Backsplash Part 2

Well, today is the day to get the backsplash up. We are getting closer to getting this huge kitchen remodel project complete.

We started around 1 p.m. and we finished for the day just after 6 p.m.

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Getting started with some strong adhesive, that feels like whipped cream.

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Getting the outlet cuts just right.

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Moving along…

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My job was to follow along and make sure all the tiles were adhered to the adhesive, the spaces between the tiles were even and straight, and clean out the excessive adhesive.

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Made it to the corner and we’ll stop for now to rest the back.

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A few hours later we begin in the corner.

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Behind the sink was quick application.

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Looking back to the corner.

We just have the complicated area to do…

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Filling in the areas around the outlet.

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This complicated area has 3 outlets and a phone jack in just this small area.
Attention to detail is important.

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Just a few more tiles to add and we are completed with getting the tiles on the wall.

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The next step will be to apply a natural stone setter. Which is supposed to make the grout not stick to the natural stones. Afterward we apply the grout, then a sealer (to prevent stains), reinstall the outlets and the covers, and then we are done with this backsplash project!

Backsplash Part 1

Tonight Gino got the backsplash laid out for tomorrow’s install.

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Beginning to get the pattern going.

The width is 18 inches between the counter and the cabinets so it takes some doing to get the perfect fit before installation. The length for one wall is 10 feet and the other is 12 feet on the other wall.

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Getting the layout around the window and sink area.

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Look at all that backsplash!

Tomorrow we install!

Walking

This morning Isabel and I made a run to the local thrift store for a drop off of her old clothes and to look for new clothes for her. I was able to get her 2 pairs of shorts and 1 pair of pants. We even got to get in on the stores “June is book month” sale. Isabel received 5 new books (read 2 of them already read) and I got 3. I could have gotten more books but was unsure as to the titles I needed. It was a good day at the thrift store.

Afterward, we stopped by our favorite walking trail for a brisk walk before heading home for lunch with Daddy.

Out on the trial:

Plant life:

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These berries were everywhere. The birds were enjoying them as we walked.
We were trying to figure out what they were.

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The wild blackberries are just starting to form.

Animal life:

Isabel had to stop and talk with all the dogs (and their owners) walking their “pets”. We saw a Dachshund (named Taffy), a bulldog, a greyhound and several other breeds that I didn’t know.

As we were heading back to the car, Isabel spotted this Garter snake. It was in the middle of the path, apparently taking a little break…

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“Is it poisonous?” she asks.
“No, they aren’t poisonous.” I say.
“Do they bite?” she asks.
“Yes, they bite but it can’t hurt you.” I say.
… she pauses…
“Can I touch it?” she asks.
“Yes, you can touch it. If you want to.” I say.

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She then reaches out and touches it several times and than…

It springs to action and she jumps about a mile! (woohoo! – that was/is a good laugh)
The snake slithers off back into the woods and Isabel is left saying, “That was so cool!”

NOTE: This picture is NOT my own. Photo credit is given to S. Tekiela and the Washington bird field guide book.

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While on our walk we spotted this Spotted Towhee. A new bird for us!
Slightly smaller than a robin.
I tried several times to get a picture but the crazy things wouldn’t sit still.

It was a awesome walk, I told Isabel we need to get out there and walk the trail every other day!

New Counter

Our new counters arrived this morning!

The 2 men arrived at just before 8:30 a.m. and were completed with the job by 10:30 a.m. It looks great and I can’t wait to get things back in order. It’s been since the end of April since we’ve been without a kitchen sink/counters. We still have a few steps to complete before we actually get there but it’s coming along!

New kitchen counter - installed June 18, 2015

The men got right to work on the east wall counter.

New kitchen counter - installed June 18, 2015

This crazy contraption levels and joins the first seam together.
Very interesting to watch.

New kitchen counter - installed June 18, 2015

Looking at the counter area just to the right of the stove area.

New kitchen counter - installed June 18, 2015

Corner area.
The second seam is hidden there along the front inside corner of the cabinet.

New kitchen counter - installed June 18, 2015

Close up of the seam, I mentioned in the photo above.
It’s a bit hard to spot.

New kitchen counter - installed June 18, 2015

The island is one big piece with a 12-inch overhang on this end for counter eating.
This piece weighs about 700 lbs.

New kitchen counter - installed June 18, 2015

Our new sink.
Square, stainless steel, and under-mounted.

New kitchen counter - installed June 18, 2015

Now to join and level the second seam.

New kitchen counter - installed June 18, 2015

Counter just left of the stove area.
This new area is wider than our previous counter space in the same area.

New kitchen counter - installed June 18, 2015

Right side of the window sill.

Our old window sill was wood and was starting to look very old and worn.

New kitchen counter - installed June 18, 2015

Left side of window sill.

New kitchen counter - installed June 18, 2015

Under-mount sink.
The supports are there for 72 hours then we can remove them.

We will hire a plumber to get the new sink, garbage disposal, and our dishwasher connected again to the wall drains.

New kitchen counter - installed June 18, 2015

Looking across the island toward the sink.
We were just “testing” the new faucet to see how it will fit with the window sill.

Another project complete, onto the next step…

Roller Action

We let Isabel help me paint the east wall in the living/dining room. After some prep work this morning we were able to get going this afternoon.

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Our happy roller.

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Doing the “V” pattern.

For her first time roller painting she did an awesome job!

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Getting this wall completed means we can get back to working on the flooring!

We’ll let this dry and then after dinner, Gino can apply the second coat and we’ll call it good.

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Complete changes the look of the room.
I’ll have to get some better photos when it’s not so bright out.

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This picture the paint looks really dark almost brown but it’s not.