The Blue Wall

As we draw to the close of construction and closer to moving back into our home; several aspects of the remodel still linger. At the top of the list is the entry way's famous 'Blue Wall'. Clint, our painting contractor has tasked with the project of using his Venetian plaster skills to showcase this wall. This is our grand entrance into our new Kitchen-Dining-Antique Space.

Clint applied some initial colored plaster on the wall waiting for his queue to create the final wall. As we all filed by the color plaster we uttered various comments about the background, pictured right. That's Clint's daughter helping Dad.

Clint and I discuss how we wanted this wall be done. Sandy and I gave him a picture of the Blue Bahia granite and said match this.

As we watched his progress I played with our new dog Pixar and Tamika demanded her time as well.

Clint announced this wall is done and Sandy and I agreed.






BELOW, I slept off two glasses wine as Clint worked his magic in the Entry.

We are delighted with the result. There is a combination of burnished plaster that is highly reflective and smooth with a granular look and sandy touch.

I now have my visual invitation to the rest of our home bordered by the Stone Fire Place, the Cherry Cabinets, the Oak Floors and all the Granite Counters.

NEXT: Are the punch list item to be done including the carpeting of the down stairs steps.

Day 106-107, Clean-up and Blue Wall, Good Bye to Ben

Today started off with a nice collection of pastries from Mr. Clint. I was on a mini road trip and missed the calories, so sad.

With final inspection behind us the to-do list is shrinking. One of the unmentioned tasks is the clean-up process performed by Michelle and son, Kyle. She also spots things still needing to be fixed.

Michelle was very busy spotting all the areas where the baseboard was installed and painted. She has a trained eye for any holidays.

RIGHT, Kyle has shown us how to tighten the dusting mop. We couldn't figure out how to lock the pole in the correct position.

BELOW, Michelle is cutting back the paper floor covering the hardwood floor and taping the edges down so it does not become a trip hazard.

Michelle and Clint are busy checking out the stained and lacquered closet doors. 

RIGHT, Michelle and Kyle have gathered all the paper and stuff a box with all left overs.

Our plumber, Brad didn't like the way our hydronics heating system was functioning.

We had his colleague come and see what the problems was.

The circulation pumb had failed and we caught it in the nick of time.

BELOW, Michelle is recording some of the remodeling areas. Both Darrell and Michelle should be very proud of the work they have accomplished in bringing our dreams and designs to a finished state.

We are still searching for the right look with the plaster wall.Clint wants it to wow us...

Thanks I know we will get there.

Ever want to know how to check a 9 volt battery? just ask Brad the plumber. I wonder if Mikey taught him that to test them with his tongue?

B E N

June 13, 2002 to October 25, 2013

It is with a sad heart that Ben had to be put down a at 2:00pm this afternoon. He had a tumor which was bleeding internally causing Ben to black out. Sandy and I drove him to the vets where we were advised of his condition. We were both present when Ben pasted. It is sad to lose him. He was just getting to know our new dog, Pixar. 

We are now a two dog household. 

LOVE YOU BEN!

Day 105, Lots of details and a Black Lab addition

Hello my name is Pixar, 'PIX' to my friends and I have decided to bunk here at the Steeles. Pix came to us way of a phone call at the Sonoma Airport waiting to fly to San Diego. He is a male breeder we have agreed to raise and transport to CCI when his breeding skills are summoned.

He past muster with our senior dog and all the builders. Pasco is barking his approval too in the beyond.

Besides a new dog, Darrell informed us that we passed our final inspection on the Friday while we were in San Diego. 

It was a tough inspection, Darrell got five citations and he dealt with  everyone of them getting them cleared and sign off. This is major milestone in our remodel project.

I didn't like the original porch corbels that supported the beams. Stacy and I consulted to construct this cut down version that is a better looking solution. These legacy items from the original house are all over. The challenge is bending into the modern fixtures and finishes we have introduced into the project.

BELOW, Rich, Darrell's dad prepares for another task.

There is an endless chain of details to be completed: wiring for the porch fan; installing handsets on the French doors; aligning shower stalls.
It sometime seems like it never ends.

Here's a good old builders conference. Dad discusses this remote to operate the downdraft fan. They recommend installing next to the cooking surface. That means he have to drill a hole through the granite. Darrell's not doing that!

Darrell talked this out with Stacy and Dad and came up installing the remote just inside one of the doors under the gas cooktop.

Darrell proudly points to his solution to activate the downdraft when cooking with the gas cook top.
YEA! D A R R E L L

LEFT, we got our new eating nook installed and used Sandy's claw foot oak table as temporary solution until we get an actual table built or bought.



Our flat screen rack is ready to receive the Panasonic we are using in the studio.

The big unknown is what this blue plaster wall will look like. I am sure it's done. Tune in for more updates on the wall

BELOW, these are all the material to do this kind of work.

NEXT: we are getting close to completion and move back.

Day 103, Before we leave for San Diego

Today, we were going over last minute arrangements before we catch our flight to San Diego. My son-in-law, Jay has been planning a 10th wedding anniversary re-dedication ceremony. It a surprise for his wife, Shannon and all the Steeles will be there including my father, Tahoe Bob from Lake Tahoe



RIGHT, Michelle carries in her bag of cleaning tools to get our home already for final inspection.

The back porch was coming along as we paint the ceiling and beams.

RIGHT, Darrell measures the front door as he maneuvers the new refrigerator up the front stairs. He realizes that the carton has to be removed to fit the appliance through the opening.

LEFT, Stacy wraps the appliance with canvas straps around to guide the unit to it final destination.






BELOW, the builders discover that they lack the maneuver needed to navigate the cabinets and island unit. To their rescue, Michelle brings the air lifter. It's a clever device that lift heavy object with a curtain of air.

BELOW, the Refrigerator is wiggled into it new home. If we have to move anything again I want one of those air tools.

RIGHT, Stacy hooks up the water supply to the new refrigerator's water and ice marker unit. Note the hard hat which doubles as spill catcher.

LEFT, Mike wires our home with the new code smoke detectors as Tamika guards her sleeping perch from any intruders including Mikey


BELOW, Michelle installs the variable height pegs and then the new shelves in each cabinet.

LEFT, Mikey wires the switches to insure they will function flawlessly.





BELOW, I discuss last minute project issues and what would happen while we are away.

Here's my daughter, Shannan and hubby sharing their white chocolate hearts after re-dedicating their wedding vows.

BELOW, Sandy and I sharing a bit...

ABOVE, my son, Sean reads to his one year old daughter, Sophia while his 91 year old Grandfather and two niece listen.

I relaxing with my two children after several days of family reunions.

NEXT: Back to Santa Rosa and the remodel project.