At Home In PT

Just One Further Tease...

2010-07-28T11:20:00.001-07:00

Walked by 523 this morning and the big dining room wall of rock was mortared! It's absolutely STUNNING. Looks like an old wall from a chateau in France. I'm thrilled with it and those of you who will live there/see it will love it too! Beams arriving today or tomorrow and the cabinets & GORGEOUS marble countertop will be installed within days.

It may be even BETTER than I'd envisioned, if that's possible!

Thank you everyone who has made that possible with your hard work and QUALITY craftsmanship!

This & That

2010-07-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

I found this little boy outside Aldrich's really chowing down on a piece of watermelon. I spoke with his mom and she told me that his name was Denver & that it was his birthday. He would barely stop his devouring to talk about his birthday and his watermelon. Kids LOVE Port Townsend as there's so much to keep them in a state of wonder from simple walks to classes ranging from the arts to marine life. Such an idyllic life for them and the best part is, many of them realize it.

And I forgot about this little clump of violas that I found on a walk recently. It is growing right out of the middle of an asphalt driveway. Determined to be showy while it lives and it is! I admire it every day I walk by and continue to be amazed at its beauty in the middle of such starkness.

The interior photos will probably stop at this point since there isn't a huge difference day to day, although cumulatively it obviously has changed. Barry & Shane are hard at work on the tile work, the gutter guys have been on the roof installing, more insulation was added today, the painter continues to prep and the guys are working on trim around the doors & windows. The fireplace is now installed and mortared. It looks fabulous. I ordered carpet on Saturday only to find out today that they don't have enough of it at the mill so they're going to have to make more for my job so it will all be from the same dye lot.

I went to Sequim today for the usual end of the job items that always pop up - door stops, toilet seats and even a garbage disposal. They're so quiet these days! It can barely be heard - thankfully! On the way back, the "elk crossing" signs were flashing along Highway 101 as a warning to all the motorists rushing along. It led me to remember one dark night in Vail where Sam, Jason & I had just arrived at the Stollport quite late. We jumped in "Wookie" our Jeep that lived in the parking lot while we were away and headed to the house. Out of nowhere an entire herd of elk/moose/SOMETHING HUGE "cantered" across the road in front of us. I slammed on the brakes and we started counting them in the headlights. As I remember, we lost count at around 28. It was so startling and today I watched closely the entire journey back just in case...

I'm continuing to pack up as the guys are coming tomorrow to move the heavy stuff out of here for me. So I'll be living out of a suitcase until I leave on Friday. But that's not a huge problem in the scheme of things, is it?

I'll be away for awhile so I won't be posting. When I resume, I'm changing the blog. So if you're a Google "Follower" or have contacted me as I discussed in a previous post, then you'll be on the list for the new version if you're interested.

Thank you for reading about the house's journey. Many of you have sent me such complimentary private emails and I've been gratified by your interest. The house will be incredible - I just hope the life inside will be as well!

Lili

Only In A Small Town...

2010-07-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

would you go to the orthodontist on a Sunday. My 15 year old permanent retainer waited until I was in PT to fail. The local orthodontist makes his own appointments & he offered one on Sunday. Needless to say, I was floored but when I arrived, he'd already seen a previous patient & had another waiting when I left.

My morning walk today included the downtown loop. It's a longer route than my usual stroll and I always swing through the marina as a part of it. The Relay for Life was winding down at Memorial Stadium and downtown was full of people enjoying the incredible weather. Today, I saw a sign you'd probably only see in PT - I'm posting a photo. What you can't see is the word "wood" around the corner of the box.

When I finished my walk I went by 523 and was surprised to see the garage door taking shape. I had been told it would be installed on Tuesday - what a pleasant surprise! I met the installer - who is also PT's new interim school superintendent after 20+ years as superintendent in a town on the west coast of WA. I also "met" his son (well, only his hand behind the door...) who was helping him. I'm posting a photo of the door, which I believe really helps polish the overall look of 523. And when the hardware is added, it will look even better.

Tonight was such a gorgeous evening that after looking at chandeliers online for hours and talking to some friends back in Dallas, I set out for an evening walk. I must be getting thicker blood, as I saw some people out with their jackets on but I only needed my light vest! I'm posting a photo of the darling pooch waiting for his human at Aldrich's - a daily sight and never unappreciated for its preciousness!

I'm off here - awaiting "Mad Men's" premiere.

More tomorrow...

The Marina

2010-07-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

Seems I don't always escape the building process even on weekends. Since I got back so late yesterday from Seattle, I met Pete at 523 this morning so I could empty out my car which was crammed with items for the house. Got to see the fireplace up close and the many interior doors which were hung while I was on the road. Got the upstairs carpet ordered today along with an area rug for the dining room and I had to wait my turn! That's fine with me - it means that there are other buyers in town & that's great news for all. Of course, it was Farmers' Market as well and what a STUNNING day for it. I woke up to sunlight & it's just now starting to fade at 9:00pm.

Tonight, I walked downtown to meet a new friend, Stephanie, and her two sons who were skating at the town's skate park. Joseph & Daniel are great kids and even more than tolerated a friend of their mom's watching and asking a lot of, probably, ridiculous questions. The last time I was on a skateboard they had metal wheels & it (of course it couldn't have been the "driver") caused my second broken arm when I was flying down a hill and a stick got in the way. See - I've not always been so cautious in life! I've wisely steered clear of them since but it's amazing what kids can do with a skateboard these days. Stephanie & I walked over to the marina and gabbed for quite some time, during which I took tonight's photo of the boats in the marina at about 8:15pm. The sun was so gorgeous on the water & if you look very closely (sorry, it was taken with the iPhone!) you can see Rainier in the middle of the photo.

I'm already packing for my move out of this temporary housing and for my trip to Dallas next week, which can't come soon enough for me, blast furnace or not...

Seattle

2010-07-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

What a BEAUTIFUL day it was in Seattle today! Sunny, warm temperatures greeted everyone & I do mean EVERYONE.

I'm posting a photo of the GIGANTIC cruise ship that was taking on passengers as I was headed back to the ferry. Around the corner, but unfortunately out of camera range, were two "normal" cruise ships. Without exaggeration, this one appeared to be at least five times as large as the other two. Later saw it going by PT in the Strait of Juan de Fuca - heading to Alaska?

More tomorrow...

Beehive of Activity

2010-07-22T17:16:00.001-07:00

That's what 523 was today. Loren & three of his men finished the preliminary rock work while Barry & his son, Shane, arrived to start the tile work in the bathrooms. I'm posting a photo of Barry (one of the funniest photos yet for the blog) and of Shane (his Owen Wilson-double son) hard at work. Then it was "old home week" with Greg, Patrick & Mark back again. They trimmed out the windows today and installed the newel post for the stairway. Had no idea that newel posts were secured from beneath the floor. Lots of trips under the house today - the result of a coin flip? What a dance they did with that level - it was extremely accurate at the end, however, as usual. Greg & I measured for all the closet components which I will order in the next couple of days. Chris dropped by with the granite hearth for the living room fireplace with his usual humor. Don, the painter, dropped by momentarily to coordinate with Pete since the sheetrockers are now out of the way. This is a SMALL house & with all these workers swarming (and me standing in the way at times), it gets a little tight although they're always so courteous.

I had to run downtown today - something I can go a couple of weeks without doing at times. I forget what a different world it is just below Uptown as that's where I usually always am. They're simply two different worlds and Uptown is self-contained enough to eliminate the need to go there (well, except for the Rose Theatre...) The ferry was disgorging passengers who then flocked to Water Street to be greeted by shops, food, street musicians and stunning weather. Today had a sax player on one of the street corners & Thursday nights feature music on the dock with rotating groups to entertain locals & visitors alike. I'm posting a photo of the ferry arriving - it reminded me that this ferry will soon be gone. It was loaned to the Port Townsend/Whidbey Island route from Pierce County when a routine inspection a couple of years ago determined that the old ferries had to be pulled IMMEDIATELY. The first replacement ferry - the Chetzemoka ("fine young man") - will be arriving soon with the second in 2011. The Chetzemoka is already undergoing trials in the Seattle area to check its seaworthiness as we "speak".

I'm also posting two photos of what I found when I drove up one of my many visits to 523 today. The deer in PT must be taking fertility drugs since several of them have twins this season. At first, I didn't see the other mother & thought the visible one had TRIPLETS. Not true. Just two moms out with their twins for a "leisurely lunch" from the garden of the neighbor across the street. And what an incredible garden it is!

No post tomorrow - Seattle time again. Somehow I'm not as excited as the last time I went there. But then, it's a different reason...

A Slower Day

2010-07-21T17:52:00.001-07:00

thank goodness! Not as much accomplished, but still hurtling toward the end, which is now in sight. Today, the sheetrocker finished the last of his work, the painter arrived for priming & the rock guys were back to continue. I'm posting a photo of every one's favorite room which is now "all white". A white coat of paint really opens things up again. I had thought that the house might be "dark", but so far it's not which is a wonderful surprise.

I'm posting another photo of the strange fog that sometimes presents in PT on such a sunny day. You can barely see the mountains on Whidbey Island above the line of fog. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the wooden boat with its three sails into the picture. It was so picturesque.

If you've been reading the blog and are not a gmail "follower", please write me to let me know. I'm going to be changing the blog soon & will need to contact some of you to let you know my plans for it. Please use "lglast@yahoo.com" for an email contact.

More tomorrow...

Hectic

2010-07-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

That's what today was. But so much accomplished! Door hardware is now ordered. The cooktop is now ordered so that Chris, the marble man, can have it early to use as a template. Ceiling fans ordered. Lighting trim selected & the last of the electrical-related choices will be made tomorrow.

But the biggest change is the starting of the rock work in the kitchen & dining room. Four men showed up and really endeavored to get rock on the walls today. I think the photo (taken mid-day so I wouldn't be locked out by the gate later) shows the beginning of a gorgeous room. When we went with similar rock in the kitchen in Irving, Sam liked it so much that he said we needed to do the entry also. And he was so very right. Several people commented that they felt like they were walking into a castle as a result. Will be interesting to hear what people think of this area. Pete seems to really like it while Greg, Patrick & Mark haven't been around much for the past couple of weeks since the sheetrockers & painters were there. But they'll return later this week - can't wait to see their reactions, although most of you know I WON'T be there that early to actually witness it!

I'm also posting a photo of the weather today. Very overcast/foggy this morning but, as usual, it burned off fairly quickly in Uptown. The photo is taken from the sunny bluff in Uptown showing the ferry arriving below, shrouded in fog (wish I had a recording of the constant foghorns in the distance).

More tomorrow...

Haven't Fallen Off The Face Of The Earth..

2010-07-13T19:01:00.001-07:00

I'm just running like crazy! Photos of the painter - taken with the iPhone - didn't come out. Suffice it to say that the painter has started some priming & the sheetrocker is still working at 523 daily.

I went to Poulsbo/Silverdale today & am going into Seattle again tomorrow.

There won't be any new posts until Sunday or Monday - busy week & weekend coming up. Talk to you then!

A Beautiful Day

2010-07-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

The heat has disappeared already - two days were apparently enough for it - and we've been left with temperatures in the lower 70s, not a cloud in the sky, a light breeze & air that smells so sweet.

Saturdays always are uber-animal day in PT because of the Farmers' Market. This is a town that loves its animals dearly. They're out every day but in full force on Saturdays because of the Market. They greet each other with the same friendliness their owners display toward other owners. It's quite precious.

Speaking of animals, I'm adding a photo of Lenny, the rabbit. I first read about Lenny in The Leader, the weekly paper. Lenny was taken from his hutch on the main drag down from Aldrich's. In typical PT style, a polite note was left in his empty home, "Dear family, I have decided a vacation is quite in order. I will return once my adventures are complete. Love –” with an inked paw print to "sign" it. He is so precious I can see why someone would WANT to take Lenny, but that doesn't excuse the anguish they caused over his loss. Several days later, after he was featured in The Leader, Lenny returned safe & sound with blue ink residue still on his paws. Every time I see Lenny, he has a bounty of Aldrich's day old veg at his paws. Such an exciting life he leads! Since my iPhone photo was so poor, I'm posting a photo from The Leader instead today only.

I found Nonie & Chloe outside this morning coming back from a romp on the beach. I've already told her that Chloe is going to refuse to go back to Tucson when she leaves. Chloe's already a PT dog! Nonie went with me on the spur of the moment to the Rose which had a piped-in production of "London Assurance" from NT Live. I've written about these performances before - they're recorded in HD at the National Theatre of London and broadcast in 22 countries around the world. Emma Freud introduces each play and also interviews a pivotal individual from the production - this time Nicholas Hytner, the director, who provided insight into his thought process for L.A. As this was the last (an added treat) of this season, I'm already looking forward to the next one which will feature Hamlet, FELA!, Frankenstein directed by Danny Boyle & Complicite's A Disappearing Number. PT may be a small town at the end of a highway, but it never lacks for interesting activity.

No Photo

2010-07-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

because nothing changed at 523 today. The sheetrocker called in and asked to work tomorrow (Saturday) instead of today so it was fairly quiet all day long. Pete straightened up the grounds a bit, met with Barry the tileman and of course, we had our daily discussion with Greg, who was there connecting the Solatubes prior to further insulation.

I went out early this morning to see the countertop slab which is now safely at Chris's shop. I got the ceiling beams' order almost completed, picked up wallpaper, saw the incredible upholstery fabric for the vintage chair I'm having reworked, and spent more hours at Jeanne's looking at fabrics for the dining room side chairs. Back to the local paint shop for more paint chips since my deadline for paint selections is Monday. EEK! But how wonderful it will be for that to be checked off the list too!

It's "chilly" here this evening after a quite warmish day. Think our heat spell is broken after a whopping two days. Back to PERFECT weather for the foreseeable future.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sequim & Port Hadlock

2010-07-08T21:37:00.000-07:00

Well, the "heat" has arrived. Is it possible that only last week we were wearing coats/jackets and this week we're "melting"? My car said it was 88, the iPhone said it was 79 and I say it was hotter. But after tomorrow, we're supposed to dip back into the low 70s which will be heavenly.

