18 months ago, I wisely chose to invest in a proper pair of work boots. They have served me well and lasted just long enough to protect my feet through the construction of the River House. Now that the focus has shifted to furnishing and decorating, I think it may be time to retire these trusted companions.

Over the years, Jeanine and I have come to prefer hanging bath towels on hooks rather than over bars. It takes less work and they dry just as well. My work at the house today largely involved finishing details. I installed door stops where needed to protect walls, covered all remaining HVAC ducts with vent covers, and installed the hooks shown above. The guest and half bath may get towel bars for a more formal appearance. Now that the last coat of floor finish is done we are also beginning to move furniture over from the Road House.

Jeanine and I enjoyed a lovely dinner with new friends. Their dog thought he should be allowed to share some of the cheese appetizer plate and eventually, his persistent focus earned him the treat he was hoping for. I apologize for the poor-quality photo but it was impossible to quell my laughter and hold still as I watched the showdown.

Jeanine and I made a major dent in clearing the garage of construction materials and for the first time, I was able to park my car inside AND charge it. The landscape crew has been here all week and finished up with their work for the season. Topsoil placement and plantings will have to wait for the spring but the basic contours on the site have been established and should provide good stormwater drainage. Most importantly, we now have a functional if not attractive walkway to the front door. Also completed today was the final coat of floor finishing which means that we can start moving in furniture early next week.