~~ They're leaving the nest, sew it's time for a trip - or two - or three...~~ D~'s bag ~9/22 ~~

[gopherdame]

First of all I love your knobs and drawer handles. I think they are perfect! I really liked the first material, but the new fabric has more of an old fashioned look and probably goes better for the look you're going for. I think it might be easier to decide after you get dishes back inside. Good luck getting everything done.

Our garage apron has been delayed because of all the rain. They don't give you much notice so I stayed home in case they would get to it this week. But now I can get up to our lake cabin for the weekend. My dh has been up all week and I finally am heading up today. We have a cabin north of Brainerd on the Whitefish chain. We're getting our pontoon put in and I'm looking forward to some nice relaxing rides, if it doesn't rain.

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

[Terkina]

Sounds like you got a lot done in the kitchen yesterday.
The fabric backer boards looks really great with the new fabric.
I hope you can get everything done in the house in time for Allisons party.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I am hoping for a very productive day today... I love that the wainscotting is up - and visually, we are really starting to see the how the end product is going to look. I am so excited about this!

I love how the wainscotting looks in your kitchen. It really goes well in there. My sister put wainscotting up when she remodeled her kitchen and I just love it.

My daughter was in town and she has been nagging me for at least ten years to remodel our kitchen. So finally we went to a showroom and picked out a cabinet, counter top, floor and tile for the back splash. We are also remodeling the bathroom at the same time. The bathroom is next to the kitchen and I hate it more than the kitchen. I needed my daughter to help decide what looks good, because DH and I don't always agree. Now I need to pick out the other stuff that goes with a kitchen, but I haven't started yet. I absolutely hate to decorate and having to pick out stuff gives me an anxiety attack, almost. But I am extremely motivated to get it done, since our kitchen is the original one from 1953, for the most part.

 

[Iamthequeen]

Congratulations to Allison! Nice accomplishment and accolades from her teacher!

I think the 2nd fabric goes better with your wainscoting, though I really like the first one too. I finally finished getting all the wall paper off the kitchen walls. Now I have to get the paint. I may get to that this weekend, or not. I've been spending my evenings working in the yard, now that the rain has finally stopped. I had to repair some pickets in the fence since we have our granddog for the weekend, and didn't want him to be able to get out. Then I've been pulling weeds...which is a never ending job around here. Charlie and I decided we were not going to put a garden in this year - its one less thing I'd have to manage. We will get some tomato plants and put them in pots on the deck though. I will miss my fresh, homegrown veggies, but we have 2 farmer's markets where I can get some fresh produce.

Kitchen looks awesome!

 

[vrajewski10513]

Your kitchen is really coming along nicely! I wish my husband and I were handy like you and Josh are. Maybe someday!

 

[DMGeurts]

So cute!!! And I agree on the fabric change out. I would never think of wainscoting for a backsplash. I wondered where it was going. It looks really nice. Good luck!!

Thanks - I am glad that I switched it out - I also like this one better, it just seems more fitting.

Well - in all of my "farmhouse kitchen" research - I found that wainscotting was a really popular choice... I was really excited when Josh offered it as a possibility, because I was certain he'd want something else. I am really happy with the color I chose for it, as well - it feels very authentic to the time, and I think it looks great with the fabric too... My only disappointment with it - is that there was a pretty big knot in one of the panels - I would have liked it better if Josh would have avoided using that piece, but he used it, because that's what authentic wainscotting is... LOL Now I am trying to figure out if I want to fill it in or leave it?

First of all I love your knobs and drawer handles. I think they are perfect! I really liked the first material, but the new fabric has more of an old fashioned look and probably goes better for the look you're going for. I think it might be easier to decide after you get dishes back inside. Good luck getting everything done.

Our garage apron has been delayed because of all the rain. They don't give you much notice so I stayed home in case they would get to it this week. But now I can get up to our lake cabin for the weekend. My dh has been up all week and I finally am heading up today. We have a cabin north of Brainerd on the Whitefish chain. We're getting our pontoon put in and I'm looking forward to some nice relaxing rides, if it doesn't rain.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thank you - I really like them too... I was a bit nervous about them, before I installed them - but now that they are up, I think they look pretty great.

I agree totally about the fabric switch... I am very happy with the newer one I put in there. Well - it's a bit difficult right now, as I've unpacked my dishes, for the most part - but not everything... I'll have a better idea next week, I think?

