Kitchen Upgrade...

Handsome got up early yesterday morning and drove to our favorite millwork company (Tom's Custom Millwork, Ashford, WI) to pick up a new countertop we'd ordered about six weeks ago. When we built our "big" house in the early 1990s, Tom's was just a fledgling company down the road from our building site. They provided all the custom wood trim for our windows, doors, and casings in that home. Since then, they've grown from one small building to at least three large buildings and a huge contractor clientele. We're grateful that they were willing to provide custom hickory countertops (a small retail order) for our farmhouse.

Over a year ago, we had a kitchen island installed by our younger son. We ordered the hickory top from Tom's, and said we'd be back. Handsome called them last week to see whether our order was ready, and when told yes, said we'd pick it up this week.

So, this is the countertop that came with the cabinetry we purchased a few years ago. I painted everything this light sage green, which was a perfect match (darker shade) of the color we'd chosen for the walls. The counter was nice and served us well, but we knew the rest of the kitchen would eventually be butcher block, too.

Handsome had given our former carpenter, Jeff a heads up last week, so he was expecting our call today. He only lives about three miles away, and showed up on our doorstep about twenty minutes later. In no time, our new countertop was installed, and we love it!

I haven't styled it yet for this photograph because we will be light sanding and oiling it today. Jeff laid down a bead of caulk along the back edge, so we wanted to give it a full day to dry and cure.

We also have the same countertops for the smaller cabinets on either side of the stove, but I just had to share this one because it completely changed the vibe in the kitchen. It's lighter, of course. The last countertop was black, after all, but it also matches the other counters in the room, now, which makes a huge difference.

I also asked him to hang my new rolling pin rack in the pantry before he left. I knew I'd have a hard time getting it safely secured - and straight - so I asked Jeff, who was happy to oblige. 

I found this particular rack on Etsy from Farmhouseon5th. They have a huge selection of wood products, but after searching through various sellers, I fell in love with their rolling pin rack. (There's another in their store in case you're in the market. giggle)

Now, it's where I asked Jeff to mount it, and it's already populated and waiting for my next pastry project. But first, we're going to treat the countertops so seal them. We'll do the light sanding, and then I brush on heated mineral oil which is allowed to soak in for a bit before it's wiped off. We'll oil it again in another two weeks or so and then about every eight weeks. The other counters will be treated today, too, because they're "due for".

I'll be taking advantage of our countertops a few times before the weekend. I'm making another big batch of bread for the freezer - to hopefully carry us until I'm healed well enough to make more. I'll also make a few batches of rhubarb and blueberry scones for the freezer. They're perfect for those mornings when we fancy a little something sweet with our morning coffee. They're easily pulled from the freezer, brushed with cream and baked. All in preparation for next week. 

Once we've treated the countertops, I'm going to sit back down to my needlework. I have a deadline, after all. More tomorrow...

Island Girl...

Brynwood Needleworks - Father and #2 Son

It began with a conversation with our younger son. He's a carpenter who has flipped homes over the past few years. We approached him about installing a kitchen island for us...and while he was at it, one other cabinet next to the range. 

The project began on Thursday morning, when #2 son brought in all the cabinetry and hardware. Handsome and I ordered custom countertops from a company who produced all the millwork for the home we built seventeen years before we moved to Florida. When it came time to choose the wood, you'll never guess what one of the choices was...

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Hickory Butcher Block Detail

 HICKORY!!!

 

We got the phone call to tell us the countertops were done and ready to be picked up. Handsome drove down to get them, and when the counters arrived, I was beside myself. They're sooo pretty! You've got to know we'd jump at the "hickory" option.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Our Own Talented Carpenter (Our Son)

 

I took a photograph of our hard working, family oriented, talented carpenter. He's our younger son, who flipped homes with his wife for quite a while. He really knows what he's doing!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Completed Island

 

As the project completed (for now), the sun came shining in the hall window. The island cabinet, countertop and hardware were the focus of this project. I have thoughts about what's next. We purchased cabinets reminiscent of a china cabinet, but that's all I'm going to say for now.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - More To Come!

 

So, every morning we'll come downstairs to this view (for now). I can't stop smiling! I still need to paint the primered beadboard and trim edges, but otherwise it's finished! I'm so happy. Now, I'm an island girl!

Time...

Clock In My Sewing Studio

 One thing I ran out of this weekend...Time.

Rebecca and Her Corgi

I had grandiose plans to work in the studio this past weekend, but we spent much more time outside instead. The only thing I accomplished upstairs was in my sewing studio. I hung my television/dvd player on the wall and installed a few embroideries to clear off my cutting table. I have a few more things to put away (need a place for them), and then I'll take more pictures.

We spent nearly five hours yesterday mowing grass on our place, and also next door. We were returning the favor for all the times Andy kept our driveway clear last winter. Handsome and I each got on one of our tractors, and we split up the yards to get twice as much accomplished. It was nice to spend the time outdoors, and do something helpful while we were at it.

Fresh Beans and My Old Settlement Cookbook

Shelly gave us three (large) kohlrabis. I cut them up and blanched them for freezing. I put up five bags when all was said and done. She also gave us fresh peppers and beans. I think those beans will become pickled beans (great for Bloody - or virgin - Marys). I've canned dilly beans before, and think I'll do those. I'll pick up supplies on my next trip to town.

A Gift For The Farm

Friday, Shelly's brother, Craig stopped over when she and I were out for lunch. Craig delivered this gorgeous bench/shelf that he made for us. It was such a lovely surprise when I got back home.

Hickory Shelf/Bench

Craig and Kim (his wife) have learned how much symbolism means to me, so he created this gift with that in mind. He chose hickory wood. It's heavy and so well made, and is another gift that will be treasured from the family who used to live in our dear old house. The little squirrel was Mom's, and became mine when she moved to the nursing home. Squirrel loves the hickory bench, too.

Thank you, Craig and Kim for this most special gift from your heart and hands.

Thanks, and thanks again.

Tag and Bella...Every Vigilant

  Whenever we go outside without Tag and Bella, this is what greets us on our return. We love these two, and it just wouldn't be home without them.