Hacienda de Zsa Zsa

Well?

2007-05-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

The question has been asked...well, are you in yet? Well, what does it look like now?

Well, it is amazing how the planning of the tiny puzzle pieces come together on the table to really make a picture. Pieces that we bought, collected, had in our individual homes, inherited, all come together in this one house....and without hesitation I can say, it is amazing how it is all working together so well.

So, from one extreme to the other, the house is finally taking shape. And, the vision I alone had a mere 8 months ago, is available for everyone to see now!

Mirror, Mirror

2007-05-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

I always wondered how you do framed mirrors ...you know, which comes first, the mirror or the frame? Well, this little chickie now knows...the frame.

The REAL Work Begins!

2007-05-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

The construction is just about complete. A piece here, a bolt there, but basically, we are done...or, should I say THEY are done. Now, my real job begins...merging Chicago with Columbus into one big happy abode. I will be glad when the transition is complete....which might take as long as the building process did!

Lessons Learned

2007-05-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

#1. When you have a tall spouse go ahead and add a few inches to the island. I feared I'd be like a little kid trying to reach the counter. It is amazing how just a few inches from the normal 38" or so, gives the island depth and makes it a major work station. Of course, that means I will actually have no excuse NOT to work and create something fabulous, but it is the ultimate work space I always wanted.

#2. Listen to the salesman. Sometimes they actually do understand the product. We looked at several stove vents and ended up with Vent-a-Hood because our salesman talked about the easy clean-up. While that sounds like another sales tool, we were happy to hear from our installer that this was the easiest piece of equipment he'd ever seen. I, of course, selected it because it has fabulous light, looks classy and I knew the name. Bill, on the other hand, selected it because of the cleaning and few-parts-to-break factor. But, when you have guys who install these things every single day marveling at how easy it was, how efficient it is, you feel like a genius. A genius with a great salesman!

Carpet...

2007-04-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

...A sure sign we are close to the end. KPS kept saying, "that's near the end," "this is near the end." But, carpet was one thing they said definitely was near the end. I think, ladies and gentlemen, the end is in sight. We have an office with carpet and Cydney's room with carpet. THIS means furniture is not far behind.

Lessons from the Master

2007-04-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

To all my students of building a house...Very Important Lesson....when building be sure YOU and the BUILDER are on the same page when it comes to appliances. If you seek the best...tell your builder more than how wonderful they will match...perhaps add that they are double vs. single ovens. Perhaps make sure ALL ARE ON THE SAME PAGE AT THE SAME TIME!

Bill's Contribution

2007-04-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

Let it never be said Bill Stolle does not have style. He suggested this chandelier; we bought it...it is fabulous. We are nearing the day of moving. T-minus 7 and counting...

A Perga...what?

2007-04-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

What the heck is a Pergola? We have had that question more often than I can tell you...even from our builder.

It is a fancy name for - porch overhang! Technically, it is an overhead structure designed to create a shady retreat while letting air and sunshine through.

I will be growing wisteria along its outercore and will occasionally, when I'm feeling especially Martha, weave fabric through for festive occasions. Anyone who knows me, knows there is nothing like a festive occasion to cause me to add strange and interesting elements!

Ah, a Mirror

2007-04-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

The wallpaper, lights and mirror have made a connection. Now, we just need a shower door....oh, yes, and that infamous ability to actually USE the bathroom and we are done!

(You'd have to scroll to the beginning of today's update to understand that we have beauty...but nothing behind it...can't wash in the washroom. No pooping allowed!)

The Office...Library

2007-04-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

It looks like it's almost there...now if someone else will unpack for us, it would be PERFECT!

The Master Bath

2007-04-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

Taking shape, especially now that we can see the work in progress. Mirrors and glass doors still to come, but the overall look is complete. I marvel every day that it all came together from little 1"x1" chips and samples.

It's in the Details

2007-04-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

From the lights to the granite, tile and handles, it was the small details that made the Princess Suite, truly fit for a princess. Now with a mirror she can admire all day long!!!

A Living Room bathed in LIGHT!

2007-04-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

Still no fireplace insert, but we do have light. No glass, no furniture...no running water. But light, that is a good sign.

A glass of Wine...

2007-04-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

For my wine loving friends...it's chilling and ready to serve. You still can't go to the bathroom or take a shower, but we do have our priorities in the right place.....wine cooler is ON!

The Kitchen...

