Merry Christmas!
20081225
The Best Gift Ever
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were so afraid. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2: 9-14
20081205
Friday Morning Snap Shot
This view greeted me as I rolled out of bed. I was too groggy (more likely grumpy) to really appreciate it. I must have been particularly bad because Kelly made me a latte and delivered it with "looks like we're having a rough morning". He doesn't care for coffee and this was his first attempt at grinding the beans and running the espresso machine.After delicious caffination and a truly scenic drive into work, I realize how blessed we are to wake up to this every morning, together. I could see frosty cover for miles and miles - snow dusted everything from the prairie to the top of Pikes Peak, glowing pink in the sunrise. The views on mornings like this reminds me that I need to figure out which box my good camera is packed in.
This isn't a bad shot considering Kelly took it with his cell phone, through our bedroom patio door, while still lying in bed. Not bad at all further considering his wife was fumbling around and growling at the morning when he snapped it and emailed it to her.
_
20081103
Hacienda Update: Occupancy
We're in! Thanks to lots of volunteer help from Mom and Dad, we moved in Saturday and spent the first night in our new house! Woo hoo!
20081030
You should vote
because some other people will and really shouldn't.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQvw8rvcQxg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQvw8rvcQxg
20081024
Hacienda Update: Master Bathroom
Our master bath vessel sinks arrived last Friday. We already had faucets and were hoping they would work with the new sinks.
I have yet to see it in person, but Kelly installed all of them this morning and sent me a picture from his cell phone. Erin- here are those sinks you picked as your favorite! I hope you still like them.
I'll be changing out the wooden pulls on the vanity to either oil-rubbed bronze or chrome. I'd like to de-countrify the vanity a little and take it more towards rustic from country.
I have yet to see it in person, but Kelly installed all of them this morning and sent me a picture from his cell phone. Erin- here are those sinks you picked as your favorite! I hope you still like them.
I'll be changing out the wooden pulls on the vanity to either oil-rubbed bronze or chrome. I'd like to de-countrify the vanity a little and take it more towards rustic from country.
20081017
Hacienda Update: It's not Palmolive
Dishpan hands got you down? Try having mortar hand!
I can tell you that after a few nights working with this nasty mortar, my hand has begun peeling - my palm, the sides of my fingers. Ugh! How can bricklayers work with this stuff DAILY? Mummification had begun, my fingers literally couldn't stretch out because the mortar had sucked out their life-essence. Now, after constant moisturizing, I'm peeling, similar to a sunburn...just more dried out.
What's so bad about brick mason's mortar? Well, it evidently contains lime and other irritating stuff. Which brings up a funny story...
I thought it contained lye, a highly corrosive alkaline. I dated a guy who boasted that if he needed to make a "hit" for a close devotee (there was my FIRST clue he wasn't prince charming), he knew he'd take the body to the Utah desert, dig a shallow grave, and add a 50 lb blanket of lye. In a few months, there would be no evidence of his dirty deed. (Jealous you didn't date him too, I know. I know.)
So there I am, working bare-handed with this mortar, when my husband tells me it contains lime. I think he means lye, and I freak out that my right hand will begin to mummify or decompose while my left hand will stay young and supple long after the tissue on my right hand is gone.
The horror!!
So I researched mortar a little: "Cement is caustic (a corrosive alkaline) and prolonged contact with wet cement will cause skin irritation and burns. Cement contains hexavalent chromium, which causes allergic dermatitis. Other masonry materials are abrasive and irritating to the skin, and increase the likelihood of developing an allergy."
Whew! So my hand is only just irritated. Fine. I can deal with irritation while I take in the rewarding results. And now YOU can take in the results without any skin irritation. See below.
We built the mantle out of solid wood, routered the edge, trimmed it out, and then applied stonework around it and the fireplace. All that's left to do is paint the mantle, remove the protective paper, strike a match, and we're rockin' around the fireplace!
-stonework completed 11:16 p.m. 10/16/2008
_
I can tell you that after a few nights working with this nasty mortar, my hand has begun peeling - my palm, the sides of my fingers. Ugh! How can bricklayers work with this stuff DAILY? Mummification had begun, my fingers literally couldn't stretch out because the mortar had sucked out their life-essence. Now, after constant moisturizing, I'm peeling, similar to a sunburn...just more dried out.
What's so bad about brick mason's mortar? Well, it evidently contains lime and other irritating stuff. Which brings up a funny story...
I thought it contained lye, a highly corrosive alkaline. I dated a guy who boasted that if he needed to make a "hit" for a close devotee (there was my FIRST clue he wasn't prince charming), he knew he'd take the body to the Utah desert, dig a shallow grave, and add a 50 lb blanket of lye. In a few months, there would be no evidence of his dirty deed. (Jealous you didn't date him too, I know. I know.)
