Wednesday, September 2, 2009

And on the Seventh Day

… she went back to her day job. And was glad to do it.

I know we skipped a few days there. Sorry. Days five and six are a complete blur. I have so many things to show you and stories to tell you. I’ll apologize now as I know very little of what’s going on with the rest of you. My Google Reader has an obscene amount of information waiting for me!

Right now, here are a few shots of the new bathroom tile! Mind you, it’s not completely grouted yet. You can see how in front of the sink is and around the sink and behind the commode is not. (That’s a whole ‘nother story.) And, one of the tiles must have popped free in the grouting process and repositioned itself in an odd way. Not sure if it’s visible in these shots, but it’s weird to see in person.



But then, you didn’t even know the floor was down, did you? You do now! I have to say I love it but d*mn. What a lot of work. And it’s not even done yet. ( I know you aren’t really supposed to go back and grout in sections on a different day but the grout story to come will explain why this was necessary. I did my best to make sure that the entry, access to the toilet and to the sink were filled in before my grout finally said “F you.”)

My intro to porcelain tile was quite memorable to say the least so there’s a great story or two on that alone.

But grouting? Grouting, in a word, sucks. Big time. Apparently, I also suck at it. And black grout? If it’s worse than black grout, then you’ll never see me try it. That’s all I know and that’s all I need to about tiling.

I’m kind of disappointed that it’s not done for the big “mother reveal” tonight, but I really did do my best. And, in two words, I’m exhausted. The good news for those of you who are clamoring for photos is that I’ll get some tonight once the house is as good as I can get it before I have to head for the airport. (Initially, I was not thrilled by the late evening arrival. Now I’m happier than hell about it!)

So, thanks for hanging in there with me. Hope it will be worth the wait.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

The tile is looking grout...er...great. My parents' house back in Michigan has very similar tile, except black instead of gray. It's original to the 1920s-era house.

Unknown said...

Er...gray instead of black.

denise said...

Looks awesome! We had the tile-skewing problem as well when we did hex tile in our old house. And of course it was right where you'd stare at the floor while sitting down! Oh well; it's part of the charm, right?!

Debra said...

It's looking great!!

I'm sure your mom is going to be very pleased with what you've done since she's been gone. :)

sewwhat? said...

Where did you ever find a sink base and toilet that match? That is awesome!

Kate R said...

I absolutely agree - it's looking great. The black grout really makes the tiles POP. The matching toilet & sink - excellent. And you even found a beadboard toilet seat - I want one!

I can't wait to see the rest of the pics!

Anonymous said...

Wow, now I know who to call when we do ours.

Michele

Anonymous said...

Wow, now I know who to call when we do ours.

Michele

Karen Anne said...

The grout really looks terrific.

Mama Martha said...

NV, I think it looks fantastic! Kudos on a 'grout' job!

(Sorry, Gene's pun was too funny!)

NV said...

Gene -- you're too much! Well, I guess maybe we aren't too far off then at this circa 1940 model then.

Denise -- Thanks! Ours is almost is that same exact spot. Thanks for making me feel better about it happening.

Debbie -- Thanks! She has been for the most part. I don't think she's even seen all of it yet. She's been too tired from all of her adventures.

sewwhat -- I can't remember whether it was Lowe's or HD. I think the former, but that was three or four years ago so it all blends together now! Even though they really ARE a set, I've always thought the sink to be very disproportionate. It looks like it's going to EAT the toilet!

Kate -- Thanks! I think I gasped when I wiped away the first of the excess grout and it became immediately obvious that black was DEFINITELY the right choice -- even if it was a nightmare. And you noticed the seat!We think it's pretty cool. A Wal-Mart find of a few years ago.

Michele -- Um, sorry. No. Never doing black grout again. Ever.

Karen Anne -- Thanks! The more I look at it, the more I love it.

MM -- Thanks! And yes, that Gene. Man after my own heart with teh puns. :-)

Why S? said...

NV, that is truly beautiful. One might say NVable. You were right to go with black even though it caused you considerable pain. It'll all be worth it.

betty-NZ said...

Very well worth the wait!

Vicki said...

Wow, the black grout really makes the white pop! In the places where it's not grouted yet it looks a little yellowish. Maybe that's just the photo. Good choice, black, even though it sucks doing it :)

Oh, and glad to hear you're behind on your Google reader. I am too. I haven't blogged in a while though so you're not missing anything from me :)

NV said...

Why -- LOVE the pun. Thanks! Yes, black was right on target. I can't believe how it changes the whole tile.

Betty -- Thanks! I think it is.

Vicki -- Amazing how it does that, isn't it? I finally have my reader under 40 (from over 100) and I've even managed to do some commenting. See you're writing again. Welcome back. ;-)