2007-04-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how a little light can make a huge difference. Now if we can get appliances we'll be, well, cooking....

Finally...light on the subject

2007-04-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

A little light makes such a difference...

...The fun part....

2007-04-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

Lights, fixtures...soon to be action!

Light for a princess

2007-04-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

The princess wing has light. No mirror, but at least tile, fixtures and a light.

Love it when a plan comes together

2007-04-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

I worried when all I was choosing from was a tiny tile, chip of paint, picture of a fixture...but when you see it all start to come together, even with paint changes, tiles discontinued, it looks just as I envisioned it would be...perhaps even better. This is the beginning of the master shower. I can't wait to actually use the silly thing!!

From here...to HERE!

2007-04-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

It started in Marble Falls...ended up in Columbus.

Hello, Color

2007-03-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

Color is a beautiful thing. Now, plumbing and lights would be a nice addition!

Ah Color

2007-03-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

Well, if there is ever the question - "What tripped you up on this project?" I NOW have the answer. PAINT. Yes, for those who know me, I did have the colors picked out almost before the plans were finished.

However, let me tell you that when you see it on the wall...it can become a monster. The Chestertown Buff (thank you Benjamin Moore), is not one of them. It blends beautifully with the rock at the fireplace, brings out the beautiful wood tones in the knotty alder (thank you Ginny Hubbard) and is warm and inviting.

However, the blue in the master was well, Got-A-Light-Blue...so dark, even a light would make it hard to really enjoy, unless it was for the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Cydney's room fought between a mellow yellow and a toasty yellow...toast won - when the granite arrived!

Now the current dilemma....in the next picture!

Hmmm....

2007-03-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

How do you take a warm, summer seared yellow and have it meet a hot, burnt red and not have it look...well, odd? That is the question. Love both; don't want to lose either. Makes it harder to decide!

Fireplace done? Check YES

2007-03-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

Each day we inch a little closer. Each day we see a little more complete. Fireplaces are done; now the painting and staining has begun.

Soon we will be moving in...just in time to forget about a fire in the fireplace! At least for the next seven or eight months!

The Wait....Ugh, the Long, Long Wait!!

2007-03-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

They say we are moving. They say I will love it. They say the boxes are temporary. They are boring me with this....Move already.

A quick thought courtesy of Vegas, Cat Queen of SIS Ranch

Tiles with Style

2007-03-05T15:38:00.000-08:00

When anyone wonders why it has taken so long to build this house, they will simply need to look around and see an element from here, one from there to understand that we wanted to find unique details to make this house special.

One detail has arrived and ready to go. Five tiles designed by Derby Pottery of New Orleans. When Bill and I went to New Orleans for our anniversary, we were still pulling magazine pictures together. We met Mark at his shop on Magazine Street. That was 6 months before Hurricane Katrina! We feared for the folks at Derby and wondered if we'd ever be able to have them make this special element for our home.

Well, let the picture be the answer. Like the beautiful Tribune Tower in Chicago, we will have these tiles scattered throughout the kitchen, mixed in with the regular tiles that will line the backsplashes. The next time you see this touch of New Orleans, they'll be a page in our home history...there for all to enjoy.

But, there is more to come from the beautiful city of New Orleans....still to come!

Coming In?

2007-03-03T11:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome!

2007-03-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

The carpentry trailers are gone...but there is still more to come!

The Princess Suite

2007-03-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

Available for friends and family when the princess is away.

This room has a large spacious closet to your right. Filled with all sorts of storage options. (Princesses have lots of baggage you understand!)

It will not be painted TCU purple. It will be decorated princess pink & brown.

Entertainment

2007-03-03T10:59:00.000-08:00

Will be available in the den! Fireplace to your left will have a whole new look next week once the rock is added and shortly thereafter, paint and stain....ooooh.

Reservations...

2007-03-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

Now being taken for the guest suite, with organizational closet on the left (you can see your holiday gift before it is wrapped at Elf Central)...and bookcase tucked away on the right, next to the beautiful window view of the SIS Ranch "spread"!

Are there bedrooms in this place?

2007-03-02T12:58:00.000-08:00

Yep, there's a master bedroom, leading to the master bath. Finally, you can see the room without seeing the whole house through the walls!

And, next...

2007-03-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

What happens next? I have a barn full of supplies wanting to know.