Bummer - that's too bad that they couldn't get to it... but enjoy your time at the lake. Josh's dad has a cabin up near Perham/Fergus Falls, when we lived in St. Cloud - we'd go up there almost every weekend... but now that we live here, it's so much further to drive and right through the Cities too - we are lucky to get up there twice a year. I hope that changes once the girls are off to college and it's easier to get away. Enjoy your nice long weekend - we'll be here working. LOL

Drive safe!

Sounds like you got a lot done in the kitchen yesterday.
The fabric backer boards looks really great with the new fabric.
I hope you can get everything done in the house in time for Allisons party.

We did - it was so nice! I finally feel like we are making real progress again.

Thanks - I really like it too, and I am happy that I switched it out. I am hoping to get a valance or two made over the next few weeks... Maybe when I am done with all of this cabinet painting?

Thanks - me too... LOL There is just so much more I want to get done! I wish we would have started these projects much sooner than what we did. Oh well - we will just do what we can, and plan to do whatever is left for V's open house next year.

I love how the wainscotting looks in your kitchen. It really goes well in there. My sister put wainscotting up when she remodeled her kitchen and I just love it.

My daughter was in town and she has been nagging me for at least ten years to remodel our kitchen. So finally we went to a showroom and picked out a cabinet, counter top, floor and tile for the back splash. We are also remodeling the bathroom at the same time. The bathroom is next to the kitchen and I hate it more than the kitchen. I needed my daughter to help decide what looks good, because DH and I don't always agree. Now I need to pick out the other stuff that goes with a kitchen, but I haven't started yet. I absolutely hate to decorate and having to pick out stuff gives me an anxiety attack, almost. But I am extremely motivated to get it done, since our kitchen is the original one from 1953, for the most part.

Thanks - I am so happy with how it turned out.

How does your sister like it? I am a little nervous about keeping it clean... But I definitely like the color I painted it - and I think it goes so well with the look I am going for.

This is so exciting!!! I am happy that you are doing this - I know what it's like to not like rooms in your house... The feeling was so wonderful when we finished the living room - I just had to keep going. LOL I'll be excited to see what you chose for everything - I really do enjoy this process, of picking it out and seeing it all go together.

You are keeping your sink though? Right? LOL

Keep me updated... Congratulations on making decisions with your new kitchen.

Congratulations to Allison! Nice accomplishment and accolades from her teacher!

I think the 2nd fabric goes better with your wainscoting, though I really like the first one too. I finally finished getting all the wall paper off the kitchen walls. Now I have to get the paint. I may get to that this weekend, or not. I've been spending my evenings working in the yard, now that the rain has finally stopped. I had to repair some pickets in the fence since we have our granddog for the weekend, and didn't want him to be able to get out. Then I've been pulling weeds...which is a never ending job around here. Charlie and I decided we were not going to put a garden in this year - its one less thing I'd have to manage. We will get some tomato plants and put them in pots on the deck though. I will miss my fresh, homegrown veggies, but we have 2 farmer's markets where I can get some fresh produce.

Kitchen looks awesome!

Thank you Tess - we are so proud of her!

Thanks - me too... I like them both. It's been very difficult to find a tan/beige fabric - which also has blue and black in it, with the farmhouse feel. At first I was just going for the tan/black... but now I am trying to bring some blue into the mix too - and it's hard. I do really like this new fabric though and i think it's a keeper. I am getting very anxious to get the walls painted, so we can finally finish up in the kitchen.

It sounds like you are getting a lot accomplished outside... I really need to go on a mission and find some plants. My MIL gave me the most beautiful azalea plant a few weeks ago - and I would love to find a partner to it, to put in my urns outside. I know she found it at Costco, and I should really get over there to get one of my own... I just don't know when I will get to that side of town - and I am afraid it won't be until after the Open House.

Have fun with your Grand dog this weekend.

Thanks - I am super happy with how it's all coming together. I cannot wait to get my kitchen back to rights again!

Your kitchen is really coming along nicely! I wish my husband and I were handy like you and Josh are. Maybe someday!

Thanks so much! It's such a relief to see it going back together again... I am so tired of the mess and the clutter!

I enjoy - very much - having a handy DH... believe me - it's very nice to be able to tell him when something needs to be repaired around the house - vs. having to call someone... but then there's the downside too - with tools all over everywhere, because they live here too... LOL And having to wait on his schedule and ambition level is sometimes difficult too... but I love him and I love his talent - so I deal with it.

Well, if there is ever anything you need to do - Youtube is always a great resource... There are times we have to turn to Youtube or Google to figure out how to do something.

