Hey,

Just wanted to let everyone see some of Michael's handy work while he was in Bakersfield. As timing has it he actually got a chance to build, finish, and install the cabinets, etc. in these photo's. It's great in the 40 days that he was here that he could actually build the cabinetry and see the kitchen completed. Keep in mind these are just some quicky photo's and we'll go back in a week or so and get shots for our records.

Here's the before photo



Now here's what it looked like when he was done.
















And here's the new guest bath in the same house

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Chris...
www.brckitchenbath.com

Chris is way too generous! When I arrived a lot of the cabinets had already been assembled, and most of the face frames too. Most of it done by Chris working with a seriously injured left arm.

And that followed Annette's work in measuring the site and discussing the kitchen with the clients. In fact, Annette and Chris had established such trust with the clients that the clients were frequently surprised at elements they didn't know where included, so kudos to Annette for coming up with a fine design and managing the project, including all the sub-contractors. Then Chris went to work on the computer to create virtual cabinets and produce the cutting lists and get all the material cut out and get a big jump on the assembly. EDIT Annette did a lot of the cabinet installation for this project too. She's an awesome dudette!

When I was introduced to people I joked that I was Chris's left arm for a while. It was close to the truth in terms of productivity, (Chris is a righty). I managed to sub for Chris sufficiently to avoid annoying the clients with my slowness but it was pretty frustrating for Annette to no longer be able to predict how long a project would take.

Chris and Annette have really mastered the kitchen design and installation business. They have an outstanding reputation for their work in Bakersfield and I learned a lot working with them.

Super job, super story, the pics are great But where is the good bye dinner thanks for the help picture with the steaks wine etc?

Jay

Michael's last dinner was actually Basque food. It's pretty popular here and there are several great places thanks to all the sheep herders around these parts. Michael can comment on what he thought about it since it was his first time having it.

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Chris...
www.brckitchenbath.com

OK................ and I'm sure he did but

or did you drop the camera in the hot tub

The Basque meal was the first I've had and it was both interesting and good. However, the best restaurant meals we had were at El Patio where we consistently enjoyed the best Mexican food I've eaten. (If you're in the LA area though I can recommend one of the La Serenata restaurants where I experienced my first earthquake. It did not detract from the delicious food.

Really nice work Michael - and Chris and Annette. I'm sure you have some happy customers there. I love the bar with the swivel seats. And that cool corner lazy susan unit. Nice design, great execution.

How are you healing, Chris?

Nice to have you back posting, Michael. It was a treat to spend a little time with you on your way home.

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I don't have as many Festools as Fred

Those bar seats are a specialty of Blue River Construction (Chris and Annette). They are also the area reps for the manufacturer.


My last, last meal in California was at Peter's house, fresh pasta hand crafted by Peter with grilled vegetables. Brownies by Sharon for desert.

With all the great food I enjoyed in California I still managed to loose five pounds, thanks to spending less time in front of a keyboard.

Almost charred vegetables. I forgot about them on the grill as I was showing off my Bridge City tools to Michael. Thank goodness Sharon rescued them!

Congrats on the weight loss, Michael. Nothing like good hard work to redistribute the wealth: less fat, more muscle. It's tough keeping my girlish figure, sitting on my butt in front of a computer all day...

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I don't have as many Festools as Fred

Peter,

I got my brace off yesterday which was very, very nice. It's a week earlier (7 weeks rather than 8) than he normally does it but he wants me to wear it at work still to remind me not to lift. So I'm still not supposed to use the arm for more than a coffee cup but I'm starting PT this coming week. According to my friend Dave, it's pretty painful. So I at least got to get in the pool yesterday for a while, and I got to sleep normally last night without tossing and turning with the brace all night. Now maybe I can quit being such an irritated ass around here.

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Chris...
www.brckitchenbath.com