Pantry Prison

2007-03-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Should we ever decide to literally "lock the cupboard" we can with the addition of our antique pantry doors. These were bought at the famous Round Top Antique Show and are doors from India. Unfortunately, they were shorter than our doorways in America, so to balance they had to lift them off the floor a bit. The cats will be able to get in, even if we bolt the old locks so we can't!

The beams in place....

2007-03-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

Aged beautifully beneath a good, ole truck! Who needs years in the elements!!

Just how DID they do those beams?

2007-03-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

Some hit them with chains, our crew, being creative as they were, chose to use old tire chains and drive over the beams. Leave it to a guy from Wisconsin to still have his chains!

They never show the Dodge Ram Charger doing THIS on their commercials!

And now...

2007-03-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

Well, the kitchen is just about done, as is the rest of the house. To say we are ready for the next step is an understatement. Cabinets are in, drawers, doors, are all set...ready for the next project to get underway...the painting.

Utility...worthy of Front Covers

2007-02-15T19:50:00.000-08:00

The utility room. Yes, just a place to do laundry and other odd assortments of things. However, since this is a Texas ranch home, it is also worthy of special stature as a cool place for Bill to prepare his various hunting rewards for everyone's dining pleasure.

So, the utility room ceiling is lined in antique tin and the walls are cut cedar from the area. As the rest of the goodies arrive, everyone will see that this room IS worthy of any story on wild utility rooms!

It's beginning to look...

2007-02-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

From empty...to WOW

2007-02-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

Just a few days ago I said to remember the shot, it would not be the same again. Boy, was that a true statement. I now feel confident storage space is just fine!

The group to the left will soon have cabinets overhead. The group in the forefront is where the bar will be - probably the most used seat in the house. It will also be where the dishwasher and sink is. The island in between the two is, well, turning out to be much bigger than I thought originally - which is fine! I have plenty to store! The far wall, with the set back area, is where the stove, oven, etc. will be housed. I guess now I'll have to cook again! I've had a great excuse for the last two years - "can't find my stuff in the storage building," "this kitchen has no counter space to work," "this oven doesn't cook evenly."

Well, 6 weeks to the NO EXCUSE ZONE

Ah, THAT is where it goes!

2007-02-06T14:24:00.000-08:00

As the carpentry team makes headway, the kitchen and other rooms are beginning to take shape.

NOW, I can see where things are going to be, and in some cases that is a different thing than where I thought they'd be!

Lake Whattheheck

2007-01-27T16:12:00.000-08:00

With current reservations, you can enjoy beautiful Lake Whattheheck built courtesy of 6-9 inches of rain in 10 days. To Bill -- this is heavan's way of saying, "You guys need a jacuzzi!"

Per Cydney's Request

2007-01-27T16:05:00.000-08:00

Cydney says, show the outside. So, here's another view. Soon this patio will be welcoming all of our friends.

Yes, reservations are being taken now!

Remember this view

2007-01-27T16:00:00.000-08:00

This will be the last time we could play hockey in the kitchen. Next stop...cabinets and trim. The pipe to the right will be the sink and bar area, the pipe to the left will be the island.

All the holes in the ceiling? Looks like the lunar surface today, but will soon shed new light on this whole project!

Floors...we've got floors!

2007-01-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

Well, at least for a day or two.

From what will someday be the front door, it is nice to see walls, floors, a column not wrapped in plastic.

Soon there will be trim. Amazing what makes one so happy these days...to see trim!

Those darn details

2007-01-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

From texture to now...grout. Geez, what fun! Where the white dust is, picking a grout (in the long line dividing the light cement from the darker boarder, is several pieces of grout. Finding one that doesn't scream...CHECKERBOARD...is the challenge. On the other hand, finding one that doesn't say....NOTHING HERE...would have made the scoring, well, a big ZERO.

Come on In!

2007-01-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome and come on in! From the dining room, where raccoons have dined, feel free to pull up a stump and eat your snacks.

By this weekend, or so the builders say, the floor boards come up so they can put down the grout and get the place ready for the next phase...the trim!

The Den

2007-01-24T15:53:00.000-08:00

Now, we are current. This is the view from the kitchen to the den. To the right is the Cydney Sutton Wing. Reservations will be accepted soon!

Texture

2007-01-24T15:26:00.000-08:00

Now, this is getting picky. Texture is one thing you'd think wouldn't be noticed. And, thanks to my dear friend Ginny, the Queen of all things related to walls....she was right. Texture is our friend.