So there I am, working bare-handed with this mortar, when my husband tells me it contains lime. I think he means lye, and I freak out that my right hand will begin to mummify or decompose while my left hand will stay young and supple long after the tissue on my right hand is gone.
The horror!!
So I researched mortar a little: "Cement is caustic (a corrosive alkaline) and prolonged contact with wet cement will cause skin irritation and burns. Cement contains hexavalent chromium, which causes allergic dermatitis. Other masonry materials are abrasive and irritating to the skin, and increase the likelihood of developing an allergy."
Whew! So my hand is only just irritated. Fine. I can deal with irritation while I take in the rewarding results. And now YOU can take in the results without any skin irritation. See below.
We built the mantle out of solid wood, routered the edge, trimmed it out, and then applied stonework around it and the fireplace. All that's left to do is paint the mantle, remove the protective paper, strike a match, and we're rockin' around the fireplace!
-stonework completed 11:16 p.m. 10/16/2008
_
20081009
Hacienda Update: MOVE IN DATE SET means MORE WORK
no, I'm still no closer to counter tops... waiting for a few more estimates to come in before I decide. For now, its looking like we'll have fabulous plywood surfaces, temporarily. Hey, a girl's gotta cook!
BUT over dinner during date-night last night, we set a goal for move-in week - Oct 26!
Joy! Glee!
We made a list of "must have at a minimum"s for move-in.
My assignment is to find, purchase, and install:
* closet shelving/hanger racks
* matching bathroom sinks for our "green" vanity (thanks again craigslist!)
* matching faucets for our matching sinks
* matching light fixtures for the above mentioned vanity
* a bedroom door
Thankfully we already have a kitchen sink, disposer, and faucet on the standby
I also need to find a Landlords book and renters for my little house.
Now I need to get to work and make a decision on those sinks I've been eyeballing.
BUT over dinner during date-night last night, we set a goal for move-in week - Oct 26!
Joy! Glee!
We made a list of "must have at a minimum"s for move-in.
My assignment is to find, purchase, and install:
* closet shelving/hanger racks
* matching bathroom sinks for our "green" vanity (thanks again craigslist!)
* matching faucets for our matching sinks
* matching light fixtures for the above mentioned vanity
* a bedroom door
Thankfully we already have a kitchen sink, disposer, and faucet on the standby
I also need to find a Landlords book and renters for my little house.
Now I need to get to work and make a decision on those sinks I've been eyeballing.
This one:
this one:
this:
or this:
this one:
this:
or this:
20081006
going Green and turning Red
I've been struggling with a decision on what material to use on my kitchen counter tops.
It seems every "green" or recycled or environmentally friendly/sustainable product is priced even higher than top-of-the line granite slabs.
These "green" manufacturing companies can't expect people to bypass copious amounts of natural granite for their particulate glass, epoxy, and resin artificial tops when they're 1.5-3 times the price, can they?
Well, I won't.
If I'm going to blow over $6k on counter tops, they had better seal themselves, wipe themselves clean, and give me compliments and cooking advice while I'm in the kitchen.
It's frustrating to try to "go green" when the average consumer can't even afford it as an option.
I've never even really LIKED the look of granite all these years.
Solid surface (like corian) looks good to me, but isn't really affordable either.
Ugh.
I've researched plastic tops, paper tops, pouring my own cement tops, piecing my own reclaimed lumber tops, and tiling my own tops, but nothing seems to be a livable or practical choice.
Now what?
I guess formica atop a particle board backer is the only option left. Too bad they don't make a backer out of bamboo or recycled cardboard yet.
(Well, they might...just at the same price per linear foot as solid gold.)
I wish I had more options. Maybe in 5 years or so, demand for an affordable responsible product will have increased enough to push consumer prices down.
.
It seems every "green" or recycled or environmentally friendly/sustainable product is priced even higher than top-of-the line granite slabs.
These "green" manufacturing companies can't expect people to bypass copious amounts of natural granite for their particulate glass, epoxy, and resin artificial tops when they're 1.5-3 times the price, can they?
Well, I won't.
If I'm going to blow over $6k on counter tops, they had better seal themselves, wipe themselves clean, and give me compliments and cooking advice while I'm in the kitchen.
It's frustrating to try to "go green" when the average consumer can't even afford it as an option.
I've never even really LIKED the look of granite all these years.
Solid surface (like corian) looks good to me, but isn't really affordable either.
Ugh.
I've researched plastic tops, paper tops, pouring my own cement tops, piecing my own reclaimed lumber tops, and tiling my own tops, but nothing seems to be a livable or practical choice.
Now what?
I guess formica atop a particle board backer is the only option left. Too bad they don't make a backer out of bamboo or recycled cardboard yet.
