Just like the theatre the blog went dark last week. It was a crazy week! Monday had subs climbing over each other. I just tried to stay out of the way unless summoned for conference. Tuesday, on the other hand, was asphixiating...literally. You'd think in this day and age with all the technology non-oderiferous lacquer would exist (especially in evironmentally sensitive land). Nope! No amount of closed doors, blocked thresholds,tenting or high powered blowers can contend with lacquering wall top caps and 4 bannisters. It reminded me of walking by the little 8'x 8' furniture shops in Hong Kong in the 70's. No wonder we got such good deals.
I escaped for a bit thinking by 10pm the stink would have dissapated with all the windows open. Nope! I held my breath and made it to the bedroom. The fumes weren't quite as strong there but still bad. It was making the ficus droop. I opened all the bedroom windows (it was freezing out, mind you), turned on the fans and electric mattress pad and sat on top of the bed with my coat on debating the wisdom of sleeping in bed or in the closet. The closet didn't sound very comfortable. I donned long underwear, flannel pjs, thermal socks, and put my robe between the blanket and the comforter. I climbed into bed and hoped I would still be alive in the morning. Just to make sure I kept waking up...yup breathing...now shivering...ahhh it's morning.
Wednesday I was still airing things out. Thursday everyone was back clambering to get enough done for 1 photo on Friday for the Tour magazine. Friday I was racing around to set up the vignette and we took the shot. (We will make the extended deadline just barely.) Saturday good friends helped us lug furniture back in.
It's beginning to look more like home. Now if those elves would just show up for work and get the boxes unpacked.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Pearls of Wisdom
I'm working on a whole strand but here are the first few:
*KITCHDRY - Synonym: Launkitch. Laundry room turned temporary kitchen. Space is very limited and must include washer and dryer. Does not include range, dishwasher or frig. Refrigerator, micro and toaster oven must be located in the garage. Must choreograph the dance to the music of meal prep, laundry, and dishwashing in order not to step on each other's toes. (Great rehearsal for future motor home living....NOT!) Cannot operate microwave or toaster oven in combination or with any other small appliance (electic kettle, coffee maker etc) without blowing a fuse.
*If you don't enjoy having to wear ski gear to cook...remodel in the summer. See Kitchendry.
*Pasta does not cook well in a microwave or toaster oven. 2 months without pasta is 2 months too long especially when you are part Italian.
*If you work from home buy a good laptop with the necessary software and a handsfree earpiece for your smart phone. This will enable you to conduct business from your car, favorite coffee spot, or nearest library when the power is off or the noise becomes overwhelming. If all else fails you will need good "reasons" to leave the premises and escape.
*Sawdust has the uncanny ability to move through closed doors, under sealed tarps and stick like glue. It takes trice as long to clean and then reappears within minutes. You will need to blow out the central vac system, wash the hose and replace the hose sock or forever see sawdust trails.
*Good subcontractors are worth their weight in gold. Take good care of them. Treats and coffee go a long way.
*Under no circumstances allow the water heater to be relit with a blow torch unless you're fond of cold showers or that drizzly shower head in the gym locker room.
*When glitches and O.S. happens act like a river and go with the flow. If you get dam(n)ed up take a deep breath. If your lungs fill with sawdust retreat to a different room, assume the lotus position and begin meditation. When the saws and nail gun permeate your subconcious unfold and go eat some chocolate. If that fails, proceed with haste to the wine cellar, uncork a nice cabernet, and pour generously. After a few good sips you WILL feel better.
*KITCHDRY - Synonym: Launkitch. Laundry room turned temporary kitchen. Space is very limited and must include washer and dryer. Does not include range, dishwasher or frig. Refrigerator, micro and toaster oven must be located in the garage. Must choreograph the dance to the music of meal prep, laundry, and dishwashing in order not to step on each other's toes. (Great rehearsal for future motor home living....NOT!) Cannot operate microwave or toaster oven in combination or with any other small appliance (electic kettle, coffee maker etc) without blowing a fuse.
