Now We're Cooking

Gary took off on Wednesday to pick up the kitchen cabinets that we had ordered about three weeks ago.  We could have had them delivered for $180 but we are always looking for ways to cut costs and besides Gary needed a day off from grouting, tiling, painting, sheetrocking, etc.  The cabinets were on the east coast of Florida almost directly across the state from us so Gary took off on Alligator Alley early Wednesday morning and got back to Cape Coral early afternoon with a truck full.

New Kitchen Cabinets installed with appliances in place.

The cabinets came in pieces and as Gary put them together he was very happy with the quality, in fact he thinks they are the nicest cabinets we've ever had and he has done lots of cabinets.  Best part is they were probably the cheapest too.  Its a win-win. 

We moved the appliances out of the living room to their proper position in the kitchen and Gary got to work.  They have fit in very nicely, we picked out the kitchen sink today and the counter tops will be next.  The plan is to finish the kitchen/living room/dining room and then move on to the master bedroom.  And that is going to be a major job. 

Looking out front window at our neighbors from Duluth, MN.

Now its Sunday and nap time.  We have had showers most afternoons and so what else can you do?

 Looks like Dede and Mojo agree.   Margaret

Tearing Down Walls

Gary has been busy working on the kitchen all week.  The dropped ceiling came down, the wall by the living room has disappeared and it has opened up the whole house.  I didn't see what he did all week and when I walked in, the difference was amazing.  I ran for the camera.  We are almost ready for the kitchen cabinets.

Kitchen First Day We Owned House.

Kitchen torn apart August 9, 2013.

In the meantime, we had some time for fun.  We joined our NRC (New Resident Club) for a potluck on Friday nite at one member's house.  There is always lots of food and we have more fun each time we go cause we are really getting to know everyone.  It has been a year since we joined and it is hard to believe that that much time has gone by. 

Potluck August 9, 2013 - Gary is hiding in back.

Sherry and Jerry are originally from Oklahoma and followed their daughter here a year ago.  We have had great fun with them but unfortunately their daughter found a better job in the Florida panhandle which is about six hours away.  Because we are all in the same boat when we get here, we depend on the group for friendship which can include eating out, cards, games, boating, etc.  We really hate to see them go, they are a great couple but we understand too.  They put their house on the market here and sold it in two days.  Doesn't hurt that Sherry is an interior designer either.

Saying Good Bye to Sherry and Jerry - photobombed.

On Sunday our neighbors invited us to Sanibel for some beach time.  It is really hot here now so anything having to do with water is welcome.  Mojo and DeDe even went swimming, they didn't really have any choice as I pulled them in the water but once they were in, we could hardly get them out.  Taylor shared some of her chips with Mojo after their swim.

Taylor and Mojo sharing chips on the beach.

Its busy with the house, new friends, the beach, golf and work but I was just saying to Gary that I am finally feeling like I am settling in here and can almost call myself a Floridian.  Takes time.  Margaret

Working on the Inside Now

Gary finally got the outside of the house done this week.  Thankfully he got it done before he passed out from the heat.  We are in the hottest time of year now and it makes working outside very difficult especially when there is very little shade. 

Lanai first day of ownership.

He finished the lanai this week spraying the ceiling, painting and getting the screen installed.  The whole lanai is now enclosed and the only thing left out there is the floor tile but that will have to wait til it gets a little cooler.

Lanai done this week. 

So Gary moved inside to the kitchen.  We had a "tray" ceiling in there which was very popular 20+ years ago but not so much any more.

Gary taking lights down from "tray ceiling"

I was all for working with it, Gary not so much.  So I lost that argument and the soffits all came down this week. 

Kitchen first day of ownership complete with original art.

We found cabinets for a very reasonable price at a place in Fort Myers called Cabinets to Go.  They don't have a huge selection but the price is so much better than Lowe's or Home Depot that we had to go with them.  They should be ready in about three weeks and Gary will go over to the east side of Florida to pick them up saving us even more money since we won't have a delivery charge.  More for me.  Not.

Kitchen torn completely apart including wall with original art.

The AC in the house is working so with that on and a ceiling fan too, Gary is in remodel heaven.  He is moving ceilings, walls and probably a floor or window, I won't know til I get there again with my camera.   At least it will be cooler.  Margaret