I hope you have a nice weekend!

*****************************************************************************************************

Let's see... So yesterday - I did my heavy lifting. Which was a challenge, because I have barely enough room in my office right now to move. But I was able to get it done - and I felt really good after.

Then I worked upstairs all day... I was able to get a lot done and I was very happy with that. I really want to go into this weekend with nothing hanging over my head - sometimes my work drifts into the following Monday - but with the holiday on Monday, I really want to be able to work on the house with Josh and not have to worry about work. So, it's my goal to finish up as much as I can today.

Last night, Josh and I worked on the house again. It was mostly Josh - as my night was spent waiting for paint to dry - literally. I was able to get the first coat of paint on all of the remaining cabinet drawers and doors, plus all of the cabinet bases. They didn't necessarily need a second coat, but I had paint left in my tray - so I went around what I could again. All of that should be ready to put back together this weekend. I still want to clean the bathroom hardware though - as we are not replacing it, just reusing what we have, for now.

While I was working on that, Josh started ripping out the cabinet above the stove, and getting it ready for the new microwave. It's no easy task - as he has to rebuild and remodel some of our existing cabinetry... Not that this is hard for him, but it's just tedious and a bit annoying to have to do. But he made some good progress, so that was nice. Tonight - he has to install an electrical outlet up there, and install the microwave itself. I was hoping to get in there before he does all of this and paint the cabinet above - as we are planning to keep that one open for my cook books. It's going to be a small cabinet - so anything I can get done, before he gets in there and makes it impossible to move or see, would be good.

As usual - forgive the mess...

He also took the time to cut the boards for the 4ft counter top... I hope to possilby get those assembled tonight, so I can start staining and finishing it tomorrow. This counter top will be super easy to install - as it's simply taking the other one out and putting this one on - no plumbing or anything to work around.

Today... I will be working out this morning - I kind of want to go for a walk, as I haven't walked all week... but it almost looks like rain - so we'll see?

Then I will be upstairs all day... I have a lot I want to get done up there.

I also have errands to run this afternoon... I will be picking the girls up from school.

Tonight - we will be working on the house again, and for the remainder of the holiday weekend. The girls and I have a grad party to go to on Sunday, but otherwise we will be here the entire time, trying to get as much done as we can... I have a feeling that the majority of this space will be done by the end of the weekend - that is my goal!

I hope you all have a great holiday weekend - travel safe if you are traveling!

D~

 

[Wood Nymph]

How does your sister like it? I am a little nervous about keeping it clean... But I definitely like the color I painted it - and I think it goes so well with the look I am going for.

I'll ask her next time I talk to her. We will be in Disney together in 8 days.

You are keeping your sink though? Right? LOL

Unfortunately, no, but at least I know how much it is worth. There are a lot of configurations of sinks out there and I'm not sure what I want. I still want a two section sink so I can properly wash and rinse dishes, but I wouldn't mind having one section be big enough for a roasting pan to be totally submersed. Although my current kitchen has a great layout and I love almost everything about it, I am looking forward to being able to change the things I don't like about it.

 

[Pluto0809]

Have a great weekend, hope you get lots done on the kitchen!

 

[hotveggy]

We remodeled our kitchen 2 years ago (meaning total gut including the floors). I was without a fully functioning kitchen for almost 2 months. That was hard with 2 little ones, but SO worth it now. That remodel also turned into a full renovation of the half bath and painting and crown modeling in the adjoining dining room. I feel your pain with the clutter, but it will be SO worth it! I love your counter tops!

oh and I share your hatred for popcorn ceilings, but my husband says I have no choice right now... such is the life of having an older home...

Happy long weekend!

 

[kittylady1972]

So glad you got more done on the kitchen. Can't wait to see it when it's all done!

 

[KathyM2]

Good luck getting everything accomplished today!!! I know that feeling!! Nice that you have Monday as a holiday...we had our Canadian holiday Monday this past week You must be getting tired of always having work going on in your house!! But it will be sooo worth it!

 

[Sweetly]

I hope you get everything accomplished that you have on your list for the weekend.
Love the new fabric choice. The other one was very nice, but this one seems to blend better with what you are going for.
Not much going on here. Just getting ready for summer; opening the pool, cleaning out flower beds etc.....
Everyone have a safe and wonderful weekend!!

 

[DMGeurts]

I'll ask her next time I talk to her. We will be in Disney together in 8 days.

