Finally enough seats

With 2 days to spare - we finally have enough seats for the family! For the last few years (since we moved and started to build our passive solar house), we have had to use the lawn chairs when family came. And we were always one bed short.

As of Monday this week, we have a new sofa couch and recliner. I am sure the younger generation will be pleased.

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lazyboy, sharonbetts

Behind the Red Doors

There used to be a song - "Behind the Green Door", but in our house it is "Behind the Red Door". We decided to liven up the bedroom and bathrooms by painting the doors a shade of red. I like it, especially with the wood walls. Here are a couple of pictures which show how much difference the background can make. (ignore the odd door stop in the bedroom, ha)


Now, Dave is just finishing up the final woodwork and we are having a built-in utility sink made for the odd corner in the back hallway. It should be done by the first week in December. If our couch and chair actually show-up in time, we will be "finished" for Christmas. What a present!Technorati Tags: bermed, doors, sharonbetts

Cabinets nearly done

We have been planning for our built-ins since we designed the house. Finally this summer, we got the designs to our cabinet maker, MidMaineFurniture. I posted when he set the pantry - which is now fully in use. This week, we finished the built-in bookcase, computer table and bathroom cabinet.
More pictures.

We only have one more "corner" to fill - the utility sink is now under construction!
The bedroom and bathroom doors can now be finished as well as the woodwork that abuts the cabinets.

midmainefurniture
sharonbetts

Blended stone

Our front door has needed an entry for a long time. Not for guests (usually come through the garage or the study door), but for the dogs to rest, ha.

We decided that it was too difficult to make an even area with all natural stone. So, purchased some concrete patio stones in a natural color. Dave used a bed of sand - can't do much in that area since it is over the styrofoam around the foundation - but that same styrofoam keeps it from freezing and heaving in the winter anyway.

We did use natural stone to finish it off and hope to continue some work in this front with raised beds - maybe next Spring.
There are pictures in our Gallery - check here.

sharonbetts
patiostones

from blank to pantry

Although we have been happily (and environmentally consciously) living in our bermed house for a couple of years, there are a couple of things that have been on hold. The largest of these finalizing projects was our back hallway pantry.

We designed the cabinets and went back to Mid-Maine Furniture to build and install them. They will match the hickory in the kitchen and include some etched glass in the upper units. Hopefully, the glass will keep it from looking to massive and dark. Today, the transformation program began. Out went the open plastic shelves to open up the area .


Since the concrete floor and walls are not exact, it took most of the day to level and place the plinth.


Then we set the bottom units on for the night.

Stay tuned - tomorrow we continue.
passivesolar
bermed
pantry
sharonbetts

Springing into Action

Wow - almost 6 weeks without a post. Things have been very hectic here in Maine as we move from winter to Spring, Mud and Summer - the black flies have appeared already.
Since the house is nearing completion - still some window trim and doors to install, there isn't as much to report or document. Our pantry is under construction - I'll post some shots when it is finished (goal of July).

Dave did get our oldest son involved with cleaning some brush - one of his first back-hoe experiences.


The latest project is a swinging grill pit - we have missed it so much since we moved. There is absolutely nothing like chicken marinated and then grilled on a wood fire while resting on a swing grill. We have the basics ready:


The other big project we are starting this summer is some "beautification" of the front yard. The plan is to install raised beds for small veggies and flowers, a picket fence and a small patio and entry way (natural stone or some man-made stone). We need to take care in design with the piles of snow in the winter. The material for raised beds is causing some consternation - what is best (natural, of course) but durable?

Any suggestions?
raised_beds
sharonbetts
swinging_grill

Another bedroom floored

It has been a long time since we have posted another step toward completion. But, today we move to only one room with concrete floors. The 2nd bedroom has been tiled - we used a grey slate which I think Dave did a great job laying. I am sure our guests will appreciate not waking up to concrete during their next visit.

One more bedroom (ours) and then window and door trim - it is getting close.


slate
sharonbetts
passivesolar

Top to Bottom

Ceilings are done - as posted earlier (still a little trim to go). So, down to the final floors with the dining - living next. The border has been done for a long while and we planned on filling in the main portion with that same tile. A polished brown separates the border from the floor. Last week we painted with a dark blue - this week the tile is taking shape.

Don't know if I blogged about our TV's mishap. While working in the living room a couple of weeks ago, the TV slid off its stand and didn't survive. Yesterday we joined the new generation and purchased a new LCD HDTV - went with Samsung 650 model. Had to add a Blue-Ray player and rush home to plug it in. We need to trim the wall and then mount. Such a great idea to have all the cords inside the TV wall.

The April snow is going away slowly - Spring must be coming (immediately after mud-season).

sharonbetts
tulikivi
samsung

Study has furnishings

Well, the "pumpkin room" as Dave calls it - the "morning bright" as I think of it is nearly finished. Just a the windows to go. All the windows will be done nearly last. I took some short video clips and put some pictures in the gallery (check out the last editions at the bottom).


sharonbetts
passivesolar
Turbo Tagger