Eric and Melissa

Wine Tasting

2011-12-31T11:35:00.000-08:00

Doing what we all do best. Drinking and eating.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T21:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas dinner.
Kitty in her bed (black blob).

Transom/Terrene Open House this Sunday

2011-12-13T18:02:00.000-08:00

The Portland Bazaar

2011-12-13T17:54:00.001-08:00

Wreaths!!

2011-12-04T09:58:00.001-08:00

Living wreath with succulents and tillandsias. Just in time for the show next weekend

Magnolia, cedar, and bay leaves.

Moss wreaths in process.

My class participants.

Day Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

A wonderful time was had by all (I think). It was truly a Day Event to remember - great food, company, and new friends. All complete with Minnie's blanket catching on fire - mom, the tradition continues. What would the holidays be without fire?

Emily and Matt started us off with a wonderful cocktail, or two. The next 45 minutes are a little hazy in my mind. They also did 2 wonderful appetizers that were delicioso.

Eric loves pictures.

Miss Emily.

The happy couple.

The drink mixers.
A big piece of fish. It was amazing, if I don't say so myself.

The mushroom risotto in process.

Emily assembling the tuna and watercress.

Minnie was exhausted, in Rider's bed. He was nice enough to share.

Rider was a good boy.

The crew.
More of the crew.

Pre-Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T15:44:00.000-08:00

Our new sandblasted manzanita branch. :)

Eric Birthday Winery Trip

2011-10-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

We weren't able to celebrate Eric's birthday with Sharon and Simon so instead we spent the day with them on Sunday. We did brunch at Farm to Fork restaurant and then headed out to new wineries that we had never seen. And with a special request from Eric, we also went to Sake One, a sakery in Forest Grove.

The bow was a joke.

Stopped at a modern winery, Winderlea.

At Farm to Fork restaurant and brunch!

The birthday boy.

The House with Landscaping

2011-10-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, apologies for the blurry photos. I didn't have a tripod when I shot some of these.

Plants to be planted...
The back.
The front.
The tree planting with Cousin Kris.

The swale.

Rain chain into catch basin.

Remember that big grass? Well, now there's 3 of them.

Metal corner is now installed. Mound in the distance will have plants and mosses.

Eric's Birthday.

2011-10-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

Eric and I celebrated his birthday last weekend. And have continued to celebrate it. We are deeming it Eric's birthday month really. First Eric thought his birthday was last Sunday and was so disappointed when he found out it was really Monday. So I ran out and got a german chocolate cake that we cut a day early, with lots of candles.

I got Eric a Japanese tea pot since we now sharing our office together. Tea for two?

Relish Interior Home Store, PDX

2011-10-08T20:17:00.000-07:00

So I'm going on 3 months of my installation over at the interior home store. Thought I'd shoot some pictures.

Boxes, 165 to be exact

2011-10-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

It was a big week here at Terrene. We got our first run of boxes. Meaning, we can SHIP and our logo is on it. Very exciting.

Fall Outing 2011

2011-10-08T20:01:00.001-07:00

Was the first sunny day in 10 days. Figured we need to enjoy it before the next 20 rainy days. Yep, glass is half empty. But today, it was pretty full as we tried to pack everything in 12 hours of sunshine. Off to the Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie's Island.

Everyone else was putting their kids in there so we put ours in. Why not?
Oh look, a picture of me. After I begged Eric to take one so I could be in it.

"I will get you back for this." Oh yes, she did. Later.

Hay wagon crew.

Landscaping Progress

2011-10-08T18:58:00.001-07:00

20 cubic yards and going....the cleanup is in progress, complete with a dingo. No that isn't a slang term, it's a mini bobcat. Whatever, it moves soil. That's all I care about.

Remember the piles? All gone now from the back. Envision ferns and hosta.

Pipe to be fixed. Swale is started. All the water in the back to pool into this area that will be covered in river rock. A retention basin if you will. Our massive grasses that were split up will line the swale and I'm doing a succulent mound on the left. Can't you just see it now?

Who knew there was a plant bed there? Grasses were burlapped and will be moved. Japanese maple is relocated over here now.

Dumpster #3 and Eric's portable sign. That doesn't leave a hole in the ground.

Japanese maple is dug up to be relocated. Soil was removed. Monday starts infill with topsoil and rock spreading. See that big pile on the driveway? Oh, and digging up the whole lawn and reseeding.

Painting, Check!

