Hi Cottage Friends,
It's me again, with another update.
The kitchen cabinets still haven't arrived. The last we heard the paint booth broke down and needed repair, which backlogged everything. And that's all I've got to say about that.
Dennis and I have been moving forward despite this set back, and I'll share what we've accomplished since my last report.
(Warning. The quality of some photos is not good. It's the best I could get with my iphone, which is the only camera I have right now.)
June 10, 2015
Ryan the Electrician arrives in the afternoon. He installs light switches and power outlets.
I chose rockers instead of toggles for the switches. We used these in our last home and I found them to be very easy to keep clean, and I like the uncluttered look. Some people think they should only be used with contemporary decor. It's a matter of personal preference. I hear push button switches are gaining popularity. They could be fun for a more vintage look, but they're pretty pricey. About four times the cost of toggles or rockers. For me it's not worth the expense.
Ryan also installed the ceiling fan in our bedroom.
A ceiling fan in our cottage is a must for air circulation, both in the summer and the winter. We chose not to install air conditioning. Temperatures here dip to 40 - 50 degrees at night and warm to 75 - 84 degrees during the day in the summer. If we keep the windows open at night, in the morning the house is quite cool. Our cottage is well insulated, so if we close the windows and doors before the morning air warms, the house stays comfortable throughout the day.
June 11, 2015
I purchased several containers of flowers for instant color.
The metal stand was a $1 flea market find. When we have time Dennis will make a top for it and I'll give the whole thing a paint job.
Ryan the Electrician installs the light fixtures.
Back entry/butler's pantry.
Dining pendant (raised and secured out of the way while construction continues).
 |
| "All right, Mr. De Mille, I'm ready for my close up." |
Kitchen mini pendant.
Ceiling light in my workroom.
Exterior lamp over each entry door.
June 12, 2015
Chuck, Bronson's furniture maker, is making the mantel for our fireplace. We stop by his shop to see how it's coming along. This is the pine log slab that will become our mantel.
I love the big knot and cracks on the front.
Chuck will sand this down a little and stain it a dark walnut.
This is my mantel inspiration photo.
June 13, 2015
Dennis begins tiling the hallway and bath floors.
Chuck and Dean bring the mantel to the cottage for measurements before cutting.
Here it is upside down with the corbels.
Ryan is supposed to come back and change the outlet cover to a gray one. I'm not sure it will matter once the heating stove is installed. I doubt the outlet will show.
June 14, 2015
Dennis and I take a drive after attending our church worship service. There's nothing like new-mown hay to soothe the senses.
June 15, 2015
While Dennis works on the tile I spend time on the dry creek bed, adding rocks and potted plants. This project will take time to complete, and isn't a high priority right now.
June 16, 2015
Dennis lays a lot of tile. My main task is to drive to the flooring store for more mortar. An hour round trip.
June 17, 2015
Dennis grouts the tile.
 |
| Back entry and bath |
I plant Zinnias and Nicotiana.
June 18, 2015
Dennis finishes grouting and cleans the tile.
 |
| Hard Working Guy |
I plant herbs.
Dennis crafts and installs the bathroom trim. I apply primer to the door trim.
And apply primer and two coats of Do-It-Best Star Magnolia to the baseboard.
Star Magnolia will be used on all the interior trim.
Dennis begins trimming the garden window.
June 19, 2015
Dennis finishes the garden window trim.
Ready for me to paint.
June 20 - 21, 2015
Dennis enjoys building the trim and casings and even on Father's Day he wants to continue working, which he says isn't work at all for him.
June 22, 2015
The LP gas company digs the trench and installs the gas line.
After it's inspected and approved, our LP gas tank will be delivered and we'll have gas for cooking and primary heat. (For those curious, there is no natural gas available in our county.)
Our compact front load stackable washer and dryer are delivered.
These are made by Whirlpool and actually are smaller in total dimensions than the all-in-one apartment size laundry centers. I'll give you my opinion on their performance once I start using them.
Dennis trims the bedroom windows.
And the bathroom window.
I finish painting the garden window.
June 23, 2015
Chuck wants me to come to the shop and approve the finish on the mantel. I do. It looks great. I'd show it to you now, but I want you to see it after it's installed. We have to have some surprises, don't we? It's like not showing anyone your prom dress before the big night.
June 24, 2015
I take a day off to shop and have lunch with a friend. Life feels kind of normal today.
Dennis works on the studio window trim.
June 25, 2015
While Dennis works on the trim for my workroom, I apply one coat of Star Magnolia on the living room window trim.
Dennis leaves for a doctor's appointment after lunch and I head out after finishing the window.
I'm very blessed to have a husband who's able to do finish carpentry, lay beautiful tile and do all the other things he does to make me happy. Thanks, Honey.
We're waiting for the plumber to come for the finish work. Once we have a toilet and shower, even without the kitchen we can camp out in the cottage.
Dennis had minor surgery yesterday and will be taking it easy the next two days (I hope). After I post this and finish my coffee I'll head for the cottage for more trim painting. I find it rather relaxing.
I hope you're day is off to a great start.
If you missed previous progress reports, you can find them here:
Progress Report #1
Progress Report #2
Progress Report #3
Progress Report #4
Progress Report #5
Progress Report #6
Progress Report #7
Progress Report #8
Progress Report #9
Progress Report #10
You can find our awesome builder at their website:
