Kitchen Counter Tops

We selected “soap stone” for the kitchen counter tops. Let's put on our geology thinking caps (the cloth ones).....soapstone (also known as steatite or soaprock) is a metamorphic rock, a talc-schist. It is largely composed of the mineral talc and is rich in magnesium. It is produced by dynamothermal metamorphism and metasomatism, which occurs at the areas where tectonic plates are subducted, changing rocks by heat and pressure, with influx of fluids, but without melting. It has been a medium for carving for thousands of years. True Soapstone is inert. Alkalis and acids won't affect it as they will a granite, marble, or slate. For over one hundred years, soapstone sinks and tiles have been used in science class rooms and labs along with work tables and counter tops. Its longevity to long term - high traffic use is amazing!

Trim Work

We’re re-using all the original doors in the house. These doors need to be stripped, hung then re-painted. Several new doors (to match the original doors) were ordered and installed for the kitchen broom closet + coat closet as well as the 2 coat closets in the living room. You’ll see in the photos that some of the doors have been stripped prior to hanging. Also, we’re using the original design for wood trim around the windows and doors.

Tiling the 1st Floor Bathroom

Here is Tom tiling the full bathroom on the 1st floor. Good thing his Uncles were tile masons!

Tiling the Kitchen Floor

We first "dry laid" the kitchen tiles to figure out the pattern, then we put down a layer of Schluter-DITRA; this orange “waffle-like” layer allows “…uncoupling, waterproofing, and vapor pressure equalization”. Get it? If not, check out their web site: www.schluter.com/index.aspx. Next, the tiles were laid down over "mud" then finally grouted.

Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen cabinets are installed. We’re in the process of installing the appliances and water/gas connections. Soon, we’ll start to lay the tile floor. Notice the "before" and "after photos", Richard demonstrating where his cook range will be and Tom installing the cabinets.

The Pool is Finished!!!

Finally, the pool is in. The Donoghues came to celebrate Bruce's b-day with a pool party. Richard couldn't stop himself from performing a water ballet.

Living History in Lewes

We had the pleasure of having Carol and Barbara visit our home recently. Carol and Barbara are friends of our neighbors Mike and Bev. Carol had lived in our home many years ago; Barbara lived down the block and used to regularly visit Carol at 125 Washington. Carol and Barbara shared many interesting stories of growing up in the neighborhood and living in the home. Carol shared that at one time, some dynamite was stored in the garage out back, but was disposed of when her brother grew older and more “adventurous”. So far Tom and Richard haven’t found any dynamite sticks!!! The photo – from l to r: Carol, Barbara, Bev & Mike.B