2011-09-25T14:54:00.001-07:00

After waiting all summer, the painter painted the house in a day.

Not sure I need to label this but - BEFORE!

AFTER

Let the gawking begin. I love neighborhood walkers' critiques in my front lawn.

Anniversary 2011

2011-09-25T14:34:00.001-07:00

We spent a brief, but wonderful night at Skamania lodge. Saturday we spent in the sun at the wineries and exploring the trails on the Washington side of the gorge. We watched the sun go down over the gorge and the thunderstorm roll in over the mountains which was fascinating. Sunday was champagne brunch to celebrate 5 years.

Just for us!

Happy 5 years!
THUNDERSTORM.

Took Minnie on a hike around the lakes.
Trail dog.
SKAMANIA.
Washington side of gorge.

So tired......
Frogger.
Tina the llama.
Cor Cellars with ALBACor wine. Goes well with albacore tuna. Get it?

Eric picked up these beautiful callas and ti leaves, just like my bouquet!

The Deck

2011-09-06T22:22:00.001-07:00

"I am so tired from watching everyone work."

Yes there are slats missing on the last panel. We ran out of wood. :)

Gets Worse before it Gets Better

2011-08-26T19:45:00.001-07:00

Now you see it....

Now you don't!

The aftermath
My temporary patio haven. Next to the poop grounds. Yummy grilling. :)

Crave book launch

2011-08-26T19:39:00.001-07:00

So the CRAVE book launched last night and so here's a peek at the book and the event. I partnered with a new found friend, Rosemary Stafford Floral Design, to do the floral inserts in each of the Terrene's for the evening. They turned out fantastic!!

My own personal quote!! In addition to a spread dedicated to each business.

Who knew Terrene's could go vertical.

The dessert table was fabulous.

Rose and I with our creation.

The Door

2011-08-19T18:56:00.001-07:00

After much ado and patient waiting, the door arrived yesterday. It was installed and is beginning to be stained (see right lower side). It will be darker, stained to match the cedar on top of the planter.

We also now have a landscaping retaining wall that we will put stones and grasses in front of when the weather is a little cooler and wetter. You don't want to plant this time of the summer as it's certain to die unless you're an avid waterer.

The house will be painted the color of the lower panel on the wall. Painters will start here momentarily as are the deck builders. Eric has started scraping and patching the front already.

Summer in Portland

2011-08-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Yep. We matched.
Summer Concerts
Sleeping through the concert.

The crew.
Abby and Minnie. Back together again.

Michigan UP 2011

2011-07-09T21:14:00.001-07:00

Tan and back from the UP! Here's a brief photo journey of the trip. We were in the Les Cheneaux Islands along Snow's Channel in the UP, off Lake Huron.

In assembly.

The boys outside Great Lakes Boatbuilding School.

The students and their teacher.

The view from the cabin out to the dock and Snow's Channel.

Eric and I kayaked in the channel at sunset!

Eric making an "m" with sparklers.

Dollar Island at sunset in the channel.

Jeff caught a pike!

Lake Huron

Fourth of July parade in Cedarville.

Cedarville fireworks.

Eric kayaking the channel.

The fire engines were too loud for Conor.

Happy Fourth!! - Parker

Terrene

2011-06-25T21:01:00.001-07:00

Our latest photoshoot shots for Terrene. I am in love. Lincoln Barbour Photographer, Bergren Rameson Stylist.

Girls Day Out

2011-06-25T20:53:00.000-07:00

While the boy is away, the girls will play! Sharon, Hazel, Minnie and I headed to the Gorge to hike all day. We started on trails on the Oregon side around all the falls and worked our way across the Bridge of the Gods to Skamania Lodge. Had a drink, or two, and lunch before we hiked Beacon Rock. Beacon Rock is all volcanic and was purchased by a private owner who built a trail to to the top. You can see the crazy cantilevers and railings below.

Top of Beacon Rock

View from Skamania Lodge lawn.

The Gorge. Complete with train.

Crazy cliff with the trail below.

Us

2011-06-25T20:51:00.001-07:00

We look at little older than the last time our photos were taken at our wedding. But as part of the Terrene photoshoot we felt it was about time.

What we've been up to:

2011-06-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

We are getting landscape bids, so in the meantime I'm entertaining myself with planters. Take a look at how I repurposed all the plants from the photoshoot.

Did a mockup for the bride and groom for the Chicago 2012 wedding. Realized I have more talent than I thought when it comes to table displays.

