Cabinets in, Rocks Not
Sun, Nov 16 2008 09:19
| Permalink
Drexel started delivering and installing the multitude of cabinets this week. They really are nicely built. We compromised on the moulding- he wanted true crown molding, and I let him do a simpler version, more in keeping with the simple lines theme of the home.
I did meet with Johnny, the mason, but don't expect him out there until Tuesday at best. He is still finishing up his last job. In the meantime, the piles of rocks still adorn the would be front yard.
Happily, I still like the paint colors. I am looking forward to seeing the wall colors with the stained cabinets and tiles, flooring, ceiling. Guess that will have to wait until the house is done.
The correct windows for the back wall are in, as are all the sliding doors. Still waiting on the corner glass, the front and the garage doors. Then the house will be dried in completely.
I found the lights for "the Seven Sisters" over my kitchen island. I searched and searched, and when I found lights that look like my "dancing ladies", the inner part of a conch shell, sanded down by the sand and waves, I knew I had the right lights. And they were on the low end of pricing. Yes! Now for "the Five Brothers", "Mom and Dad", "Tim"....
There was a full moon this week that rose just after sunset, over the horizon and the lights from town. I tried taking photos but just could not do it justice. Breathtaking.
All in all a good week. I look forward to seeing what next week holds.
I did meet with Johnny, the mason, but don't expect him out there until Tuesday at best. He is still finishing up his last job. In the meantime, the piles of rocks still adorn the would be front yard.
Happily, I still like the paint colors. I am looking forward to seeing the wall colors with the stained cabinets and tiles, flooring, ceiling. Guess that will have to wait until the house is done.
The correct windows for the back wall are in, as are all the sliding doors. Still waiting on the corner glass, the front and the garage doors. Then the house will be dried in completely.
I found the lights for "the Seven Sisters" over my kitchen island. I searched and searched, and when I found lights that look like my "dancing ladies", the inner part of a conch shell, sanded down by the sand and waves, I knew I had the right lights. And they were on the low end of pricing. Yes! Now for "the Five Brothers", "Mom and Dad", "Tim"....
There was a full moon this week that rose just after sunset, over the horizon and the lights from town. I tried taking photos but just could not do it justice. Breathtaking.
All in all a good week. I look forward to seeing what next week holds.
Comments
Tim is Back!
Tue, Nov 11 2008 08:52
| Permalink
Mike's head guy, Tim, has been on another job for three weeks and came back Monday. I have a whole other level of confidence in the work when he is there- it enables Mike to be able to come and go more freely.
They put the sun room windows in Monday. It would be a great room to hang out in if not for the piles of nails and insulation and wiring- it's my own little construction junk room! We wanted to put old, sandblasted barn siding on the walls there, but it will have to wait until a later time- I can't justify the cost right now.
Johnny, the mason, has built most of the inner chimney, but can I say how much I look forward to seeing some of that stone on the walls? Mike can't finish putting the metal roof up until the front walls and the chimney are completed, so he is equally anxious to see some dry stack.
The walls are textured and primed, and the first coat of paint is up. Tonya and I chose colors in about 2o minutes flat. I figure there are so many nice colors out there, you can't really go wrong if you're in the right range. And all my friends and family won't be surprised to know that the shades are all in the foamy colors of the sea....
We didn't get to hang out much on the hill this weekend. Saturday we went to College Station and Sunday I took Christmas photos for some friends, so we only got a quick walk-through. I did take Friday off, though, and spent several hours on Big Hill picking up trash and visiting with the guys. I am actually really looking forward to living out there. That's a good thing.
They put the sun room windows in Monday. It would be a great room to hang out in if not for the piles of nails and insulation and wiring- it's my own little construction junk room! We wanted to put old, sandblasted barn siding on the walls there, but it will have to wait until a later time- I can't justify the cost right now.
Johnny, the mason, has built most of the inner chimney, but can I say how much I look forward to seeing some of that stone on the walls? Mike can't finish putting the metal roof up until the front walls and the chimney are completed, so he is equally anxious to see some dry stack.
The walls are textured and primed, and the first coat of paint is up. Tonya and I chose colors in about 2o minutes flat. I figure there are so many nice colors out there, you can't really go wrong if you're in the right range. And all my friends and family won't be surprised to know that the shades are all in the foamy colors of the sea....