Unfortunately, no, but at least I know how much it is worth. There are a lot of configurations of sinks out there and I'm not sure what I want. I still want a two section sink so I can properly wash and rinse dishes, but I wouldn't mind having one section be big enough for a roasting pan to be totally submersed. Although my current kitchen has a great layout and I love almost everything about it, I am looking forward to being able to change the things I don't like about it.

Ooooh - awesome and aweseome-er! Have fun!

Bummer... Yes - it's worth $32 on Craigslist. I totally understand - at the lake, we have one big basin and one small basin - it works out OK, but personally I like the 2 that are the same size... And I really love this one because it's extra deep.

I sure hope you take befores and afters... I do really want to see - even if you just want to PM them to me.

Have a great weekend, hope you get lots done on the kitchen!

Thanks, same to you! I sure hope so too... I'd love to be done - but if last night is any indication, that's not happening. Sigh.

We remodeled our kitchen 2 years ago (meaning total gut including the floors). I was without a fully functioning kitchen for almost 2 months. That was hard with 2 little ones, but SO worth it now. That remodel also turned into a full renovation of the half bath and painting and crown modeling in the adjoining dining room. I feel your pain with the clutter, but it will be SO worth it! I love your counter tops!

oh and I share your hatred for popcorn ceilings, but my husband says I have no choice right now... such is the life of having an older home...

Happy long weekend!

That sounds incredibly tough, especially with littles. I have a friend who just did that - and it was so difficult on her and her family - and her kids are older. So, I cannot imagine. I am glad to hear that it was worth it though.

Thank you - I am really loving them! I cannot wait to get all of the cardboard off of them - and all of the tools off of them, as well.

Yup - I am pretty sure that the popcorn ceilings are here for good... I'd love to expose some wood beams or something - which we will probably find out, aren't there. LOL

Thanks - same to you!

So glad you got more done on the kitchen. Can't wait to see it when it's all done!

Me too... I just hope we can finish in time... Freak out mode again here. Partially because most of my stuff is done and I am *looking* for things to do... Last night, I was filling more nail holes and priming the almost cabinet above the stove - which is legitimate stuff for me to do, I guess.

I hope you have a nice holiday weekend!

Good luck getting everything accomplished today!!! I know that feeling!! Nice that you have Monday as a holiday...we had our Canadian holiday Monday this past week You must be getting tired of always having work going on in your house!! But it will be sooo worth it!

Thanks! I don't feel like we were able to get much of anything done yesterday. I am thankful for the 3 day weekend - as long as we can maximize it.

I am VERY tired of having work going on - but on the flip side, I am very happy to be able to have something nice to live in. I am very excited to see the kitchen complete.

I hope you have a nice weekend!

I hope you get everything accomplished that you have on your list for the weekend.
Love the new fabric choice. The other one was very nice, but this one seems to blend better with what you are going for.
Not much going on here. Just getting ready for summer; opening the pool, cleaning out flower beds etc.....
Everyone have a safe and wonderful weekend!!

Me too... LOL I really don't have any idea what is on our list for the weekend... Well, I sort of do... but we are getting down to the last pieces falling together - and I just hope they all get done. I'd LOVE to have next weekend to work on the stairs. And the bathroom floor... If we get that far - I know I will only be able to pick one, and I just don't know which one to choose? Both of them need to be done in a bad way.

Thanks - I am so happy with it! I am glad I went with my gut on this one.

Sounds like an amazing start to summer for you... I need to figure out plants in a big way... Still have to talk to BFF to see if she will do up some potted plants for me, if I give her the cash. Because I know I just won't have the time. Better yet - maybe she will just rent hers out to me for the day? LOL Then I don't have to send so many helpless plants to their death?

****************************************************************************************************

Hmmmm.... What did I do yesterday?

Oh yes - I went for a walk, I decided to chance the rain.... I was mostly lucky - it didn't start raining until I was about half-way done with my walk, and by then, it felt good. It was a great walk - and I still enjoy walking a lot, I just don't feel like it does anything for me.

I came home and I did a bit of cleaning while I fed the dogs and let them outside.

Then I worked upstairs until lunch time... I was able to get done what I needed to get done - which was good.