Today, after meeting Fred about the cabinets at 523 & conferring with Greg on all things carpentry, I ran by to pick up Nonie, my new downstairs neighbor, and we went to Sequim to meet Pete to order some interior trim. Afterwards, we went to the primo shopping in Sequim - WalMart & Costco. They actually ARE quite nice stores and it was a quick trip over & back. Along the way, we saw the FABULOUS "Model T" that was parked in the Costco parking lot. I've never seen a vintage car in such pristine condition! Nonie is a great neighbor & such an interesting person as well. I'll enjoy her being in PT until she leaves in October for Tucson again. And of course, I'm enjoying Chloe, her rescue dog!

The "tapers" are there working on the next phase of the sheetrock and they're quite good and quite fast. I'm attaching a photo of one of the installers on his "stilts".

Got some things ordered today and will be going to Chris's tomorrow to look at the countertop slab (now in PT) with paint swatches for the kitchen cabinets. Thank goodness we're in the middle of days of blinding sunlight for selecting colors!

Tonight I went with Nancy & Robin to a "cafe" in Port Hadlock at the marina. Quite a gathering and everyone was totally enjoying themselves. Apparently many of them were the owners of sailboats out in the bay. Such a life...

More tomorrow...

Odd & Ends

2010-07-07T17:45:00.001-07:00

Nothing huge accomplished today. The sheetrockers FINALLY finished hanging the "rock" and another crew swooped in to clean up the leftover dusty chunks (sound familiar Jackie?) Thankfully, the HVAC vents in the floor were double covered although I wouldn't be surprised to find some of the fine dust in the venting when it's finally turned on. Tomorrow, the "tapers" arrive.

My new neighbor, Nonie, and I took her dog, Chloe, on a walk throughout a large swath of Uptown today. She's already besotted with PT - usually doesn't take long! As we walked over by 523, three police officers were there cleaning up after a wreck at the corner. One of the strange aspects about PT roads, particularly Uptown, is that there are some intersections that don't have any stop signs. Apparently that was what was responsible for today's wreck. I stopped to talk to one of the officers in his cruiser and Nonie & I later spoke with another. I had some "road questions" to clarify as these were not the type of questions on the driving test. I couldn't get over the politeness and friendliness of these men. Upon hearing that Nonie had just arrived, one of them made sure we were aware of PT's various restaurants. As we walked off, we remarked that neither of us had ever had a conversation like that with a police man/woman. Another side of living in a small town...

I'm finishing the "beam list" for the house tonight so that I can place the order tomorrow. Also, the door hardware list is now ready to go as well. By the end of the week, I should have everything ordered except possibly the upstairs carpeting but that's "easy". It will be nice to have that portion of my responsibilities completed so I can know we're on the downward slope.

Seattle

2010-07-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

I, who slept through a nearby tornado once, was woken this morning at 5:30am by my dear downstairs neighbor & her friend who was departing today for Tucson. At first I was quietly grumbling then realized the sun was already bright, so why not get up? Shocked aren't you, those of you know know how much I love to "sleep in". But the sun has definitely arrived in PT for an extended stay, per NOAA. And the area is thrilled at the 70+ degrees today with not a cloud in the sky.

After a brief stop at 523, I was on the road to Seattle. Unfortunately, the Hood Canal Bridge had other ideas. I've been so fortunate to have only been stopped once before when it had to open for water traffic & it wasn't a time where it made us late. Today, it made me miss my timed ferry for Seattle. I'm only hoping that it was a Navy carrier or submarine that stopped us - not a single sailboat like the first time. For those of you new to the blog, the Hood Canal Bridge is a "floating bridge". Due to the depth of the water it can't be rigidly secured (and such depth also makes it so perfect for submarine traffic). You can't feel any bobbing - it's not THAT much of a floater - but just to know it... Once when Sam was up, we were on the ferry going to Whidbey Island & we had to "tread water" while a carrier went by. I went back to the hotel to check its number - the only marking - and it was the carrier that Bush landed on with the "Mission Accomplished" banner as a backdrop. The area has a strong Navy presence down the canal and on Whidbey Island and PTers are often fortunate to see these vessels go by on their way to base or back out to sea.

Chris from Old World Granite met me in Seattle to select the countertop material. Poor Chris - he got the assignment since Gilles is in France. This was my third trip over to "shop", but my first with the all-important stone that will cover the walls next to it. I asked Chris to meet me since I am not trained in "bad slabs" as he is. We went to five slab sources today - all on foot (easy when it's in the low 70s) - and I found "the winner" at the first store. I'm posting a photo of marble being moved into the sunlight for a better look - what a procedure! Even though this is my 5th experience with stone, it's always exciting.

On my way toward the airport area I came around a corner on I-5 and saw this jaw-dropping sight. Mount Rainier is the "Drama King"! I took these photos supported on the steering wheel after frantically digging through my purse for the camera while driving 60+ MPH along with lanes of other equally speedy drivers. Not for the faint-hearted.

And the last photo is of Port Townsend at 8:15pm. I thought I saw some masts while outside & when I walked closer to the bluff, this is what I saw - notice Rainier had to get into this photo as well! What a beautiful, peaceful setting in the "late" evening. Beautiful sunlight, still waters. Loved it. Hope you do as well...

Shingling Finally Completed?

2010-07-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

Most definitely (as Rolando Blackman used to say...)

Freighter in the Strait of Juan de Fuca Reminding Me Of Quebec City?

2010-07-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

So true...

Sheetrocking Started?

2010-07-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

Check.

Sheetrock Delivery Through Temporary Hole In Siding?

2010-07-01T13:45:00.001-07:00

Check.

Insulation?

2010-06-30T18:58:00.001-07:00

Check.

Early Posting

2010-06-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

I know I sound like a broken record, but it's been wild around here the last couple of days in particular. The good news? I finally see an end to this craziness after tomorrow! So I will be able to enjoy the Fourth of July weekend without distractions.

The insulators were back today. They're getting everything ready for the insulation to be pumped in tomorrow. I'm posting a photo of the house with it's white layer ready to hold it all - it's DENSELY packed in! I saw this application on "This Old House" over a year ago - can't believe that I even remember it. Sheetrockers should be right behind them. Pete & I met with Loren today - he's going to do the rock walls in the dining room & kitchen - much like the walls we had in Irving. Decorative iron brackets for the open shelving in the kitchen are on the FedEx truck right now out for delivery. I THINK the appliance problem has been solved, thereby fixing the cabinetry problem. Shower floor tiles - check - ordered today & will be here tomorrow along with the handmade tiles that will accent each of them.

Earlier today I was talking to Gilles about the countertops when Jasmine walked up. She decided to decorate my car while she was politely, but impatiently, waiting for me to hang up so I could talk to her. Here's a photo...

When I arrived at 523 this morning, the line had already started for the Twilight movie tonight. A tent was even set up, but later in the morning it had disappeared and chairs were in its place. I'm guessing the police thought the sidewalks had to remain clear all day. I'm attaching a photo of two women who didn't look real happy about sitting there all day - I know I wouldn't do it! But we will be there tonight for the midnight showing. Guess I haven't lost that "sure, let's do that!" after all.

Probably won't do a post tomorrow as it's the official switch upstairs. I'm already "there", but Qwest won't make the phone/internet switch until the 1st.

More later...

Monday, Monday...

2010-06-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

NOT the best day. Lots to decide today & a prior cooktop selection is wreaking havoc on the kitchen. Insulators started today & while they arrived quite late, I was amazed at what they accomplished by the time they left fairly early. Photo is attached of the future TV-reading room. Mark was finishing up the shingling around the garage door and I was fortunate that Pete, Greg & Jack (Mark's son) helped me move the heavy items from my place. I'm moving upstairs for the duration as they leased this place to another woman for the coming months when PT is at its best weather-wise.

The Fourth of July - my second favorite holiday - is coming & Nancy's house has the bunting out. So festive already. Fireworks stands are doing bustling business closer to Bainbridge Island - one even has grocery carts for their customers. How many fireworks do these people buy? PT has its fireworks display out in the bay on a barge. I hope this is an enjoyable Fourth, PT-style.

I found a "surprise" against the front door when I finally got back today. My Callaway driver came early (most deliveries to PT seem to take an extra day). I'm looking forward to re-starting golf lessons in this climate - a good temperature to learn in.

More tomorrow...

Posting Early

2010-06-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

I have to move upstairs for the balance of construction so today has been consumed with going up and down the stairs with my things. Great way to thin belongings out, however! The worst part will be taking the gardening books & magazines upstairs tomorrow. The guys are going to help me move the heavy boxes to my mini-warehouse at Aldrich's so I won't have to deal with that, thankfully.

Today's photo is of the Barlett House. It's probably the most photographed private residence in PT. You can see it on the bluff in the "cover" photo of the blog. I haven't been in it - will probably have to wait for a benefit tour of some sort for that - but it's so lovely. I will post more "ladies" on weekends so you can see them as well.

I'm also adding a link to one of the "daily" photo sites that feature PT. These photographers do a MUCH better job of showing you life here than I ever could. Bookmark/Favorite it if you want to return to it in the future!

http://myporttownsend.com/

Back to packing...

A Typical Saturday, For Now...

2010-06-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

Saturdays seem to be almost always the same. Farmer's Market and a trip somewhere for the house. Today, I met up with Nancy & we went through the farmer's market before stopping at "The Spot" for soup & a crab cake. We found a bench and sat down to catch up. I am always in awe of her mothering - with five kids still at home she's about the calmest person I know. Maddie invited me to go to the midnight showing of the third "Twilight" film and I told her I'd go. Nancy is coming with us and perhaps another of Maddie's siblings. Since the author, Stephanie Meyer, has her vacation home nearby and the films' setting is supposed to be western Washington, it has quite an allure around here. Sam & I were walking through Port Angeles a while back waiting for the ferry to Victoria and I kept seeing "Twilight" posters everywhere. At that point, I didn't know about the juggernaut that had already swept the publishing world. While I had seen posters while in Barnes & Noble, I just didn't "get it". I thnk you'd have to live under a rock to not know about it now. Just hope film #3 is better than #2 was!

One thing I often forget is how many motorcycles cruise around town on the weekends. If I don't go downtown, I'm oblivious since most of them don't come Uptown. But were they ever in evidence today! IF I drive through downtown on the weekends, I see the vibrancy that exists there - the street corner musicians, the rowers, the pooches, the shoppers, the walking tours led by members of the historical society. And it's just a few blocks away...

Then on to Silverdale for 523-related stops. Silverdale is where the "Big Box" stores are if you head toward Seattle. I believe I will have a PhD in LED TVs before I purchase one. It's mind boggling and as a woman who was checking out with a new system said when I asked if she & her husband would be doing the installing, "Heavens no! If you're not in your 20s you don't have a clue." Truer words were never spoken! I'm totally itimidated.

When I walked past 523 tonight, I had a first. A beautiful (there's that word again...) cat was sitting on the front porch's step. It seemed quite content and at home. Since it had a collar on, I doubt if it will adopt 523 permanently but it was quite dear to see something enjoying it already.

I'm posting some photos from my favorite perch at the end of the street - the boats were certainly enjoying the gorgeous weather today!

Sequim & Port Angeles

2010-06-25T18:36:00.001-07:00

Where does the time go? Seems like I didn't stop today. Got up early & stopped by 523 to check in with the guys before heading to Sequim. I got to see what happens when forests get a springtime of rain - they're lush & gorgeous! After a couple of hours in Sequim & Port Angeles (where you catch the ferry to Victoria, B.C. & the Empress Hotel, if you're lucky), I headed back. I noticed quite a few logging trucks - something we don't see in Texas. The logs' cut ends look like a freshly snapped sweet potato in color - simply beautiful.

Every time I re-read my entries, I see how often I use the word "beautiful". Whenever I write or read that word, I hear my dear father-in-law Ben's voice. He had a particular way of saying "beautiful!" that makes me think of him so often as a result. I can still hear and see him saying it - usually with a beaming face. Not a bad word to be forever linked with, is it?

I've got to admit, I love the road from Fat Smitty's back to PT. Pete has described it as the most beautiful stretch that isn't in a state or national park. He should know as he drives it daily. It's curvy & overlooks the water when you can see it through the thick vegetation. Afraid I'm enamoured with driving the curves at the max the speed limit will allow. Today was great - no semis in front of me.

Spent alot of time at Jeanne's today looking at fabric & wallpaper. We were both cross-eyed at the end. But we found great wallpaper (small amount needed behind shelving) but that's a few more checks off the list. Mr. B the cat, ever elusive, even made an appearance. Could it have been the treats that his owner, Ginny, gave me to lure him out of hiding?

Today's photo is of the curing garage floor. It's probably the cleanest it will ever be! And it seems that everyone in PT who works with concrete can't stand the thought of wasting any of it. Today's finisher left me a stepping stone with a fern frond imprint since ferns are everywhere around here. And for Dottie - a photo of her Mark finishing up the last of the shingling with the exception of the small area for sheetrock entry & around the soon to be installed garage door.

More tomorrow...

Scoffolding's Gone...Again

2010-06-24T16:58:00.001-07:00

How many times has the scaffolding appeared & disappeared? MANY. And it's not over yet since the sheetrock opening will have to be closed up at some point. But today, Mark & Jim finished the high wall on the back of the house, leaving only the more easily reachable guest bedroom wall. That should be completed tomorrow. Patrick & Greg worked on getting the garage ready for its final layer of concrete early tomorrow and setting the Solatubes in the bathrooms, as well as blocking for the intricate bracket that will support the TV later.

Tamara, my wonderful architect, came over today to show 523 to some important people - her family. Her parents, Jay & Donna, were in from Minnesota and of course they brought Tamara's beautiful daughter, Ciara, with them. PT has a lot of connections with Minnesota and before long, everyone was talking about places they knew there, including Jim (the electrician) who was over for one last "DirecTV plug". While I knew from earlier conversations that Tamara had played basketball, I didn't know that Jim was a local basketball coach. He's leaving the girls' team for the boys' this year. Since basketball is about the only sport I can understand, I will probably have to go watch at some point.

