new kitchen

After six years of talking about it and putting it off... and then talking about it and putting it off, we finally remodeled our kitchen! The new granite countertops, stainless sink and faucet and subway tile backsplash all look great, but I have to say that my favorite feature is the raised bartop that Keith fought so hard for and I didn't think was necessary. While Keith is basking in his "you-were-right-ness", we are both enjoying the finished product. What a difference! Here are a few before and after pictures.

Before: White laminate countertops and the "temporary" fake stainless backsplash I put up in 2007 after removing all of the tiles from this wall while Keith was out of town one weekend. In case you missed it, I said 2007.

Before: The fruity tile that I removed from the wall above, but that remained on the opposite wall. It was a good look.

During: Work is beginning on the raised bar. Had to build a 40 inch wall before the granite could be installed.


During: Wall base has been built and the old countertops and sink have been removed.


During: New countertops are installed


During: Sink and granite on the bartop are installed.


During: Side view of the raised bar that still needs to be painted. Thinking about staining it a dark mahogany to provide some contrast. Haven't fully decided.


After: Final view with tile and faucet installed.


After: The opposite side.


We'd still like to do some additional work, like replace the kitchen light fixtures, change out the drawer pulls and add glass to the upper cabinets. So, be sure to check back for pictures in 2016!!

one down - 57 to go

So, I watched "Chariots of Fire" last night to kick off my movie project extravaganza. Eh. It was just ok. I've come to the conclusion that when you really boil it down, too many sports movies rely on the exact same plot formula:

1. individual/team desires to accomplish lofty goal, but faces adversity
2. individual/team finds coach who implements a rigorous training regimen and shows tough love
3. individual/team learns life lessons and achieves the unthinkable against all odds (fade in inspirational theme music)

i.e. "Karate Kid", "Hoosiers", "The Cutting Edge", "Rocky", "The Mighty Ducks"...

I know I'm oversimplifying things (I tend to do that), but it just didn't feel original. Or, maybe it was original in 1981 and everything else that followed is cliche'. Anyhoo, beyond that major point of criticism, Keith and I were entertained by the running style of the 1924 Olympics...complete with arched backs and arms flailing about in the air.

In other news, we're finally remodeling our kitchen. This has been 6 years in the making and we're really, really doing it this time. Nothing too extensive...just granite countertops, stainless faucet/sink and new tile back splash, plus new knobs and drawer pulls. Stage II will involve refacing the cabinet doors and adding glass panels on top. In terms of Stage I, I know what I want, so now it's just a matter of finding the right company to do it. I have 2 quotes so far and hope to get a few more tomorrow for comparison's sake. Looking forward to sharing the before and after pictures in the coming weeks!

For those of you who are annoyed with my rambling and just came to this site to see what's new with Tate, I promise not to disappoint you with my next post.