Timeless, Yet Controversial Art

Now I am sure you will all be as shocked as I was when Jeff called me from Kansas City to tell me that we would have to put a throw rug over this. Bryan was so much more diplomatic when he agreed that it is my property and can't, therefore, be classified as vandalism. (technically anyway) It is only 8X10, at the most, and I don't mean feet. It is in the far back corner of the porch off our bedroom. Come on Jeff, it's timeless. 100 years from now whoever lives here will love this house too, I'm sure.

This is the kitchen tile, and the hole is where the cook top will be with a stainless exhaust hood above it. This is the second time I blogged this because I locked up and lost everything and this is also the second time I almost spelled HOLE W H O L E. Oh computers, I hate doing things twice. Then again how many re-types were there in Freshman English on the old Smith Corona? Computers were invented, I just didn't know how to use it yet.

This shows the galvalume being applied behind where the wood stove will be.

Last, but not least, this is the screen porch with it's new galvalume ceiling and ceiling fan. Obviously it isn't complete, but getting there. A few screens, a door and a few finishing touches on the ceiling.

The Eagle Has Landed

Today after dropping Shelly off at work, I was driving up our driveway and came upon the bald eagle sitting in our cottonwood tree. All that I could say was WOW!

Below are some pictures of the eagle:

The eagle is out on the branch to the right.

I must of finally spooked it as it took off and I was lucky enough to snap a quick picture showing some of its wing span.

As you know, last week while canoeing on the river we found the eagles nest. These birds are so beautiful and it is so hard to believe that they almost became extinct at one point in history.

Exterior Painting - Comparison of Sketch to Reality

The photos above are the sketch posted on the blog back in September and 7 months later it is finally becoming reality.

It was a gorgeous night here in Minnesota and the painters had 3 good days to work on the exterior of the house. Shelly took several pictures of the house tonight and they are featured below:

The other work done this week on the house was installation of the Central Vacuum - BEAM Product provided and installed by JJ Vanderson & Sons, Inc. out of Blaine, MN (Website: www.jjvanderson.com)






I almost forget one of the big events inside the house besides the Central Vac and Water Softener installation, but the granite countertops went in on Monday:


Kitchen Area:

Master Bathroom:




Upstairs Bathroom:

A beautiful day for a ride in the canoe

After our ride upstream where we saw the eagle's nest, Jeff sent me up for the camera so we could photo the house from the river. Next time we'll bring it with us.


Here is the house and barn from the river.

Here I am. I asked Jeff to make me look good, but he only had a camera not a paint brush.

Our reality program hasn't been cancelled yet. Viewership may even be up, then again it may be down.

This is the tile that is in our master shower. It is made from recycled glass, which makes it "green". This tile will also appear above our cook top in the Kitchen. We hope we won't have to wear flip flops when we shower.


This is the upstairs bathroom. Good thing the "kids" are young and fit because only the fairly athletic will be able to climb into this deep tub to shower. I can't believe I'm going to have to hang a shower curtain in here.

Another sideways picture, I forgot I can't turn it after I put it in here. Just imagine it one turn counterclockwise.

Jimmie Sparks, on the left, is an Energy Rater and I would guess that he is discussing the blower test he is performing, with Steve. Our house performed very well, I understand.

The man on the left is Jeff's uncle Dan who came from Seatle to inspect the project. He was happy with what he saw and looks forward to future stays in the new place. He is especially happy that the doors won't be sawed off and he and Rosie won't have to sleep with Barney.

This is the Kitchen earlier this week. Next week we will get counter tops and probably tile.

Interior Update and Screen Porch Construction - April 12th

Overview picture of the house exterior following the snowstorm that rolled through Minnesota starting on Thursday evening and continued into Saturday with flurries. The total new snowfall was about 8-10" in our area. But as you can tell by the picture, it has been melting already and the forecast for next week indicates temperatures reaching 70 degrees.

Pictures of the new porch construction in addition to those Shelly posted on Thursday.

Now for the interior update associated with the finish work on the woodwork - ProCoat started working about 10 days ago and are working again this weekend to finish up sanding, sealing and varnishing all the woodwork throughout the house. As stated, the interior finish is being completed by Steve Prozinski, Owner of ProCoat. They are located in St. Louis Park, MN and his e-mail address is prohome48@lycos.com . From the wood finish, they will be moving to start the exterior paint on the house around April 21st and will also be working on additional coats of interior paint as we are moving down the home-stretch.

Cherry cabinetry/vanity in the Master Bathroom:

Ceiling, window and drawers of the Master Bedroom - the ceiling is birch and the drawers are maple.



Front entryway - ceiling and slats are made of birch:



Finally, a picture of the study area - this view is looking back towards the Master bedroom:



This is a picture looking out of the Master bedroom along the desk, cabinets and bench towards the Living/Dining and Kitchen areas.

A view of the TV cabinet and fireplace area:


Activity in the coming weeks include: tile work, granite countertop installation, etc....., as you can imagine things are moving along and we hope to be into our house by the time Aaron returns home from college. However, the latest word is June 1st move in; but, we'll keep our fingers crossed that they can improve upon that date by maybe a week or two. (No pressure Kevin...)

A Closer Look

Why does there have to be construction equipment all over the site?

Northwest suburb braces for up to 10 inches

See that porch back there? I am so excited I can't take a straight picture.


The trailer has been moved out of my view from the garage and just in time for the storm. :)

The matriarch, daughters and granddaughters bond at baby shower

Rachel, Kathy and Morgan

Expectant mom, Nikki and daughter, Phillipa

Wendy and Ally

Linda and Maddy

Lauren, Kris, Judy, Abby and Shelly

Kris and Lauren

The expectant grandmother, Judy