Just as we're settling in...

our local video/dvd rental store, Videomax, is closing. I heard the news this past Friday from the girl behind the counter.

They're losing to Netflix and can't generate the $$ from rentals. Last day for they'll be renting is July 31, 2005. Then they'll be selling the videos and dvds during August, and done and gone sometime after that.

What will we do now, on those long winter days and nights? Sit around and watch the useless entertaiment found on the boob-tube? I think not...

Kitchen is finally done, Before and After photos

We finished the kitchen this weekend. Our company who had planned to arrive Thursday couldn't get a flight, so Dave and his daughter Alliegh weren't able to make it :( - at least you'll see the new floor when you do make it out, Dave!

I had purchased the tile over a month ago and this was the first opportunity to lay it. Since Ray's class starts up again in July, with every Fri-Sat being booked, this was the time to do it.

It took us about 12 hours - from pulling up the 1/4-rounds to caulking gaps and painting trim. But it looks pretty darn nice and we're happy with it. Ray says we just added another layer of insulation. Well, that's one way to think about it.

Somethings we learned while laying tile - if two people are doing it, put the "craftier" one on corner, side and irregular shaped object detail, meaning the one who can cut snowflakes out of paper, and understands that concept, will have a better time at figuring out how to cut tiles for corners, pipes and angled walls. The other person needs to be able to look at the floor from a distance and see patterns and attempt not to put two similarly patterend tiles right next to each other.

At about 7 PM, we thought we'd buy new 1/4-round, paint it, and add it in after we were done with the floor. Well, Ray ran to Home Depot, bought the new 1/4-round, cut it, painted some of it - then we decided not to use it (we actually liked the appearance of the walls without the 1/4-round). Meanwhile, Ellen laid the foor with some help from Ray ;) until well after midnight. Boy, my a$$ hurts.

Before	After