*If you don't enjoy having to wear ski gear to cook...remodel in the summer. See Kitchendry.
*Pasta does not cook well in a microwave or toaster oven. 2 months without pasta is 2 months too long especially when you are part Italian.
*If you work from home buy a good laptop with the necessary software and a handsfree earpiece for your smart phone. This will enable you to conduct business from your car, favorite coffee spot, or nearest library when the power is off or the noise becomes overwhelming. If all else fails you will need good "reasons" to leave the premises and escape.
*Sawdust has the uncanny ability to move through closed doors, under sealed tarps and stick like glue. It takes trice as long to clean and then reappears within minutes. You will need to blow out the central vac system, wash the hose and replace the hose sock or forever see sawdust trails.
*Good subcontractors are worth their weight in gold. Take good care of them. Treats and coffee go a long way.
*Under no circumstances allow the water heater to be relit with a blow torch unless you're fond of cold showers or that drizzly shower head in the gym locker room.
*When glitches and O.S. happens act like a river and go with the flow. If you get dam(n)ed up take a deep breath. If your lungs fill with sawdust retreat to a different room, assume the lotus position and begin meditation. When the saws and nail gun permeate your subconcious unfold and go eat some chocolate. If that fails, proceed with haste to the wine cellar, uncork a nice cabernet, and pour generously. After a few good sips you WILL feel better.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Zen & BT Yoga
Even for the seasoned professional remodeling can be stressful. There's the noise and the dirt and the sawdust and the disruptions. There are the little glitches, the big glitches and the "OH SHIT" glitches. Breaking of the rare granite slab the day before install rates in the O.S. category.
Maintaining a Zen-like attitude it essential. Deep breathing works as long as you're not in close proximity to the sawdust. Meditation is good but darn near impossible when the saws and nail guns are operating. Then there's BT yoga.
Don't look it up because it's a brand new kind of yoga although some of the moves may be familiar. For this method you'll need a moistened Mr. Clean magic eraser, a towel, a kneeling pad, wet paper towel, painters caulk and 200 linear feet of installed basetrim(baseboards).
To begin assemble all items next to one end of the installed basetrim taking into account you must move along clockwise. Moving anti-clockwise will result in bad karma which equates to more glitches. To warm up kneel down on the pad and into "child's pose". Stretch out the right hand, grasp the magic eraser, then stretch out the left hand and grap the towel. Rotate toward the basetrim and begin "scrub/rub/wipe" movement for all 200 linear feet. Remember to stay present in the moment. No daydreaming.
After completing the warm-up you are ready for the more complicated movements. Kneeling on the pad parallel to the basetrim, grasp the wet towel in the left hand and the caulking gun in the right hand. Become one with the caulking gun. This is a very important step. In it's previous life the little bugger, oh excuse me, this inantimate object was an extruder operated by mouse on speed. Go into the "twist/point/shoot" movement. That's "SHOOT" not "SHOUT" although at times you will be tempted to do the latter. Along the way it will be necessary to change to the "nose to corner" and "upside down twisted dead bug" poses. The UDTDB pose is the most advanced pose and it's required for those reaching the advanced status of Caulking Under the Floating Vanity (more commonly known as why didn't this get down before the vanity was installed).
This entire routine will take approximately 6 hours if done properly and will result in stiff shoulders and lower back along with the sorest butt you can imagine (even if you do glut exercises at the gym). For more detailed instructions look for my BT Yoga video due out after the I regain my sanity, write the cookbook and can walk again.
Maintaining a Zen-like attitude it essential. Deep breathing works as long as you're not in close proximity to the sawdust. Meditation is good but darn near impossible when the saws and nail guns are operating. Then there's BT yoga.
Don't look it up because it's a brand new kind of yoga although some of the moves may be familiar. For this method you'll need a moistened Mr. Clean magic eraser, a towel, a kneeling pad, wet paper towel, painters caulk and 200 linear feet of installed basetrim(baseboards).