I took lunch and decided not to "take lunch", but rather work on my kitchen curtains for a little while. It's not often that I do any selfish sewing, and it's even more rare that I get to play with the fun feet that go on my vintage machine... So, yesterday was extra fun for me... Not only with selfish sewing... But it was interesting and the fabric I was using had a very vintage feel to it. I very much enjoy using vintage sewing practices when sewing on my vintage machine - it feels so right to me, and I felt like this was the perfect opportunity... Rather than digging out my serger and going the "easy route" - I decided to use French seams to enclose my seams, and use my turned hem foot for the edges... In my semi- vintage farmhouse kitchen, these types of linens will go well. To me, there is nothing more beautiful and right about this.

I am not anywhere near finishing these curtains... I still haven't decided if they are going to be valances or cafe curtains - or both? Regardless - I need to find some solid colored fabric for a portion of it - and I really don't have anything in my stash that will work... Dreading my trip to JoAnn's for this.

I picked up the girls from school... Then we came home. Where I proceeded to move back into the bathroom... For the most part - it's done in there, unless we decide to do the floors - and I wouldn't be opposed to painting either... but I am soooooo sick of paint! The only thing I need to do yet - concerning the drawers, is that I ripped out the drawer liners because they were icky - so I need to replace them.

Then last night - Josh worked a bit on the new cupboard where the microwave will be installed. He also wired the electrical box to plug it into.

When he was done with that - it was a nice semi-wet night, with no wind... So he took the opportunity to burn all of our former kitchen in the fire pit... In a matter of an hour - our old counter tops and trim were dust.

While he was burning - I was priming the cupboard above the microwave, which we plan to keep open.

I was also filling and sanding nail holes on the window trim above the sink... I preparation for priming today... We've decided that the windows should also be the color of the trim in this room. This kind of makes me nervous - had I known that years ago - I would have ordered white windows for in there, but we ordered wood... These are brand new, expensive windows - and I am terrified to ruin them, as I am not the best painter in the world. I'd love to save them for Josh to do - but he has so much on his plate already.

I also painted the trim Josh brought home last night... but then I realized that I think the trim along the spot where the wainscot and counter top meet should actually be the color of the wainscot and not the color of the kitchen trim - as I want it to blend. So, I need to go back and paint that piece today.

Today... I am not even sure... Thee entire family didn't get to bed until 1am... So we are all very tired this morning.

I know I have to take V to school and pick her up again - so that's 3 hours out of my day.

In between - I will probably be doing some painting... My life these days...

I think Josh is planning to install the microwave and build the counter top? No idea what his plan is for today actually.

I am just hoping we make some good progress this weekend.

I hope you all have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!

D~

 

[Clio]

I got a little behind replying to your report. I love the wainscotting for the backsplash. I have brick not fake brick but real thin bricks. We though of removing it but it's too much of a job. I might just paint it white. I like your second choice of fabric for the cabinet back. the other was too busy for me if you know what I mean. From what I've seen so far, you curtains are going to look great. I just have a valence in mine. I used the rest of the fabric for a table runner and cover for my mixer.
It's been really hot here. Thursday it was 81 in the house when I got home from work. I had to turn on the air. On Wed. I went to Lowe's a got some flowers for my planters. When my daughter got home for work, she wanted to go for a walk on the Greenway trail near her house. I went with her, it was 87. Afterwards, she make steaks on the grill.
We've been getting all kinds of markdowns from the home office. I bought a new garmin vivo fit for $25. It's an older one but it works after an update. My daughter stopped in to see her husband and bought 3 different cameras for $20 and $25 2 are gifts. These are good point and shoot cameras just other models.
I was home with a stomach bug yesterday so I don't know if any are left.
Tomorrow I'm going to the state park where my daughter and some of my friends are camping for the holiday weekend. I haven't seen some of them for a long time because of my work schedule. I didn't mean of this to be such a long post
Have a good weekend.
Liz

 

[Terkina]

The kitchen curtains looks great. It sounds like you are getting closer and closer to the finish line of the kitchen being done.


Today has been an exciting day. My Mack family tree was invited by the brewery Mack family tree to hear the story about how the two brothers Mack came to Tromsø from Germany and how their life in Tromsø was in the early 1800. The reason for this is that a German man who is in family with another brother to my great-great-great grandfather had 300 letters written by my great-great-great-grandfather and his brother who moved to Tromsø and lived here to their family back home in Germany he wanted to give back to the Mack family in Tromsø. This because this German man is the last one of the Mack family left in Germany and he wanted the letters to be in the family and he wanted the family in Tromsø to learn about what is written in these letters. All the letters are written in old German language. So someone has to get them translated to Norwegian. 3 old ladies in their 90's have so far translated about 10% of the letters to modern German and then the brewery Mack family has translated those letters to Norwegian. From the little we know from the letters there are some very interesting stories. The plan now is to get all the 300 letters translated and in cooperation with the regional state archive all the letters will go into the regional state archive and be available to everyone via the regional state archive website. I can't wait to hear what all the letters tell about the family and the life in Tromsø.

