The electrician came today and hooked up all the outlets. Also the counter people were here to measure for the new counter. Two weeks for the counter. In the mean time we have placed boards on the cabinets and kind of moved back into the kitchen. At least the kitties think things are more normal.

Yesterday I painted the walls. Today the cabinets have been installed. (And I will have some touch-up on the walls!) Tomorrow I do some tile work on the floor--extending the tile benieth the range and dish washer.

Drywall patching is complete and the walls have got their texture coat. Next is the painting. We are taking this time to get the ceiling re-done. Last time it was painted the painters did not do a proper job of priming the old paint. So, the paint peels off if you look at it cross-eyed.

The inspector came about 3 pm today. Gave everything the nod. (But I do have to install a smoke detector in the hallway by the time final inspection is done.)

The garage Mud sink got an upgrade. Saved the faucet from the old sink so now the garage has a bit of class.

Today new stuff started happening. We got the plumbing and electrical. Of course we had to cover the holes in the wall so the kitties would not explore! Monday the inspector comes.

The old kitchen was gutted today. Tomorrow begins the improvements. Plumbing and electrical are scheduled. The dark areas on the wall are the “backs” of our old cabinets—just paint on the wall. Guess we did not get the top drawer cabinets back in 1971. The original wall color was pretty dark and dull, too.

It has been in the planning stage since April this year. But things are now actually happening. We have had the new appliances for a while. Yesterday the cabinets were delivered. Today they got unpacked and inspected. Tomorrow the old kitchen goes!

If all goes well, we will be up and running by August. In the meantime, we will keep progress pictures coming.

We made our annual pilgrimage to San Jose a little early this year. Normally we go for Father’s day weekend as that is also around our son’s birthday. This year he had special plans for his birthday. Trish arranged for us to go to the Silicone Valley Duck race. We’ve been to the Ocean version at the Huntington Beach pier. This was lots different.

The event is three years old now. Last year they had sponsors for about three thousand ducks. This year it was fifteen thousand. That is a lot of duck (...)