Apple Sucks

I'm really annoyed with Apple right now. I bought a 20GB ipod last month to replace my original 5GB model. Not that I really needed much more space for my music. As Rachelle said, 1985 isn't going anywhere, but I like new toys. I contemplated getting the 40GB ipod photo, but I couldn't justify the $499 price tag. Imagine my suprise when I turn on the news this morning and their talking about the new 30GB ipod photo for $349. $50 more than I had paid for the plain 20GB model less than a month ago. Needless to say, Apple got a nasty e-mail. They don't seem to care, though. And I still like my new ipod. It plays all of the 80's hit (and misses) with beautiful sound. I can't wait until that new Love and Rockets CD comes out.

Finished Kitchen, Part 2

The other side of the kitchen. The refrigerator is the only thing left that we started with, and we would have gotten rid of that if a new one weren't so friggin' expensive. Besides, the ice-cube maker is finally hooked up. Only three and a half years after we bought it. The gas range rocks. I turned each of the 5 burners on multiple times last night. And the oven. Both get hot. Sweet! Haven't used the microwave yet, but the fan and light seem to work, and having it above the range frees up a ton o' counter space. Now that it's all done, I just have to wait for Rachelle to come home Friday so we can start putting stuff away.

Finished Kitchen, Part 1

The remodel is done. For now. We still have things we want to do, but I think we need a little break. Sure, Kevin did all the hard work, but he had a working bathroom and kitchen to go home to every night. Bo and I went to Trader Joe's to get wine for the wine rack, but I managed to stay away from the Two-Buck Chuck. Every bottle in the rack cost at least $2.99, and some as much as $5.99. Purchased for looks, not necessarily for taste. The new ultra-quiet dishwasher is running as I write this and I can actually hear the keyboard clicking. The old dishwasher sounded like a cross between a weed-whacker and a leaf blower. And a fire hose. This one isn't quite silent, but it's very nice.

Almost Finished Kitchen

It's soooo close to being done. The cabinets finally came in the day I originally expected them. They were actually delivered yesterday, but there were cracks on the edges so they had to fabricate new ones. The only things left to finish are the dishwasher, faucet and plumbing. Then, finito. I will be able to use my kitchen again. I'd love to actually make something for dinner tonight, but I don't want to get the new range dirty. At least until Rachelle gets a chance to see it looking pretty and new. I think we are done with major projects for now. Too much stress. Of course, the remaining projects we have won't leave us without a bathroom or kitchen. I can live without being able to use the living room for a while. As long as the TV in the front room works.

Rachelle's Company Car

Rachelle's got to go out of town next week for a training class, so her company sent her home on Friday in a stylin' Ford Taurus with "SureWest" on the doors. Looks really good parked in front of the house. Unfortunately, Medicare doesn't offer company cars.

Finished Floor

The floor is finally in. Kevin is installing the half-bath toilet and putting the washer/dryer back in as I type this. Things are moving right along. The finish work on the cabinets should be done on Monday, counter tops on Tuesday and the sink and appliances are all done by Wednesday. I've actually gotten kind of used to having the refrigerator right behind my La-Z-Boy, though. A lot further to walk for a cold beer. Oh, well. At least the kitchen will be pretty. UPDATE: Kevin just told me the counter tops should be in Monday instead of Tuesday. Sweet!

Kitchen Floor: No Grout

My kitchen floor is mostly in. They got a late start on laying the tile today because they had to pull up the tile I had put down in the laundry room. The tile guy said those type of tiles usually come up really easily, but it took the contractor several hours to pry them loose. Probably had something to do with the half-ass way they were put down in the first place. They really need to be specific when they say "apply a thin layer of adhesive". It really would have been better if I had actually known what they meant by "thin". Considering it took several weeks to properly dry, I'm guessing I used too much. Anyway, most of the tile is in and the grout should be in tomorrow. Looking almost like a kitchen again.

And They're Done

Almost. The cabinets are now installed and have been measured for counter tops. The contractor still needs to adjust the doors, put up the skins (no freakin' clue, but he keeps talking about them) and put on the final trim. I've been assured that the cabinets will look much better with tops. Much more functional, too. I keep posting pictures of this side because it's easier to get good pictures over there, but the other side looks good, too. I'll post a picture of that side tomorrow.

Cabinets Going In...

The kitchen cabinets are starting to move out of my living room and garage and into the kitchen. There was a slight scare when we thought they had delivered some of the wrong cabinets, but everything seems to be working out. The rest of the cabinets and breakfast bar should go in tomorrow, followed by the tile guy on Thursday. After that, it's just a matter of waiting until the counter tops get in so Kevin can install the appliances. Not a minute too soon. I'm getting really sick of frozen dinners eaten on TV trays with plastic forks.