While it is hard to really see the importance here. The top picture is generally what builders like to do...spray on texture and scrape it (if you insist) to sort of create an orange peel look.

The Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen and Den got a special trowel look, pretty hard to see, but when you are standing there, boy the difference is notable.

Thanks Ginny!

Welcome to the update of SIS Ranch

2007-01-23T15:49:00.000-08:00

The last time we saw the sun! But, the beginning to a wonderful update!!

While we were out....

2007-01-23T15:43:00.000-08:00

While we didn't update for awhile the "boys" put in a special insulation that is environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

The fireplace in the den is to the right and is really just going to be used for those evenings you want a fire for fun...basically all year here!

Enjoy the Lake!

2007-01-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

I've always said I missed the Lake in Chicago. But, I never expected to have one right out my back door. I wish I could say Bill created a lake for us to enjoy, however, this is not a lake we want. But, rather a lake we get with 6+ inches of rain.

But, you can enjoy the beautiful reflection of the backyard rock and roof in the meantime. If ducks land here I've had it! No animal may move in before me! Just past the "lake" is The Ritz where our bevy of young girl does live. It will be wonderful to sit out there in the evening and enjoy their antics - which currently include running to stay warm.

Brrr...

2007-01-23T15:29:00.000-08:00

While it has been awhile since we've updated...Dec. 7 to be exact, we have not finished and moved in! In fact, we like to stand in front of our fireplace these days and hope that there will be other cold days to actually enjoy this state-of-the-art fireplace/house heating system we installed.

A week in sub-freezing temps means no work. A week in those same temps means another year we will not enjoy a cozy fireside evening!

All this for a Column!

2006-12-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows us, knows we've been working on putting this house together for the last two years. There are two, 3"/3 ring binders filled with pictures, ideas, information. In fact, there is now a "mini binder" - a mere 1 1/2" 3-ring binder for current info.

So, one would think, considering we found things like the potholder for the kitchen, gas lights from New Orleans, a piece of art for the den...that we would've had the column for the dining room/living room. Basically, a central piece of our home, just as you enter, should've been sitting there waiting as well. BUT NO-O-O.

While Steven and Eric were asking, since it was time to install, Bill and I were combing everywhere. We went to Round Top, THE antique show of the season. If you can't find it at this two week event covering 30-40 miles, you can't find it. But, no, nothing we liked. Although, I did get something just in case.

No, a casual mention by my cousin while in San Antonio led us to Cierra, where they had JUST received a shipment the day before of 8 columns at their warehouse in Austin. We got a picture and bought from the photo!

We now have what I consider a piece of art. Don't you agree?

Got Rocks?

2006-12-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

All of these rocks will eventually look more organized. In the meantime, it looks like one heck of a clean up job!

Got Rocks?

2006-11-13T14:42:00.000-08:00

We do! How about 85 tons of rocks. Now, that is REAL strength! Dirt and rocks... a great combo for a strong house.

Each day they amaze me. Friday I was excited to see flags for the gates. But, the rock, that is pretty exciting.

It's Stained

2006-11-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

Well, it IS stained, but this is one on purpose. These are the color options we are selecting from for the flooring in the living room, dining room, kitchen, den and bathrooms. These samples were placed where they will be covered by carpet - our bedroom.

We selected the upper right corner (Malay Tan) for the inner part of the floor; the darker stain (lower left - Umber) is going to be used around to border the lighter stain. Now, let's hope it looks as good on cement as it does in my mind.

Starting to take shape....

2006-11-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

The siding goes up....

The windows arrive...

It is all starting to come together. What fun. Now, we, well I, begin to wonder what I'll do for fun when this is all over! I suspect I'll find something!!

Views from Several Angles

2006-10-22T13:10:00.000-07:00

To the deer and toward the barn from Cydney's room....and then to the house from the barn/office. Cydney's windows are covered by the plant growing in the middle of the yard, but you can get the basic idea.

Welcome

2006-10-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

Well, you can finally see an entrance...of sorts. To the left is the office/library/way-too-many-guests-in-our-house-at-one-time room...to the right is the dining room.

Then...and now

2006-10-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how things have changed. One picture was taken Sept. 10 and the other Oct. 20. Used to be, I could stand in front of the little tree, now in order to get the whole house in the picture, I have to stand behind it.

