Legal

With this attractive handrail, we're now up to code on the stairway to the loft, thanks to another fine fabrication job from Davis Welding.

Another finish detail

No, it's not a great photo -- you, uh, had to be there, but it's gratifying to finally see the outside step-ramp lights working and the beautiful interior staircase all lit up, just like Ted the Architect drew it up so long ago.

Exxxxxxxxxxcellent!

The translucent panel is now lit — beautifully. Very, very, very nice.

Stairway of Coolness

JR and Chris installed the stairway treads, which look terrific. Another near-final piece of the puzzle.

Just Like Downtown

It's not quite finished, but it sure looks purty — JR and Chris just put up the stair wall (Chris's ass included for scale), it looks as good as it did in Ted the Architect's head when he designed it. One more partial panel will go up on the left, but it's clear this idea is going to pan out. I guess I'll pay the bill.

A lot of toil and trouble went into this critical puzzle piece, and I'd like to thank Jerry from Davis Welding for sticking with the program.

Just like downtown.

The Tree, the Snow and the Prairie

Finishing Touches, Part Deux

Kelvin and Pete have installed most of the cabinets and started on the appliances, so we're finally starting to see what the kitchen and bathrooms will look like.

Pretty sweet, eh?

Floored

The new builder, JR, has been spending time fixing leaks, code problems and other disappointments left by the previous builder (thanks Barry!), and has started installing the maple floor.

That's not JR, it's his business partner, Chris.

This is a huge — if much delayed — milestone, and cause for much rejoicing. As soon as the polyurethane cures, the cabinets and stair wall can be installed, and most of the finished plumbing and electrical can go in.

Ted the Architect has come up with an innovative shower wall treatment that I'm pretty confident you've never seen, but that Richard Serra will love. Stay tuned.

Thanks guys!

Ducted

The all-important duct for the air conditioning in the main living area was finally installed. It looks very industrial, which I like.

Now that the ductwork is in, the painter can put the finishing touches on the joists, and then the floor can be installed, then the kitchen cabinets, closets, finished plumbing, finished electrical, etc. can come in.

Colorful

"Buggs" (because he's got really long bug's legs, I'm told) applying the American Clay plaster finish to a wall in — I think — my bedroom.

The advantages of this product are several:

• Aesthetic -- it gives the walls more depth and earthiness than paint would
• Environmental -- natural, no VOCs
• Comfort -- soaks up humidity (it doesn't "set) and releases it over time.