I can't come home to sneak in a nap anymore- so I have been going to the healthclub after school. I will be ready for shorts this summer!

This is the laundry room with the pocket door framing. The door has moved back a considerable amount. On the right is the old wall- the door was even with that air duct.

We continue on....

Lisa

Weekends = Work

Look- the dog took a break from eating all the construction scraps!

Jingle is getting in on the action- that's Jacob and the half-wall. Soon to be history.

The family room is so spacious with the refrigerator gone....

The electrician was here bright and early on Saturday to finish up some work. We went on a quest to the city to look at and finalize our countertops. We overspent on the counter- but got a better deal on the fireplace on Sunday.

We ripped out the carpeting in the front room/ dining room. Jack installed some speakers in the wall- we've been meaning to do that for about 5 years.

Our cabinets are scheduled to arrive the 14th, the fireplace the 12th, and the flooring the 19th. Things are moving right along!

Hardly anything big today!

Today had the least amount of visible work that has gone on so far. We know someone was here- the shop vac and ladders were in different places! Lots of electrical going in and lots of ceiling tiles are being moved in the basement to connect the Star Trek system that will be in place (someday)!
Jingle is taking the remodeling in stride, he likes to sniff around and pick up all the small pieces left behind- drywall, wood, screws, anything is good for him. He's like a hairy shopvac....
Steve O. our GC spoils him by playing with him, letting him in and out of the house and giving him lots of attention. That dog will sure miss all the guys around to take care of him during the day.
Tomorrow the new dryer arrives to be stacked on the newish washing machine. I've only gone a couple of days without both, but the kids seem to run out of socks instantly- even though they wear the same pair for days unless reminded.
Our cabinets, counters and microwave have been donated to charity. Steve's friend collects things to ship down to Haiti. So our cabinets may end up the victims of a riot or a political coup. Not sure if they even have electricity for the microwave, but it will look good in someone's kitchen.
- Lisa