Eric made 50 additional Terrene's for the PNCA Art Gala. A lot of work there...Solabee Flowers did the displays. 'Nuff said.

Eric installed all the tile in the kitchen. Almost doesn't even resemble before... I was so used to looking at drywall I didn't know what to think when I came home.

Look for photoshoot images next....

Terrene - Eric in action

2011-05-30T21:28:00.001-07:00

All ready for their debut.

Busy Week

2011-05-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

We have a lot going on this week.

This Wednesday Terrene has a photoshoot with Lincoln Barbour and Bergren Rameson atSandbox Studios.

This Saturday Terrene is an "in kind" donor for the PNCA annual art gala (scroll down on the right to see Terrene's link under "in kind"). Eric is busy prepping close to 50 planters for Solabee Flowers to make into art sculptures on each table.

Lauren arrives on Wednesday and we head up to Seattle for the U2 Seattle concert. So excited to take the train up to Seattle and then stay at the WHotel Saturday night.

Lots going on.

And then Eric goes to the cabin to build a kayak with Jeff and we're at the cabin for July 4th.

Lauren's Day

2011-05-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Mom's Day!!

2011-05-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

Dug in the archive to find these. Love you mom!

With the baby.

Doing what we do best.

With the other baby.

Happy Mom's Day (from Eric)

2011-05-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

I dance everyday. Thank you mom! Love you.

Terrene Photoshoot

2011-05-05T21:40:00.000-07:00

Some select images back from the CRAVE photoshoot by Sarah Giffrow of Linger Studios. Sorry, no headshots, jury is still out on those.

Terrene in the Blogsphere

2011-05-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Terrene makes a great gift for mom!

Dig Garden Shop Window

2011-05-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

Terrene's first retail window in Portland! At Dig Garden Shop in the Pearl. We sold a 1 Series in the first 30 minutes! Great for mom's day.

Behind the Scenes of the Crave Shoot

2011-04-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

Monday was the Crave Shoot.

All the little pretties lined up.

Photo stylist Kimberly Brandt.

My headshot and model pose.

Photographer Sarah Giffrow of Linger Studios.

Fresh fruit anyone?

Can't wait to see the spread!

Hard at Work

2011-04-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

My vacuum cleaner.

My branch sniffer.

Shades

2011-04-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

Well, we are optimistic so we put in shades in the guest bedroom and ordered them for the bathroom. To need shades, one needs to have sun. So we are ready for guests now and they don't have to undress in the dark.

Oh, and Eric now is a dealer for the brand. They liked him so much. He deals shades. Yep. Whatever way we can get them for cheap.

Next up, the bathroom. We are anxiously awaiting the grout (not gout) to dry. Working on a custom shower curtain rail as well. Who knows, maybe Eric could be a dealer for Laufen as well.

Terrene Florals

2011-04-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

I did a number of centerpieces for the opening of a Spa/Gallery in Portland. I am trying to branch out with Terrene so I tried my hand with some non succulent arrangements.

The ring is back!!!!

2011-04-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

Sneak Attack

2011-04-05T17:02:00.001-07:00

Look who I found trying to eat my Terrene display.

Spring In NYC

2011-04-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

Images from the store in NYC.

Deck Art

2011-04-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

Toilet has been relocated to the deck. Temporarily.

Before & During

2011-03-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

DURING. Eric says it's going to get worse before it gets better. I don't know about that. I'm sharing the bathroom with him and the cat. How much worse can it get?

Happy to say this is now gone. As is the hideous light fixture and fan that sounds like an aircraft carrier taking off.

This is a before shot. Just in case you were wondering. The pink is staying. We're going for "retro." But chic retro.

Before.

Weekend at Mt. Bachelor

2011-03-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

We spent our spring break in the snow in Sunriver, just outside of Bend and Mt. Bachelor, on the other side of the Cascade Mountains in the desert. How screwed up is that? Though we did get to see the most beautiful full moon ever. Sharon was nice enough to arrange for everything and get everyone together. The weekend was way too short.

Over the Cascades. Douglas Fir switches to Ponderosa Pine and acidic clay soil.

Driving through the Cascades. We used our "Ohio" winter driving skills. You might know that the reason that Portland gets so much wet weather is that we are caught between the Cascades and the ocean, trapping much of the moisture west of the mountain range. We stay temperate, but wet, while the east of the cascades gets colder, but drier.

Soaking up our Vitamin D while snowshoeing. Minnie ate my hat bobble.