(Well, they might...just at the same price per linear foot as solid gold.)
I wish I had more options. Maybe in 5 years or so, demand for an affordable responsible product will have increased enough to push consumer prices down.
.
20081003
20080926
Stop! Color time.
Adios Summer, Welcome Autumn.
Click here for the Fall Color report for Colorado Rocky Mountains
I will be really bummed if I can't get out there and soak in the colors this weekend or next.
20080914
Hacienda Update: Kitchen floors and cabinets
Hardwood floor installation in kitchen (09/06/2008)
Cabinet installation in kitchen (09/07/2008)
Cabinet installation in kitchen (09/07/2008)
20080911
God Bless America
I still remember.
Thanks to all who serve our great country so the rest of us can have the freedoms and safety we take for granted everyday.
Thanks to all who serve our great country so the rest of us can have the freedoms and safety we take for granted everyday.
20080827
Houston, We Have Tile
Just for your future reference, tile is heavy.
When you buy 367 tiles at Lowes, ask to have them put on a pallet and loaded via forklift into your pick-up truck.
Twenty...
seven...
cases...
weighing...
fifty...
five...
pounds...
each...
loaded onto a cart-
pushed across the store-
and stacked one by one
up into a pickup truck bed makes for a very tiring workout. So tiring, that when you buy 22 more cases at Home Depot that same night, you'll make sure they have a fork lift since you can no longer lift a finger.
Also, its helpful to do some math before you test the maximum payload limits of your 1/2 ton truck...
or, don't bother - if you like low-riding in your truck as you slowly haul 695 square feet of tile to your home.
1/2 ton truck max load (per manual) = 807 kg
1 kg = 2.20462262 lbs
1/2 ton truck maximum safe load = 1779 lbs.
27- 55 lb cases of Tuscan Bone = 1485 lbs.
22- 53 lb cases of Cortina = 1166 lbs.
3- 25 lb bags of thin set mortar = 75 lbs.
2 home-improvers = 300 lbs.
TOTAL weight (not including cup holders) = 3026 lbs.
We left the 3/4 ton Ford at home and instead, took the 1/2 ton Dodge on our shopping adventure. That's smart foresight, huh? It helps to pray the entire time while commuting in your "low-rider". Once parked and unloaded, be sure to thank God the brakes stopped your heavy load, leaf springs didn't break, and bridges didn't collapse in the process.
A 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 can, in actuality, carry at least 1200 lbs. more than its payload is rated for. Next time we'll try to push the payload by an extra ton. With lumber and etc., we were probably closer to that number than we think.
Limits-shimits.
Installation, so far, looks fantastic.
When you buy 367 tiles at Lowes, ask to have them put on a pallet and loaded via forklift into your pick-up truck.
Twenty...
seven...
cases...
weighing...
fifty...
five...
pounds...
each...
loaded onto a cart-
pushed across the store-
and stacked one by one
up into a pickup truck bed makes for a very tiring workout. So tiring, that when you buy 22 more cases at Home Depot that same night, you'll make sure they have a fork lift since you can no longer lift a finger.
Also, its helpful to do some math before you test the maximum payload limits of your 1/2 ton truck...
or, don't bother - if you like low-riding in your truck as you slowly haul 695 square feet of tile to your home.
1/2 ton truck max load (per manual) = 807 kg
1 kg = 2.20462262 lbs
1/2 ton truck maximum safe load = 1779 lbs.
27- 55 lb cases of Tuscan Bone = 1485 lbs.
22- 53 lb cases of Cortina = 1166 lbs.
3- 25 lb bags of thin set mortar = 75 lbs.
2 home-improvers = 300 lbs.
TOTAL weight (not including cup holders) = 3026 lbs.
We left the 3/4 ton Ford at home and instead, took the 1/2 ton Dodge on our shopping adventure. That's smart foresight, huh? It helps to pray the entire time while commuting in your "low-rider". Once parked and unloaded, be sure to thank God the brakes stopped your heavy load, leaf springs didn't break, and bridges didn't collapse in the process.
A 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 can, in actuality, carry at least 1200 lbs. more than its payload is rated for. Next time we'll try to push the payload by an extra ton. With lumber and etc., we were probably closer to that number than we think.
Limits-shimits.
Installation, so far, looks fantastic.
20080826
An Olympic edition of Swim Nut Zeke
Swim Nut Zeke runs regularly in "Splash" magazine. My brother is the artist/author of the strip and works as Art Director for USA Swimming. To see Zeke full size and legible, click http://www.usaswimming.org/USASWeb/ViewNewsArticle.aspx?TabId=0&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en&ItemId=2192&mid=2943I took great delight in watching Phelps smash records and win 8 golds against the rival Australians and French. If you missed these Olympic games, in particular USA Swimming, you missed one of the greatest sporting triumphs in your lifetime. Go USA Swimming!
