Spring pergola

 With the beautiful spring weather, we have been busy outside. We were able to scrounge up some old cedar telephone poles to put together the pergola. I have done a little transplanting of forsythia and bleeding hearts. My attentions are turning to the little stone cottage across the river. Sam

Little Stones

 A few things have changed since we updated last. The living room is mostly complete. The mosaic with its approximately 3200 pieces is in and thus we were able to install the mantle and over mantle. There is still once piece yet to install to finish the over mantle. Jim put together the spandril entering the living room. As he says, "far too fancy for who it is for". We installed the backsplash around the maple counter in the kitchen. A friend gave us the travertine and it looks very classical. Likewise the stone floor has been installed in the greenhouse. We found the granite center at The Tile Shop and it looks very handsome with the slate border. The cupola floor has been sanded, scraped, and the turpentine and linseed oil has been applied for the first coat.We have next to install the woodwork and siding in the greenhouse to finish it off. I have been sanding the walnut woodwork and trim for the cupola. Before we know it all the little pieces will have come together.

Chandeliers

cupola chandelier

 The house is becoming quite glitzy. We have the chandeliers hung. We may turn out attentions to the cupola floor next. Currently we are working on some woodwork. I am getting some practice with the chisel and plane. Well here's to the work ahead. Sam

Front hallway looking into dining room

Front hallway looking into living room. Note what braces the newel post.

A few loose ends coming together

Of course we have been busy. I do not think there is anything else to be. I have been laying the hallway and have also been priming a few last walls. It is wonderful to finish up these tasks. Jim has been busy in the kitchen putting up the Delft tile and butternut cupboards. I hope you enjoy the snapshots because it looks even better in person. I hope we continue to be busy. Sam

Finer details

 Just a quick update of some of the woodwork and other finer details coming together these past couple months. Jim has been busy putting the butternut woodwork in the back hallway and kitchen. Upstairs the blue bedroom and rose bedroom are mostly "done". The handrail in the upstairs hallway are leftovers from the spiral staircase. Everything is starting to sparkle and shine. Thanks to our very qualified cleaning lady! Sam

Outside today

 Just a few snapshots of the garden. I did a bit of weeding today in the beautiful weather. The weeds will come back but hopefully the plants thrive in the meanwhile. Jim has been working on woodwork and I have been doing a bit of work on the floors in the rainy weather. Sam

Fine details

 Just a few snapshots of the slow progress as of late. Jim has been busy working on the rooms upstairs. He does fine work, if I can say so. I have been balancing my time between the new project across the river http://www.rollingwithsisyphus.com/ and the octagon.Rain days bring light work at the octagon and the rest is heavy lifting. Hopefully the summer ahead brings more productivity. Sam