A flock of elk. That's what Eric said. Elk on the golf course.

Mountain Man.

"I love snowshoeing." Until we got to mile 3 and the map was wrong. Then the whining started.

Pick a snowdrift for lunch!

Funny architect humor. Eric and I were laughing at the what the snow load must be. Hehehehe. Told you it was architect humor.
The crew at breakfast. From the left, Chrissy, Sharon, Simon, Mike, Connie, Eric, Melissa. Dogs were stuck in the car.

Room 1 - Before/After

2011-03-13T22:19:00.000-07:00

Just completed. 1 down, 9 more to go.

Suspense

2011-03-06T21:00:00.000-08:00

So I had hoped to post an after picture but it was not to be. Damn tape ripped off the paint and so I have to start over in the corner with scraping, patching, priming, and THEN painting. Stay tuned. Until then, here's the BEFORE>

The Biggest Pour Yet!

2011-02-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

How to make a Terrene. Some have asked, "Why are they so expensive?" Well, we decided to document the handmade craft process to answer that question. We will be featuring this in a video on the webpage within a week or so to give a behind the scenes answer of, in a nutshell, "It's a hell of a lot of work."

Eric just completed a double pour, which is essentially mocking up forms for two mold boards, yielding close to 15 Terrene's each - in 2 colors. All of this in our garage. I have this funny feeling I'm never going to park in the garage.

All Terrene's are formed by pouring into a mold, handmade and cut for the specific modules. The sticks form the drain holes.

Ahhh...the secret recipe. I'll never tell!!! The recipe makes or breaks your concrete design. Eric has been working on his for over a year.

Pour 1, Curing.

Pour 2. White.

Demolding. Very tedious.

Each hole has to be individually hand drilled to remove the styrofoam. An then diamond-pad sanded, buffed, and polished.

No mass manufacturing here!! (Note our trash cans in the back).

New Website Up - Phase 1 complete

2011-02-21T07:59:00.000-08:00

Terrene now has a fresh new website up and running. I am in the process of building out Phase 2. Check it out.

Headed to Tinseltown

2011-02-21T07:54:00.000-08:00

Terrene was given a very special opportunity to send a very special 5 Series to Hollywood. Eric pulled out all the stops to engineer this bad boy. We are crossing our fingers and toes. We will need yours too. This is the first time we've sent plants. And the first time using Fedex. We are hoping to pull out a few miracles.

Custom stationary!!! Kathy, look familiar? Terrene now has 'Care Instructions', Gift notes, and a story. Yeah!

Nothing to show

2011-01-30T21:27:00.000-08:00

But we are warm! Had to install a new furnace this week. We were hoping to make the old one last but it was not going to happen. It conked out last Saturday.

We are in the planning phases for the downstairs bathroom, a little behind schedule because of the furnace setback.

Ordering tile for the kitchen backsplash this week so we can start installing that in 3 weeks or so.

The latest

2011-01-25T20:57:00.000-08:00

In fun house news this week. Bought a new furnace. Oh yes.

Picked out some time, and laid in the windowsills!

The new tile. Yes, there is color in that. It's just invisible.

Windowsills.
More windowsills.

Beautiful tile.
No more pocket door!!!

Photoshoot

2011-01-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

Looking kind of like a real house - eh?

Christmas Highlight Reel

2011-01-09T18:43:00.000-08:00

Handmade Wreaths

2010-12-18T19:46:00.000-08:00

Sharon, Mariah and I made wreaths last night. We did it last year through Portland Nursery and decided this year to use the materials from my backyard! Eric was kind enough to cut pine branches, magnolia leaves, and other cuttings from the yard.

My wreath. I used magnolia leaves, rosemary, and pine.

It was Friday night, I am tired.

Sharon looking wonderful with her wreath.

The group.
Mariah's is au natural. (Mariah is our newest strategist).

Merry Christmas

2010-12-10T23:08:00.000-08:00

More Christmas

2010-12-09T21:34:00.001-08:00

It's been quite the drama here. With all the rain, we found out we REALLY need a back flow valve on the storm drain, otherwise the toilet in the basement overflows. YEAHHHH. yuck. I know more about drainage than I ever wanted to.

So we bought a white little Christmas tree since we won't have real one this year due to the short time we'll actually be here. If you're going to go fake, might as well go all the way.

Our theme this year was sparkly memories. Our ornament topped the tree.

