2...2...2 projects at once!

Along with the downstairs bathroom, we are also tackling the kitchen. We are updating the counter tops and the flooring... the appliances are still on our wish list. We started by removing the counter tops, which were still in good shape, but very out dated. Another chance to use the reciprocating saw!!! While we waited for the next step in the process, we decided to change the color of the walls. Out goes the apple green- in comes the tomato red! Hey, at least we stayed with the food theme...

Next, we had a person from the stone company come and measure. What a complicated process! Not just a measuring tape, but an electronic machine that precisely measured down to the millimeter. After, needless to say, the animals found it all very interesting...

After the measuring, we had to take a trip out to Syracuse to pick out our slab of granite. The type we had chosen was called Cinnamon Sand, and could vary in its pattern and veining. What an interesting place. Nothing but rows and rows of different types of granite... pretty cool. We were shown our type and picked out the slab we wanted. ( The first one looked fine to us!) So now it was a matter of time until it was cut and installed. We had to put the counter tops back on and hook the plumbing back up again so that we could function while we were waiting. Not such a big deal but we have been in a state of flux ever since! So finally comes the day that we have arranged for the install. I hear the guys that have to do it moan a little bit at the sight of the 14 steps they have to navigate. But, they manage to make it up . Once they put it down, they caulk it with something to secure it and then seal the seam. Here they are putting the sink in. They did a wonderful job and even put in an extra back splash for us. The finished product was even better than we expected!










Our next project in the kitchen...the tile! We knew that we wanted to try this part ourselves but we also would need some help. So we called on our trusty contractors to put down some backer board for us so that the tile would have something to stick to and so that we wouldn't have to take up the vinyl that was down already. They were such troopers, they worked out in the cold and ice for us!! Once the backer board was down it was our turn to try our hands at DIY. First we dry fit the tiles, spending a good deal of time discussing what the middle was. Then, we held our breath and put the first bit of thin set down. The first couple of tiles went smoothly. So, we thought - Hey, we can handle this... The rest was easier as we went along, until sore and exhausted we did all that we could. The guys would have to do the edges for us since we don't have a tile saw and were kind of chicken too... :) We are waiting now for them to come back and finish the edges for us so we can grout and be done with the kitchen, so we can get our living room back! That is where all of the appliances and stuff are being stored right now. Argh.

Today we have some more work happening in the bathroom, but I will leave that for another post. Have a great day!!