To begin assemble all items next to one end of the installed basetrim taking into account you must move along clockwise. Moving anti-clockwise will result in bad karma which equates to more glitches. To warm up kneel down on the pad and into "child's pose". Stretch out the right hand, grasp the magic eraser, then stretch out the left hand and grap the towel. Rotate toward the basetrim and begin "scrub/rub/wipe" movement for all 200 linear feet. Remember to stay present in the moment. No daydreaming.
After completing the warm-up you are ready for the more complicated movements. Kneeling on the pad parallel to the basetrim, grasp the wet towel in the left hand and the caulking gun in the right hand. Become one with the caulking gun. This is a very important step. In it's previous life the little bugger, oh excuse me, this inantimate object was an extruder operated by mouse on speed. Go into the "twist/point/shoot" movement. That's "SHOOT" not "SHOUT" although at times you will be tempted to do the latter. Along the way it will be necessary to change to the "nose to corner" and "upside down twisted dead bug" poses. The UDTDB pose is the most advanced pose and it's required for those reaching the advanced status of Caulking Under the Floating Vanity (more commonly known as why didn't this get down before the vanity was installed).
This entire routine will take approximately 6 hours if done properly and will result in stiff shoulders and lower back along with the sorest butt you can imagine (even if you do glut exercises at the gym). For more detailed instructions look for my BT Yoga video due out after the I regain my sanity, write the cookbook and can walk again.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Twas the Night before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
The pounding had quieted, the crew had clocked out.
The cabinets were all hung on the walls with care
In hopes that some cooks might soon be there.
The dishes were washed and all put away,
The laundry room tidy at least for a day.
I put on my jammies, Mike snored in his chair
I sat in the rocker, should I poke him, do I dare?
Outside the wind blew, the rain went pitter patter.
The new vent flap chimed in, oh my what a clatter!
I covered by ears, wrapped myself in a blanket,
On the punch list that goes and I know where to rank it.
My eyelids grew heavy, my breathing had slowed,
The movie had ended, someone said it had snowed.
And in my mind's eye what then should appear
But those shiny new appliances so expensive and dear.
Dacor, Wolf, Bosch, Liebherr I love you so much,
Along with cabinet door and drawers that close with a touch.
With plenty of storage everything has it's place
And when the gang is home there's lots of space.
I dreampt I was hosting a dinner for 10.
The menu was Greek and Italian and Cornish game hen.
The wine was uncorked, appetizers ready and waiting.
First rule in this kitchen "there shall be no catering".
The soup was simmering when the timer went off.
I lifted the lid, took a taste and then coughed.
The texture was fiberous and the aroma musty.
It was full of wood chips and awfully sawdusty.
Something's not right, what's wrong with this picture?
What could I have done to concoct such a mixture?
I stir and stir and now my arm is numb.
Oh wait, that's weird because so is my bum.
I wake with a start and stiffle a giggle,
Open one eye, big stretch and wiggle.
I creep downstairs and take one last look,
It will be another month before I can cook.
A wish comes to mind as I turn out the light
Happy Holidays to All!
May your New Year be bright!
The pounding had quieted, the crew had clocked out.
The cabinets were all hung on the walls with care
In hopes that some cooks might soon be there.
The dishes were washed and all put away,
The laundry room tidy at least for a day.
I put on my jammies, Mike snored in his chair
I sat in the rocker, should I poke him, do I dare?
Outside the wind blew, the rain went pitter patter.
The new vent flap chimed in, oh my what a clatter!
I covered by ears, wrapped myself in a blanket,
On the punch list that goes and I know where to rank it.
My eyelids grew heavy, my breathing had slowed,
The movie had ended, someone said it had snowed.
And in my mind's eye what then should appear
But those shiny new appliances so expensive and dear.
Dacor, Wolf, Bosch, Liebherr I love you so much,
Along with cabinet door and drawers that close with a touch.
With plenty of storage everything has it's place
And when the gang is home there's lots of space.
I dreampt I was hosting a dinner for 10.
The menu was Greek and Italian and Cornish game hen.
The wine was uncorked, appetizers ready and waiting.