We didn't get to hang out much on the hill this weekend. Saturday we went to College Station and Sunday I took Christmas photos for some friends, so we only got a quick walk-through. I did take Friday off, though, and spent several hours on Big Hill picking up trash and visiting with the guys. I am actually really looking forward to living out there. That's a good thing.
Stone, Stone, Everywhere, and not a Mason in Sight!
Tue, Nov 4 2008 10:33
| Permalink
I have literally tons of stone in front of the house and no mason to be found. Mike, the 0riginal, too-busy mason Johnny, and I all called him. Johnny finally heard from him that he was too busy and would not be able to do my stone work after all. So now we are back to using Johnny, who will hopefully start this week. Hopefully.
The walls have been taped, bedded and textured. I have to choose paint colors pronto. I have it narrowed down, but don't know which walls to use accent colors on yet. Tonya says she will meet me out there this week to help with that.
The roof panels that have already been placed look good, I like the style and the color, except several will have to be replaced, as they were too short- the soffit was not accounted for when they were ordered, since it hadn't been completed at that time. Just another small road bump.
I had about 30 trick-or-treaters on Friday. Tracy and Ashley came down, and we went to Big Hill to watch the stars. They were out by the millions and we spotted 8 meteors.
Sunday the Sehnerts came down, and we all went to Big Hill to watch the Cowboys get stomped on. Ava and I had a delightful time together.
The walls have been taped, bedded and textured. I have to choose paint colors pronto. I have it narrowed down, but don't know which walls to use accent colors on yet. Tonya says she will meet me out there this week to help with that.
The roof panels that have already been placed look good, I like the style and the color, except several will have to be replaced, as they were too short- the soffit was not accounted for when they were ordered, since it hadn't been completed at that time. Just another small road bump.
I had about 30 trick-or-treaters on Friday. Tracy and Ashley came down, and we went to Big Hill to watch the stars. They were out by the millions and we spotted 8 meteors.
Sunday the Sehnerts came down, and we all went to Big Hill to watch the Cowboys get stomped on. Ava and I had a delightful time together.
Got My Half
Sun, Oct 26 2008 04:35
| Permalink
This busy week began with a surprise introduction to a snake. I was reaching down to pick up trash on 2012 and got lunged at by a copperhead. I sort of lost my civic drive for litter control after that.
The stone, fire bricks, chimney lining bricks, sand and mortar mix are on site. I have exchanged a couple of voice mails with my mason, but no sign of his guys on the hill yet. The chimney structure itself will be built by one team and the dry stack by another.
The originally intended drywall team came out on Tuesday, looked around and said “no thanks”. They had other, lowered ceiling homes to do! LOL Mike got the same guy that did the foam insulation to do the dry wall. They worked furiously Friday and were still out there on Saturday going strong.
The roofing sheets are in Walnut Springs, and Mike was rigging up a contraption on his 40-ft trailer to be able to slide them over the top, since some of the sheets were 50 feet long.
The lost windows for the sun room were found and have been delivered. The sun room is filled up with stuff from all over the house, to make room for the dry wall team. Still waiting on the replacement windows for the ones that were built incorrectly for the back wall. Mike put in the horizontal beams for the corner window and has ordered the glass.
I toured Drexels's cabinet shop on Wednesday and got to see all the cabinets for the house. They are really beautiful. We compromised on molding- no crown, but a simple step down trim. I cannot imagine what it will be like to have so much storage space.
So! I got my half of what was expected this week, and I am happy. It is Sunday noon; I am on a plane to Chicago for 4 days for work. I hope to have a metal roof and some dry stack when I get home.
I had a city planning meeting this week and then went straight over the Citizen’s Center to help fight the battle against a rock crushing operation on Chalk Mountain. I wish that Mr. Davis would go find a less beautiful and beloved mountain to “take down”. We shall see.
Saturday Diane and Jerry Cassell came down to Glen Rose and visited with Tracy and me before they went to Rough Creek Lodge. We toured the home site and had a muey delisioso burger at Big Cup Eatery. Then we went to Lord's Acre, where I donated a windmill tail that I painted a Texas flag on and bought a European mounted buck. Quite a country exchange.
Saturday evening we joined Linda and Karen at a Friends of the Brazos River fund raiser at M & W Ranch on the Brazos. It was a good but short weekend and a productive week on the hill.
