Friday, September 19, 2008

We're Expanding the Ant House

Ibis has two days off and yesterday he returned from running errands with supplies to build our concrete counter top. Haven't heard me mention it before? That's because so far it had only been talk. Before I left for Michigan we talked about colors (you can stain the concrete) in case he was able to have someone come in while I was gone, but when I got back and nothing had been done, I wrote it off.

Well yesterday he hauled concrete, metal caging, and all sorts of trowels, up the stairs. He ripped off part of the existing counter, which is nothing more than the top of the cabinets, then hammered down the metal to frame the concrete. The stove is inside the cabinets, the sink on the patio, and everything else is in the living room.

At one point I looked down and saw the ants scurrying all over the place, more frantic than usual.

"They're probably wondering what the hell is going on," I said

"They probably think we're adding an extension to their home."

Despite what they think, I do not plan to allow the ants to stay.

There was no warning that any of this was happening. I would have appreciated a heads up so I could make breakfast or, oh, shower, first, but I'm not complaining. I'm so excited we'll finally have a proper countertop. I think we're even getting a new sink! It's been stained since the developers built the unit and I'm tired of looking at a mess I didn't make.

And in case you're wondering, no he's never done this before. The hotel where he works is still under construction so he's consulted with the concrete guys there for all the little tricks, but we're still not sure exactly how it'll turn out.

I seem to have gone picture happy lately, but here are a few more.






Meanwhile, this is what I was doing.

17 comments:

Janna Leadbetter said...

Sweet, that rocks! I can't wait to see the finished product.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Janna, that makes me laugh. Last night we watched a show on the History Channel about rocks and how they make up most of today's construction material. Very fitting.

colbymarshall said...

Look at you getting work done! I need to be inspired by your example and work my little hiney off today!

Lauren said...

Good luck with the concrete. That's such a great idea! I'm sure that it'll turn out great :D

Also good luck with the ants.

WendyCinNYC said...

That's Ibis working in those pictures? He's a stud for attempting that.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Colby, today I haven't done anything!

Thanks Lauren!

Wendy, lol. He's worked as a carpenter & electrician for years, so this will just be one more skill to add to the list. We might try to do a backsplash too, but we'll see how the counter comes out first.

Spy Scribbler said...

Wow, how cool is that? I'm impressed! What a sweetie. He loves you. :-)

Nadine said...

I'm impressed!! I wouldn't know the first thing to do with concrete. Are you guys going to write your initials in the corner?

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Spy, this is as much for him as it is me. The old counter was bad.

Nadine, it's coming along pretty well. I joked about carving our names but I think it'll have enough of our "imprint" as it is. ;)

Robin said...

That's awesome! I love the pictures! We are such spasolas compared to you guys. If Adam attempted that, he'd end up with some body part suck in the concrete, and we'd have to chisel him out. I'm incredibly impressed.

Robin said...

Oops. Weird Freudian slip. I meant "stuck" in the concrete. Ugh!

Aimlesswriter said...

OooOooo, I've seen this done on HDTV. These come out soooo kool. Are you doing colors in it?
I think concrete is definately the way to go now a days.
Put your hand prints in it!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Robin, LOL! I didn't even notice that until you corrected it. Or maybe you just said that because eventually he'd try to snort the counter. :)

Aimless, it's going to be black. I love the marbled effect but that seemed a little extravagant for DIY.

Anonymous said...

OK when do I get my family handiman back? A cement counter next to my grill would be nice (see my blog). Dad

Melanie Hooyenga said...

I'll go check it out!

Anonymous said...

Looks like Ibis is having a great time! lol. Love your writing setup, fellow mac user.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

I just realized my keyboard and webcam are cut out of the picture. Woops.