Kitchen Remodel - Complete!

We had our first dinner party using our newly remodeled kitchen.  Love it!  The mixed color scheme with natural wood (cherry) and painted sage green cabinets seem to fit this house.  The cheery tiled wall with mosaic and cream colored quartz counters really adds a spark to this cottage meets northwest home.

Removing the corner kitchen appliance garage and centering the stove top really opens up the counter space.  New large 30-inch oven and a microwave/convection oven adds to the function of the kitchen.  Previously there was a counter-top microwave and 27-inch oven.  It is no longer a problem fitting large dishes for baking and getting the microwave off the counter adds even more counter.

Replaced the kitchen desk area with a big open counter and unobstructed upper wall making a great place to arrange platters of food when you want a buffet-style dinner (like our dinner with guests last evening).  By eliminating some of the upper cabinets we are able to take in the great view of the living room.  The mosaic climbs all the way to the ceiling here and really adds interest.  Pull outs in all the base cabinets provides lots of storage--helping to keep our counters free of clutter.

The centered induction stove (love cooking on this--almost instant heat and easy to clean--nothing bakes on) has pull-outs on either side storing spices on the left and oils/vinegars on the right.   The large hood has lighting covering all the cooking area.  I love the modern stainless steel hoods that are out now in many kitchens, but we felt the wood added to the character of the kitchen.

Over the years and experiencing a few different kitchens, we found the under-counter stainless steel sink works best for us.  Lots of counter in this area too.  There was a Bosch dishwasher in the old kitchen and we re-installed it into the new kitchen.  Best dishwasher we have owned.  Quiet and washes all the dishes squeaky clean.


And finally a panoramic view from the kitchen into the dining room and out to the outdoors.  (You can see little Miss Heddie the Havanese.  She is confused about all this picture-taking.)  Really happy with the outcome of the kitchen!

Et Voila! A New Kitchen, Madame

The kitchen remodel is almost...almost done.  I am waiting here this morning for the carpenter to arrive with the last panel.  Maybe, it will be installed today.  We will see.  The kitchen was started mid-July.  Eleven weeks.  Anyway.  Here are the cabinets, counters and tile we selected.  If/when the remodel is finally complete, will post pictures of the entire kitchen.  May not enjoy the length of time taken, but love the results.

Cabinets are by Medallion, shaker style and two finishes.  Some cabinets are a natural light stain on cherry (above) and other cabinets are maple with a sage green paint (left).


Counters are quartz and they are a joy to keep clean.  They are Caesarstone Bianco Drift. A cream, mottled with gray.  Kept this neutral to avoid chaos with the mosiac tile on the wall.

The mosiac brings it all together and adds that color and spark the kitchen was missing before.  It is a mixture of copper, glass, and slate.  In one spot, we tiled all the way up to the ceiling.  The wall has become an art focal point all on its own.  This is Bedrosians Elume Ruby Silk.

To break up the mosiac, there is linear tile a quarter of the way up (runs through the outlets) and about 6 - 8 inches wide.

Much more to describe, but it will be easier once I get the photos of the complete kitchen taken and uploaded.

We are calling it quits on new projects for the rest of the year.   After installing new tile in both bathrooms and the laundry, new vanities in both bathrooms, painting the entire interior of the house, new shades in the dining room, redoing the master closet, refinishing and staining the front porch (it is large), new carpet in the master bedroom, new lighting in the laundry room, adding a workshop/room in the garage, the old kitchen cabinets installed in the garage, ripped out overgrown shrubs and trees and put down new bark, and loads of repairs and finally the kitchen.  We need some downtime!

The bathrooms have been described previously, but the other changes are fun to see and describe.  I will post on the blog this winter.

Bloedel Reserve

We have lived on the Olympic Peninsula for a little over five years and still have so much to see and experience.  One place on our list was the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island.  The garden is known as one of the most beautiful and it certainly did not disappoint us.  Finally made the 40 mile drive (I know, so close) a few days ago.  One of those days that starts off with a cloudy marine layer and burns away to a cloudless blue sky.  (Note:  All photographs are from the Bloedel Reserve website.  Saw all of the views, but my photos just do not do it justice.)

Bloedel Reserve is 150 acres with a two-mile walk through meadows, woods, marshes, bridges and boardwalks.  You emerge from the woods to a lushly landscaped pond complete with an enormous weeping willow and beyond a building which was the Bloedels' home from 1951 to 1986 (Read the Bloedel's family story on their website.  www.bloedelreserve.org   Interesting read).  I loved the house just as much as the gardens.  Not only are there views from the house of the woods and gardens, but also a bluff overlook of Port Madison Bay.  Spectacular.

The Reserve also includes a serene Japanese sand and stone garden, Japanese pond garden, and Japanese tea house.  This looks like a perfect spot to sit on a bench and sketch.  If only as an excuse to sit and meditate your surroundings for a few more hours.