The stone, fire bricks, chimney lining bricks, sand and mortar mix are on site. I have exchanged a couple of voice mails with my mason, but no sign of his guys on the hill yet. The chimney structure itself will be built by one team and the dry stack by another.
The originally intended drywall team came out on Tuesday, looked around and said “no thanks”. They had other, lowered ceiling homes to do! LOL Mike got the same guy that did the foam insulation to do the dry wall. They worked furiously Friday and were still out there on Saturday going strong.
The roofing sheets are in Walnut Springs, and Mike was rigging up a contraption on his 40-ft trailer to be able to slide them over the top, since some of the sheets were 50 feet long.
The lost windows for the sun room were found and have been delivered. The sun room is filled up with stuff from all over the house, to make room for the dry wall team. Still waiting on the replacement windows for the ones that were built incorrectly for the back wall. Mike put in the horizontal beams for the corner window and has ordered the glass.
I toured Drexels's cabinet shop on Wednesday and got to see all the cabinets for the house. They are really beautiful. We compromised on molding- no crown, but a simple step down trim. I cannot imagine what it will be like to have so much storage space.
So! I got my half of what was expected this week, and I am happy. It is Sunday noon; I am on a plane to Chicago for 4 days for work. I hope to have a metal roof and some dry stack when I get home.
I had a city planning meeting this week and then went straight over the Citizen’s Center to help fight the battle against a rock crushing operation on Chalk Mountain. I wish that Mr. Davis would go find a less beautiful and beloved mountain to “take down”. We shall see.
Saturday Diane and Jerry Cassell came down to Glen Rose and visited with Tracy and me before they went to Rough Creek Lodge. We toured the home site and had a muey delisioso burger at Big Cup Eatery. Then we went to Lord's Acre, where I donated a windmill tail that I painted a Texas flag on and bought a European mounted buck. Quite a country exchange.
Saturday evening we joined Linda and Karen at a Friends of the Brazos River fund raiser at M & W Ranch on the Brazos. It was a good but short weekend and a productive week on the hill.
R Factors
Mon, Oct 20 2008 04:00
| Permalink
My insulation guy tells me he doesn't even know what my R factor is for the ceiling, it's so over the scale. That makes me happy. He and his wife were out on Sunday blowing insulation on top of the hard kind. The house should be tightly sealed.
We burned more stumps this weekend. The weather is so nice these days, perfect for fires.
On tap for this week- construction of the inner chimney, dry wall installation, completion of insulation, roof material delivery, rock delivery, start of the rock walls construction. If half of this happens I will be one happy future home owner.
We burned more stumps this weekend. The weather is so nice these days, perfect for fires.
On tap for this week- construction of the inner chimney, dry wall installation, completion of insulation, roof material delivery, rock delivery, start of the rock walls construction. If half of this happens I will be one happy future home owner.
Windows!
Mon, Oct 13 2008 01:15
| Permalink
Finally! I have windows- lots and lots of them! I LOVE the outside- the anodized dark bronze, with a simple straight-lined, clean look.
And...I am not crazy about the inside...rats! I am learning that I need to be absolutely granular when explaining what I mean when placing orders. "Simple, straight lines, craftsmen style, no graduations, nothing at all fancy", did not translate as I intended. I suspect the cost was higher as well to get something that was more detailed than I really wanted. The interior side of the windows is multi layered, with no nice, deep, plain horizontal ledge, resulting in what I see as lots of edges to keep free of dust (what are the odds of that?) and no flat edge for cats or rocks or treasures to sit. Plus, 4 of the wall-o'-windows windows are double hung and are supposed to be picture windows. They will have to be reordered. Last, only the top row of windows was to be non-low E, but the top two rows are. This was actually Glenn's first choice, but was changed due to local regulations, so this may be a fortunate mistake.
If I could write an op ed piece about home building, I would definitely include advice to be as utterly explanatory as possible. Draw a picture, literally, if possible, ask for a sample before the whole order is completed- whatever it takes. I just spent a lot of money on windows that I don't entirely love. And that is a shame.
My bad, and I will now work on "loving" the windows I have. They are highly efficient and I do really like the big design of them- as in the picture windows on top with the awning windows on bottom. OK, I am starting to feel better.....
Tracy and I got to see the "neighborhood" owl fly across the valley. We heard him very close by, then saw him pop out of a tree and dart straight across the valley to a perch on the top of the far ridge. I will hopefully see that quite often through my new WINDOWS......