20080819
Mr. Paint
Our great friend Andrew has picked paint colors more than anyone I know. He used to be in the apartment leasing field and has selected and painted many a wall in his day; not to mention the walls of the 5 homes he's had since I've known him. I love what he picks out; he has an eye for it.
In a fit of riding stupor Saturday, I let go of the control freak in me and agreed he could pick out the main color for the interior of the house.
Of the 2 dozen paint chips I had selected and painstakingly narrowed down to a dozen, he nonchalantly selected "Drifting Dune" yesterday while sitting in my recliner.
Done. 'nough said. Drifting Dune it is...
...seems fitting with our annual trip to Delta coming up.
In a fit of riding stupor Saturday, I let go of the control freak in me and agreed he could pick out the main color for the interior of the house.
Of the 2 dozen paint chips I had selected and painstakingly narrowed down to a dozen, he nonchalantly selected "Drifting Dune" yesterday while sitting in my recliner.
Done. 'nough said. Drifting Dune it is...
...seems fitting with our annual trip to Delta coming up.
20080818
20080808
Hacienda Update: "Even" Closer to Flooring
This week 20080808:
Self-leveling concrete is going down on low spots of the sub-floor. This is a must because any tile or wood we put on top of an uneven floor will buckle or spring and eventually crack or snap. We do not have a wooden sub-floor and the concrete slab the house sits on is horrendously anti-level. Kelly has applied 14 bags of self-leveling, very thin, quickly curing concrete. After that, we will apply a seal and can begin to install tile in the Master bathroom, and then the hardwood floors.
The Master Suite floor now perfectly flush and even, covered in self-leveling grout.
The walls are done! Drywall, texture, and primer have been completed in the Master Suite, Entry, Living Room, and Kitchen. Yippee! Now to pick a paint color... Eeeek! I have to wait to do that until I can look at the tile, hardwood and lighting altogether on-site.
Self-leveling concrete is going down on low spots of the sub-floor. This is a must because any tile or wood we put on top of an uneven floor will buckle or spring and eventually crack or snap. We do not have a wooden sub-floor and the concrete slab the house sits on is horrendously anti-level. Kelly has applied 14 bags of self-leveling, very thin, quickly curing concrete. After that, we will apply a seal and can begin to install tile in the Master bathroom, and then the hardwood floors.
The Master Suite floor now perfectly flush and even, covered in self-leveling grout.The walls are done! Drywall, texture, and primer have been completed in the Master Suite, Entry, Living Room, and Kitchen. Yippee! Now to pick a paint color... Eeeek! I have to wait to do that until I can look at the tile, hardwood and lighting altogether on-site.
20080716
Saturday's Project - Arched Entries
July 12, I completed my first non-demolition related project on the hacienda.
I designed, built and installed 12 arched door headers for 3 entry ways - all from scratch and entirely on my own. :)
I used 3/4" plywood.
Proof I did the install! :)
Kelly started finishing them with drywall Monday, July 14.
I designed, built and installed 12 arched door headers for 3 entry ways - all from scratch and entirely on my own. :)
I used 3/4" plywood.
Proof I did the install! :)
Kelly started finishing them with drywall Monday, July 14.
20080710
Hacienda Update: Closer to a Kitchen
We've been remodeling a home Kelly bought the day before our wedding. Wow! Has he EVER put a ton of work into that place. I've tried to help out but working hard during the week and then playing hard during the weekends has not been very helpful.
Our brand-spankin'-new cabinets were delivered Monday.
I get to go look at and inventory them today.
This is FINALLY a project I can help with. They won't go in until I (yes, me) get the hardwood floor down, but we're one step closer to having a kitchen.
Our brand-spankin'-new cabinets were delivered Monday.
I get to go look at and inventory them today.
This is FINALLY a project I can help with. They won't go in until I (yes, me) get the hardwood floor down, but we're one step closer to having a kitchen.
20080702
Who's List?
Craigs list. You can find or sell ANYTHING without the hassle of eBay.
From fireplaces
to fine china
...both of which I've bought off the site this week.
I absolutely appreciate the brilliant folks who run the site out of San Francisco. Ah, Craigslist!
It's like garage sale-ing without all the driving around. Plus, I think buying good used items (sometimes new-never-used) is a great way to "go green". Classified ads never really floated my boat anyway.
Click here to browse craigslist yourself.
From fireplaces
to fine china
...both of which I've bought off the site this week.
I absolutely appreciate the brilliant folks who run the site out of San Francisco. Ah, Craigslist!
It's like garage sale-ing without all the driving around. Plus, I think buying good used items (sometimes new-never-used) is a great way to "go green". Classified ads never really floated my boat anyway.
Click here to browse craigslist yourself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
