5.29.09

The electricians got all finished up downstairs so I decided to make a push before insulation to fix all those nagging things. I started with the transition between the kitchen and wood stove area. There was about an inch and a half difference of elevation at the extreme and it tapered to nothing. I only had 8 inches in width to make it all work needless to say it was a challenge. I have been dreading that one for months. I finished the hardwood floors in the closets as well. I also had to put in all the blocking for the wainscoting in the living room. That should have been done months ago as well but I am sure I had a good reason not to ha ha. I should have done it before all the wires were ran because I was scared I would hit one and burn the house down...got to be worrieed about something each day.

Hide The Evidence

What better place to get rid of all the leftover small chunks of chimney and spring box than to cover them up with concrete on the back porch. The photo shows the first bag of 19. When I broke up part of the slap to run the plumbing for the back bathroom I found all kinds of rocks, bottles, trash, batteries...so when in Rome...I didn't cover up any batteries. I took out about a five foot section of the spring box for an entry onto the back porch which really sets off that are. I am going to lay tile on the pad one of these days but we will take it one day at a time. I also rebuilt the grapevine stand along the shop...I hate to see a 40 year old vine go to waste because I was lazy.

Chip Away

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I was able to finish up the siding today after a couple days of sun. It feels good to have it all up even though it is short a couple coats of paint. The electricians are coming tomorrow to finish the rough in downstairs so I had to spend some time framing up the last couple of walls and make sure all my nailers were in place. I would rather them be in so they can drill through them as opposed to me blocking around wires in hard to reach places. They should take a couple days and then on to insulation again.

Bonus Room

I dropped a bomb downstairs this morning...I threw a fair amount of our possessions in the dump and made room for a new closet in the living room. I took about 2 hours to finish. I spent awhile installing nailers for the finishes downstairs also. After lunch, I got out the old desk GP built years ago and fit her with a stylish new set of white pine legs. I threw out the originals some years back so it was time to improvise. The boys at Gallery received a couple six packs in exchange for the wood and a little shop time. I also picked up a stylish file cabinet from Rams' Rack thrift store and outfitted it with a fresh Maxey Manufacturing sticker...it's only downfall now it that it is Carolina blue...it will give the dogs something to pee on I guess. We got the office officially set up with the desk, computer, cabinet and spankin new rug. It's funny...yesterday I forgot this room was here and now it is a new clean quite office.

5.12.09

A pretty significant day at the Maxey's...it is like the theme from the Jefferson's....we're movin' on up. I got pretty fed up with moving all my stash of material over and over again in the shop so I decided to cut up some of the Chestnut for drawer fronts. I am sure this would make some flip in their grave but I figured if I did not start using up this hoard I may never get the chance to enjoy. I had to beat back the miser inside and live a little...and by the way, they are beautiful. I have completed my second cabinet system ever and things work pretty good. I still used the old pocket screw connections but you can hardly tell. In an effort to stay green, I used the drops from building drawers for the face frames and any little scrap chestnut for trim details. A great feeling of acomplishment.

5.8.09

10 straight days of measurable rain as of this morning and the progress is a little slow. I have to move all my saws inside and then back out again depending on the weather at any particular minute. The siding is on hold and so I shifted back upstairs to finish out the built-ins. I had one set of drawer parts roughed out so I slid them in to show what it will look like. I have 15 to build and that does not include the fronts or hardware or face frames so there is still quite a bit to do.

5.1.09

Well..I have almost got the siding finished up around the house and things are looking better than ever. I would finish this weekend but we have to take a time out for some birthday celebrations. I only lack the area around the back door and things will be pretty well buttoned up. I need to drop the back porch ceiling and then the electricians will have everything they need to start finishing the downstairs. If there is anyone out there who is dying to paint give a call and I'll give you directions.