Just got back from a leisurely stroll through town after stopping at Jeanne's to look at wallpaper. What did I notice today? That the FATHERS were out with the strollers about this time. I usually walk a little later and had never seen them out before. Ran into Drew, a neighbor from up the street & his darling daughter in her stroller as well.

I'm attaching a photo of Mt. Rainier - I hope it's viewable. This evening was probably the clearest I've seen it since I've been up here. It's jaw-dropping to me since it's 100 miles away - so majestic!

Hope you had a good walk through your neighborhood this evening as well.

Back Again...

2010-06-23T18:27:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm back. 523 has changed little to the eye but yet it has had constant work since my last post. I'm going to post quite a few photos this evening to try to show you what has happened at 523 as well as around town.

The dormer window FINALLY got shingled! It really changed its personality. You can see to the side that a small portion of the wall next to the fireplace remains unfinished. I asked the guys about this today and they said they knew I wasn't going to like it, but that was the area that would have to be cut open to allow the sheetrock to go in the second floor. They were right - I didn't like the sound of that but they assure me that it will be structurally sound.

The next photo shows the terrace side at the back of the house. It's now moving along since the replacements for the french doors finally arrived - in the right color!

The guys went home HOT today. I know, I know - today's 72 does not make Texans think of "hot", but it was! A nice hot. One I could even appreciate. I just heard the Seattle weatherman say it might be time to put your jacket away. From what I've heard, that may be a bit premature as people have been known to attend the 4th of July in a jacket. The story is that summer starts here on July 5th. Yesterday, we had the strangest weather. I kept hearing the ferry's fog horn blaring in the background well into the afternoon. I finally discovered the reason - FOG. On a stunningly beautiful sunny day! There was a thick, white bank of it covering approximately half the Strait of Juan de Fuca - the route the ferry takes to Whidbey Island many times each day. Apparently it isn't totally unusual - Pete described it perfectly to me when I asked him about it today. Wish I'd captured it on "film"!

After a quick stop at Aldrich's, I went to Chetzemoka Park for more photos. Chetzemoka was a Klallam chief & granted permission for the Port Townsend settlement. The new 64-car ferry to be delivered to PT in August will bear his name. While I've been there a couple of times before, today I really roamed its 10+ acres. It's not a large park, but it sits right above the Strait. Also, I'm adding a photo of the raspberries I found on the bluff. Hmmm... in looking closer at the photo, they appear to be blackberries, but in person I'd say raspberries! As I was leaving, I saw Bear's twin out taking a stroll through the park with his owner. I thought of how Bear would LOVE to walk through Chetzemoka - it's hard to keep your shoulder in its socket when he's on a walk. After Chetzemoka, an orthopod might be in order!

I know I've said it before, but the air smells heavenly up here - just like Vail's. As I sit at the little table where my computer resides, I have a soft breeze coming through the open window & the sweetest serenade by the birds outside.

I'm off for a walk through the neighborhood...

Taking a break...

2010-06-17T05:30:00.001-07:00

Didn't get much sleep last night & those of you who know me will be shocked that I've been awake since 4:30. Incredible serenade by the birds & the 5:00am church bells - neither of which I've ever heard.

I've decided to take a break from the blog for awhile. Will eventually "be back".

I'm off for an early morning walk through this incredible town...

No Photo Today...

2010-06-16T23:00:00.001-07:00

as there was nothing "spectacular" to show you. More work on the porch's ceiling, met with Barry the tile man, the guys worked on interior blocking, trying to pin down the wall treatment in the dining room & kitchen, meeting with the propane man, picking up carpet samples, recycling, etc.

Tomorrow is to be early with the propane tank's placement. That'll be an exciting photo ;)

Caught!

2010-06-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

When I got home tonight, two deer were dining on the gorgeous flowers across the street. One cooperated as I tried to take their photo. Have you ever seen such an "innocent" face? These two were very "tame" - they voluntarily walked within five feet of me when they crossed the street for their next course.

What happened today? Lots, as usual. Loren & his crew finished the chimney which makes way for others to now do their work. Greg & Patrick worked inside on blocking while Mark was working on the front porch - particularly the ceiling treatment.

I bought some strawberries from Sequim at Aldrich's. They're obviously well-known around here, and after tasting them I think I'd have to equate them to Pecos cantaloupes. There IS a difference! They were so fresh that they are sold with the dirt/sand still on them. I thought Driscolls were good, but they pale beside these. Love the fresh produce around here!

Loren's Back!

2010-06-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

Loren, my stone mason, was back with his crew & his scaffolding today to start the completion of the chimney. I was in Dallas when they did the first portion (on a 55 MPH day from what I heard - can you imagine being on a scaffold at the TOP of this chimney under those conditions?) so I've never seen them in action. Like a swarm of bees - buckets of concrete being hauled up on pulleys, saws trimming the rock to size & then being applied with "ease".

And the front porch shingling is almost finished. That just leaves the terrace area in the back where we're STILL waiting on those replacement French doors as well as the small area just beside the area where Loren's crew is working.

The electricians were back for a city inspection today and the guys were flying with interior framing. I got the interior rock samples today & was quickly on the road to Gilles' to look for marble. Amazing how one "little" aspect can hold up a line of other decisions!

Hope you had a great weekend!

Secret Garden Tour

2010-06-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

Cape Cleare has some competition at the Farmers' Market! The Spot had some fabulous crab cakes that they cook on site and today I tried them. I may have to do some rotating of the Saturday menu! PT has wonderful FRESH seafood so it's hard to turn it down, particularly when they cook it for you & you don't have to get the Febreeze out afterwards! I strolled by MMM (my "code" name for 523...) and found the roofer there tending to some last minute tweaks that he felt were important. Gaylinn was under the house working so I actually had some quiet time to go through the house by myself to think through what I was seeing without the usual noise of the saws and hammers. Quite a difference in the quality of thought without those jarring sounds.

Finally, I set out to find the Secret Garden Tour which is sponsored annually by the Master Gardeners of Jefferson County. It's amazing what's hidden behind some of the houses in PT and I only saw 6 of them. I got turned around (and so did the car's navigation system) so I saw parts of PT I didn't know existed. There's an area that looks like Atlanta to me but the overall feeling again today was that of being in Vail. We used to have a second home there and there's nothing like the cool, clean air, stunning sunlight and the birds chirping. It is the same feeling here in PT.

I'm simply going to post some of the photos that I took around town today. My biggest surprise? Probably the dogwood, but you'll see maroon poppies that were as tall as I am, gorgeous lupines (pronounced "loopins" up here), artichoke peeking out of their thick, lush foliage and "ragged" poppies that are stunning.

Enjoy!

Sequim and...Shingles!

2010-06-11T20:00:00.001-07:00

Do we notice a pattern here? Yup - more finished shingles - the front wall! There are some small areas left - particularly the back terrace area where we're waiting for replacements for the patio doors which were delivered in the wrong color. Gaylinn was here most of the day working on plumbing, the roofers finished (it's gorgeous!), the electricians finished the first phase (it's hard to call pre-wiring "gorgeous")and Loren was back to start finishing the chimney.

I'm also adding a photo of "Patrick's Post". It's on the front porch & will have a small mirror-image of the swoosh when it's completed.

I'm glad I wasn't here for long today since there were so many people around. I went to Sequim to start the Home Depot list. Many of us joke about Home Depot/Lowe's, but I'm amazed at the companies they can order from that are not physically represented in their stores. I hadn't been to Sequim in several weeks (a month?) and the landscaping along the way has changed since the last time. Shasta daisies line the highway, along with Scotch Broom, which I've heard is not a desirable plant although they are gorgeous from afar.

The last photo of the day is for Dottie - it's her grandson Erik (and Mark's & Tami's son). He's great to have around while he waits for his father to be finished each day and is becoming quite an accomplished juggler.

The weekend's here. Hope yours will be an enjoyable one!

Ships & Shingles

2010-06-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

When I set out for 523 today, I noticed out of the corner of my eye this ship out in the bay. I hurried over to the Post Office where I could park & take this photo - I was amazed at how quickly this vessel was moving. It didn't even appear to be moving yet I almost missed it.

More shingling today. The side living room wall was completed & the pesky "long wall" too! I've decided the long wall is my favorite. Perhaps it's that you see so many different textures when you look at it. The scaffolding might be moved tomorrow, but perhaps not until Erwin finishes the painting/staining under the gable. And I THINK the roofers are now finished (or they were at the end of the day).

Lots of talk today about inverters for solar arrays, brackets for shelving, heights for showerheads, placement of exterior light fixtures, colors of rock treatments, timing for delivery of the finishes. My brain is tapped out. It's looking forward to a Friday and a weekend like a school kid!

meetings, meetings, lots of meetings

2010-06-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

Every day we get a bit closer to some decisions. Today Pete & I went to meet with the man who will be doing the cabinetry to "fine tune" his wonderful plans. From there we went to meet with a local artist who turns wood - we were looking at newel posts & balusters for the stairway. Along the way, Loren came back today and the tile man & his son showed as well to review the work to come. This was in addition to the roofers, electricians and the guys. It was VERY busy at 523 today. I'm posting a photo of a new wall being shingled as viewed from inside the dining room and a photo which shows the new contrast color under the gables. I think it's a much better "contrast"!

And it rained. I love the rains up here - the locals are tired of them already but they're so gentle, who could complain? No thunder or lightning in P.T. yet. I hear those are very rare. There was a Wednesday market today but again it was pretty soggy. I'm posting a photo of one of the vendor's offerings - yum. But that didn't keep people from coming. When I got back to take today's photo, Pete & Candy were walking back from looking around in the rain - but appropriately attired. As we stood outside 523 talking - getting progressively more soaked in my case - Pete remarked that I was becoming a Northwesterner since I didn't have an umbrella up which I took as a high compliment. I looked like a drowned rat when I got back to the place, but how gorgeous the plants will be after this soaking!

BTW - Washington state law changes tomorrow. No talking/texting while driving without hands-free. I don't have that operating, so if you call, leave me a message if I don't answer - I'm probably on the road and don't want a $124 ticket!

Now the neighbors can see...

2010-06-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

how wonderful the shingling is! The first two completed walls were where no one could see them from the street. When I got to 523 this afternoon, Mark was shingling the front wall. Now the house is starting to truly show its personality. What I keep forgetting to post is that the shingles will eventually be stained. In Texas, we usually didn't stain wood - it was painted. So I'm shocked at the coverage a "stain" can have. The white trim is a stain & it appears to have paint coverage to me but it won't flake off. Fade eventually? Yes, but flake, no. Having lived in a house with painted shingles in the searing Dallas heat, I'm glad to know that I won't be dealing with perpetual maintenance again. The shingles have to "cure" before they can be stained, so they will be au natural for awhile. The shutters & window boxes will have to wait as well. Here's one for you, Dottie, showing your son at work. Also, some photos of Jim & Mike working on the long side wall as it gets closer to completion.

A beautiful day today - I hope yours was as well!

Planning & Progress

2010-06-07T19:13:00.000-07:00

At this point in construction, each day is a combination of further on-site planning & more progress. Today, Hans came over to go over plans for TV, computer, sound & solar. He's a wonderful asset and as with most "younger" people (and he is!), he "gets" all this electronic mumbo-jumbo. I think we have everything under control at this point with the exception of the sound for the TV. I just washed out on him at that point. Brain overload and I know he recognized it. I'm posting a photo of the meters - one of which is already there for when & if I install a solar array on the roof. Port Townsend has the highest per capita usage of residential solar energy & Priuses (or is that hybrids in general?) in Washington - a very green state. So I'm now prepared - we'll see...

Also, I'm posting photos of another completed shingled wall as well as the "long wall" currently being shingled by Jim & Mike. The windows all have trim now & that means other walls will soon be following.

I'm pooped. I can't imagine how the guys are feeling. Good night!

A Quiet Sunday

2010-06-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

They don't get much better than this. Did some 523 homework, read the papers, and took a long walk through the neighborhood. Want to share one of the prettiest gardens in PT with you. The poppies are almost shoulder height. Actually, there are huge poppies all over PT right now. I'll be interested to see how long they bloom. When I notice these gorgeous flowers, I'm mentally adding them to the list for 523's garden. Of course, at this rate I'd need about 5 acres...

Hope your weekend was just what you wanted it to be! Happy Birthday, Maddie!

"Typical" Saturday?

2010-06-05T23:24:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful Saturday in PT! 62 which felt like 82. PERFECT. The Farmers' Market was wonderful and while I'm not buying food yet since the stove where I am isn't vented & it sets off the smoke alarm anytime I use it, I do enjoy seeing everything the vendors feature. By the time I got there, the morel mushrooms were sold out but thankfully, not the Cape Cleare salmon.

I strolled by 523 on the way to the Post Office, hoping the roofers would be there so I could get by the very heavy fence with their help, but they must have taken a day off, understandably. So I didn't "visit" 523 today. But when I went to the Post Office, I walked across Washington to see all the activity in the bay. Must have been a regatta today. I'm posting a photo of a group of the sailboats. The second "water photo" will need your best eyeballs to see what I'm trying to show - Mt. Rainier! It's between the two trees, faintly outlined. It's amazing to me that it's visible since it's about 100 miles away!

After several errands, I stopped at Aldrich's for my usual. Aldrich's has a glass "garage door" that they raise on gorgeous days like this. Unfortunately, by the time I got my camera, the pooch in the photo had assumed a more "normal" position rather than the darling stance he had prior. I'm aways shocked these dogs stay put. It's like they know they aren't allowed in - they will put their noses in the doorway but that's about it - while their humans are inside. All I know is that Bear would be in the next county before I got out with only 5 items! But this is a good example of a day at Aldrich's, which is at "Main & Akard" for those of you in Dallas. I've been told its corner is a vortex of energy and it truly is the heart of Uptown. I've been to all the groceries in town now multiple times and while each has a strong point, I've recently realized that Aldrich's will be "my" grocery. I wish all the other photos I took of its interior hadn't been so fuzzy. I think I've worn this camera out. When the house is finished, it may be retired!

Hope your weekend is going well...