Jeff did quite a nice job on all the drywall mudding

I am very excited about the built in cabinet so I can actually store china and pots! 3 coats from now on Sunday it will be done!

More interior shots from NYC

2010-12-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

Christmas at Idaho

2010-12-04T11:49:00.000-08:00

The paperwhites are starting to bloom! Thank you Kathy for the beautiful wreath!

Watching dad hang the wreath. A little to the left, the right...no, it's not centered.

The stocking are hung by the chimney with care.

Santa's helper is ready.

Terrene in NYC

2010-12-01T22:36:00.000-08:00

Took these off the Love, Adorned facebook site. They moved their opening back to Dec. 4th.

NoLita Storefront

Check it out. Terrene 1 Series in the upper right!!

Our First Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-28T20:46:00.000-08:00

Kris' specialty: Pies!!
The new black 5 series.

The Thanksgiving crew.
Look how pretty the table is!

terrene

2010-11-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

Williams Visit

2010-11-02T20:25:00.001-07:00

Yep, we went to the Dam.
Doesn't mom look like she LOVES the dam?

Notice the new landscaping! And the start of the amoeba - it's in progress.

Celebrating every event that we've missed for the past 4 months.

Terrene's Latest

2010-10-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the holidays, paperwhite bulbs. Ready in 6 weeks.

Festive fall centerpieces with ornamental cabbage and PureLight candles! Eric has concocted another beautiful color, Graphite.

Progress shoot

2010-10-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

We are getting there, slowly.

Eric has his official sign out front. He has been told by the neighbors that he needs more "stuff" on it, it has too much white space.

Eric has installed most of the sills and window trill. Next up, siding. Yep, that's our trash out front.

Minnie and Kitty love looking out the front window.

The handrail was painted on Friday and the cables arrive tomorrow!

This is still very much a work in progress. It will be the family room eventually but for now, you need to imagine it. It looks a lot better though without the drop ceiling and the new rail lights.

A work in progress as well. We will be building out the wall against the headboard so that you don't see the stepped foundation.

Minnie turns 3

2010-10-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

Action shot.

Waiting patiently.

Show pdx - furniture show gallery opening

2010-10-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

Grandma Pucke

2010-10-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

RIP. I'm sure you're with Wally as we speak.

My favorite picture of all time.

Thanks for the soft meat, incredible apple pie, and the most wonderful chocolate chip oatmeal cookies I've ever had.

Moving In

2010-10-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

We are slowly digging our way out from all the bubble wrap, boxes, and packing supplies. We are officially out of the apartment and now trying to set ourselves up at Idaho. Eric is furiously trying to get the exterior wrapped up before the rain sets in. Here's what we've been doing on the interior in the meanwhile.

Installed a couple nice light fixtures in both the office and guest bedroom.

Detail on our new handrail!! The structure is in for it and the Electrostatic Dude comes next week to coat it before all the cables are threaded through.

Oh, and we got a new washer and dryer. I have never been so excited to do laundry in my life!

5days to go

2010-09-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

Boston terrier picnic 2010

2010-09-19T08:36:00.001-07:00

Plumbing!

2010-09-16T21:36:00.001-07:00

Disposal in, faucet and soap dispenser, and a dishwasher! It's coming together.

Next up:

washer/dryer

floor sanding upstairs

furnace servicing

chimney sweeping

priming

staining cabinet doors and drawers

Countertops are in!

2010-09-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

The concrete counters are in! The stove is in. The cabinet faces are stained. It's starting to look like a kitchen, very exciting!

Lauren You are Awesome.

2010-09-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

This free photo slideshow generated with Smilebox

Week 8

2010-09-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

Ahhh. 13 days and counting till move in. Let the stress...well, continue. It was window weekend for Eric and the team.

The aftermath.

AFTER - yes, the siding has to be fixed.

BEFORE
AFTER - now I hate that red deck even more than before.

BEFORE
I am very proud of my cabinet sanding. 25 doors/drawers, both sides. Can you believe these are 60 year old doors?
Pretty. All ready to be stained and get modern hardware.

Eric said he was practicing his contractor butt crack. I told him he was ruining the picture.

The master bedroom windows were aligned so they had to frame in the window.

OMG. It's light in the master bathroom. And a HUGE mess. They installed the window and....no wonder it smelled bad in there. MOLD. Who wallpapers a concrete exterior wall? Well, no more mold. But, a mess. I'm so glad the nice subs thought to leave the toilet paper holder for us. I think this bathroom just got priority over the upstairs. Jeff, get your hammer ready. I have a feeling this will be your Thanksgiving project. :)

The west exterior wall we found out had dry rot. Nice. 2.5 hours later, new sheathing.