A fairy-like moss garden literally carpeting the ground with over 50 types. 

This place is a world to itself.  Highly recommend seeing, if you get the chance.  I would like to plan a couple more visits to experience a winter and spring landscape.  Yes, this is definitely worth a repeat trip.

Humpies

The Dungeness River (about a mile from our place) is now overrun with thousands (as many as 100,000) of Pink salmon or humpback salmon known locally as pinks or humpies.  They are small (about a foot to two feet long) and I am told they are the most abundant of our Pacific salmon.  We spent the afternoon watching their migration up the river to spawn.   During their spawning migration the males develop a humped back and yeah, you got it, that is why they are called “humpies”!  (The pink color of this fish's flesh is due to their diet of shrimp and krill.)

At different points along the shallow river, you can watch the females dig a trough with her tail.  The male swims up beside and I am guessing, he then fertilizes the eggs as they are deposited.  At least that is what is supposed to be happening, but you really do not get close enough to see the detailed “operation”.

Exciting to see so many salmon and hopefully they will produce a large hatch available for catching in next year’s fishing season! 

Salt Creek–Port Angeles (and the last Fitness Friday)

Last year I did a short hike with my hiking group starting at Salt Creek County Park.   Stunning location.  Vowed to bring the husband back soon.  Today, we made the trip (about 20 miles) and it was just as impressive as the first visit.  Located on the west side of Port Angeles on Highway 112 (a few miles off Highway 101).  The only downside of the trip was the holiday traffic on Highway 101 was horrible. 

Salt Creek Campground includes 90 sites, 72 of which have views of the water. Some are in open areas while others are in forested locations.

The park was once the site of a World War II installment known as Fort Hayden.  Parts of the fort still exist, including a number of small bunkers and two concrete bunkers that once housed 16 inch cannons.

Now a word about my fitness and health plan.  Good intentions, but I need more motivation.  Drinking 32 ounces of water a day--check.  Daily stretching—need a morning commitment.  Daily exercise—shake it up between golf, walking, and biking.  Eating right—yeah, right—gotta work on it.  But, writing about it, is not helping.  Sorry, I thought a weekly commitment made public would help out. 

Olympic National Park Love Affair

Our neighbor, Tim Paschal, loves the Olympic National Park (we think the park is pretty special too).  He volunteers at the visitor center located in Port Angeles (14 miles from our neighborhood) every Tuesday.  He and his wife, Barbara,  are avid hikers exploring the most remote parts of the park.  To help maximize your visit to the Olympic National Park, Tim developed a beautiful website filled with stunning photos and information.  Most do not understand the diversity of the park including rocky ocean beaches and rain forest at sea level on up to the peaks of the Olympic mountains complete with glaciers.

The following is Tim’s introduction to the website (www.olympicnationalparkvisitor.info):

“ I want to help you transform your visit to Olympic National Park from what could end up being recalled as just ho-hum average to such awe-inspired, jaw-dropping astonishment that you will never forget it.

My love-affair with this place began when, as a child, I visited Hurricane Ridge with my family. From that day on, I spent as much of my free time as possible hiking, backpacking, skiing, snow-shoeing, and winter climbing numerous Olympic Mountain peaks. During those years, I met many visitors who, for a simple lack of information, did not experience the full wonder of this amazing place. Don’t be one of those unfortunate souls!

In the 60 years that I’ve lived on the Olympic Peninsula—informed by a lifelong relationship with the Park’s gifts (and challenges), and nurtured by the many people who have dedicated their lives to its protection and preservation—I’m inspired to give back by helping others embrace the magnificence of this ancient and eternal place. Recounting tales of my exploits and sharing ideas and suggestions about how folks can make the most of their time here has become my passion. I created this website for people like for you. I want your trip here to be remarkable, your experience extraordinary, and your memories unforgettable.”

The Olympic National Park is one of the reasons we retired to the Peninsula.  The trails and unique scenery in the Park are almost endless, plus the view of the mountains we enjoy each day takes our breath away.  Thanks, Tim, for all you do!

Ducks Afloat & Boats Ashore

Daytime winter temperatures tend to hover in the mid-40’s on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula.  Not bad for January in the northern parts of the US, but even a slight breeze off the ocean makes it a brisk walk.  Lots of bird activity—ducks (many kinds), eagles, owls, Trumpeter swans.  Really enjoy seeing the white Trumpeter swans.  Sorry, no pictures, but they are stunning.  Ballerinas in the sky.

Fishing the Dungeness

January is Steelhead fishing on the Dungeness River.  Less than 2 miles from our home—a beautiful rushing river with deep pools waiting for resting fish.  Mike is ready.  Special reel and pole.  Check.  Winter waders.  Check.  Waterproof, green fishing jacket.  Check. 