Wall of Shingles

2010-06-04T17:44:00.000-07:00

It's been an intense week at 523. Things are REALLY flying now and decisions are needed hourly. I do not know how anyone builds without living nearby. The electricians were here installing what Erik & I agreed on during our walk-through. The roofers were back again - amazingly with only minor sunburn - working on the "swoosh" side of the roof (which never photographs well due to the tree in the front corner). And the guys were working on window trim & exterior shingles. Today's photo is of "Jim's wall", which in reality is one of the dining room walls. Mike was just finishing his wall when I took this photo - his was under a gable & required more cuts to fit into the angles.

Last night was the first time I felt like a ton of bricks had fallen on me - I was pooped! So I'm going to have an easy weekend - little homework - with just a little Cape Cleare salmon thrown in.

Hope your weekend is a great one!

Shingles!

2010-06-03T19:40:00.001-07:00

Finally! The exterior shingling has started. The "jaggled look" won the selection contest, as I've always pictured 523 as a storybook cottage.

It occurred to me that you haven't met Mike yet. Mike joined us when Greg aggravated an old shoulder injury and was ordered (it took that...) not to do certain aspects of the work until his shoulder rehealed. Thankfully, his doctor said he didn't need surgery! Mike has been a great addition to "the guys". So today's photo is of Mike & his shingling at the back of 523.

Erik was over today for a walk-through to check the electrical layout before it becomes "permanent". His son will be over next week to talk about DirecTV, a Mac hookup & pre-planning a possible solar array in the future.

All day, the iPhone said it was raining in PT. SOOOOOOOOOO wrong. It was one of the BEST weather days yet & not a drop of rain! 63 felt like 83 & we had the most glorious sun all day long. My only concern is the fair-haired roofer who had his shirt off while at the top of the house. I hope he's not "crispy" tonight!

Coming Soon - Shingles!

2010-06-02T21:57:00.001-07:00

Today a load of old-growth cedar shingles were delivered to the job site. I'm no connoisseur of cedar, but the guys were gushing about them. Mike made a sample board of two installation styles and while one is in the lead, I'm deciding tomorrow morning. First, the corner trim & window trim have to be finished which should happen in short order.

The electricians were back today and we're doing a walk through tomorrow to check all the plugs, switches, and light fixtures for location. Thank goodness I'll have a "map" to help me. While this is a small house, it's shocking the number of switches involved. I THINK they're fairly intuitive - we'll find out when I move in. I've been so impressed by the guys at Frederickson Electric. You can tell they've done this many, many times as they point out things that I had not considered, and I've been thinking about this house almost non-stop for months now. Sometimes, it just takes fresh eyes.

The day started out as one of the sunniest yet and we easily exceeded the expected temperature of 60 but the wind was with us. By this afternoon, it was overcast & almost cold, yet the temperature had only dropped to 53 (which as you know by now can feel like 73 or 33!)

Today was the season opener of the Wednesday Farmers' Market on Polk Street - 1/8 of a block from 523. It's much smaller than the Saturday market with its carnival atmosphere but still delightful. More about it next Wednesday when I have a moment to truly check it out.

Back to my homework for tomorrow...

It's the "Little" Things...

2010-06-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

Another day where it's hard to show all that's going on. Primarily, the guys were prepping for the arrival of the shakes tomorrow. Of course, we have some wild rain/winds forecasted & the shakes are making a 2+ hour trip over from close to the Olympic's Rain Forest. I may even have to rouse myself early tomorrow for this arrival! The electricians came today to start placing plug & switch boxes, as well as the lighting fixtures. Gaylinn was here as well. Isn't there a song named "Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here"?

So today's photo is an "exciting" shot of one side of the kitchen which shows a little electrical, a little HVAC & a little plumbing work. It will probably be the first of many interior shots over the coming weeks. I'll try to make them a bit more stimulating!

Lazy Saturday

2010-05-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

I remember how I was cursing the fact that I had to stay in last weekend with such gorgeous weather outside - & why it couldn't be raining instead. You got it. It rained a bit today (very lightly) and I was out & about. Another wonderful Farmers' Market - had live "Caribbean" music today which somewhat counteracted the less than Caribbean atmosphere.

The gardens are so gorgeous right now that I thought I'd feature a few on the weekends. This is when I wish I had a better camera to catch their brilliant colors. Today I'm sharing Nancy's garden. I think the thing that amazes me about peonies here is the sheer number of buds on each plant. I finally got peonies to grow in Texas, but was LUCKY if each plant had 5 buds & then if 2-3 of them eventually bloomed. Here, each plant is heavily laden with bulbs. As I've said, I'm going to have to work VERY HARD to stay anywhere close to the league of Nancy's and Gussie's (and Nina's, the Holly Hill House B&B!) gardens on either side of me. Thankfully, some of Gussie's plants still remain, including heirloom raspberry vines.

So enjoy just a tiny bit of the beauty that surrounds us.

A Little More...

2010-05-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

progress today.

There MAY have been alot of progress, but I wasn't here all day and couldn't get in 523 to see for myself after the guys had departed to start their weekend. I left for a "Big Box Day" in Poulsbo & Silverdale. Went to Best Buy to ask about TV setups and checked on computers as well while there. Yup, it's almost that time again. UGH. Not my favorite thing to do. Had eight stops today - it's crunch time. Have to order the hardwoods tomorrow. It's all coming to a head right now & I'm trying to stay one step ahead. Sometimes successful, sometimes not. I keep hoping every week that the bulk of it is behind me, but so far not yet.

The main change that I could see from outside the gate was the roofing over the guest bedroom in the back of the house. The blue bubble you see there is probably the SolaTube for the guest bathroom. I've never had one before, but I've now seen several installed and they seem to work quite well - even when it's "dreary". One of the guys told about installing one, as requested, over a couple's bed. They hadn't realized the streetlight just outside their home would keep their room "light" all night.

Looks like we have sun coming with fabulous temperatures for the holiday weekend. Enjoy yours - whatever you have planned!

What a Difference ANOTHER Day Makes!

2010-05-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

I know - you're tired of hearing it, BUT it was another HUGE change today. All the windows are in now and the roofers showed up "unexpectedly" - their other job was postponed due to weather that really never materialized - but I'll take them any time they can work at 523! I'm posting a photo of Mike, Mark & Patrick installing the big living room window in the space that had previously been our "front door".

Spent almost three hours with Greg & the electrician today going over the plans, room by room. I think it will be a well-thought out, workable home when they're finished. But I've probably jinxed it by saying that so early! I KNOW there will be things I've overlooked.

Don't think there's any way tomorrow can compete with today's progress. But I'm thrilled with the look it's exhibiting to all who drive by!

NASCAR House

2010-05-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

I met with Tamara again today for several hours and when I got to 523 I was just amazed at the difference one day can make! It REALLY looks like a house now! I know, I know - I keep saying that. While I've always been able to see this in my mind, I think many others are just now really seeing what I've been seeing all along.

I've been meaning to post this photo for some time. I've joked that there are so many signs on 523 that it looks like a "NASCAR House"! And I'm still waiting to see Mark's sign. Better be quick because when they start the shingling process, they'll all come down.

And to think that all this progress happened during a gentle rainfall almost all day long.

The Gable!

2010-05-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? Tamara & I met with Pete & the guys today at 523 then went to work on the "nitty-gritty" details. On our way to her house, we saw this precious little spotted deer and his/her mom out strolling through town. Apparently it's "baby season".

I didn't get back to 523 until a little after 5. Pete & Mark were still there so I got to see the back gable prototype. I loved it - and will love all of them when they're in. Windows won't be far behind them!

Roofers & Windows & HVAC, Oh My!

2010-05-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

Just a bit busy at 523 today. The roofers were there to start the "papering process" - you know, the black paper that's beneath all roofs. We're predicted to have rain the balance of the week so that's a good thing. They got a huge portion of the roof finished (you can't see the finished "swoosh side"), but not all of it so they'll return tomorrow. Even when the forecast says rain, as in Dallas, that could just be 5 minutes worth of sprinkles then the forecast would be "accurate". We'll see. In addition to the roofers, Glen the HVAC wizard, was on site today. Greg, Glen & I walked around deciding where the registers & returns would be while Glen's workers began their work. It's going to be very BUSY underneath the house! Then in the midst of the LOUD hammering and a hole or two being cut in the flooring, the windows arrived. So you'll see them installed before the end of the week. Roof? No. The roofers have to go to another job so they won't return for a couple of weeks to install that pretty architectural shingling.

Another "guy" has joined "the guys". This is Jim, and he brought the BEST salmon jerky today that he made himself. I told him he needed a booth at the Saturday market - it was FABULOUS.

Hope your weekend was a good one!

Slavin'

2010-05-23T17:11:00.001-07:00

No real post today. I've been working at my computer ALL DAY - and it's simply gorgeous outside. What a waste of a glorious day!

But here's a photo of a peony that greets me every day - hope you enjoy it!

Topped Off

2010-05-22T14:31:00.001-07:00

Well, a first again. A Saturday workday. And were they ever here - the usual guys (+ "extras"), Gaylinn & Loren. But they got 523 all sheathed with the exception of the top of the dormer which will be finished Monday morning. Hence the bough on top of the highest point. In Texas, I would always see Christmas trees at the top of highrises/midrises. We wanted to be environmentally aware so we only did a small bough - well, that's the story & I'm sticking to it!

It's also Saturday Farmers' Market. FINALLY got another Cape Cleare salmon sandwich after missing the last two Saturdays. Even better than I'd remembered - no wonder the line is always the longest there! Walking back to 523 (which is only 1 block from the market - yeah!), Brianna & sisters had set up a lemonade stand to catch thirsty shoppers as they left and they were quite successful. I sent a text photo to Nancy of Brianna in action - the child could truly sell ice to eskimos - the phrase must have been created with her in mind.

Then I headed downtown as the tall ships were in this weekend. They were scheduled to be here earlier, but the high winds altered their itinerary. The Lady Washington & the Hawaiian Chieftain were docked outside the Northwest Maritime Center for tours & battle sails.

The marina was active today as well. Holley - not quite St. Tropez, but at least everyone had their clothes on! On a gorgeous day like today, who wouldn't want to be out on a boat?

And finally, walking back today I saw this stunning car - it's made for me with its buttercream paint. It's a 1928 Franklin with wood spoke wheels. It was probably the most photographed object in Uptown today although MANY older restored cars were out for a drive in downtown earlier.

Enjoy your Saturday - I'm now going to lock myself in to do homework for the majority of the rest of the weekend. Oh why couldn't it have rained today instead of being an absolutely glorious day???

A Peek Inside the Peak

2010-05-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

Lots of saws sawing & hammers hammering today. I was only at 523 briefly - when I went back over this afternoon, the dormer in the attic & the attic area itself are really taking shape. It's the last "mystery" of 523. Its change to a cathedral ceiling has made a dramatic difference - it's a quirky area but someday in the future will make a great TV room (and book reading room from a future window seat beneath the dormer window overlooking an area of the bay & Whidbey Island - on second thought, how much reading can get accomplished with that view calling out?)

Enjoy your weekend!

Seattle

2010-05-20T23:15:00.000-07:00

I guess I should leave for the day more often! I got up at 4:30 this morning (yes - SHOCK, Texas friends since that's when I usually go to sleep) to run to Seattle today. Nancy was taking a flight from SeaTac so we got in the car & started off early this morning after stopping at Starbucks & seeing Patrick there getting caffeinated for the day. After I dropped Nancy off, I was on to granite yards, tile shops and architectural salvage stores. Of course, I had to make a quick stop at Central Market & Home Depot too on this side of the ferry run! I'm including photos of one of the cruise ships docked by the WSF site and of "dreary" Seattle.

When I got back, the dormer over the garage finally had taken its shape. The view is wonderful from the window opening. Another extra which was unexpected. While it doesn't show, more roof sheathing had been completed today as well. The roofers can't be far away...

BTW, the house always looks HUGE in these photos. Believe me, it's NOT! We've all heard how the camera adds 5 pounds to people. Well, my camera must add 1,000 square feet to houses!

Roof Sheathing

2010-05-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

As with most days, you can't really see all that was accomplished today. The guys worked on the sheathing for the "swoosh" side of the house which is always a bit dicey to photograph then late this afternoon, Mark & Patrick shifted to sheathing the area above the garage. So here's two for you, Dottie! Your son is so great to have on the job!

Went to meet the granite/marble guys today. Gilles (yes, he's from France) & Chris will be helping me with the kitchen countertops and a smaller topper in one of the bathrooms. I always love to roam stone yards and they have quite a selection on site considering the size of PT. And as I drove up, my navigation system told me that Discovery Bay was just feet away. Gilles' home must have quite a view!

It's about to get a bit breezy here - supposedly 60 MPH winds are headed this way to accompany the raindrops we're already getting. Better get to the store quickly, hadn't I?

Plumbing Rough In

2010-05-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

Maybe not as sexy as windows, but where would we be without our plumbing system??? And I have a WONDERFUL plumber - Gaylinn Morton of Aloha Plumbing. I don't know that Gaylinn is ever NOT working (I saw him leaving 523 at 7:00 on Sunday night) and he is so calm all the time. I think he gets "Lili-speak" too. Today's photo is of Gaylinn doing his preliminary work in the utility room.

Today we had what I would call the first REAL rain since I've been here. It was wonderful - gentle, and the air had that aroma that can only mean a rain shower has occurred. Of course, the sun is out again already. I used to say "if you don't like the weather, wait awhile" when I lived in Texas but it can't compare with the multitude of weather changes we can have DAILY up here.

First Windows

2010-05-17T22:16:00.000-07:00

The largest change today was the installation of the first windows. We're actually a bit ahead of ourselves here, but Patrick & Mark installed them with differing trims so that I could select the one I wanted. Now that they're installed, they'll be protected as there's still quite a bit of "hammering" going on. They really changed the look of the house!

Joan & Howard left this morning on their way back to Coeur d' Alene by way of Trader Joe's in Issequah. Sounds like the only way to travel to me, having been to this particular store as my initiation into Trader Joe-dom!

Hope your weekend was all that you wanted it to be. I know mine was!