Eric's pride and joy. The kitchen windows.

Front bedroom window. For all those wondering, yes, we still have to fix the drywall around the windows and install trim and a sill.

Master bedroom framing from the inside to align windows. We will be living upstairs initially while we furr out this wall with drywall so you don't see the stepped foundation wall.

Week 7

2010-09-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

We have been busy. The windows were delivered today! Yeah! Except it rained which is unusual for early September so we'll see how the installation process goes. In preparation, we have been wrapping up a number of things.

Eric took 5 courses of brick off in order to cut a larger window opening. Post move in, we'll be installing horizontal cedar siding.

I have a sink!!! And a nice one at that.

Countertop making has commenced. We are using a decoupage compound on top of newly contructed 1/2" ply with 1.5" waterfall with 3/8" routed edge. The compound is a slurry mix of fly ash, pigment, and cement. It will essentially look like concrete w/o us having to make forms and pour it.

Stair trim piece has been installed.

All new hardware on all the doors. We will refinish the doors at a later date.

I sanded down all the cabinet surfaces this weekend to reveal beautiful birch plywood. I also started to sand down all the doors and drawers. What a job. We are currently debating if we restain it to the previous yellowish pine color or just apply a topcoat to let the natural color through.

Job site dogs. Let us in to play in the dust!

All the electrical has been wrapped up. The last things to do were to cut in the cans for the stairwell going downstairs. Pretty.

The handrail has been order as well for the mezzanine. It will be a powdercoated steel rail with cables.

Next: Window installation, floor sanding, fixture installation, cabinet staining, order washer and dryer.

We have MANY more handrail and countertop pictures for your viewing pleasure if you want.

The windows have arrived

2010-09-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

Our windows come on Tuesday. Just in time.

Week I Lost Count

2010-08-29T21:28:00.001-07:00

Not sure what day or week it is but here is the latest progress. I had a first yesterday. I fell asleep in my dinner.

Furnace vent thing that Eric is proud of. It really sucks and blows. (eric made me write that).

More furnace pipes that Eric rerouted so my lower ceiling wouldn't be sooo ugly.

Ripped out the lower level hanging ceiling. Looks sooo much better. Those lights will be gone soon. Eric is renting a paint sprayer on Friday to paint the ceiling and pipes white so it will look very airy.

Yellow walls are gone!! Sharon and Simon helped prime and tape this weekend. OK, we need a vote here. Picture molding yah or neh. It currently dies into the newly framed walls rather than wrapping around. This is the ONLY room where this molding occurs. I said get rid of it, Eric wants to keep it.

Looking at the future dining room where there will be a railing.

The countertops are in!! Sort of. The sink is under there somewhere and the surface needs to be applied.

Appliances!!! Eric has been hard at work correcting the counter depth problem in the kitchen and inserting the slide in range. Note the VERY nice open shelving unit that will be above the future refrigerator to the right of the range.

And in other news....we hauled a trailer's worth of lawn debris away and are still working on ripping out the landscaping. It is a jungle.

The Walls are up!

2010-08-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

The drywalling is done, temporarily until the windows go in. The door to the garage is being installed today!!

Pretty ceiling. They did a smooth surface in the kitchen and matched the stamped ceiling the living/dining.

Touching his pretty walls.

My favorite wall. We exposed the concrete wall in the stairwell and it has a beautiful raw finish on it. The stairs are a mess so we will probably end up covering them down to the landing. They aren't worth refinishing. The edlge of the floor will have a wood bullnose that will get refinished at the same time as the rest of the floors.

The lights in the stairwell need to be added now so Basant has to go find the drops he provided b/f they drywalled it in.

OHHH. Look how open it feels. That doorway to the kitchen is so much more open now.

Yes, there will be a handrail for code reasons. And I don't want a furry kid flying off the edge.

Very Busy

2010-08-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

Well, not much at the house to report. The drywall is going up, the concrete floors are being sanded. The exhaust fan is in for the microhood.

In the meantime, I've been busy setting up my etsy account and wrapping up the identity work for Terrene. Check out the progress thus far. I'm using Etsy until I get Terrene's website up and running.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/terreneproducts

The Latest

2010-08-08T22:16:00.001-07:00

This week we had a lot of progress behind the scenes. We got permits and inspected and passed, so we can start closing up the walls. The electrical is almost finished. And the windows got ordered, arriving on Sept. 5th.

