I Speak of Dreams

Oooh, pretty! (Some house blathering)

I started a new collection today:

They're melamine plates, manufactured by LeCadeaux.com. The pattern name is Benidorm. Dishwasher safe (but not microwaveable, which is fine).

Mine were a birthday gift from the darling daughter, purchased at a local gift shop. They are also available on-line through Distinctive Decor.com , Touch of Europe.net, The Frenchy Bee and Amazon When you factor in shipping, prices are pretty close.

We eat outside when the weather permits and I wanted some unbreakable plates to go with the polycarbonate glassware. I have the Vivaldi polycarbonate mugs by Strahl, which are incredibly satisfactory. I also plan on acquiring some multi-use 8 oz glasses, like these from Strahl.

Totally Trivial and Self-Absorbed

California had the first storm of the season, and it was a doozie.

My backyard was flooded. I went and bought a submersible pump.  Hours of pumping later, the flood is reduced to a smallish puddle surrounding the non-functional drain, and the rear storage area (still under treatment).

I am not sure how to resolve the backyard drainage issues.  There is likely no good solution.

What I've Been Doing All Week

Moving, that's what. 

• Accomplishments:
• • Emptied one storage unit entirely
  • Emptied the other about 60%
  • Lined the kitchen drawers
  • Filled the kitchen drawers
  • Selected chairs and a sofa for the living room (to be delivered after Thanksgiving, which is sort of a dis-accomplishment)
  • Figured out where the books will go (bookshelves to be built, hopefully sooner than Thanksgiving)
  • Moved into my bedroom & bathroom

• Dis-accomplishments
• • Deep discouragement

"When you are ass-deep in alligators, it is hard to remember that your original goal was to drain the swamp."

Hot Happy Weekend

I had a couple of blog posts planned, but instead worked on moving into the new house.  I had planned to post pictures too, but I can't find the cable that connects the camera to the computer.  Whoopsie!  Stay tuned.

My grandson, ScholarBoy1 (and of course, his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Scholar) came over this afternoon to swim.  ScholarBoy1 was in heaven -- he got to play with the hose while sitting in the pool.

House Update April 16 2009: Entry and Office Construction

I thought the dormer looked odd before.

However, with the mass of the office/entry addition,

It looks right.

Or it is going to look right.

Construction services provided by Storey Builders of Boulder Creek.

House Update April 8 2009: Addition Insulation

I got out of order in posting so I am going to post updates, backdated.  So sue me.

These aren't very interesting inless you are me.

House Update April 3 2009: Dormer Details

See the dormer from the outside and the inside

House Update April 2 2009: Dormer Construction

My notes say that the foundation was poured on March 30, so they started framing the dormer on April 2.

Photos below the fold

House Update Progress Through March 30

Progress report: Old Facade

click to embiggen

note the patch of turquoise wood -- there was a window there, which will return in the remodel.

The old brick facade was the original, but the lumpy stuff on the right, covering up the original turquoise paint, wasn't.

There's a little bit of rot -- the dark box on the right.  Looks like the current window is a replacement.  The new windows will have a dark slate finish.  Haven't decided on the house color.

Storey Builders, Chris Storey, is my contractor.

I So Want This Mirror (Fabulous Marquetry from Hudson River Inlay)

It wasn't just garden stuff at the San Francisco Garden Show.

Hudson River Inlay had a booth -- I covet the Floral Garland Mirror and the Stargazer Console Table I'd covet the The Koi Pond table if I had a different house.