Parade Day

2010-05-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

Uptown just had a festive air about it this morning. Joan & I went out to the Antique Company to check on a piece for 523 (already sold) and then headed back into town along with all the other traffic we had seen previously flowing toward the parade route. We walked the area before the parade started to get an up close view and then settled into our front row seats in front of Jeanne's store. For the next two hours we were royally entertained by participants from less than one year to well into their 90s. Since this was the 75th anniversary of the Rhododendron Festival, all the old Rhody queens & princesses were invited back to participate and many did, including a still-local princess who is now in her 90s. Lots of old cars, lots of horses, a FABULOUS bagpipe corp from Tacoma, tons of public school bands. Apparently the Kinetic Sculpture Festival is a huge local favorite as well and they were a popular entry today with their Octobus. Forks, made famous by the "Twilight" movies, had an entry hyping their 4th of July celebration. Something I need to investigate was the Three Cups of Tea group - promoting the building of schools in Afghanistan. Perhaps this was a local chapter to promote the building of even more schools? A favorite from the 80s - the Road Warriors - had a bit of a reunion & performed as well. While they were a bit scary looking (intended), the crowd loved them. Nancy's oldest son, Mike, was lead singer today. I saw him later & told him I'd be a Road Warrior tagalong next year. He humored my joking since he's such a great guy. When I got back, the mirror told me that I hadn't put enough SPF on, even though I thought I had lacquered it. But since half my face is red, I obviously wasn't thorough enough.

The gang went out to Jeanne & Art's for a bonfire tonight. I cancelled as I'm creaking but will rejoin them at some point tomorrow.

Such a great week of events. Such a great little town.

Visitors!

2010-05-15T00:12:00.000-07:00

I had several wonderful events today - first Lynne arrived from Florida. Lynne & her husband John have lived in PT on & off for years & she's come back to run in the Rhody Run on Sunday (if I'm lucky, I'll be doing the walk). Lynne is an old friend of my cousin, Joan, and she was among the first to welcome me to PT. I found Lynne at the jobsite this morning when I got back from the florist and shortly thereafter, Joan & Howard, my cousin & her husband from Coeur d'Alene pulled up as well. Everyone had to see the house & meet the guys. Their verdict? Great house! I left them at Siren's to catch up with each other while sitting over the bay with "refreshments" while I came back Uptown for the Kids' Parade. Again, I won't narrate, but am simply attaching photos. The couple where the woman is wearing bunny ears are my next door neighbors, Nancy & Carl.

After a few 523 errands, I met up with the gang for a trek downtown for the Bed Race. Again, I saw Christy who introduced me to her husband, second in command at the PT police department, who further introduced me to half the PT police department who teasingly offered me a pair of handcuffs for adornment. Half the neighborhood was there enjoying the hilarity of teams pushing beds down Washington street for the chance of winning the bedpan trophy. I've attached one photo - it was hard to get a great one since they were moving quite quickly each time they were in the street.

Afterwards, Jeanne had a dinner for 15 of us at her apartment. Fabulous food, wine & music & even better conversation. They walked me home late this evening & we probably woke up half the neighborhood with our laughter. I may not be so popular tomorrow!

Rhody activities have been so fun and the big parade is tomorrow. I've heard it's several hours long and that the Farmers' Market is even cancelled - boo hiss. I'll wear an extra thick layer of SPF tomorrow! Can't wait!

Another First...

2010-05-13T17:20:00.000-07:00

I just drained my camera's battery after recharging it last night. The cause? The Rhododendron Festival's Pet Parade. I have NEVER seen such a darling event! True to typical Port Townsend style, it started a bit late but it was well worth it. Christy, the Rhrododendron Festival Chairman, came over after spotting me in the crowd. She gave me a great narration & history and the events to come as well. I am not going to tell you too much about it - I'm just loading many photos today for you to enjoy. It's too bad that my many small videos are too large to load. The sound effects heighten the experience - the kids giggling and the dogs barking are so fun! BTW, the photo of the "bumblebee" also has Patrick with his son on his shoulders and their dog in the background and I believe Allison as well.

I also pulled alongside a gull today as I left the cleaners. He had a starfish in his mouth & as I got out of the car with my camera, we played a game of cat & mouse. He kept 2 steps ahead of me, flying off once with his morsel only to return close by again. I'm NOT loading the photo of half the starfish down his throat. He wasn't eating it (yet?) but was, I think, hoarding it from me. Little did he know that I didn't have the least bit of interest in eating that starfish!

And the last photo is of the first plumbing at 523 - the kitchen sink's pipe. Gaylinn started today and he & the HVAC man are going to "negotiate" the available space for all their ducts & pipes tomorrow. The poor electrician just gets the space scraps when he arrives!

Tomorrow is the bed race, the kids' parade & the carnival for the Festival. Don't know how it can top today's festivities, but somehow I bet it does.

Back Gable & More

2010-05-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

I'm doing something I usually don't do - include town photos in addition to the daily progress photo of 523.

Today, the guys are working on the gable in the back of 523. Pete said the roofer should be here next week to top the house - should I get a Christmas tree or is it too late? I believe the Christmas tree is supposed to be displayed when the tallest part of the structure is completed - and we all know that's the chimney. Didn't have my thinking cap on... The steps had their forms removed so the concrete work is now largely finished.

When I was out & about today, I stopped by "Main & Akard" in Uptown. After picking up prints & visiting Jeanne's for a moment, I found these darling kids sitting outside Aldrich's in the same place where I'd earlier found the Westie featured a couple of days ago. They were about to go play T-ball & were so excited - showing me their team t-shirts & as I walked off, they started singing a rousing rendition of the Alphabet Song. Simply precious as I think you'll agree after seeing their shining faces.

Across the street, in front of Jeanne's store, was a cellist out playing for the neighborhood. This is a weekday, obviously, and not when I'd expect to hear the usual weekend music. His playing was beautiful and it's just another example of how the arts are visible and valued here.

When I drove off from "Main & Akard", I noticed what everyone was talking about. Chairs are already lining Lawrence for the SATURDAY Rhody Parade - I'm including 2 photos. It's much like I was once told happens at the Masters Tournament - once a chair is set, no one disturbs it. I've been told the parade is 3 hours long! Today's Leader has a list of the participants - all 93 of them - so it's no wonder it's that long.

And my last photo today is of EXACTLY what I saw yesterday (but didn't have my camera with me to record) - a tug-like boat with a batch of logs behind it with a Navy frigate (I THINK it's a frigate!) across the bay at Indian Island.

I've been told all this activity is just warming the town up for the summer season. I can't imagine if this is a warm-up. I'll fill you in as I learn all about it!

The Roof Starts in Earnest

2010-05-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

Today, 523 REALLY looks like a house! I didn't get there until after 3:00 today and the difference since yesterday was amazing to me. Roof decking really changes the look of a house, doesn't it? The master bedroom actually feels like a room now, even with half of the roof still open.

They also poured the steps to the porches that were poured previously, but they'll be "revealed" tomorrow.

GLORIOUS day today! Lots of sailboats slipping by effortlessly and there was even a tug-type boat taking a load of logs along the boatyard while a Navy frigate was over at Indian Island. I need a boat encyclopedia! I'll add that to the "to-do list"!

Enjoy your evening!

Gables Anyone?

2010-05-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

Today Mark & Patrick worked on the beginning of the gable treatment in the front of 523 - I'm sure you can't overlook the scaffolding that has reappeared. Tamara has drawn a wonderful design that will greet visitors and neighbors alike. It will be repeated, on a smaller scale, in the back & on both sides. The design may not be apparent for awhile - the goal at this point is getting the roof decking on so the roof can be installed.

Greg worked on the "weird roof" today. It's interesting to say the least, but it will be a great little room at some point for TV watching or book reading at the dormer's window seat.

Picked out the stain colors today for 523. I think it will be a wonderful neutral background for the colorful flowers that seem to flourish everywhere in this town.

This is Rhody Week in PT. It's the 75th Rhododendron Festival and the festivities start Wednesday and continue until Sunday with the Rhody Run. I thought it would be a big draw for the B&Bs, but was told that while many people come for it, few stay overnight with the exception of those who come for the run. It's apparently the last big festival before tourist season starts. Since I've never been here in the summer - I knew what it looked like from the "Chamber of Commerce" photos - this is all new to me. Hopefully, I'll take some decent Rhody photos to share.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

To all the mothers out there - whatever variety - hope you had a wonderful day doing whatever made your heart happy!

I stayed up quite late last night & slept in today. But I immediately put on my walking shoes and timer watch, plugged in the iPod and set out for a long walk. Didn't realize I wouldn't get home for almost two hours. Took a much longer route than I'd anticipated but it was such a gorgeous day and the temperature was so perfect that I just kept going. Lots of moms out with their kids, lots of photographs being taken on the beach, lots of dogs out with their people & lots of boats out on the water. I met a woman down by the marina who is going to move here with her family when their current house sells. She shares my excitement about PT and feels so fortunate to have found it - and this is after living in LA and Carmel. I just haven't found anyone who doesn't pinch themselves at their fortune to be here. Well, maybe that's easy to say right now because it's so gorgeous outside! And I'm truly not kidding myself - I'm sure there ARE people who are grumblers - but I just haven't met any of them yet.

Today's photo is of Petals, the florist in Uptown that's one block from 523. I imagine they were swamped with Mother's Day orders - I did see quite a few bouquets fly out the door yesterday. It's a precious little shop on the corner and there are always buckets of cut flowers outside - much like what you see in Europe. It's a happy shop and just gives the block such atmosphere.

Hope your weekend was great - let's get a new week started!

Double WHEW!

2010-05-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

Remember that coffee, drink, or cigarette I told you to get last Saturday? Well get TWO of them today. My fingers will be cramping before I get through with this post - it was that kind of a day.

I started out this morning headed through downtown for the first of my many stops today. I couldn't believe all the "entertainment" I got along Water Street. The cruise ship was back again this weekend and groups were walking along the store fronts, some fortunate enough to have two members from the historical society as their guide. I took the photo of the bay from my usual blufftop vantage point across from the post office - the sailboats were circling tightly near the pier & numerous other types of water craft shared the area. A craft show was set up by City Hall. But as I got near the ferry dock, I saw something I never thought I'd see - an OTTER running across our "Main Street". I wasn't the only one to see him - people stopped everywhere following his path with their eyes. And the drive-in has opened for the season - YES, a DRIVE-IN! They're showing "Alice in Wonderland" - remember how great it was as a kid to go and sit on the hood of the car with the speaker nearby? A new container had arrived from the UK at the Antique Company. Some real possibilities for the house, but I'm still thinking about where they'd go best.

From there, I set the navigation system for Brinnon, WA. Several people have told me that I HAD to see the rhododendron gardens there and since this is their peak blooming season, today was the day. I had been on this highway before, but it was when I was headed to SeaTac after my first trip to PT & I had little time to enjoy it (and I eventually missed the first plane in my long history of flying that day). This time I could enjoy the jaw-dropping beauty - the drive takes you through part of the Olympic National Forest and along the Hood Canal. As I reached "downtown" Quilcene - about half way there - a man with his saddled horse nearby was going into a business. I was talking to Nel, my neighbor from Texas, when I saw him and we agreed that's not what you normally see, even in a small town. Horse trumped car today for this man. I realized as I neared the town limits that I didn't actually know where I was going. I had forgotten the name of the nursery. I needn't have worried - no one could miss Whitney's Gardens & Nursery on Highway 101. It was like taking a tour of a mini Butchert Gardens in Victoria on Vancouver Island, B.C. SIMPLY AMAZING. My photos are VERY washed out (due to the extremely sunny day we had today?) so I'm adding a link to their website: www.whitneygardens.com Go to the "Nursery" section & you can see the plants I saw today in full bloom.

As I left Whitney Gardens, I noticed the snow covered Olympics in the background, saw the Hood Canal waters behind me & felt like I was in Vail, CO. I believe Washington definitely has a Colorado feel to it (or does Colorado have a Washington feel?). The air is so clean & crisp & the sky is so clear. I shared the highway with an abundant number of motorcycles and bicycles and the blue, blue sky overhead with many small private aircraft landing at Jefferson County International Airport (and probably headed to the Spruce Goose Cafe for a great burger) - all out on a perfect day.

Back in PT, two schools were holding carwashes ("Give Mom a Clean Car for Mother's Day"), golfers were golfing, gardeners were beautifying the gardens that greet our visitors, convertibles were out on the streets from Porsches to vintage restorations, and the usual pooches were leading their humans. It was 60 today, but with the sun, that feels like a perfect 80 in Texas.

Got back too late for a Cape Cleare Salmon Sandwich from the Saturday Farmers' Market - DRAT! BUT, I got the last Nuremburger Sausage sandwich of the day and it was fabulous as well. Holley & I think we're experts on these after all the trips we've made to Germany (and always to Nuremburg) for the Christmas Markets. Holley - these are just as good (minus the gluhwein!)

My last major stop of the day was to finally get to see Far Reaches Farm in PT. I had previously noticed their ads featuring exotic plants I've only seen in magazines and since this turned out to be "Garden Day", I headed on over. I'm including photos of their creamy-white double trilliums and the MOST AMAZING herbaceous peony I've ever seen - it's an old timer and I'm already planning on getting a baby from this lush plant in the fall. The flowers are as delicate as poppies and the yellow is ethereal.

Last photo? A graceful salmon poppy plant from an Uptown dentist's front door garden. Huge. Lush. To be gawked at.

I'm pooped. What an incredibly wonderful place to live. Those of us who do are indeed fortunate.

Roof Creation

2010-05-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today the guys were starting to work in earnest on the roof above the room over the garage. It's an "interesting" roof line, to say the least. I don't think you can tell from the photo how the back is shaping up, but maybe...

I spent most of the day in Silverdale where another set of big box stores line the streets but what a fabulous view getting there. Went to Best Buy trying to figure out the TV situation. Every month it seems that a new product comes along. I'll just be happy to have a "TiVO" again. Truthfully, I've actually gotten used to watching the small amount of TV that I now watch late at night with commercials included. Will wonders never cease?

The last photo is life in a small town. When I was unloading the car, I saw two firemen apparently flushing the fire hydrant on the next corner. You can see the audience it drew although later I heard that all the fire trucks were out one block over so it was probably related to that. But I love that everyone stands in the street visiting while checking these things out. All that was missing were the deer.