Eric is official with a sign. Unfortunately Transom's marketing person ordered the back of the sign upside down (oops, Eric told me i was fired..too bad you can't fire someone who works for kisses). So a new one is on its way.

Eric is doing a lot of kitchen crafting, cutting apart the cabinets and fixing the depth and installing the microhood.
The soffit in the stairwell was finished framing.

The microhood is in! And the heart/apple wallpaper is no more. And I have a small little spice cabinet to the right of it! The countertops are being routed on the edges so we can start covering them soon. The plumber starts on Monday!

Happy Birthday Dad.

2010-08-02T23:58:00.000-07:00

Create a photo album

Construction!

2010-07-31T23:49:00.000-07:00

With the demolition completed inside, the walls are starting to go up.

The range is in, Eric is working on fixing the depth of the cabinet and installing the microwave hood.

The opening from the kitchen to the living room, looking at the newly framed living/dining room.

AFTER - the stairwell is now part of the living room space. Eventually we'll install a handrail across the opening.
BEFORE
The three big trees in the back have been trimmed up and we actually found a fence back there. Now if I could just convince Stanley to let me borrow the Cyclone concrete drop hammer, we could get rid of the basketball court.
No more lower deck. It had completely rotted out and I was tired of getting my foot stuck everytime I walked across. Unfortunately, we also found that the vertical supports for the upper deck are also rotted. We had hoped to salvage them but they will need to be replaced along with the decking.

AFTER - the cedar tree came down. The neighbors gathered on the curb to watch. We have expected some tree hugger to run out but it came down with only a few grumbles. And low and behold now we have a lawn and a japanese maple! And you can see the house. We also took out a lot of the other trees and bushes. You can actually see the house now.

BEFORE - where's the house?

Terrene!

2010-07-27T21:25:00.001-07:00

Terrene is official! It has a logo and a facebook fan page. I am working on the website and possible gallery placement. More soon.....

Uncle Eric and Aunt Lissa

2010-07-26T23:24:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Raleigh was short but sweet. I'm a little out of order in posting these but thought they were worth showing.

Uncle Eric decided that kids might be kind of cool, especially their toys.

Neither the 3 year old or the 30 year old could figure it out.

Don't wake the sleeping giant. Of course Eric was less than kind and pinched its butt.

My new name. Aunt Miss Lissa

Demolition

2010-07-25T21:18:00.001-07:00

Let the demolition begin!

The first rip. We each chose a part of the house that we have been waiting to get rid of. Eric chose the backsplash. What? You don't like burgundy?

Remember that wall in the living room between it and the stair?

The wall is no more. And neither is the wall to the garage.

And so it begins.

2010-07-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

We closed on Monday and the adventures have already begun. One of the subcontractors has already gone on permanent vacation after 1 day of work. Got to love that. Oh, and our lawn is a LITTLE overgrown.

BEFORE.
At the new place.
Popping the champagne on the upper deck.

A toast.

Demolition of the stairway/garage wall with garage door opener above.

How convenient, I can now pull my car in and drop the groceries into the lower level, no pesky door to get in the way.

Transom LLC is up and running.

2010-07-06T21:48:00.001-07:00

Transom LLC now has a logo, a trailer, and shortly, a website!

Check out http://www.transomdesignbuild.com

July 4th!

2010-07-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

The Stotler's and the Days' celebrated the 4th with food, drink, and more food. And there was some berry picking. Just a little. 5 lbs later....

Before...

After.

Twins...

and more twins. Ok, this was weird. And no, we didn't plan it. I mean how many people actually purchase shirts in bright yellow. Evidently, two.

Flaming dragon.

Bunch of pyros.

Eric and Melissa's new businesses

2010-06-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

When we do things, evidently we do them in multiples because we LOVE stress.

I am still working through the logo for my container brand. But happy to announce it has a name, Terrene. Look for a logo soon! I'm not ready to show the in-progress.

Eric's business, however, is starting to take shape with a logo, identity and business cards coming soon. Take a look at the wonderful designs, all courtesy of a very talented former co-worker of mine, Jaime Linning Smith at FRCH Design but also has her own freelance business.

As you may know, the term 'Transom' is actually a term that refers to both buildings and boats.