And...I am not crazy about the inside...rats! I am learning that I need to be absolutely granular when explaining what I mean when placing orders. "Simple, straight lines, craftsmen style, no graduations, nothing at all fancy", did not translate as I intended. I suspect the cost was higher as well to get something that was more detailed than I really wanted. The interior side of the windows is multi layered, with no nice, deep, plain horizontal ledge, resulting in what I see as lots of edges to keep free of dust (what are the odds of that?) and no flat edge for cats or rocks or treasures to sit. Plus, 4 of the wall-o'-windows windows are double hung and are supposed to be picture windows. They will have to be reordered. Last, only the top row of windows was to be non-low E, but the top two rows are. This was actually Glenn's first choice, but was changed due to local regulations, so this may be a fortunate mistake.
If I could write an op ed piece about home building, I would definitely include advice to be as utterly explanatory as possible. Draw a picture, literally, if possible, ask for a sample before the whole order is completed- whatever it takes. I just spent a lot of money on windows that I don't entirely love. And that is a shame.
My bad, and I will now work on "loving" the windows I have. They are highly efficient and I do really like the big design of them- as in the picture windows on top with the awning windows on bottom. OK, I am starting to feel better.....
Tracy and I got to see the "neighborhood" owl fly across the valley. We heard him very close by, then saw him pop out of a tree and dart straight across the valley to a perch on the top of the far ridge. I will hopefully see that quite often through my new WINDOWS......
Oh yea! This weekend Linda, Karen and I rode the Paluxy Pedal- along with over 800 other riders. The weather was perfect and the scenery was outstanding. I STILL haven't done the 45 mile route, which is the shortest one you can do and ride up "The Wall"- my home site! Next year I will have less of an excuse, as I will be living on The Wall and can practice a lot more.
Live Where You Are
Mon, Oct 6 2008 09:23
| Permalink
My sister Mary asked me how I was staying patient watching the progress on my "dream home". I let her know it is by focusing on where I am right now. That means decorating my front porch, planting Fall flowers, involving myself in downtown, being focused at work, staying in touch with friends.
I was recently appointed to a city planning advisory council in Glen Rose. Our challenge over the next year or so is to work with expert city planners to focus on how we want to handle the growth of our fair town, how we can attract the right kind of businesses, keep our unique identity, and maintain a healthy economy all at the same time. Very interesting stuff.
Next week is the Paluxy Pedal. My intention was to ride the 45 mile trek so I could go up 2012, get my "I climbed The Wall" patch and see my house on the ride. I haven't ridden my bike since last summer and have serious doubts about the feasibility of riding 45 miles, rest stops and all.
The green spray foam insulation has been installed. Messy work! A small load of ipe has been delivered, enough for the upper two decks. The treated pine deck base has been stained. The siding still has not been completed in the highest part of the back house. Still waiting on Mike's Foreman to return from an east Texas job with his son.
Mike burned some of the scrap wood this week, but it was way too windy yesterday to finish that job. The good news is that the wind came with a front has has brought us the first rain in 3 weeks and dropped the temperature as well.
One of my Glen Rose friends, Betty Grace, Tracy and I grilled steaks last night. Tracy had to put up wind barriers to keep the fire going. The plastic house wrap around the window openings was so loud, flapping violently every time a big gust came through. But the steaks were great.
I was recently appointed to a city planning advisory council in Glen Rose. Our challenge over the next year or so is to work with expert city planners to focus on how we want to handle the growth of our fair town, how we can attract the right kind of businesses, keep our unique identity, and maintain a healthy economy all at the same time. Very interesting stuff.
Next week is the Paluxy Pedal. My intention was to ride the 45 mile trek so I could go up 2012, get my "I climbed The Wall" patch and see my house on the ride. I haven't ridden my bike since last summer and have serious doubts about the feasibility of riding 45 miles, rest stops and all.
The green spray foam insulation has been installed. Messy work! A small load of ipe has been delivered, enough for the upper two decks. The treated pine deck base has been stained. The siding still has not been completed in the highest part of the back house. Still waiting on Mike's Foreman to return from an east Texas job with his son.
Mike burned some of the scrap wood this week, but it was way too windy yesterday to finish that job. The good news is that the wind came with a front has has brought us the first rain in 3 weeks and dropped the temperature as well.