We spent the morning hiking along the river noting the best spots for fishing.  Great trail with little side paths to get to the river.  Moderate temperatures around 42-45 degrees with sun peeking over the snow-covered mountains in the distance. 

Pinch me, is this real or just a dream?

Our Home (Post 6)–Weekly Tour/Guest Room

Come Stay with Us on the Beautiful Olympic Peninsula!

[Please note following write-up is a parody—stays limited to friends and family.  Sorry.  LOL]

Located at sunny Sequim, Washington, our guest suite is near the Dungeness Spit, the New Dungeness Lighthouse, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Hurricane Ridge, the Olympic Mountains, and Victoria, B.C., just across the water. Meals are provided, free golf at a private country club, and personalized tours of the area and sights are offered free of charge!

Planning a reunion, retreat  or special, private event?  Our facility includes a large beach-side indoor or outdoor gathering space for up to 40 people.  Additional nearby accommodations are available at the Juan de Fuca Cottages on Dungeness Bay.

Available on site – kayaks!!  Enjoy exploring beautiful Dungeness Bay with its’ abundant wildlife – or paddle out to the Dungeness Lighthouse!  Use by the hour or for the day for a truly memorable experience.

Guest suite includes a comfortable queen-size bed and interior decorated with traditional furniture and home-spun accessories.  Future renovations include whimsical painting of the walls (wide stripes) and featured artwork.

"I was going to spend two nights, but ended up staying for a third, simply because it was so comfy and convenient. An awesome getaway!" ~ Barbara

"The location is absolutely perfect because we had beautiful sunsets and meadow views."
~ Tom

"The owners are friendly down to earth people and will go out of their way to ensure you have great stay." ~ Marianne

See you soon!

Fat Smitty’s

At the intersection of Highway 101 and Highway 20, sits a little café that is a long time fixture in these parts.  Fat Smitty’s.  Speciality--The biggest and best hamburger around.  Order a Fat Smitty hamburger special and you get a burger only eaten with a fork (unless you are Steven Tyler) with two large meat slabs, bacon, pickles, lettuce, three sides of the bun, and thousand island dressing.  Delish!  We will be wringing out our arteries tomorrow.

The café structure and ambiance are very interesting…  The owner, who I am guessing is Mr. Fat Smitty, is most decidedly an extreme right winger.  Signs with his point of view are plastered everywhere on the property.  And no surprise—the payment is cash only.  (Check out the dollar bills pinned on the ceiling and walls.)

Local flavor.  Love it.

As we were leaving, Mike yelled over at me, “Terry, you have to come see this!”  “Forget about taking pictures of the restaurant; take a picture of this!”  In a small compact car, were eight little Schnauzers.  All having fun on their outing that day with the Master.  We stopped and talked with the owner.  All the dogs were from the same litter including the Mama.  “They are all kin,” the owner explained.  We are guessing the little guys were so cute as pups, the owners could not part with them. 

Turns out they all live near us, so we will probably see them around town.  Hope so!

Our Home (Post 5)–Weekly Tour/Master Bedroom

One of the best things about retirement is you can wake up with the morning sun—no alarm clocks, no commitments, no pressure.  Fittingly, our bedroom windows face east allowing the breaking dawn to be our alarm clock.  Fantastic.  The country location also means dead quiet with only infrequent yips from the coyotes, hoot of an owl or the bass of the nearby fog horn.  The low lights of the neighborhood allow the stars to pop in the dark skies.   To say we are sleeping soundly here is an understatement.

[Would like to add shutters or wood blinds that give the look of shutters to the windows some day.]

The original floor plan for our home included a deck off the master bedroom.  We opted to eliminate the deck and enlarge the bedroom allowing room for a comfy chair to read quietly and a perfect spot for a large dresser.  Really happy with the decision.

[Wish we had not sold the Frederick Cooper parrot floor lamp a couple of years ago.  It would be perfect beside the chair.  Maybe we can find another.  Bev – do you want to sell it back to us?  No?  I did not think so.  LOL]

 

From the photos, you have probably noticed our bedroom furnishings are nothing like the rest of the home décor.  With the size of the room and the fact it is separated from the rest of house down a short hallway, we went “British Colonial”.  Dark wood furniture.  Slowly spinning fan overhead.  Big “Persian” area rug.  I have a tough time getting into this bed—it is so high!  One of these days I will buy a cute little wooden step stool.  May be sooner than later.

You cannot tell from the photos, but we selected a Tempurpedic mattress.  At first, I was not digging it, but I really like it now.  Although the mattress is ultra firm, it “gives” where you need it—the hip, the shoulder, and other body parts that are not so streamlined.  And when your significant other turns or moves, nothing.  You feel no movement.  Nice.  Hoping this one holds up longer, too.

Sweet dreams!

