The starter bell rings...

Closed. Finally. Really thought that "maybe next week" was going to be the mantra forever. Instead, I actually did close just in time to have the Memorial Day weekend start the demolition of the kitchen and bathroom, the redo of the existing bath (tiling and putting in a new vanity) and getting the yard cleaned up.

I took a day off from work, went in and surveyed some of the wreckage, there was a lovely piece of panel used in the living room against the fireplace (I do hope that you could see the sarcasm in the term 'lovely') and once the panel was gone (and the mantle piece too) there was big black MOLD behind the fireplace. Well color ME happy. Going to need some bleach - not the ideal in my world, but trying to be open minded here. I prefer non-toxic cleaners, but I also prefer non-toxic 'stuff' in the house.

Today, there are reinforcements coming to assist, and life will be good. Two weeks to start moving in, and things are looking a bit daunting.

Additionally, on further inspection of the supports in the ceiling, there are going to have to be some redesign points in the kitchen. Either that, or that brass stripper pole coming down into the dining room that I joked about will be a reality. Not tempting, but possible.

Fabulous news is that I did manage to get two beautiful vessel sinks for $100.00 on Craigslist, a lovely granite vanity top (already cut for a vessel sink) and possibly all kitchen appliances from a woman who is redoing her kitchen in stainless steel so is selling her relatively new black appliances for very low rates. I do love a bargain. I also procured pebble tiles for the bath which are really beautiful for under $3.00 a square foot. I love Craigslist.

Siobhan has driven down from Salt Lake City for the weekend (this is actually the third Memorial Day weekend we have 'celebrated' together - but this is the first one where we have not had mere relaxation and party in mind). She is a fabulous trooper for doing the hand holding and input, and huge thanks to her.

Gotta run and get to the house!

OK, the time is slowly dragging on, I am packed up at the house, I have gotten rid of a bunch of stuff, and now I am in the holding pattern to close on the house. This is not really the fun part. The upside is that Ron and Ro have returned from their trip and have begun designing the new kitchen and laundry room/bath combo. It is going to be AMAZING. Ron and I spent the day on Saturday at IKEA (found a cool sink and faucet for the kitchen) and then at Lowe's (very lovely cabinets, made in Oregon, custom done, will be delivered right to the house) and some really lovely appliances. I am determined to get the sexy washer and dryer this time - the ones I currently have came from the erstwhile husband's latest sucker - always makes me laugh - she got him, I got the washer and dryer, and I really did get the better end of the deal.

Anyway, the cabinets are cherry (the redder ones, not the dark ones) and the floors throughout the house will be saltillo tile (with radiant sub-floor heating) so the colours are looking like they will be in the warm tones - which is good for me (since I am picking them out and all). Ro and Ron have really done a fabulous job on the kitchen specs so far, and I am more than ready to get started. More pictures and such soon...