Swooshes & a Dormer

2010-05-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

Greg brought the finished roof "swooshes" today and they're now attached on the "Nancy-side" of the house. It is going to be such a wonderful look for 523, particularly over the front porch!

Then just before I left, Patrick & Mark put up half the cathedral roof sticks for the room above the garage, allowing me to see where the dormer window will overlook the water as well (well, at least a sliver of it will!).

Some days it looks like nothing happened that day (NOT the truth!) while others show great change. Today was one of those days...

Cathedral Ceiling?

2010-05-05T21:32:00.001-07:00

I had asked about the possibility of having a cathedral ceiling in the master bedroom but Pete said (as the trusses were being delivered...) that it wasn't an option. Today, he called & asked if I wanted a cathedral ceiling in the area above the garage. I leapt at the opportunity. This area isn't going to be "finished" at this point, but will be available at a future date as a possible TV room. I saw the first beam this afternoon which is shown in the photo.

Spent quite a bit of time at Jeanne's, looking at more of her fabric sample books - such fun "work". Met another new P.T.er - she has just moved here from Hawaii and is so pleased. While I've been intent on finding the last fabric for the living room, today I found the fabrics for the office/second guest bedroom. As I told Jeanne, they just make me smile.

Greg left early to go cut the "swooshes" for the roofline. You may see them in tomorrow's photo...

Helping the Roof Breathe

2010-05-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

It was CHILLY today! Those winds yesterday ushered in a mini-cold front and it was apparent, particularly when I got out without a jacket. Proved to me that my Texas blood still hasn't thickened!

Had several meetings today and finally got over to 523 this afternoon. While from the street it doesn't look that different, the guys have been working on the method that will allow the roof system to breathe when completed. I've attached a photo to show it to you. Greg has been working on the prototype for the "swoosh" on the "Nancy side" of the roof. I always wondered how those little "flips" at the end of the roof edge were created. I had thought they probably soaked the lumber then gently bent it. Heavens no! They determine the desired arc and then cut it with a power saw. Now, I don't know how they did it in early centuries, but that's how they do it now.

When I stopped by Aldrich's tonight, that little scamp wasn't there. He's apparently well known around town as several people knew exactly which dog I was describing. Who knows what I'll find there tomorrow?

Blustery Day

2010-05-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

?

Well, the NOAA website was finally fairly accurate after being "off kelter" for awhile. It was WINDY today - actually, right now across the ferry route at Whidbey Island's Naval Station it's still blowing at 46 MPH. I'm adding a photo of the bay with its whitecaps - I don't know if the ferry ever left the dock today - it was so choppy & it's such a small ferry (hurry replacement ferry Chetzemoka!) - but it's not sailing right now.

I stopped back by 523 too late for a photo of what actually happened today since the gate was closed. The guys worked on the "bird holes" which help vent the roofing system - while the mesh keeps the birds outside. Maybe tomorrow they'll be featured.

The other photo is what I encountered going into Aldrich's today. Isn't he/she simply the cutest? Well, short of Bear, of course! That "eye swoop" is a first, but not surprising in this wind. I'm always shocked that any dog will sit patiently waiting for their person. This dog waited at least 10 minutes that I'm aware of - who knows how much longer he/she had been there before I arrived. This pooch certainly was raking in the attention from everyone going through the door. People in PT love dogs, whether they're their own or not. Just thought you'd enjoy seeing one of the many darling PT pooches!

A Bit Quieter, But Still Busy

2010-05-03T02:36:00.001-07:00

I almost forgot to post - I've been catching up on the things I usually do on weekends that didn't get done and lost track of time.

Today started early for me in view of how late I was up last night. Last October, I purchased tickets to a series here for the National Theatre of London. I had mentioned it last night & Nancy Anne (Nancy's cousin in from D.C. for the weekend) said she might like to go as well. I had forgotten that I had purchased two tickets so away we went back to the Rose this morning to see "The Habit of Art". The National Theatre records their plays in HD about a week before showing them in Port Townsend at the Rose. I wondered why the big gap - I knew there would be some due to the time zone difference, but today it was explained for me. While the play itself is in real time (much like "24" without the advertisements), they do have some extras that the real audience (yes, we even got to see them & they waved at us) does not see. The real director was interviewed on screen outside the theatre near the Thames and they also gave us historical background about the characters in the play - WH Auden & Benjamin Britten - who were quite successful in creating operas together for many years until one failed miserably, which destroyed their working & personal relationships. We also saw the actors during intermission & what they were doing with their down time. QUITE interesting & the play was very good as well. The Rose also simulcasts the NYC Metropolitan Opera live in HD with repeat recorded performances later to allow everyone who's interested to attend, as one performance can't accommodate everyone.

After the play, I went to see one of PT's newest hotels. "Boutique hotel" must have been created for this one. The Clam Cannery was just what the name implies - a clam cannery in the late 1800's. The new owner remodeled it for condominium sales - unfortunately at a very bad time, as we all know. So he's turned it into a small hotel. It sits out over the water which gives you an incredible view of the bay and the finish-out is top of the line - glass door Sub Zero refrigerators, copper vent hoods in some, huge flat screen TVs, granite bathrooms, etc. I was quite impressed by what I saw.

From downtown, I headed next door to 523 for a birthday celebration for Nancy Anne at Nancy & Carl's. There were about 18 of us - I got to meet many of the people Nancy's been telling me about over the last couple of months. Even though it was raining, Carl went outside & grilled hamburgers without any grumbling whatsoever. Actually, he was quite cheerful about it! We had a great time & I know everyone thoroughly enjoyed all the food - the table truly was groaning. I may have been replaced as "the" baked-bean chef by Nancy! Travis also entertained us with some of his short action movies he's been filming as well.

It's been raining most of the day which I've enjoyed - as with all parts of the country, we need all the rain we can get when we can get it. The dry season will be here soon enough.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend as well!

WHEW!

2010-05-01T22:18:00.000-07:00

Better get a coffee, drink or a cigarette - this is going to be a long one!

Started the day with a visit to the PT Farmers' Market. This was the first day of its season and it was ASTOUNDING! PT has two farmers' markets - one on Saturday (the larger one) and one on Wednesday. It has been said that it is the most successful farmers' market - per capita - in the U.S. I got there when it was fairly well underway and checked out all the booths. I was a bit frustrated because due to VERY limited refrigeration/storage at my rental, I really can't buy yet. The KALE was gorgeous - see the photo! They have organic meats, cheeses, veggies, breads as well as plants, ceramics, soaps, flowers (see photo!), a woman actually spinning yarn at a spinning wheel, live rotating entertainment and as many happy people as I've ever seen. The market is only one block from 523 - basically out the doorway and around the corner. In a couple of months, watch out! I can't wait!

You can tell that this is the start of the "season" here - everyone was out with their pooches visiting and smiling. This is a true community. As I rounded the first "lap", I ran into Tamara (my architect), Joe & Ciara enjoying their outing there as well. Then I ran into Maddie & Sky, some of my new next-door neighbors. You will see their photo trying out the wooden furniture for sale at the market. Later I ran into their parents & their sister, Jasmine as well. My yummy purchase today (and it will be EVERY Saturday until they close for the season!) was the Cape Cleare freshly grilled salmon sandwich - warm grilled garlic ciabatta, field greens, homemade tartar sauce & Cape Cleare's FABULOUS salmon. Another version adds a grilled egg - it seemed to be the hands down favorite of the long line that was always in front of their booth. Cape Cleare is a wonderful community member - donating a huge whole fresh salmon to the Co-op for weekly raffles. You see them frequently in the neighborhood on bicycle making deliveries.

From the market, I went to run a few errands for the house then stopped by downtown where the end of the boat parade was just occurring (see photos). Today was the beginning of boating season & they had a long parade in the harbor. LOTS of boating enthusiasts out today, including a couple in period costume. PT has an active historical society & they're great about attending events in costume. Lots of skullers out with huge grins on their faces in spite of being a bit pooped I imagine. The Northwest Maritime Center, a $12.8 million achievement for this small town, just officially fully opened about a month ago. People were enjoying its location & vantage point for the boat parade as well as the sunshine.

I walked through downtown and again think I've seen a glimpse of what PT will be like this summer - except in a small dose today. LOTS of people from in AND out of town, based on the license tags I saw. There was a small cruise ship docked at the end of one of the piers. I spoke to some of the crew & they said they stopped in PT twice in the spring and that it was always a huge hit with the passengers (and teh crew apparently from their glowing talk about it). They sail of out Seattle and have excursions to British Columbia as well as Alaska. Took a brochure...

Spent some time at Jeanne's looking for the elusive fabric for the new furniture I have to order. Always enjoy that because I meet so many new people while there. Jeanne's is a hub in Uptown - it's simply a magnet for the locals. Even met a couple last night who were also building in Uptown - they bought the lots that I tried to buy before 523. We laughed when they told me they were glad I wasn't successful in purchasing them. I'm glad too - the view there is spectacular, but it's not the neighborhood that 523 has and my view isn't too shabby either! They're lovely lots overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca and I know they'll be happy there. They moved here from San Francisco, having first visited PT when their son lived here a couple of years ago. They knew immediately they wanted to live here and are now doing it.

This evening, I went to the monthly Gallery Walk with Nancy, Carl, Nancy's cousin Nancy Anne who is in from Washington D.C., Travis (their son) and Jasmine. Lots of people were out and there was an abundance of live music on the sidewalks as well. From there, we "oldsters" went to a movie at the Rose Theater - Ajami, which was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Quite confusing method of telling the story, but it kept your attention in spite of being utterly deflating.

And I never had time to attend the last School of Athens lecture of the season today. The School of Athens is a philosophy lecture series here in town. Today's speaker, Elaine Pagels, is a professor of religion at Princeton and the holder of MacArthur, Guggenheim, and Rockefeller Fellowships. As an author, she has won the National Book Award.

Why am telling you all this today? I guess because I continue to be amazed at the level of activities that PT has for its small community and visitors. And I've been told that this is only the beginning...

New Perspective

2010-04-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

Today's photo is from a new perspective. I was walking around trying to get the best shot of the work that happened yesterday & today when Maddie from next door led me to their side yard for this photo. She was right - it really shows the work that has been going on to the side of the house which normally you don't get to see. That's the guest bedroom at the far left in the photo - where Mr. Raccoon has already made himself at home, apparently. This is the side that will have a "swoop" - a slight "upswing" at the end of the roofing. The porch "ceiling" started to take shape today also. While it is hard to see from the sticks shown, the house really has most of its overall look now.

Hope your weekend shapes up to be a great one!

Biggest One Day Change

2010-04-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

Today has to be the biggest one day change in 523. I hauled myself over there when I was alerted that the crane had arrived, as well as the trusses. They were already underway at that point - the guys were "in position" ready to guide the sets of trusses into place. I took some short videos but they're still too large for posting on the blog.

Before I left this morning, I took a photo of the evidence that I've already had my first overnight "guest". The guys tell me it was a raccoon. All I can say is he/she better not get too comfortable! I hear the deer have returned as well. If all the commotion doesn't keep them away, I don't know what will!

And finally (again, if I've loaded them correctly!) a shot of what the guys accomplished during the day. I couldn't believe how they got the trusses for the area over the guest bedroom set already as well as much of the area above the master bedroom. It HAS to be the day where there has been the most visible change in 523.

It really looks like a house now. But truly, it isn't as large as these photos make it appear. It's just a very comfortable size...

Pictures Don't Always Tell the Tale

2010-04-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

There are some days when I wonder what to photograph to show you what progressed at 523 that day. Today is one of them. There are just some days where, despite 3 guys working hard, little shows - YET. Today, Patrick and Mark were working on the forms for the steps leading to the porches that were poured last week. Greg was working upstairs getting ready for the trusses which will be delivered tomorrow. They were to be delivered this afternoon, but the weather forecast was not the best so they were postponed. Now, NOAA has an ominous forecast for tomorrow, but coming the trusses are anyway. Apparently a crane will be accompanying them. I will break my usual pattern and be there early (well, that's the plan...) to take a photo or two if it's not a driving rain.

Today's photo shows one of the window openings in the unfinished space above the garage. It MAY even have a little view of a mountain. It was overcast today, so I can't tell for sure until we have another glorious, clear day.

Should be dramatic tomorrow - stay tuned as they used to say...

Solid

2010-04-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

That's what this wall is. And it's a good thing I was running a morning's worth of errands & didn't watch them doing its outside sheathing. I couldn't have watched. STILL don't know how they did it, but they did. Most of the second floor where the living area is has been sheathed now - a bit remains but that's on purpose.

Great morning - "T-shirt" morning for the guys - but the winds and rain arrived this afternoon. Some pretty dramatic white caps as the little PT-Whidbey Island ferry fought its way across the bay. Again, glad I wasn't on it!

It's still a bit windy & still raining hours later...

Tall Ships at Port Ludlow

2010-04-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

The tall ships were on the Peninsula this week and today they were at Port Ludlow, which is "two towns down" from PT. So I got in the car & drove down to see them. Two were at the PL marina - the Lady Washington & the Hawaiian Chieftain. They drew quite a crowd and many were aboard when I got there - ready for a sail. The "ship hands" were dressed in period costume and seemed to really be into their roles.

A beautiful, warm day in the "dreary Pacific Northwest". Hope your day was a delight!

A Saturday That Couldn't Make Up Its Mind

2010-04-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that if PT has dreary weather, you can't be sure it's an all-day thing. Since I've been here, there have been few days that were overcast all day. Usually it fluctuates back & forth - sun/clouds/sun/clouds. Today was much like that. When I looked outside when I was ready to leave, it was raining. A nice rain which is always needed. By the time I got myself out the door, the sun was out & there were no more raindrops.

Today's photos are of some of the blooms around town. Depending on how they load, they are:

My car surrounded by petal snow. After a windy night, the car is usually covered & surrounded by "pink snow". It is so pretty and thankfully, the trees still have enough petal balls to be gorgeous.

A closeup of one of Nancy's lilac blossoms. I had lilacs growing up in Oklahoma City and was so surprised (and frustrated!) that only 200 miles south, when I planted some they were determined not going to flourish. Actually, "flourish" is ridiculous - they just died, in spite of my coddling. So I'm thrilled to see them everywhere up here.

