ABQ Sewing Studio Renovation Almost Complete

The end is finally in sight!

I think the end is finally in sight on the ABQ Sewing Studio reno. There was lots of human traffic on the new floors when a team of 4 electricians from D & B Electric swooped in to finish off some odd electrical jobs. My brother Ralph busied himself finishing the kitchenette, installing a microwave shelf, the kitchen counter and plumbing for the sink.

Repurposed furniture

Together, Ralph and I got the 10′ counter installed in the office. For the most part, our office furniture, including the counter, have been repurposed. They were bought from our local Second Chance resale shop.

Last Wednesday as Ralph and I were driving to my house, we spied a cast-off dresser on the side of the road. It’ll be my ‘new’ cash register counter once we get the drawers repaired. They stick like nobodies business!

I found myself looking for jobs I was capable of doing, I shortened and hung curtains, put out a planter, assembled some tables and chairs, distressed some furniture and did some trim painting.

Helpful hardware store

But mostly, my job is fetching stuff. Some days I get to visit the local Home Hardware three or four times. I’ve made so many trips there lately that I’ve suggested to the staff that I be invited to their Christmas party! Dan, from Home Hardware has even been over to check on our progress. Where else but in a small town do you get that kind of personal touch? Dan and Dave at the store are the best!

Reward for hard work

Apparently one of my most important functions is keeping all my builders in coffee and snacks. We’ve exhausted the selection at the local food stores so last week I baked a big rhubarb pie for the gang. There are two coffee breaks per day – at 10 am and 3 pm. I also make a hot lunch for Ralph each day. So you can see I do a lot of food prep and shopping.

Wall that fell in the windstorm is being rebuilt

Things are happening outdoors as well. Hans, Horst, and Paul have been working together rebuilding the famous brick wall that toppled in the windstorm. The bricks were knocked down so that there was an even row and Horst is currently re-siding with the help of Hans and Paul. It’s a long way to the top of that building and we all marvel at Horst’s abilities. No way would you get me up that ladder. Horst is a friend of Han’s. There are not many friends that would do that kind of job for another… It’s been a pleasure working with these fellows for the past while.

The storefront is getting an update too

We are also changing the look at the front of the building. I’ll show you pictures of the finished job next week.

Oops, I hear the oven buzzer beeping. It’s a cherry almond loaf for tomorrow’s coffee break. Talk to you soon!