 

[disny_luvr]

The kitchen is coming along nicely. You're going to need a vacation after this project is finished.

 

[DMGeurts]

I got a little behind replying to your report. I love the wainscotting for the backsplash. I have brick not fake brick but real thin bricks. We though of removing it but it's too much of a job. I might just paint it white. I like your second choice of fabric for the cabinet back. the other was too busy for me if you know what I mean. From what I've seen so far, you curtains are going to look great. I just have a valence in mine. I used the rest of the fabric for a table runner and cover for my mixer.
It's been really hot here. Thursday it was 81 in the house when I got home from work. I had to turn on the air. On Wed. I went to Lowe's a got some flowers for my planters. When my daughter got home for work, she wanted to go for a walk on the Greenway trail near her house. I went with her, it was 87. Afterwards, she make steaks on the grill.
We've been getting all kinds of markdowns from the home office. I bought a new garmin vivo fit for $25. It's an older one but it works after an update. My daughter stopped in to see her husband and bought 3 different cameras for $20 and $25 2 are gifts. These are good point and shoot cameras just other models.
I was home with a stomach bug yesterday so I don't know if any are left.
Tomorrow I'm going to the state park where my daughter and some of my friends are camping for the holiday weekend. I haven't seen some of them for a long time because of my work schedule. I didn't mean of this to be such a long post
Have a good weekend.
Liz

I bet that the brick is beautiful - and I think that painting it could be a very good idea. I've seen a lot of beautiful brick back splashes in the last few weeks - and they really add a nice texture element to kitchens - which it why I went for the wainscotting.

Thanks - I have not decided what I am doing with all of the fabric yet... I don't have a ton of it - but a lot of it was used for the back of the cabinet... I am trying not to invest too much more $$ into this project and just work with what I have. I am hoping to have enough.

It sounds as if you had a nice day - even if it was hot. I seriously need to figure out something for flowers in front of my house... BFF has a very nice green thumb, and I am hoping I can throw her a bit of cash and ask her to get as much done for me as she can. I am hoping she will take pity on my lack of time and brown thumb.

Those are some awesome deals - I've heard great reviews on the Vivo Fit! Congrats!

I hope you are feeling better now.

Enjoy your day at the park with your dd and friends - it sounds like it will be a good time.

Thanks for stopping by Liz... It was good to catch up with you!

The kitchen curtains looks great. It sounds like you are getting closer and closer to the finish line of the kitchen being done.


Today has been an exciting day. My Mack family tree was invited by the brewery Mack family tree to hear the story about how the two brothers Mack came to Tromsø from Germany and how their life in Tromsø was in the early 1800. The reason for this is that a German man who is in family with another brother to my great-great-great grandfather had 300 letters written by my great-great-great-grandfather and his brother who moved to Tromsø and lived here to their family back home in Germany he wanted to give back to the Mack family in Tromsø. This because this German man is the last one of the Mack family left in Germany and he wanted the letters to be in the family and he wanted the family in Tromsø to learn about what is written in these letters. All the letters are written in old German language. So someone has to get them translated to Norwegian. 3 old ladies in their 90's have so far translated about 10% of the letters to modern German and then the brewery Mack family has translated those letters to Norwegian. From the little we know from the letters there are some very interesting stories. The plan now is to get all the 300 letters translated and in cooperation with the regional state archive all the letters will go into the regional state archive and be available to everyone via the regional state archive website. I can't wait to hear what all the letters tell about the family and the life in Tromsø.

Thank you - I finally feel like there's an end in sight to this project. And it feels really good.

WOW!!! That is so exciting! Bummer that they have to be translated so many times - but it's like a treasure hunt or an adventure... How fun!!! I am excited for you that you get to learn so much about your family and how thoughtful for this man from Germany to keep these letters in the family and to tell you all about them. Very cool! It will be exciting to hear more about it - you know that sort of thing fascinates me.

The kitchen is coming along nicely. You're going to need a vacation after this project is finished.

Thanks! Ha - thankfully I have one coming up in just a few months. Phew... Thankfully that trip is at a place where not much has to be done for it - at the moment - except work to pay for it. LOL

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Life at my house is getting pretty exciting guys! We were able to make a lot of visual progress yesterday.

