End of the End (Almost)

This marks the end of the "construction" photos.  The final bits of touch-up and details.

Here's a first and only look at the windows above the mirror.  Simply a good opportunity to touch up some trim that was in marginal shape.

A final look at that backsplash area that had some challenges, solved by artistic sheetrock mud, texturing and paint.  You'd never know.

Standing in the tub (something I don't often do,) this shows a variety of details:  caulking around backsplash, trim tile on tub against cabinet, accent tiles around tub deck and a placed, sealed and plumbed sink.

I'll leave you with a tease for the rest of the cabinets.  The drawers are in, but the doors are next on the agenda.  This is a great shot of an audible we had to call midway through.  Notice the new cabinet/sink on the right: no vertical piece.  Existing cabinet on the left: yes vertical piece.  In the nine plus years since our home was built, they changed the cabinet style.  Sure, same manufacturer since we were able to contact the developer and ask for some information.  But a different style.

Solution: new doors on each side so they match.  Previously, the left side (originally, the only cabinet) had doors that came together with about a 1/2 inch space.  No problem, since there is the vertical piece.  The doors on the new cabinet close up tight to one another, since there is no vertical piece.  The new doors on the old cabinet now close like the new ones on the right.  No one knows except us (and you of course!), unless both sets of doors are opened simultaneously.

If you're tired of the left/right/left/right description above, I apologize for the tennis match play by play. 

The last posts coming next will finish out this project with a final, "pre-shower door" view and then a tour of our new master bathroom. 

983 - Changing Professional Perspectives

My Retirement Countdown continues to be a transformational, professional journey.  When the countdown started, I was in an environment of hard work, positioning for that next promotion, seeking and taking advantage of opportunities - the typical professional ladder climbing attitude.

Then, in 1588, I talked about landing my dream position.  While the hard work part is still a daily part of my life, the posturing for that next position (at least for now since I love what I do) isn't quite as important.  In case my boss reads this, I of course would entertain any opportunity to grow - it's just not a high priority right now.

But professional perspectives can change for many reasons.

Many of you know son Jake has been a producer for Good Day Oregon at KPTV Fox 12.  Recently, he was asked to help initiate the new 8:00 PM news program on sister station, PDXTV.  Having your son sought after for a specific position is pretty cool.  But the suspender snapper for me was when he told us he is now the producer for Fox 12's 10 O'Clock News.  This is a significant show of faith in his abilities and we are very proud.

My reason for the story is not to brag about my kid (well, maybe just a little), but instead to make a point.  As parents, we all take pride in our children's accomplishments in school, but we keep focusing on our own careers and that next jump on the ladder.  However, when our children's accomplishments begin to take place in their "profession," well... it has altered my professional perspective forever.  A leap-frogging of importance has just taken place.

Yes, the rest of my career is still very, very important to me.  But, it pales in comparison to the importance (and remember: PRIDE!) I now feel for the accomplishments he is enjoying in his profession.

Middle of the End

Trim, paint and hardward make a world of difference.  First, tiles were cut into strips to make the edge trim.  Then, a small square piece was cut at an angle across one corner.  Finally, paint pulled it all together.

 
These final touches are subtle, but oh so defining.  They mark the migration from work to play. 

Remember the niche?  It took vision, design, engineering, testing, manufacturing, and even finish detailing.  Sounds like we're building a truck, doesn't it?  After all that work, it is the wash cloth rod that makes me smile.  I have successfully avoided Margaret's repeated suggestions to ditch the messy wash cloth in favor of her poofy scrubber thing.  Nope.

Not many steps remain.  Baseboards, tub faucet, final paint touch-up.  When those are complete, the shower door goes in.  We're almost there.

Beginning of the End

For weeks, we've been excited about the buzz of activity around here.  Prior to that, it was all about the hunt; the hunt to find the right person to transform our space; the hunt for the right materials; the hunt for the right accessories.  That hunt was successful, (the end of the beginning!), we got our buzz, and now beginning to see the end of the process.  Bitter/sweet.  It has not been torture, but rather a slight inconvenience at the bottom end, and intensely satisfying and rewarding at the top end.

As this post's title suggests, there won't be too many blog posts remaining.  A few more to wrap up the construction, then one with the shower door installed, and finally - the completed look.  I may throw a few "transformational" photo sequences in there for good measure.  I so enjoyed "Fun With Before and After" that it might be interesting to devote a few posts to before/during/after shots.

You've probably noticed that I'm halfway through this post and I haven't mentioned any of these photos yet.  That's because we've arrived at a point where there's not much "action."  A quick point about the base pieces installed on the cabinets' kick plates: each small finishing touch adds a great deal, but yes, not much else is happening.  The grout's down and we're waiting for it to cure so the sealer can be installed.  Just like a dog who can't quite get to his bone...

The hinges sitting on the tub deck above play into the final picture, so don't go to sleep on me quite yet.  Remember the access hatch cut into the tub deck frame?    

Well, we now have a beautiful new Lucent Blue door!  Don't you love the color?  Right.  It's all the rage just like the grout treatment previously.  Of course not.  Simply a protective coating.  But we now have a matching cabinet door (really, it's white!), newly engineered to allow easy access to the valves.  Look closely, and you'll see the same old handles, one installed backward, waiting for the new set.  Stay tuned.

It's been an amazing transformation, but the best is yet to come.

Molly Lee Cards

If you ever have the need for the most unique, personally designed cards for a special occasion, this is the only place to go.  Molly Lee sells interactive cards on her Etsy site, which is a cornucopia of handmade items.

When we moved to our new home, Molly designed a housewarming card that had all the look and feel of a moving box.  Complete with a packing tape seal, when opened, the envelope unfolded like the top of a box.  Removing the invitation was like unpacking.  I can't tell you how much fun we had sending them - and how many enjoyable comments we received from guests.  I only wish I'd kept a sample for myself.

Creativity, talent and oh, yeah - customer service!  For all occasions that need that special flair, I'm simply going to give her the theme and let her create the perfect piece!