One reason why we need to finish our kitchen remodel

Kitchen Update

We are making significant progress on our kitchen remodel. It's true, we might near completion in a mere TWO WEEKS! At this point, all we need to do is install door knobs, drawer pulls, and magnetic catches. Sadly, we are waiting on our online order to be delivered. (I say sadly because it would have been great if those items had arrived by Friday so that we could install them this weekend.)

Anyway, I thought this might be a great opportunity to show you some of the progress our kitchen has made since we purchased the property in August 2009.

August 2009



March 2010



May 2011



Once the cabinet hardware is installed I'll photograph the room in the angles that match our first set of photos taken in August 2009.

TWO WEEKS!!!

Julian is getting bigger

Julian is getting bigger! He is now larger than my shoe (which is apparently one of his new toys.)

This week brought a small adventure as Julian had to make his first trip to the visit. After a weekend of sneezing and gooey eyes, Julian made a trip to the vet yesterday. It seems he is battling an upper respiratory infection. Julian was a praised at the vet for being so well behaved (of course he is!) and is taking his antibiotics quite well.

As you can tell from today's photo, he is quickly on the road to recovering and is quite playful.

Yahooo!

The Cabinet Doors are being hung, the cabinet doors are being hung, the cabinet doors are being hung!

Can you tell I'm a bit excited? It's because I am! Yahoo!!!


The cabinet doors have been painted over the course of the past few days. This is the paint booth that was erected in our back yard that made it possible for the process to be complete in spite of all of the wind we have had in these parts.



Soon all we will lack are the door knobs and drawer pulls. If only I would have ordered those sooner! My bad!

Bringing home Julian

I'm not sure if you know this or not, but my husband can be a bit of a softie. Yes, this burly man has a soft spot for cats. When I first met Bryan, he had "Cat", however, Cat was not the first friend of Bryan - you should ask him about his other cat friends.

Anyway, I digress.

As you may recall, we are making some changes around here. As part of that change, we are walking every night after dinner. Each night, our walk takes us past the Bivins home on 16th. On Tuesday night, Bryan spotted a small kitten in front of the bushes on the edge of the property. It was clear that this kitten was abandoned and very young.

Bryan spent the next 20 minutes trying to extract this small ball of fur from underneath the bushes.

He finally emerged with a terrified and hungry kitten, and many scrapes and cuts on his own arms and legs.

Inspired by the location of the rescue, we decided to name the kitten, Julian. This is picture of the slightly terrified Julian upon arrival at our home.



It was clear to us that Julian had not eaten in several days. We were able to feed Julian, and yes, even needed to give Julian a sponge bath. (Let's just say this kitten has earned the nickname StinkButt!)

By Thursday evening, Julian was starting to feel a bit more comfortable around us. Julian enjoyed some playtime with us, seems to be eating and "functioning" regularly.



Now, Cat has not been at all sure about this process. Tonight we thought it was a good time to introduce the two. During the day, Julian is staying in our bedroom and Cat is free to roam the house and lawn. We don't think it would be the best idea to have the two meet on their own.

We were a little surprised by how the two reacted upon meeting this evening. Cat approached Julian slowly, and it was Julian who rapidly closed the gap. However, this is all the closer the two got before it was clear that Cat was bored with the whole adventure and moved on. In the house, Cat is avoiding the master bedroom and the idea that Julian might be residing here. In time, I think they will become good friends. (At least they better, or life around our house could become challenging!)



Yes, I think Julian has found a place in our hearts, and a place to live on Bowie Street. Now, say it with me.....Awwwwwww!

Does anyone else think this roofline looks oddly familiar?

Last Friday, the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa (my one time hometown) broke ground on a new Performing Arts facility.



As I looked at the image, I was struck by the similarity to another performing arts center and it's "wave like" roof.

Is the resemblence there, or am I imagining it?



I remember when conversations about the UD Performing Arts Center began around 2000. It was under discussion when I worked for the Dubuque Symphony, but didn't quite get off the ground.

I'm excited for Dubuque and the possibilities that the UD Performing Arts Center will bring, however, I am also concerned about the fate of the Five Flags Center.



I hope that the City of Dubuque has a plan for the continued use of the historic Five Flags complex. It is a piece of history worthy of preservation and use.

Davide was back

While last week was a concert week, there was still some time to work in some fun as our friend Davide was the guest artist with the symphony. This was Davide's third visit to Amarillo, and he always provides great company while he is in town.

This visit ended with a visit to Wellington where Davide was scheduled to perform a recital at the Ritz theater.



Here Davide and my darling husband pause for a photo to mark the occasion.


And, further proof that Davide does practice. (Everyone once in awhile - oh brother, I jest, I jest!)


Until your next trip to Amarillo, good-bye, friend! But you will be back, yes? What was that program....Brahms? :)