First off - my morning was spent taking V to school... Then picking her up. In between - I painted the 2 window frames above my kitchen sink. We decided that this window and the one by the fridge need to be the same color of the cabinets... So, I took my lack of painting skills out of my tool box, and attempted to paint the window casing and the window frames... After 2 coats of primer yesterday - and 1 coat of paint - I do need to go back in and do a few touch ups, but I think it turned out OK.

While I was doing all of that, Josh was working on framing in the new cabinet/shelf for the over the stove microwave... This is an interesting process, as the microwave is supported by the back wall and also the shelf above it - so both must be incredibly sturdy and reinforced... So, pretty much - that entire area had to be rebuilt. You can kind-of see the brackets that support the microwave on the back wall in the 2nd photo. Also - note how much counter space my old microwave hogs up...

I engaged my muscles yesterday and helped Josh put the microwave in place... I really didn't do that much - as he did all the hard stuff and I just stood under it, on my tippy toes, and held it in place.

I am sooooo happy with how this looks... I wasted NO time cleaning out our old microwave and taking it off my counter top... It's hogged space there for too many years and that beast is outta here!

While Josh was doing all of that... I was still painting. That window took me all day. I also took some time to paint the shelf above the new microwave - which is why it's wrapped in plastic. This shelf will be used for my cookbook storage.

Then I went outside to paint more of the wainscotting and the quarter round trim for between the counter top and the wainscotting.

Josh began putting up more of the wainscotting, and even some of the corbels... Considering these are the exact same cabinets I've always had - I am just super impressed with how different they look... I couldn't be more happy with how this is turning out.

So, right now - we are almost completely done with the kitchen up to the stove... The only thing we need to go back and do yet, is to add the quarter round trim between the counter top and the backsplash, and also the coved trim between the backsplash and the cabinets.

On the agenda for the next 2 days...

1. Build the 4 ft countertop
2. Build the 3 cabinet doors which need to be rebuilt.
3. Attach the remaining drawer pulls and cabinet knobs - then hang
4. Paint the ENTIRE remainder of the room - including walls and trim (It's all primed now).
5. Fix the floor where Cooper ate it.
6. Start to clean up what we can for tools.

After this weekend - it is my goal to have everything completely finished, with exception of the installation of the 4ft counter top, the backsplash, trim and corbels... The last 3 items can't be installed until the counter top is installed. Hopefully, one day during the week - Josh can install the new light fixures - which we still haven't decided on or purchased.

Which - if you are keeping track - this leaves us ONE weekend... What can a person get done in one weekend?

I have 2 options... We can retile the bathroom floor - which needs to be done, most of the grout is missing - despite that, it doesn't look too terrible and I could probably throw a rug or two down to cover some of it?

My other option - which I am leaning towards, is to rip up the carpet on the stairs... The problem is - I know what the bottom step looks like (wood with chipped paint - brown over mustard yellow)... Some people like the "chippy" paint look... I don't mind it - but Josh hates it. To me - this authentic farmhouse step look is MUCH better than the carpet that lays over it - provided this is how it looks the whole way up the stairs... With this house - our mileage varies - and typically it's bad. LOL

Not that many people will go upstairs - however - I know that many of them would like to see V's mural in person - and also my sewing room... So, it's possible that we could get a bit of traffic upstairs.

Gah!!!! I don't know what to do???

I think - if I showed you a picture of my stairs vs. my bathroom floor - you'd struggle with a decision too. But I really feel - if I rip up the carpet on the stairs, ANYTHING that's under there is better than the carpet that's there - and at least it can be cleaned... Even if it's ugly.

I don't even want to bring this topic up to Josh - because he is working so hard on the kitchen right now... I just don't want to add anything to his list, until the kitchen is done - but I want to have a plan. There's no way I am wasting 2 days. LOL So, something must get done - and I don't think there is time for both.

Today... I am leaving Josh to his own devices this afternoon... The girls and I are headed out to a family graduation party.

Then we will be stopping to see my dad after... He was supposed to be released on Friday - but they decided to keep him over the weekend. His oxygen has been increased from 1.7 liters to 3 liters since his hospital discharge - and even with full time oxygen on, his oxygen levels are dipping into the 70% range with any activity. I am not sure what this means for his future? I suspect another hospital stay is in the future for him.... And possibly a new Dr?

Tomorrow - we will all be back to work on the house.

I hope you all are having a nice holiday weekend!

