Kitchenette

We've actually had fun through the entire remodel process. This kind of project is pretty much a once in a lifetime deal for folks like us, and we appreciate being able to make these changes.

The kitchen has been out of commission since April 12. Until the last week, we functioned out of the downstairs bedroom. With a microwave, toaster and coffee maker, it qualified as a kitchenette. And talk about handy - coffee refills simply by turning around. Never more than about three steps to achieve anything.

Anyway, here are a couple looks plus a short video clip.



To make way for the floor install, Patricia and I cleaned out the room in one big effort last week (per photo below). Since then: kitchenette is primarily set up in the upstairs bathroom (per bottom photo).

Within the next couple days: we should have countertops and sinks again in the kitchen.

Tile . . .

A few looks at the slate floor going pretty much all through the lower level . . .

Filling/emptying; out with the old

As mentioned in previous post, at the same moment the living room as being filled in, we emptied the pool. This was perhaps ahead of schedule a bit. However, due to a combination of equipment problems and operator indifference, the pool was turning a nice green color. So we drained it now.

Once our HOA approves knocking a hole in the fence to facilitate equipment access, we'll knock down the pool and start putting in some shade trees etc.

Paul Jr. and Pat Herrara were around that day and somewhat helped pick up the pump and get things set. And they reminisced about pool basketball, recalling the days of yore when CPG used brute strength to throw off would-be defenders.

Last photo: yes, we will need a new Christmas tree. If only we can find one that can be put up, decorated, and taken down without actual work . . .

Who needs the heavy bag?

An accomplished, or perhaps aspiring, videographer (Mr. Patrick O'Connell) submitted this clip showing some fun from way back during the Easter weekend. Going back to the March 25 post (via this link, then scroll down to 3/25), you will recall that we went to a spring training game and otherwise had a fine time with guests etc. back then.

I had mentioned that folks had fun with Wii video games. As illustrated by the video clip below. NMG here displays something. It could be called skill with Wii boxing. It looks fatiguing yet somehow effective. Note how the boxer picks up significant hand speed as the bout progresses.



Speaking of Wii, I might note that a series of Wii bowling matches known only as "POD v. POC" took place during that same weekend. No video exists, which probably is a good thing. A rematch, sort of a Rumble in the Jungle II, is inevitable, and it can only be hoped that the rematch offers a fraction of the action that has been burned on trash talking, trash text messaging, trash scoreboard messaging, etc.

Our living room no longer is sunken

As we remodel away, one of Patricia's goals was to fill in the living room. She saw several pluses - get rid of a dated concept; create a more spacious feeling; more flexibility for placement of the piano and other furniture; etc. I didn't want to bother. I was incorrect. Especially because it wasn't very expensive . . .

Here's how it was filled in. Starting with removal of carpet (which didn't look all that bad even though Kelly seemed to like marking the territory). Then: wheelbarrows filled with dirt. Then: wheelbarrows filled with concrete.

The color of the concrete is starting to match the rest of the slab, though I'm told it takes awhile for this stuff to "cure."

Next: while the living room filled, the pool emptied - on an eerily identical timetable.

Remodel - patio doors etc.

One of the goals of this project was to open up the south end of the family room and take advantage of the view into the back yard. Plus replace the existing patio doors. We ended up getting these Pella doors that seem to do the trick really nicely.

Top photo shows that area of the family room, pre-project.

Second photo shows the new door area, cut and ready.

Third photo shows Mark and Sean enjoying knocking out a wall.

Fourth photo shows the Pella installers at work.

Fifth photo shows the doors from the interior. Sixth photo shows the doors from the exterior.

Seventh photo - a separate concept - shows the doggie door in its final throes.