Solid As A Rock

   This week has been a little frustrating. Things seem to get started, interrupted, then need parts. It's a long way to the store and it feels like forever to completion.
   Monday, Independence Day, Ed mowed the west pasture. Maybe someday we'll hay those fields, but not now.  Tuesday was "go to town" day, which means Home Depot (water softener, miscellaneous parts) and groceries. Wednesday we finally got to work.
   We knew Bergenson's Tile and Stone was coming out to measure on Thursday. All the cabinets had to be in place for the measurements. Ed finished hooking up the stove venting and got the front on the hood cabinet. He also put some additional blocking under the island and bolted the whole thing to the floor. Once the granite is on, it'll be as solid as a rock.
   Thursday evening, Jeff arrived to measure the cabinet tops. I thought he'd just...you know.... measure. Silly me. He walked the site and looked at all the counter top areas, checked for problem spots, and discussed options and solutions. Then he brought out a machine that looked like a laser level on steroids and began mapping the counter tops.

    The stylus is tied to the computer and as he touches various points on the surface, it enters data into the computer and draws the area. Once that's done, he goes back to the main screen and enters the overhang, rounded corners, and whatever quirks are required for that particular piece. When he's back at the shop he can plot the pieces on the slabs. He will also take photos of the individual slabs, then cut and paste them onto the layout as they will actually appear when installed. Instant gratification! I'll be able to see them two weeks before getting them.

   The craft/utility room won't have granite counter tops. In preparation for the stainless steel counter tops, Ed screwed 3/4" plywood down. He bolted the island down to the floor, finished wiring the two island electrical outlets, and hooked up the outlets for the central vacuum. That door clears the cabinet and plate cover by about 1/4". What planning!
   I love the central vacuum system. Since we're no longer dealing with major construction debris, I can now use the house vacuum. No more hauling that huge shop vac up and down the stairs.


   The craft room cabinets are now in place. The surface is prepared for counter tops....except...I couldn't find an appropriately sized stainless steel laundry sink at any of the box stores. I ordered a Franke 20"x20"x10" sink on line. The good news is, it'll be delivered to the house. The bad news is, it'll take a week. As bad things go, that's not so bad.