Port Gamble

A visit to little Port Gamble makes a fun afternoon.  A pristine town (really, almost a village) with sea views all around of Hood Canal.  The whole town is a 120-acre National Historic Landmark (founded in 1853) complete with turn-of-the century homes and church on maple and elm tree-lined streets.   Port Gamble is the only remaining company owned mill town in Puget Sound.  The old-fashioned General Store has a café in back with the BEST clam chowder and the old fire station houses the BEST kayak store.  We will be back next spring to demo a few kayaks.

Probably the most interesting location in Port Gamble to visit today was the old cemetery on the hill.  Tumbling down headstones dated from the mid-to-late 1800s.  With ominous writing on one of tombstones:

“Alas she has left us, her spirit has fled, her body now slumbers along with the dead, her Savior hath called her, to him she has gone, be ye also ready to follow her soon.”

The last phrase may not rhyme, but point well taken.  Port Gamble capitalizes on its ghosts with night tours this time of year focusing on the paranormal.  The mock-up rooms of the sawmill, the Captain’s quarters in the ship, “Oriental”, the sawmill owner parlor/dining room in the museum are almost too realistic.  I am guessing the tours are a lively event…BAWHAHAHA!

Our House (Post 4)–Weekly Tour/Kitchen

Galley kitchens, U-shaped kitchens, a large triangle (sink, stove and sink in a “triangle”) and now a medium-sized triangle.  We have had kitchens in all shapes and sizes.  I believe the medium-sized triangle, we have now, is our favorite.  Everything within a step or two. 

All the colors and textures are our personal preferences—over the years the favorites have emerged.  Subway tile in caramel glass.  Solid granite in gold and brown.  Warm alder wood cabinets with nickel pulls.  The cabinets have the linear look to keep that semi-Craftsman style.  All the lower cabinets have pull-out drawers.  So handy.

(Looking at the photos, I think we should paint the wall above the cabinets the same sage green we have on the island.)

Brushed stainless steel appliances and sink.  Over the years, we have had ceramic sinks, granite sinks and stainless sinks.  We like the stainless steel for wear-and-tear; and it is easy to clean.  Oh, and love, love the big five-burner propane range and double electric oven.  A small oven on the left can be used for smaller dishes or heating breads while the larger entrée is cooking in the generous sized right side oven.

Our builder, Estes Builders, configures the refrigerator opening so that the back portion is “set-in” to the wall.  Gives the frig a recessed look almost flush with the cabinets (just enough for the doors to open properly).  If you cannot afford to have a zero-clearance refrigerator, this is pretty close to it.  Check out our middle drawer refrigerator—keeping our Coke and Coors chillin’ at the right temp.

A small pantry completes a really great kitchen.  Not too big to encourage you to stock “too” much food (Ugh—hate expired cans), but just right to hold “enough” canned goods, cereal and small kitchen appliances.

You might be questioning wood floors in the kitchen…we like the continuity in all the rooms and the wood flooring these days are treated to resist wet.  We have not experienced any spotting.  Easy to keep clean.

Well, we must enjoy and use the kitchen because we rarely eat at a restaurant; and we have gained at least five pounds since we moved in!

Olympic Peninsula Native Americans

From our eastern Washington roots, we lived near large Native American reservations; the closest was the Yakama tribe.  Now, it is interesting to experience much smaller reservations and more numerous tribes near us on the Olympic Peninsula, including the Quinault , Hoh, Quileute, Makah, Elwha Klallam and Jamestown S'Klallam. We rode through the Makah Reservation in Neah Bay a few months ago on our Harley ride to Cape Flattery.  The Jamestown S’Klallam owns the Seven Cedars Casino about five miles out of Sequim, and they have expanded their business endeavors to include medical facilities (our doctor is located in the Jamestown Clinic) and golf courses (Dungeness Golf Course).

La Push is located on the Quileute reservation (of “Twilight” fame) with beautiful beaches (First Beach, Second Beach and Third Beach).  Looked hard for Jacob and the wolf pack, but no luck.  The area is capitalizing as much as possible on visiting Twilight fans, and they seem to be having a fun time doing it—"Dr. Cullen’s parking spot, the treaty line is –>here”.  You have to read the books to understand what I am talking about.  Do it!  They are great reads and the movies are all the talk!  (“New Dawn” is out in cinemas on November 18th!)

We drove the 100 miles this past weekend to visit the beach at La Push and Forks (No Edward nor Bella—maybe they are only out and about at night.  You do know vampires sparkle on sunny days?) on the rainy side of the Peninsula.  Really a colorful time of year to take a drive with all the autumn leaves popping out against blue skies.  Yes, we were fortunate to have blue skies near Forks—does not happen all that often.  In late winter and spring in La Push we plan to return to watch the migrating gray whales.  That is, if we catch a clear day again!