counters and tubs

Slate – a natural Maine product.

I had always thought my final countertops would be made of granite (also a Maine product). However, Dave thinks it just looks to “hard” and commercial. So, we have been investigating soapstone to match the Tulikivi. But, I just came across something that I really like – slate!!!!!!!!

It is extracted just an hour or so from our lot and looks very interesting. Check out:

http://www.sheldonslate.com

We are also on the lookout for my bathtub – I plan on soaking away the years eventually (and pounds??). This place looks interesting:

http://www.frankwebb.com/html/me.html

The plan is to take Friday off – rain is forecast, so it shouldn't hold Dave back on any work. Off we go to checkout slate and tubs. I'll let you know if we finalize any selections.

BTW – still no phone or internet and the walls are postponed until next week. We still have electricity and footers though.

Footers - concrete phase 1

We have a footer and I can now see the room shapes and orientation. Everything always looks so small at this stage. The "hole" seems to have a leak and continues to stay wet. Dave says they will handle that and it isn't a problem. Such fun to be able to see the outline of the house.
Check out the Gallery.

I also found a local slate quarry. They do some nice looking sinks and backsplashes -- has anyone ever done anything in slate? I am really into natural and this looks interesing.
Click the picture to check it out:

Off topic - family update

Going to make a family update post today -- not much happening at the lake (I mean lot). It is nice to have electricity, but would be better if the rain stopped. Dave has wired some lights in the garage now, too.

We drove down to Wells on Saturday for lunch with Micah. He looks great and has already got another car (his was "drowned" in the flooding last week). He bought (or is buying....) a 2003 Chevy Malabu in dark blue. It is in excellent shape with all the options (sunroof, leather seats etc.) School was over for the summer for him and he says he believes he has about 3 more classes to go. It was great to see him -- now to meet up with Ryan and Robyn soon. I believe they spent the weekend in NYC. I did get a picture of "Banjo" -- she is really growing.

We are fine and enjoying having power from a line instead of the generator. Last night, Dave hooked up our little TV and we got 4 -5 stations quite well. I do have an order in for the cable (have to keep up with those Sox). We are still waiting for the phone service, too.

There is a chance that the concrete group will appear sometime today with forms. I hope so -- if not, Dave was going to make a run to the laundrymat (he is so great). I am researching countertops trying to decide on granite or soapstone. Wish I had some references.
Hopefully, there will be more on the construction front later this week........

Let the light shine in!

We have electricity. After numerous glitches (plug wired wrong for trailer, Central Maine Power taking their own sweet time, etc.), we now are powered. No more waiting to turn on the coffeepot in the morning until the generator is started -- and no more growling generator noises all evening long. This is a step toward civilization. I feel like we have joined the 21st century with running water and power -- that portapotty and those black flies are still a bit of a trial, but whatever.
It is still raining :(

We have a minor swimming hole, but the concrete people say not to worry. They may try to start setting some forms tomorrow. We are off to Wells for lunch with Micah then and won't be around though. I'll get some pictures if they get started.