Transom LLC Design Build specializes in small space design and fabrication. Transom leverages Eric’s background in yacht and product design to formulate innovative, yet practical solutions that use the latest techniques in material craft.

For example, he can do concrete countertop installations, mantle and hearth designs, entryway designs, and more...And yes mom, someday, the garage and recycling can pavilion.

Eric's guiding brand attributes are Honesty, Tactile, Craft, and Contemporary.

And yes there was a creative brief. Does this surprise you?

Option 1 - business cards

Option 2 - Business Cards

Happy Dad's Day, Dad!

2010-06-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

A tribute to my dad, at one of the happiest days of my life! A toast to happier days ahead as well for all....

STRAWBERRIES!

2010-06-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

It's that season again...berry season! Simon, Sharon, and us headed out to Krueger's Farm.

Ready for raspberries!

Look, we're twins!

I'm not sure what's going on with my hat....

more....

2010-06-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

You can't say we never upload pictures...

SURPRISE!!
Eric likes the girls....

Action Shots

2010-06-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

A sand mustache.

I am Hazel, hear me roar.

Such intensity, on the hunt for...sand crabs.

Look at those tongues, and teeth!!

Best butts forever.

Where's Waldo?

2010-06-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

Asleep in the clothes, clean clothes, her favorite.

Melissa's Birthday 2010 - 31 years old!!

2010-06-06T18:10:00.001-07:00

OMG, it has been quite the year. I think I feel every bit of my thirty one years. We celebrated the turning of the year with a trip to Manzanita, Oregon with Sharon, Simon, Hazel, and Minnie.At surfer beach!
A laid back Eric with his wine.

On the trail looking down on surfer beach.

A relaxing afternoon on the beach.

On the Neahkahnie Mountain trail.

Minnie was tired from her hike and ended up burying herself in the towels at the beach.

Hazel and her mom, Sharon.

The boys and girls.
Sooooooo tired. That's a dangerous end.

The crew.

Haystack rock.

BFFs.

Minnie is famous

2010-05-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.sunset.com/travel/pets-of-the-west-00400000064596/page42.html

Got Nuthin'

2010-04-24T18:55:00.001-07:00

Not a whole lot here. Eric has been studying for his contracting license. I've been working. We've been getting outside a whole lot more and doing more trail run (more like walking).

The biggest excitement in the Day household is our new master bedroom duvet. I was very excited about our marimekko duvet. Eric, not so excited. Perhaps it's too girly? Not modern enough? I'm not sure why fuchsia doesn't work for him?

However the pets are completely in love with it so it's too late to send it back. Within an hour it had cat and dog hair all over it. Alas. The drama we have here in the Day Household.

Seattle In a Day (or 2)

2010-04-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

We blew through the city in a couple of days after a Microsoft meeting in Redmond last Friday. Here are some shots of the Days!

The ferry to Bainbridge Island.
Tacoma Narrows Bridge. We're glad it isn't galloping anymore. A little engineering humor. That's for you dad.

Some day perhaps Eric will actually SMILE for a picture. He was having fun, honest. This was on the ferry to Bainbridge Island.

Hehehehe...
On the edge of the earth.

Look for the space needle!

Dave and Diane Visit

2010-03-28T23:07:00.000-07:00

Aunt Diane and Uncle Dave Williams came to check out Portland this past weekend. So we did the tour de Days with a few new variations to keep it interesting. We headed out to Oregon Wine Country and checked out a bunch of new wineries (new to us) and then yesterday did the Mt. Hood thing and a wonderful restaurant called, Beast!

And I can't take credit for any of these photos, they are all courtesy of Uncle Dave.

The crew at our first stop in wine country.

For the first time, our visit to Timberline yielded bright blue sky and perfect views.

Our breakfast of Champions at the Farmer's market, biscuits and gravy, and fried chicken biscuit. We didn't eat all day to make up for it. I'm sure it all evened out.

At Timberline, snow up past the first floor windows. I've never been able to get a good picture until now..(and I didn't even take these, Dave did with his fancy camera).

The Gorge was a LITTLE windy. An understatement.

Minnie was quite the traveler this weekend. Here she is waiting very patiently.

Visit with the Williams'

2010-03-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Dave and Diane visited Portland so we all went out to beautiful wine country. We found some new places: Four Graces, Domaine Drohin, and Vista Hills.

Tomorrow is the Gorge!

Minnie on break. She is a very good traveler.

At our first stop, the Four Graces.