Bathroom Block Glass Wall

Last weekend I finished my block glass shower wall. I love the nice contrast to the tile and all the light it reflects. I was going to do a snail shower but logistically it didn't make sense and would have required moving plumbing around-- which gets pretty costly. So where there is an opening I will have a frameless glass door (a European kind of look). I still have to pick it out and order it. That will get done next week. Other than that, only finish work remains. The glass block finishing pieces need to be put on. My neighbor Jan loaned me a tension rod so I can get a cheapy shower curtain until my door is installed.

Turn on the Lights...

The electrician showed today and EARLY! So now there is light. Tommorow some added framing is being put in for my block glass wall.

Bathroom Remodel Part II

I may actually be able to take a shower in the master bath next weekend... the remodel is in the home stretch! Last week, sealed the grout, put shower fixtures on and did some touch up stuff. There's high hopes for an electrician showing up tomorrow morning. He did call and confirm on Friday-- so that's a good sign. I started to put my glass block wall together and got a bit nervous about the instability with only 2 sides for support. So I decided to not be sorry later and called the handyman that's helped me on a couple occasions. He will be here Tuesday to build a frame. A few shower floor tiles may need to be chipped up to acommodate but I'll take that over a big crashing sound as the block glass hit the floor!

This project certainly has boosted my remodel confidence level. My tile cutting skills are quite good now. I can cut circles and really tricky notches like a pro. I know this is kind of "ungirly" of me... I'm making a list of the power tools I want to get for the next project... putting them on my X-mas wish list : )

Bathroom Remodel

It all started in July when my brother stopped over and I was thinking about ripping out the bathtub that I NEVER used. One thing led to another and by the end of the day the bathroom was gutted-- except for the sinks. My neighbor Tom came over to help with the destruction. It was easy tearing it out, but it's been a long process putting it back together. Probably a Weekend Warrior episode on HGTV except it's been many weekends.

We had a water leak in the shower and I think it's a good thing we ripped it out. The wood was rotting and water was leaking through to the drywall. It wasn't my intention to do the whole bathroom myself but after several outrageous estimates ($7-8,000 just for the shower), I decided to do it myself and contract out on skills that I couldn't master (plumbing and cement work for a shower floor). I've come along way and am quite proud of my tile work. Still stuff to do like put up my glass block shower wall, touch up painting, seal grout, put on shower fixture and put in new light fixtures. The light fixtures seem to be more of a problem as I'm putting in 2 separate ones that will go in a place other than where the old light fixture was. We have some outlets that aren't working so Matt gave me the go ahead (checkbook) to contract an electrician. Apparently, that's an in demand job as I've already had 2 no shows! Let's hope the 3rd works out.

It will be nice to take that first shower! I'm hoping to do that before the end of October at the latest.

Missing our View

October is a great time to be in Moab, Utah. Matt and I keep saying we have to get there and visit our property in Castle Valley but it looks like my extra curricular rowing schedule is going to be prohibitive. I will be rowing and sculling at Tempe Town Lake 6 days a week in October and getting ready for the Hot Head Regatta (at Tempe Town Lake) on October 29. It's a 2.75 mile race, best time wins (head race). I'm in the Masters 2x (double scull). So... I'm posting a picture taken while standing on our property in Castle Valley and we'll be there in spirit. I'm looking forward to the day where we actually can look at Castleton Tower and the Priest & Nuns (to the left of Castleton Tower) on a daily basis. We're a few years out from that. When it happens--we will look forward to seeing our family and friends and I'm sure it will be in October...

In Rememberance

This year was a tough one for our family. My grandfather passed away on May 10 and my Grandmother on his birthday, August 25. People always say "Well at least they had a long life". They did.. and a good life. Even knowing that-- it just doesn't seem quite right not having Grandparents anymore. Just thought I'd share a picture from that good life.

New Blog & New Kitten

First... I finally caved in to this blog stuff. It is nice to say something about the pictures I post. Naturally, with my love of animals--I have to make my first blog about our new kitten "Sparky". He made a 3000 mile airplane flight from a Michigan barn to become an indoor pampered housecat. I couldn't leave him in Michigan, knowing winter was coming and the hawks would be looking for snacks.

He loves his new furry friends, Kobi, Chili & Pepper. He's still not getting to close to "Big Fig". Although he gets braver everyday! He is showing off the new bathroom window sills my brother Alan made for me a couple weeks ago.