Here you can see, the den, breakfast area, living room and that window in the middle of the wall, will be my view from the tub. This way I can keep an eye on the deer at all times!

A look thru the house

2006-10-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

A final view through the entire house to the our bedroom. The roof is beginning to make the house look like, well, a house.

Roof...roof

2006-10-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

A view from the back. Seems we should top it off with something. It finally looks like a house instead of a collection of matches.

Ah, a little reflection

2006-10-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

Well, as the roof goes on, the end of the reflecting pool begins. If there was ever any doubt that should it flood in the utility room it might spread into the kitchen or dining room - no one need wonder any longer. Days of rain and it's all contained!

'round & round

2006-10-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

The wheels on the bus go 'round and round....actually, this the last view of the sky from the den before they close us in and we no longer have to worry about rain...rain...and more rain.

A View of the Hacienda

2006-10-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to look at pictures from just over a month ago to see how far this has all come. Rooms are beginning to make sense...sort of. Pretty soon there will be a roof, making the reflecting pool in the middle of the house, a distant memory. I also know that soon it will look as is nothing is happening and will become more impatient than the guys at KPS probably think I already am with this. At least each day now there is major change - to the eye. I feel sorry for the plumber, I never notice anything he does!

Windows

2006-10-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

Finally, a window begins to take shape. Well, actually 3 windows which are featured in the study/library. Doesn't that sound so, hmm, important? Well, actually, just a great room for papers that won't fit in the barn!!

Want to visit?

2006-10-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

The guestroom is ready....for raccoons!

Going UP!!

2006-10-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

Each new day brings new angles and points to figure out. I wonder how these guys know where to put what, and yet, they keep on doing it day after day and amazing me more each time. This is the "deer eye" view as the deer see from their homes. From this angle, it looks like a giant match stick project! I'll be glad when it takes on a more solid look!

Now, that's dedication

2006-09-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

While it poured...the crew worked on. What dedication. At least until the lightening started, then it was enough of the dedication thing....time to do the salvation thing!

Ah Windows....someday

2006-09-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

While you have to imagine the windows, it is beginning to take shape. There is now a view from the living room toward the kitchen and den and another toward the dining room and front door. It's getting there!

Time to Reflect

2006-09-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

We wanted a unique home, the reflecting pool was not part of that. But, we now know that should the washer EVER overflow, it WILL NOT come in the kitchen or pantry. A test we didn't plan, but a nice way to get some piece of mind!

So, we reflect on how much fun this all is. From dirt, to tiny tunnels for pipes, to cement trucks by the mile, to walls going up, it is beginning to take shape. If I forgot anything, it is officially too late to change now.

Baseball anyone?

2006-09-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

It may look like a baseball diamond, but it is actually the scoring done on the cement. This is the corner of the living room...if anyone is wondering.

Today...and...

2006-09-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

We have gone from this on Sept. 10 to the same view from the back today, Sept. 22. The guys at KPS are moving right along!

Taking Shape

2006-09-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

A view of the Cydney Sutton wing!

The Sun Rises...

2006-09-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

And the house takes shape. Only 165 yards of cement and 16 cement trucks later.

Good MORNING Columbus!

2006-09-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

While the world sleeps....they pour! Yes, that is the sun coming up and yes, I was there to see it!

A View Through the Rain

2006-09-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

There's no other way to enjoy this day. It is raining, the cement ain't pouring. Tomorrow, let's hope for tomorrow.

Fire in the Fireplace?

2006-09-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

Normally, a wet day like today I'd enjoy the opportunity for a rare fire in the fireplace...especially in Texas!

However, this is what my fireplace looks like.. or did a few days ago. It has improved. If you consider having the ground covered in pipes and plastic an improvement.

Ah, only a 1/2 day lost in the great building battle!

Cydney's Bathroom

2006-09-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

Cydney can now point out she has a bathroom of her own!

From This...to This

2006-09-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

Sept 1, ready for beams. Ready for who knows what....

Sept 10...we have plumbing...of sorts. I wouldn't try to flush anything if I were you!

One Month Later...

2006-09-10T18:08:00.000-07:00

The dirt was moved, the piers were in, the forms are up. Yet, it still looks like a giant ant hill. I'm guessing from all this dirt moving they will someday see a house take shape.

About Time!!

2006-09-10T17:48:00.000-07:00

They say it will all begin.....any day now! Well, it finally did. This was taken July 8 when we thought it was starting within days......