"Fireplace pokers"! I had only seen these in nursery catalogs prior to moving here. These are across the street from the Post Office on the bluff area overlooking the bay. They're pretty dramatic, aren't they?

And back to Nancy's garden. Nancy has a white picket fence around her property and on every post, she has a different style birdhouse. This one has a delightful, delicate vine that IS flourishing right now. Sort of looks like a mini-clematis, but I wouldn't swear to anything. As I've said before, I have alot to do to uphold the block's horticultural standards with Nancy & Gussie's yards on either side of me. Somehow, I think I'll enjoy the challenge!

Hope your Saturday has been a good one!

The Beginning of the Roof...

2010-04-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

but don't hold your breath waiting for more for awhile. At the end of the day, I stopped by 523 and was surprised to see the first sticks of the roof. I knew Greg had been working on cuts but I guess it went over my head. Since this area above the garage will be temporarily used for the trusses going over the guest bedroom, I don't anticipate more progress in this area until later but it was wonderful to get a feeling for what the roof will actually look like.

The house on the right is Bud's mom's house. On my first trip to PT, my realtor asked me what I was searching for in a look. We turned the corner & Gussie's house just sat there. I told her - THAT! Almost a year later, Holley & I got to see it via a tour by Bud himself. Unfortunately, it just didn't "work" for me when I got inside - no dining room, tiny kitchen (as IF I'm a cook!), and it needed major updating (although it had the best dog wallpaper I've ever seen!). And it had quite a high asking price. That was when I started trying to get Bud to sell me the extra lot (523) that was included in the house's purchase price. Took awhile, but I'm still thrilled with its location each and every day. I just wish Bud lived next door (he's only a couple of blocks away at his own house) as he's been so gracious about my house. It must be hard to see his mother's property changed in this way but he's been so supportive. I've been told that Gussie was out working in her garden up until 2 weeks before she died in her mid-90s, and the garden shows her loving care. I believe Bud is putting her home on the market soon so I may have new permanent neighbors.

Hope your weekend is already well underway. Have a good one!

Concrete Nearing Completion

2010-04-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

When I got to 523 today, I thought the guys would be doing a little "light framing". HA! Patrick was still working very hard on the concrete areas that were poured yesterday. You don't just pour/cure/go on. The forms came off beautifully (apparently, you keep your fingers crossed...) First Patrick, then Pete & Patrick, worked hard with muriatic acid & stiff brushes. Scrubbing VERY hard on the concrete's broom surface. Over and over. Not a day at the beach by any means. The photo was taken before they were finished, but I had to move on to my next item to check off the list. Eventually, there will be 1-2 steps leading up to the front porch & 1 step from the two french door landings on the terrace side. Suffice it to say, the concrete work looks fabulous.

Concrete Progress

2010-04-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

WHAT a day! Easy for me to say - I didn't do all the hard work that a large group of men did today at 523. The front porch & french doors' landings were poured this morning. In the cold. Pete had to go buy a sweater in town since the weather in PT was so different from his home about 20 miles away. When I arrived, the concrete truck was already there - rotating. Paul & his son, Ryan, were at work directing the concrete into the forms that the guys had built in preparation for this day. I will say it again - Ryan is such a responsible worker & a YOUNG worker at that. He's a joy to have on the job site (as is his father, obviously!) I've attached photos of Patrick & Paul filling one of the french door forms (2nd photo) as well as Patrick, Paul & Ryan filling the huge form that defined the front porch (1st photo). Patrick is quite tall so after looking at the first photo, you can tell how much concrete there now is in the front porch! I was told that the concrete for these three areas was almost the same as the house's footings.

I've also attached a first - a short clip of Patrick & Mark working on finishing the front porch. We goaded Patrick into narrating the process.

Suffice it to say, all the guys went home spent this afternoon. But there is a wonderful broom pattern in all three areas surrounded by a "vintage look" edge. I have newfound respect for concrete as a result.

Pete & Greg - after the ribbing I took on Mark's original post, you two will be heavily featured soon! Look out!

NOTE! THERE'S AN ERROR WITH UPLOADING THE SHORT CLIP. I'LL KEEP TRYING...

523 Wouldn't Exist Without...

2010-04-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

Tamara Halligan - my fabulous architect! She's the final integral part of the team for you to meet. I was so fortunate that a friend here "in the business" recommended Tamara when I was looking for someone to design my home. She is simply wonderful - she listens, she's calm & she's created the perfect home for me! As I told her today when we met to go over some extra drawings that Pete needed - she understands "Lili-speak" which is NOT easy when I'm trying to explain something about the house with my deficient architecture vocabulary. My first major in college was interior design but I abandoned it when it became apparent that there was so much architecture involved in the OSU program (that's Oklahoma State, Oregon & Ohio people!) Thank goodness Tamara didn't quit her architecture studies.

Yesterday I was thinking I was in Dallas. It was HOT - yet only in the mid-60's. I am continually befuddled by the weather here. 50 can feel like 70 if the sun is out and yesterday showed me that the 60s can easily feel like the 80s. I thought I'd faint from having my usual layers on when we were standing on the second floor. Downstairs, protected, it felt 15 degrees cooler. But today made up for it. 50s that felt like 30s. A bit dreary, light rain. No concrete pour. But it should happen tomorrow. And at the rate the guys are working, the entire second floor will be framed before you know it!

A Different Perspective

2010-04-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

The guys got the framing up in the upstairs front bedroom today and it provided an accurate view from what will be its windows. I thought you'd enjoy seeing a different perspective from the usual ground floor shot. Pete & I joked about my asking earlier in the process, "Do you think there will there be a view?". At the time, Pete hesitated only slightly then said that he would bet that there would be - that PT was notorious for providing little slivers of the water and the mountains from all over Uptown. Today's photo shows the views that are now real - that's Pete "holding the wall up".

If the rain stays away, the front porch and the two landings off the french doors will be poured tomorrow. Since NOAA is predicting rain, and it's fairly accurate, we'll see...

Ann Starrett's Mansion

2010-04-18T19:42:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd show you what is next door to my temporary lodging. Ann Starrett's Mansion is a "boutique hotel" - not a bed & breakfast. It's an amazing structure - built in 1889 as a gift from a contractor to his young bride. Not bad for an initial cost of $6,000! I stay in a more "modern" building next door which is managed by the Starrett staff. I'm including a photo of the hotel next door as well as some close ups of the stunning blooming trees outside. There are so many types of blooming trees in PT; Richard, the innkeeper, says he THINKS these are a type of plum tree. The "balls of buds" remind me of a rhododendron, although these are obviously not one.

Quiet day - but a beautiful one. Hope yours was as well!

Saturday in PT

2010-04-18T02:11:00.000-07:00

The sun couldn't make up its mind today. Sunny - cloudy - sunny - cloudy. And a little windy as well. I'm attaching a photo of two sea gulls taken down by the ferry. I called the one on the right "Mr. No Neck" as he had compacted his body as much as he could in a standing position (he was sitting until I pulled the car a bit too close for his comfort level...) to ward off the winds that were causing the small white caps on Admiralty Inlet. I'm sure people on the ferry were "enjoying" it as well. There's a YouTube video of making a choppy crossing which the posters refer to as a car wash from all the waves hitting their car en route. A bit of history - before I moved up here there were bigger, older ferries serving the PT - Whidbey Island route. Upon one of their routine inspections, it was determined that they were not sea-worthy and were pulled immediately from service. That left the ferry system scrambling for a replacement which was found in a small ferry that Pierce County apparently had "extra". It has served the route while two new replacement ferries are being built - one to be delivered this summer. While larger than the current boat (or is that "ship"?), they are still smaller than the old ferries. But I believe everyone is looking forward to the first shiny new replacement - "Chetzemoka", named by a PT elementary student after a local Native American chief. I grew up in Oklahoma where there was quite a Native American presence but the names in Oklahoma - towns, counties, etc. - can't compete with the great names up here. I'm still trying to get my pronounciations even close!

While downtown today, I got to see the Artisans on Taylor window which had been featured in the newspaper earlier. AOT is a great little gallery - Sam found a piece there which is now in his office - and their windows are never to be missed. The dress's skirt is made of old copies of The Leader, piles of which surround the train. I loved it - but wish I'd also captured the windows which earlier featured wire tiaras. They were so unusual and colorful. Every girl should have one! Barbara - you know who they'd have looked good on?

Hope your weekend is going well...

The Second Floor Starts!

2010-04-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

Well, today's photo finally shows some of the progress that has actually been occurring for days - even though you couldn't see it. The new area that was partially framed today is the master bedroom on the front of the house with wonderful sliver views of the water & mountains.

I went to Silverdale this afternoon & got back at dusk. I actually think it's a better picture for detail than any of the previous photos - maybe I should wait until this time every day!

Silverdale is across the Hood Canal Bridge & where you go when you need Macy's, Barnes & Noble, Target, World Market, etc. and don't want to drive into Seattle. It also has a Costco, Home Depot & a Lowe's. You pass Poulsbo on the way and I always have to stop - they have a FABULOUS grocery there called Central Market. No Texas friends - it's not the HEB Central Market. It's actually better. Poulsbo's Central Market is a cross between Whole Foods, HEB's Central Market and Tom Thumb/Safeway. There's not been one thing I've looked for in there that I haven't found. My "acid test" is Applegate Farms ORGANIC Sunday Bacon. Only one Whole Foods in Dallas has it and it's spotty at best even at that one store. I've found it every time I've gone into this CM. I always thought I'd have to take a ferry ride to Seattle for the complete "Whole Foods" experience but thankfully, CM makes that unncessary & it's even open 24 hours!

The drive to/from Poulsbo/Silverdale is gorgeous as well - particularly returning across the 1 1/4 mile long floating bridge late in the afternoon - the water just glistens.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend planned!

More of the Same

2010-04-15T18:29:00.001-07:00

A first - I'm not even posting a photo today because I don't think you'd see any change. But three guys were working very hard today nevertheless. You wouldn't believe the work that goes into the form for the front porch alone, much less the smaller pads on the terrace side. It's apparently a great deal of concrete and it obviously has to be contained until it sets up. Won't be poured until next week. Greg was upstairs preparing for Patrick & Mark's company when they frame the upstairs rooms. I was over there several times today and I ALWAYS stand where the windows will be and look out at the treetops, rooftops, mountains & water.

Jeanne (owner of Potpourri NW Interiors in Uptown and one of the first people I met in PT through Lynne & John) and I started going through fabric swatches, paint chips & scanned photos today. We walked over to 523 so she could see the firebrick color and get "the tour". I can't wait to see what we come up with!

The "exciting" part of the day is that I have a new set of tires. Whoop-dee-doo! But I'm now set for another 40,000 miles! Now if I can just steer clear of nails, road debris & curbs...

Yes, Work DID Occur Today!

2010-04-14T19:27:00.001-07:00

This photo shows only a portion of what happened today - but note the stairs! Patrick & Mark busily prepared the front porch and the two pads beneath the french doors on the terrace side of the house for their pour on Friday. While they were doing that, Greg was at work on the deck upstairs marking where the next round of framing will soon be evident. We all were discussing a possible change to the upstairs layout. More on that in the next couple of days...

Rockin' Continued

2010-04-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

Rocking continued today. It was decided to stop at this point rather than lower until the walls were in (and maybe the roof). So there was a bit of additional work completed and then the scaffolding was taken away. The guys should return tomorrow to framing, I think. They've been working on the forms for the front porch & the two areas by the patio doors on the terrace in the back.

Today was "Running Day". Met with Tamara this morning to go over some possible changes to 523 then Pete & I set off for Sequim. Met with the first of the possible cabinetry sources, ordered some Solatubes (they are AMAZING - it was VERY overcast in Sequim & the Solatube was lighting an entire dark area of the showroom), and picked up some tile samples.

I'm looking forward to meeting Pete & Candy's new granddaughter in a little bit. She was born last weekend and is a healthy little girl. So congratulations Pete & Candy!

Rockin' the Chimney

2010-04-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been away for a bit. But what a dramatic change to 523! When I got back to town, there was a hulking chimney in place! I was estimating 2 1/2 stories and it was, as it is today, surrounded by scaffolding. Mouth fell open yet again. This chimney REALLY tells me how tall the house will be when completed - it's about 2 feet taller than the top of the roofline. Believe me - it has gotten LOTS of comments! Today, Loren & crew started rocking the outside - starting from the top down. By tomorrow, they believe they'll be back down to the top of the first floor and will take the scaffolding down and "go away" for awhile so the guys can recommence with the framing on the second floor.

I've now been up there (there's a deck you can't see in the photos) and the view from the front upstairs bedroom is amazing. I can't believe when I bought the lot that I just assumed there would be no view whatsoever. Instead, I'll see a shot of the mountains and the water. The sliver of the view from the downstairs guest bedroom remains as well.

Blooms are everywhere & yesterday was probably the prettiest day since I've been up here, and that says alot.

More tomorrow!

April Fools Day

2010-04-01T19:59:00.001-07:00

Yesterday saw such accomplishment. Today has been total frustration - I won't go into all of them - just the same things that happen to all of us at times - just not SO MANY on the same day. But NOT the house! It's going great, as usual. The photo doesn't show it but almost all the joists for the second floor are in. When I went over late this afternoon for today's photo, Mark & Greg were still working hard on the area above the garage.

So I'm getting ready for the huge windstorm that's been forecast for tomorrow. It's already "breezy", but it's apparently not connected with tomorrow's front. I'm off to batten down the hatches!

Quilcene Trek

2010-03-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

Lots accomplished today!

Health insurance? At least fairly well understood now after an appointment with a local broker.

Fireplace? I followed Pete over to Loren's by Quilcene. Pete had always told me he had a gorgeous daily drive from his home in Quilcene over to PT. I'd see a chunk of that route while traveling to Sequim, but had not seen the segment from Fat Smitty's east (I THINK it's east!) Today I saw it & absolutely understand what Pete has been talking about. Oh, that everyone could have such a commute - there would be a lot less road rage! I had to stop & take a photo of Discovery Bay from the OTHER side of the bay as last Saturday's photo. This is from the stretch from PT to Fat Smitty's.