D~

 

[Terkina]

I can see that there is not much time left until Allison's party. Sounds like the fastest and easiest option for the bathroom is to cover the floor with one or two rugs.
I don't know what would be best to do with the stairs. In Norway it's not normal to have carpet in the stairs, but I know it's very normal in the US, so for me the logical thing to do is rip up the carpet on the stairs. But since Josh would hate to see the carpet ripped off and see the paint underneath it sounds like the best option for now is to let the carpet be on the stairs.

 

[vrajewski10513]

It's so nice when there's finally visual progress compared to just behind the scenes work. You're almost to the finish line!

5. Fix the floor where Cooper ate it

I almost spit my coffee out at that one! I have a dog that I think is part goat sometimes too lol

 

[DMGeurts]

I can see that there is not much time left until Allison's party. Sounds like the fastest and easiest option for the bathroom is to cover the floor with one or two rugs.
I don't know what would be best to do with the stairs. In Norway it's not normal to have carpet in the stairs, but I know it's very normal in the US, so for me the logical thing to do is rip up the carpet on the stairs. But since Josh would hate to see the carpet ripped off and see the paint underneath it sounds like the best option for now is to let the carpet be on the stairs.

Yes - it's getting very close!

I understand - I've never really liked having carpet on the stairs, it does get a bit slippery. I'll talk to him about it - during the week, so we can have this project done, then I will see what he thinks.

It's so nice when there's finally visual progress compared to just behind the scenes work. You're almost to the finish line!


I almost spit my coffee out at that one! I have a dog that I think is part goat sometimes too lol

I totally agree - it's nice to see it coming together.

Hehehe - yes - I am still pretty upset about it... We just redid these floors completely last year - and Cooper found a corner that wasn't glued down all the way - and just kept pulling. Josh insists that he will be able to fix it without redoing the whole floor, but the whole point to doing the floor, in the first place, was to not having any seams - now we will have a seam... Sigh. I guess a seam is better than bare subfloor showing, but it really makes me want to redo the entire floor again. Grrrr....

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So, yesterday I worked on the kitchen in the morning... I put the final coat of paint on the window, and I helped Josh build the 4 ft counter top.

Then the girls and I got ready to head out to the graduation party....

Before I left, I gave Josh my stain recipe - and he stained the counter tops. I was hoping that he would be able to get a start on painting yesterday, as there was nothing left to do, except for the floor... None of the wainscoting could be installed until the counter top was in. And the counter top can't go in until it's Waterloxed over the next 5 days.

The girls and I stopped at Dad's on our way - and we visited him for a while. Then we went to the grad party - visited everyone there for a while. We stopped at my foster-parent's farm, and quick did a few chores for them - because they were camping nearby and it would save them a trip back home, then we went out to the camp ground and visited out there for a little bit - everyone and their brother was camping there this weekend (we don't camp...). It was nice to see everyone and visit for a bit... We should see most of the in a few weeks at Allison's party.

Then V drove 3 hours home, in the dark, on the freeway... Which is practice that she needs. She did a great job.

Upon returning home - finally - at 11pm last night, Josh was still up working... As it turns out - after we left yesterday - he had lunch, and then wasn't feeling well... So, not much got done. I am trying hard not to be annoyed about it, but I really wanted to be DONE with this kitchen project this weekend. He did get the counter top stained though. And he did bring it into the house and set it where it's going to be, and he also put up the wainscoting to the end of the wall... but it's too tall at the ends, so he needs to pull some of it down and cut it. It should only be as tall as 5-6" above the bottom of the cupboards - not to the top of the cupboards. But otherwise it looks very nice, and I really love the whole look. I still can't believe that this is our same kitchen! And I love how the white window above the sink turned out. As a side note - the window at the end of the kitchen will be painted white too... but after the party - the current trim will be taken down and the farmhouse trim will go up... We also plan to continue the wainscoting along that entire wall, for sure- and possibly wrap it around the corner back there. We just don't have the time to do this right now.

So, the counter top needs to come out today, so I can Waterlox it. As that stuff is incredibly toxic and it cannot be done in the house.

Allison doesn't work - so I've told her that she will be helping us paint today... I am hoping to make up for a LOT of lost time from yesterday. I still want this kitchen done before next weekend - so we can work on the bathroom floor or stairs. Like I've said before, Josh doesn't know about these plans - I think, that he thinks, we still have all of next weekend to get this done - and we do... but we don't.

I hope all of you enjoy the last day of your holiday weekend! Travel safe, if you are traveling!

D~