May 15-19, 2008
We tear out the wood trim around the front door and repair the brick. We’re finally ready to paint. However, every day the painters push us back gives me more time to play with colors: Sherwin-Williams (www.sherwin-williams.com) Restrained Gold, Black Bean, Gray Area, Alabaster, and Suitable Brown. (By now I’ve been in our local paint store so many times, the associates greet me by name.) As I finished putting these swatches up, I turned around and saw neighbors across the street watching and waiting for the big reveal. When I ask for an opinion, I get, “We’ll love whatever you choose. I’m sure it will be great.” Gee, thanks for the help.

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May 29, 2008
Though we had a written estimate and a verbal agreement, our painter has been unable to keep his word. It’s such a bummer. The weather this spring has been soggy at best, and it’s pushed back everything, including his ability to meet my deadline. The resulting floods here in Iowa have made national headlines. Our personal headline: Find a new painter and on the double. We’re photographing this kitchen for Country Home on June 16. Time is of the essence.

May 31, 2008
We won’t pass our city inspection until we have our sidewalk in, so a crew gets to work installing these tumbled pavers from Belgard (www.belgard.com).  We chose the Dublin Cobble Modular in Ashbury Haze. This is a new, manufactured product but the worn edges give instant pedigree and old-house charm. It is installed over a bed of crushed gravel and sand. We also added two large stones to help give the walk more structure.

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+ click to enlarge photo