Loren has an incredible workshop next to his house by Lake Leland/Leland Lake (got to check on which is correct!) But to get to that workshop, you have to get by his pooches. Pete, of course, drove steadily past them. I, being the "Nervous Nellie" about hitting one of them, slowed to the point that the little one (a Cairn Terrier mix?) plopped herself right in front of my car. The German Shepard (who apparently gently uses the Cairn Terrier as a chew toy - with the Cairn's "permission") was close by. As Pete had gone ahead, I had to call him on his cell to come break the log jam on the road. The dogs know Pete & gladly scampered over to him or else I'd probably still be sitting there since I didn't know the German Shepard was gentle when I first drove up. My pants show the closeness we later shared..

Loren is making the firebox at his workshop rather than on the job and I wanted to see the herringbone pattern with the four firebrick colors I'd chosen. It is going to be FABULOUS. By this time next week, it sounds like it will be installed.

Doors & windows? From Loren's I stopped by Groves to OK the doors & windows. I was so proud of myself! I took a "back way" to get there - I'm starting to learn them! In Dallas, I would not know my way around had it not been for Barbara. She was born there & knew every back way to get anywhere, which she shared with me. We used to joke that we also knew all the filling stations with the fastest pumps in town!

Today's 523 photo shows even more beams, plywood sheathing & joists. By next week, the second floor will be taking shape! Can't wait!

P.S. Forgot to report yesterday that I now have my WA driver's license. Another huge checkmark on the to-do list!

Beams

2010-03-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

Someday I HAVE to get up early & go watch the guys during the morning hours. When I get there - usually anywhere from 12 to 1 - they've always accomplished so much. Today they had already finished a lot of the plywood sheathing which is starting to REALLY give me a feel for the house. The guest bedroom in the back is almost all sheathed now & that leaves me with the opening for the patio doors and the view from that room. That sliver of Admiralty Inlet is still very visible today and has got me doing mental gymnastics about furniture layout as a result. But there are choices - which is good - it could be a no choice situation (as the upstairs office was before Tamara, Pete & I "tweaked" it).

Today's picture is an odd one. I was trying to get a photo of the incredibly blue sky we had today, as well as the guys starting to add the beams that will support the second floor. Of course that blue sky was being followed by some light rain. When I was talking to Suzette about the windows & doors, I heard what I thought was typing in the background. Nope. Baby hail. Must have been a lot of it for me to hear it over the phone. PT escaped it again (Suzette is in Port Hadlock - down the road).

I'm also attaching a photo I've been meaning to share. This is Nancy's front garden. So you can see that I have a lot to do to even try to stay in her wake if I'm going to be her next-door neighbor. The church across the street from her house is First Presbyterian, established over 125 years ago. The oldest part of the present structure is from 1890 (an older stone church was torn down but you can see its rock in the present day structure's foundation) & has the oldest organ in WA still in its original location. And yes, that's water on the far left edge of the photo!

Stay dry!

False Alarm

2010-03-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well, everything about the early afternoon said a storm was coming. 90% chance of rain had been predicted in the form of a possible thunderstorm (apparently a bit unusual around here), maybe some hail even. The drops started falling when I'd just walked over to the site to meet Barry, who will be doing tilework at 523. I've toughened up - I don't put the umbrella up at the first drop anymore. Actually haven't had the umbrella out for almost a month now but I had shoved it into my pocket after scanning the ominous sky which turned out to be a good thing later. The guys started "battening down" as well - we had fierce winds again yesterday and had a forecast of 25 MPH (tame!) for today. So we all scattered & by the time I walked back here the umbrella was up & I was holding on to it. Then, within 5 minutes, the sun was out! Renton, which is close to Seattle, had so much hail that it looked like snow. So I guess Trixie (my car - long story) was lucky to have missed that since she has to sit outside all the time until "her" garage is completed.

And speaking of garages, this morning the guys got the remaining wall framed & were busy working on more plywood sheathing when the rain started. In today's shot, Patrick is hoisting the plywood up to the "living room" to as to protect it from the elements. And no, the dining room has not disappeared - it's still there!

We used to say that if you didn't like the weather in Texas to just wait a while. Sounds like that old saying applies here as well!

Papers & Homework

2010-03-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

Can you think of a better way to start a Sunday than stopping by Pane d'Amore for a hot cross bun? Had never seen them there before - maybe I just missed them - but it's a true sign that spring is here. From there I went to Aldrich's for the Sunday papers. Aldrich's as a small gourmet grocery & it's Washington's oldest grocery store. It was first opened in 1895 at the corner of Lawrence & Tyler. Aldrich's burned in 2003 which was a huge loss for all of PT - but the Uptown area in particular since it's the hub of the Uptown community - until it was rebuilt in 2005. Nancy tells me that people used to walk over to Aldrich's in the morning in their robes with their empty coffee cups. They seem to have stopped that, but how would I know? I'm not an early bird! People of all ages love Aldrich's - and their soups, salad bar, TAMALES (yes, and they're almost as good as Mrs. Leal's!), cookies (yes, lots of them, I fear!), produce and beer & wine, most with a focus on being local or organic, have been my mainstay since arriving. I hear their sushi is faboulous as well. I have a small kitchenette where I'm staying but the oven set off the smoke alarm (no, I didn't burn anything that day!) so that's my excuse for not cooking other than breakfast (that, and having a TINY shallow "bar sink" to wash everything in). Upstairs at Aldrich's is a coffee/tea bar, a branch bank & an open area where you're lucky to ever find a seat. It's THE gathering space! When they rebuilt, they added condos above and a mini-storage in the basement. One stop shopping! I met a wonderful "southerner" - Rose - who works at Aldrich's and she's keeping up with the house's progress as well - on foot! Aldrich's is only 2 blocks from 523 and I anticipate that it will always be my place to run in for needed supplies. 7-11 it's not!

Have plowed through alot of "homework" again this weekend and am now about to finish the last of what I assigned myself. It will be great to have it all on paper & theoretically FINDABLE. We'll see about that...

Hope you've had a great weekend!

If It's Saturday, It MUST Be Sequim!

2010-03-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

I had samples to return to Home Depot today, so I set off for Sequim. I HAD to stop to take today's three photos to show you just part of the view (and this is NOT the prettiest stretch of road either!) The first photo is what you see off to the side of the road - Discovery Bay - at this point. It's stunning but it's frustrating when you're the driver because you can't get the full effect and keep your eyes on the road at the same time. This is the first time I've actually pulled over but wanted you to see the beauty of my drive. Not quite like driving over to the Home Depot on 183 or the one on MacArthur... A bit farther maybe, but who cares when you're surrounded by this beauty. On the way back, I saw a Jefferson Transit bus with "Sequim" on it's destination sign. I'm going to have to check on that - I didn't realize the buses crossed county lines. Of course, I'm always weighted down like a pack mule when I go to Sequim so I doubt I could "bus it", but who knows?

Found some incredible finishes today. Checking them off the list fairly quickly now - which is a good thing, but more important is that I think they'll be smashing in 523!

I'm off for more "homework". Hope you've had the day you wanted!

Cover Those Studs!

2010-03-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

I know I'm still new here, but there just hasn't been a "normal" PT day yet. I hope there never is one.

I have, until today, refrained from talking on my cell while walking. I want to be aware of all my surroundings but today I needed to talk to Nel, my Texas neighbor. While we were talking, another Lillie crossed my path. Lillie & her human, (while I'm not thrilled with "human", I REALLY don't like "owner" or "master" either) Kate, came out their gate. Of course, I'm entralled with most any dog but Lillie is particularly precious. I've included her photo today for you to see. When I bent down to pat her, she came over & leaned against my shins. Kate reported that Lillie was a rescue dog from the local agency and that they're fairly certain she's a poodle/terrier mix, although she looks a great deal like a Portuguese water dog. Kate & Lillie participate in "Reading with Rover" at the local elementary school and she's a therapy dog as well. So my day started off exceptionally well (getting good news from Nel, in particular). The kids were out after lunch due to school conferences so I got so see Jasmine & Brianna from next door as well. Remember how special it was to get out of school early, particularly on a Friday so you could get a head start on the weekend? Well, we teachers were always excited too!

The guys mainly are working on plywood sheathing at this point. They're ALWAYS checking and rechecking their dimensions - quite comforting for me!

This truly is a small town. Today while I was at Jeanne's picking up some revised plans and "visiting" with the wonderful Mr. B (AKA Mr. Buddha - photo featured today as well), Jeanne came down the stairs with another client. We all talked about how special Mr. B is and went our separate ways. At my next stop as I was leaving, Jeanne's client pulled up with her two pups so we had to ooh & aah over them for awhile. This happened yesterday at the post office and then Aldrich's - you see the same people at your next stop! No wonder everyone seems to know their fellow PTers here!

Well, it's raining an actual rain. Not the usual light drizzle (and we haven't even had much of that lately) but raindrops. I'll take rain ANY time - it's precious.

Hope your weekend is starting off well - ENJOY!

First Floor Interior Framing

2010-03-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

You won't be able to see much progress in today's photo because the bulk of it was in the form of interior framing. Loren was there too but I missed him. I can tell he was there because scaffolding has been added and more rebar was sticking out of the freshly poured concrete. I was standing in the middle of an open area when the guys told me I was standing by the sink of the guest bathroom. Sure enough, after they told me, I "got it". After looking at the plans for so long, I can almost tell you exactly where things are on the plywood "floor". Mark decided that I needed to contribute a nail to the process today - with the nail gun. Greg donated his ear protection & Mark showed me exactly how to do it. Of course, I got 2 nails with one trigger motion. Somehow, I don't think that's the way it's supposed to happen! So I have officially worked on my own home now. I think the guys will now take over again & that's a better thing!

It rained last night and is a little chilly today. Still walked over without a coat, however. Could my Texas blood already be thickening?

First Floor Vertical

2010-03-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

A wonderful, full day! Tamara & Joe stopped by this morning to see 523. Since Tamara designed it, I could hardly wait for her to see it again. We went on to fine-tune a pesky closet while at 1012. Isn't it amazing how the LITTLE things in a house can drive you to distraction if it's not right? Closet size is right up there. But that closet didn't stand a chance with both of us scrutinizing it for my office needs! We then walked around Uptown looking for a real-life example (I'm a visual!) of how Tamara wants to better protect the patio doors on the ground level from the elements. We walked by Charlie & Barbara's house where I first met the guys when they were previously working there. Charlie & Barbara are currently converting an additional part of their historic property into their B&B (the carriage house is now being remodeled and will have the most incredible view - and it's only a small part of Barbara's beautiful garden). Charlie gave Tamara the tour. It's always interesting to see the ideas that others bring to their remodels. Such a warm house it is, particularly the grandkids' room!

By the end of the day when I took this photo, all the outside wall framing on the lower level was completed except for the outer garage wall. And another shock! I can see the water from the guest bedroom's patio door opening! I NEVER expected that! I don't know how much longer it will be visible as there is a tree full of buds which will probably be in the way later. But for now, the water's right there! Walking home, I stopped at Bud's (my other next door neighbor who sold me the property). While I was standing on his elevated front porch, I noticed that there's a VERY good chance that while in the upstairs master bedroom, I'll see the water from a different vantage point than I'd expected. At the rate the guys are going, I'll be up on the second level checking it out before you know it!

It's flying, isn't it?

Oh - and "GLORIOUS"!!!!

You Won't BELIEVE Today's Progress!

2010-03-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

Pete & I met at Groves today with Suzette (my Groves wonder woman)to try to get the windows & doors finalized. Thankfully, he told me about the "back way" to get there. PT received stimulus funds to create two roundabouts on Sims Way - the main route in & out of town. This week, they're really making progress on the actual roundabouts, but it means stopping traffic each way for extended periods since Sims is only a 2-lane thoroughfare.

I love the style of the doors & windows I'm getting. Many of the windows are casements which are necessary to be able to water the flower boxes which will be below them. The window boxes & shutters will not be installed until the fall - after the shakes are stained. So even though I'll move in earlier, it won't be "finished" for several months thereafter.

But I was SHOCKED when I pulled up to 523 after our window summit. Can you BELIEVE what the guys accommplished today? I actually stood at the "kitchen window" to look out at what will be the view. I looked out the large living room picture window (unfortunately the view now consists of construction necessities...), the dining room patio doors. And it was a good thing I went by when the guys were still there as they showed me where some of the living room windows would be on the interior wall & it allowed me to make them a bit bigger on the order with Suzette as a result.

Don't think tomorrow can possibly top today!

A Wall Riseth

2010-03-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

Why am I always surprised when I come around the corner each workday? While I knew the "sticks were going to fly" this week, I was still surprised to see this first wall actually up. This is one of the dining room walls. It's actually happening, isn't it? Loren and his assistant were there working on the chimney as well. I'd heard it was going to rise with the rest of the house and so it is.

I spent the afternoon at the PT Library starting to "fine tune" each room. It's the perfect place to spread out papers and have peace & quiet to contemplate minute details. Of course many will avoid my "eagle eye", but I have efficient backup to catch them when I don't. And as an added bonus, I left with my PT library card which even has an additional keytag like Tom Thumb/Safeway.

Can't wait to see which walls spring up tomorrow!

1012

2010-03-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

A quiet, overcast day in PT. So peaceful.

While it's not open today, I wanted to introduce you to 1012. I'm not a coffee connoisseur - my previous experience with coffee was limited to the belief that any Starbucks worldwide will produce a like-flavored latte - 1012 has the best latte I've ever encountered. And the ONLY PT Starbucks in "Starbucks Country" (WA) is the one at the Safeway. Tamara, my wonderful architect, introduced me to 1012 one day when we met there to pour over the plans. Mike & Suzy own & run it and there's nothing like the warm welcome you get whenever you pass over their threshold. Suzy knew after one visit what my "usual" was. I don't know what I look forward to more - the yummy latte or visiting with Mike & Suzy! Here are today's photos - one of 1012 & one I took before I ever set foot inside. You knew a pooch had to be involved, didn't you?

But truthfully, my true non-alcoholic beverage goal in life will probably always be to find THE organic, decaf green tea. Either way, I'm fortunate.