It Could Happen

I knew it could happen, but I still wasn't prepared for the disappointment when it did. The plumbing/tile contractor failed to show up for our 10:30 appointment this morning. When I called him at 11:30, he told me that he was "running a little late" and that he would come by at 1:30. It's four o'clock now and, obviously, he is not going to be here today.

Back to square one. I have to find someone who wants to work and who, therefore, will show up. The extreme makeover must continue.

Massive

Wow! Although the work has just begun, I can tell I am going to love my new deck. Good progress today. There is a massive amount of lumber--the effect is massive compared to the old railings.

As you would expect, the deck is being built of treated wood. According to the guy at the order desk at the lumber yard, the wood needs to cure for about six weeks before it is stained or painted. Timing is everything. The deck needs to be completted in the next week to ensure that it can be painted by October.

The Third Rail

The old railing on the old deck is coming down. The heat has abated some and the work is progressing nicely. A pry bar, a T-square, a sledge hammer, a carpenter's pencil: Everyone wants to come to the party.

Cement Cylinders

Yesterday was a day of progress. The Moonlady Ravine now has two cement cylinders, drying, curing, deep in the ground, soon to become the foundation for the deck extension.

Last night, a subcontractor was identified to do the tiling and plumbing in the guest cottage. He is scheduled to come out on Monday morning to see the job and make a bid to do the work. I so hope that we can come to an agreement and that he can get the work underway right away.

In the meantime, we must endure one more excruciatingly hot and muggy day. Fortunately, the general contractor is committed to making progress on the project despite the weather. Today he is planning to remove the railing on the original deck and preparing it for its new look. I will head into town to seek a refund for the two eighty pound bags of cement in the back of my Jeep.

The Wood Is On Its Way

The wood for the deck extension and new stairs has been ordered and paid for. It will be delivered on Thursday afternoon. For optimal adhesion, the deck can't be painted until six weeks after it is built. Given that, there is every reason to build it as soon as possible.

I am very excited about this particular improvement. It will be one of the showier aspects of the extreme makeover.

FAMOUS Pedestal Sink III

The contractor off-loaded the FAMOUS Pedestal Sink from my Jeep and lugged it into the guest cottage. Yes, it is a little too big, but we are going to make it work. It is very special piece and will work out well even though it will dominate the tiny bathroom. As appropriate, the FAMOUS Pedestal Sink will own its own space.

FAMOUS Pedestal Sink Update

This morning I drove to DC to fetch my FAMOUS pedestal sink. It is amazing. The photos I posted don't begin to do it justice. It is truly a work of art. James and Hilda, the former owners, gave me a photocopy of the Washington Post article featuring my FAMOUS pedestal sink that indicated that its price in 1994 was $4000.

I love it. However, it is rather large. I hope, hope, hope it will be suitable nonethelss for the tiny bathroom in my guest cottage.

The Makeover Continues

Sometimes, even if it doesn't make sense, even if arguably it is to your detriment, you must push through to achieve your vision. While it is possible to be a visionary even if you fail, it is unlikely that you will be known as a visionary unless you are able to bring your vision into action.

So, the work here will continue on Monday. It has to be completed by October 1. The contracter has indicated that he will do what is necessary to meet the deadline. My vision for the Moonlady Ravine will be achieved.