First rule in this kitchen "there shall be no catering".
The soup was simmering when the timer went off.
I lifted the lid, took a taste and then coughed.
The texture was fiberous and the aroma musty.
It was full of wood chips and awfully sawdusty.
Something's not right, what's wrong with this picture?
What could I have done to concoct such a mixture?
I stir and stir and now my arm is numb.
Oh wait, that's weird because so is my bum.
I wake with a start and stiffle a giggle,
Open one eye, big stretch and wiggle.
I creep downstairs and take one last look,
It will be another month before I can cook.
A wish comes to mind as I turn out the light
Happy Holidays to All!
May your New Year be bright!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
New version of Johnny Mathis' "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"
It's beginning to look a lot like progress
Everywhere I look
There's a pile of sawdust there, making me sneeze again
And nailing, sawing even louder than before.
It's beginning to look a lot like progress
With the hardwood floor
But the prettiest sight so far is the the sun through the glass
of those eight foot doors.
Everywhere I look
There's a pile of sawdust there, making me sneeze again
And nailing, sawing even louder than before.
It's beginning to look a lot like progress
With the hardwood floor
But the prettiest sight so far is the the sun through the glass
of those eight foot doors.
Friday, December 17, 2010
I couldn't wait for Xmas and started unwrapping. Santa gave me permission. He wanted us to stay on schedule. It's the 12 days of Christmas on steroids and the kitchen is taking shape. That first Saturday that it's operational I think I'll cook all day just for the sheer joy of it.
Before we started the project lots of friends said, "oh, lucky you, no cooking for 2 months. You get to dine out". I like dining out but it would have added another $5000 to the budget and with all the extra fat and calories I would be living at the gym. It's a nice gym. They just don't have laptop holders on the elipitical yet. Besides, I love to cook.
When all the dust settles my next project will be a cookbook for construction,"Cooking Construction Style". Catchy title, don't you think?
Hey, don't laugh! You can turn out some very tasty and healthy meals with just a microwave, toaster oven and crockpot in a laundry room. There's an added bonus if you have a rice cooker and a panini maker. We're not talking frozen t.v. dinners here either folks. More along the lines of, "Zuppa di Casa", "Luisa's Paninis" and "Pollo Rosto". If you want the recipes you'll have to buy cookbook (due out sometime in 2011 after I regain my sanity).
Before we started the project lots of friends said, "oh, lucky you, no cooking for 2 months. You get to dine out". I like dining out but it would have added another $5000 to the budget and with all the extra fat and calories I would be living at the gym. It's a nice gym. They just don't have laptop holders on the elipitical yet. Besides, I love to cook.
When all the dust settles my next project will be a cookbook for construction,"Cooking Construction Style". Catchy title, don't you think?
Hey, don't laugh! You can turn out some very tasty and healthy meals with just a microwave, toaster oven and crockpot in a laundry room. There's an added bonus if you have a rice cooker and a panini maker. We're not talking frozen t.v. dinners here either folks. More along the lines of, "Zuppa di Casa", "Luisa's Paninis" and "Pollo Rosto". If you want the recipes you'll have to buy cookbook (due out sometime in 2011 after I regain my sanity).
Friday, December 10, 2010
Santa came early!
And what to my wonderous eyes should appear but boxes and boxes of cabinets so dear! So many that they filled the living and dining rooms. I was as excited as a little kid at Xmas. Oh, how I wanted to open all those packages. I should have taken lessons from my brothers. They were very adept at opening their presents under the tree before the day and cleverly closing them back up.
I was a good and just looked at what was visible. Ooooh, aaaah! Oh, there's the knife block. Look how cool the new silverware drawer turned out. They followed the drawing exactly! There's the mixer lift.
I'm not weird....it's the construction dust...really!
I was a good and just looked at what was visible. Ooooh, aaaah! Oh, there's the knife block. Look how cool the new silverware drawer turned out. They followed the drawing exactly! There's the mixer lift.
I'm not weird....it's the construction dust...really!
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