Tile application, nearly done

Here are pictures of our recent tiling adventure in the kitchen. Jen M. decided on slate, which comes in random colors and textures. The goal was to simulate a patio and feel outdoor-ish.

This picture is a dry layout.

Here Bill N. has some tiles adhered. We have cementatious backerboard under the slate and used a thinset adhesive. The work is tedious. Sweep, then wet-sponge for dust, the smear on thinset, then lay tile, then let dry, then clean with a sponge, then apply sealer, then apply a second coat of sealer. Remaining is grout, then grout sealer.

Here is a picture of how random the tiles are.

Here Bill N. applies more thinset to lay more tile.

Senior, Bill N. and Junior.

Wet children footprints on the tile, after thinset adhesive, before sealer.

Mya could not stay away from tile application.




Bill N. and Jen M. wrap up the sealer application (coat #1).

Some winter pictures

We have had one of the snowiest winters on record. Of course this happens the first year in VT we are responsible for snow removal and Bill N. is too stubborn or cheap to buy a snowblower. We use muscles, not motors here. Anyway, enjoy some pictures we collected this winter.

Here is Junior coming up the back steps on the sled (Senior watches). Yes, this the same back door that is about 4' off the ground without snow.

Here she is all the way in.

Here Bill N. pulls Senior toward the back woods. We have a hill into the forest that is a terrifying ride down (all trees, all terror). Senior loves it, Junior likes it, Bill N. believes "danger is fun most times" and Jen M. wishes she wasn't home when we do it. The snow is really deep. Years in Buffalo do not compare to what we are seeing this year.

Here Bill N. tows one of the many loads of floor tiles and installation materials up into the house. Our Saturn VUE humped it all from the store in Burlington to our house. After dragging multiple loads around the back of the house into the dining/kitchen, Bill N. weighed a box. All told, the VUE and Bill N. hauled just over 1,000 pounds of tile and installation material. That's heavy.

Here is a picture of one snowfall on our front porch railing. Just one of many snowfalls.

Here Bill N. and the giant hand pull snow off the roof. The neighbor's roof is snow-free because the homeowner climbs on their roof and shovels it.

More snow removal from the roof.