One of my Glen Rose friends, Betty Grace, Tracy and I grilled steaks last night. Tracy had to put up wind barriers to keep the fire going. The plastic house wrap around the window openings was so loud, flapping violently every time a big gust came through. But the steaks were great.
Comments (2)
Going Green
Mon, Sep 29 2008 10:15
| Permalink
The house is 80% painted. The main color is called Villita. Not sure how that name was chosen; it's sort of a sage/avocado/putty green. It "matches" the local environment well. It's funny, I seem to have always wanted a green house with a brown roof- and finally I am getting it!
This week traveling for work I was in a conversation where we were talking about how our tastes/styles have changed- or not- through the years. I have always been drawn to the things of nature. I've gotten less "frilly" over the years, looking for cleaner, simpler lines. And now looking for lower and lower maintenance!
I had trouble getting the photos emailed from my home computer so have finally just today gotten the deck photos to my brother. along with several options as i see them for the aesthetics for the under support of the deck. We shall see.
Too much travel lately to suit me. I got home Saturday and am off again today on another trip. Summer has lost its grip, the Autumn flowers are springing up along highway 67, and crisp Fall weather is just around the corner. I planted mums on Grace Street and am keeping my eye out for a road side pumpkin sale to complete my seasonal decorations. My favorite time of year!
This week traveling for work I was in a conversation where we were talking about how our tastes/styles have changed- or not- through the years. I have always been drawn to the things of nature. I've gotten less "frilly" over the years, looking for cleaner, simpler lines. And now looking for lower and lower maintenance!
I had trouble getting the photos emailed from my home computer so have finally just today gotten the deck photos to my brother. along with several options as i see them for the aesthetics for the under support of the deck. We shall see.
Too much travel lately to suit me. I got home Saturday and am off again today on another trip. Summer has lost its grip, the Autumn flowers are springing up along highway 67, and crisp Fall weather is just around the corner. I planted mums on Grace Street and am keeping my eye out for a road side pumpkin sale to complete my seasonal decorations. My favorite time of year!
Ugh.
Tue, Sep 23 2008 12:54
| Permalink
Nothing to report, except the deck won't be like it was drawn. Seems the foundation drawings did not line up with the intended design, which showed more clearly on another page of the plans. I sent photos to Glenn and am waiting for his aesthetic input.
Plus, I now realize I have put the only non-fire resistant material of the exterior house on the underside of the most likely place to catch fire- the down slope over the ridge. I have a feeling I will be rebuilding the deck at some point in the future. Always go with your first answer.
Otherwise, the progress is striking me as excessively slow for the last several weeks. I'll admit some of it is that wiring and ducts were going up, but some of it is simply a lack of real progress.
Like I said, ugh.
Plus, I now realize I have put the only non-fire resistant material of the exterior house on the underside of the most likely place to catch fire- the down slope over the ridge. I have a feeling I will be rebuilding the deck at some point in the future. Always go with your first answer.
Otherwise, the progress is striking me as excessively slow for the last several weeks. I'll admit some of it is that wiring and ducts were going up, but some of it is simply a lack of real progress.
Like I said, ugh.
Autumn Air
Mon, Sep 15 2008 11:01
| Permalink
Since the remnants of Hurricane Ike passed through last Saturday, there is a spark of Autumn in the air. On Sunday Tracy and I took a hike down the hill, following the still damp rock bottom creek. Tracy found several nice fossils, and I contributed a couple of keepers. It was so pleasant to be outside in something less than 95 degrees!! We took the scenic route back to GR on the Harley and got a double dose of nature- a brilliant, deep red sunset to the west and a soft pastel full moon to the east.
The Hardee siding is almost completely up, a few more wires are in place, the bottom deck support is done (in treated pine), but there still isn't anything notable for the subject of new photos- again- this week; I have already pointed this out to Mike, with a response of heavy sighs : ). Although, I hear I might have a burnished burnished slate colored metal roof next week!
Last week I realized I had ordered all the faucets and sinks- except the kitchen sink. Ha! Today the kitchen sink came via UPS delivery. So there.
This evening I went out to clear a bit around the site. As the sun went behind the horizon a couple of hoot owls called back and forth in the valley. I was never able to find them with my binoculars, but it was an audio feast. It is just those little things that make it so hard to leave.