In which we wield power tools and sledge hammers.

Well, now that it's underway, I'm having a blast. For some reason, I can't find my before pictures. I'll dig some up later, but here are some preliminary shots of the destruction of the kitchen.

















The first set of cabinets comes down.















The scary black stuff. Just turned out to be 70 some odd years of grime. Comes right off with bleach.












The fridge's old and new homes.


A big thanks to Chris' dad for coming up here to help for the last several days. It's been a wild adventure in creative problem solving, very dusty, and a lot of fun. It was great to visit with him, and we appreciate all his help!

I admit, we got a little emotional about the walls.






Before










First layer of plaster removed, lathe and frame yet to come down.








And the old waste of space is gone! We're currently framing the new wall, then the contractor comes in and does the electrical, then we put up the drywall, then when our new cabinets arrive, he'll install them, and we'll have a new kitchen!




Well, after I finish patching and painting all the walls...and the ceiling. I'll be practicing my fresco, should anyone need me.

School starts next week, and I have infantalizing new teacher orientation nonsense this coming week, so things are picking back up in a hurry. We're both really excited about our classes, and it promises to be a funfilled, action packed semester. Stay tuned for lots of action shots, blurred with the speed of our page turning.

A little more almost unbearable cuteness

Abby models our furniture

Oh my god, when did she get so big? She doesn't usually seem this big to us!

Our old arrangment...





The new couch. And a clean living room!








And two completely lazy cats. What home would be complete without them? Thomas was gracious enough to open his eyes a bit for the picture. Delilah couldn't be bothered.

Welcome Sarah and Lucy!

Our friend Sarah moved up here last week to start the PhD program in Gender Studies. We're really excited to have her here, as well as her new dog Lucy, who is a year old Beagle/Red Heeler mix and came from the pound. Lucy gets on well with Abby and Woodruff, and they're both welcome additions to our dog parties.











(PS, Sarah is sitting on our new couch!)

Abby is clearly very happy to have them here!

The fearsome threesome...well, maybe not so fearsome with their tongues hanging out the sides of their mouths.