The beginning of a new era (actually continuing the journey)

by the Carpenter

Yeah, you know the journey I’m talking about. The journey I have written about so many times. Yep, the one I have said it's time to pull back and let the employees carry more of the load.

We have been fortunate to have finally hired again, what’s the saying?  Fourth ones the charm?? Or something like that. 

We have great hope that Jason is the fit we have been looking for. He seems compatible with Adam. He comes with experience yet not arrogance, and he is very eager to learn. A cool aspect of him is he is from Hayward Wisconsin, and as you know Hayward is a very favorite area of ours. He does come with one serious flaw however… he is not a coffee drinker!!! I told him he has two weeks to convert or it’s down the road! ;) Hey, I have converted five of my ten Minnesota nieces and nephews, there is a chance! Hahahaha.

Onto projects of the day..

Keep following us and hopefully we will be talking about a really cool job we are currently pricing. It started almost a year ago. The customers went through a real transformation in the process of talking to a couple of contractors, trying to decide on design, and trying to stay on a budget that worked with them. It got very overwhelming and it was put on hold for the summer.

They re-grouped and re-focused and we are one of the contractors they have called back to table. Needless to say I feel very fortunate to have the possibility to be involved again. It is an exciting prospect. One of those that I have always said I love. A project that takes a creative mind, and has the potential challenge of tackling a few unknowns (but what job doesn’t have those). When it is completed (no matter who does it) the build process will totally transform their home into a place they will be able to live in and love for a very long time. 

As Thanksgiving has passed already, I want to thank each and every one of our customers that we have had in 2015, and also those that gave us a chance to win them as a customer. It is very important that everyone knows it does not go un-noticed. Thank you.

Bing and our first white!

by the Artist

The Carpenter spent Thanksgiving under the weather. That's how he's rolled these past few years. Go Go Go. Stop! Well today the weather is over us! We had our first snowfall overnight and it has stopped work for today. (here we go!) We thought we could beat the white and get the Bridge St job site picked up this AM before things got buried. We lost the race. Now that means that if temps don't warm up before completion of the project.. we will have to go back and do clean-up as soon as the snow melts. 

We brought on a new crew member last week! We are excited to have Jason on board. We've waited a very long time to find him. We hope he enjoys working with our crew and Applewood. The Carpenter is excited to be able to put down his tools and concentrate more on project management. Maybe now he can Go Go Go. Relax!  

It is supposed to start snowing again today. Usually when they forecast that.. it doesn't happen. I'm hoping for that as we need to shovel out Applewood headquarters.

With our first snow it seemed just the right time to decorate the website home page for Christmas today. I added music for the first time! Of course it would be Bing singing "I'll be home for Christmas".

Around the table.

the Artist

A recent quiet Friday eve the Carpenter and I stopped to visit the Carpenter's parents at their home. We sat down at their table and enjoyed a cup of coffee and some treats. It was just the four of us. We ended up sitting there for over two hours chatting about a number of things. Reminiscing about the past, laughing about silly things and sharing our life happenings.

I realized that for 38 years I had sat at that very same table many times, more times then I can count. From the time I was a young girl dating their son, and then a very shy young bride. I lived so far (and still do) from my family and the Carpenter's family became my family. 

So much has happened since those days, so much has been shared, so much life lived. So much laughter and love. It is a comforting place to be. I can sit down and forget about the worries of life for that short time. 

The people sitting around that table have changed. We've all gotten older, the kids have grown up, and now are marrying and will bring new life to the table.

And for most of those 38 years a cell phone was not seen. We looked each other in the eye. We were and are present with each other. The Carpenter and I are hosting Christmas this year at our home. I'm tempted to put a cell phone basket by the door (which will make me not a very popular Auntie), so that everyone can be present with loved ones for just a few hours. After all… nothing stays the same. We only have this moment for sure. So we should make the most of it right? Be present. Be interested. Appreciate. Love. 

So tomorrow when you gather around a table for Thanksgiving.. wherever you are… look around you and take it all in. Be present. And be thankful for the home you have been invited to and the table you will share. 

A ray of happy.

by the Artist

Last night the Carpenter and I stopped for a bite to eat after the Snack Manager's chiropractic appointment. The Carpenter wanted a "pot pie" which he had enjoyed during a previous visit. I am a reluctant restaurant person. I've had more bad food then not. I am a restaurant elitist. My motto.. why would I pay for food I could make better at home? But as reluctant as usual I followed the Carpenter in his pursuit of the great pot pie with a very sad face.

We entered the quiet restaurant (to me a sure sign of bad food). I wanted to turn and head back out the door! We were seated in a very quiet area with messy next door neighbors. I just wanted to be home where I could enjoy my own homemade chili waiting for me. My face got sadder.

We were greeted by a very busy waiter. He smiled and said… "oh I'm sorry but we are all out of pot pies! You need to come earlier during weather like this." The Carpenter was crushed but got over it as the waiter beamed at us. He was very happy.

During the course of our meal I watched him race from table to table, smiling and giggling (yes he had a cute giggle and it wasn't weird). He just exuded energy. I could see how the other diners were connecting with him. When he was asked for a take home box… he ran to get the box! 

What a work ethic he had! What happiness he spread. The room had many televisions hung on the walls… the news was all Paris. So much sadness. Yet in the midst of a sad week, in a chain.. not hip restaurant… there was this "ray of happy." This guy was doing his job. Not a fancy or corporate job, or a sales job or a job where he made a ton of money or would get awards or accolade. He was doing the best job he could do with the best attitude. I wanted to hire him on the spot! What a rare gem. He was the picture of a servant. He truly seemed to enjoy serving those around him. We could all learn from that one happy guy. 

His name was "Emmanuel." I'm not kidding.

When we went to pay… the Carpenter spoke to the Manager who was at the register… he complimented him about Emmanuel. The Manager said… "yes he gets great reports all the time about him." The Carpenter said.. "well he's a keeper."

So I am saying this for myself as well as anyone who is reading this post… be the best you can be wherever you work, wherever you are. It matters. People see. Give a smile, say a kind word, don't complain or slack off. Be your best. Every.single.day.

I walked out of that restaurant a different person. I felt happy. Thank you Emmanuel. And oh btw… I had a really good meal! 

Rain rain go away...

by the Artist

come again another day. I mean that. And you too "Mr White". Stay away at least until Christmas Eve. Then you are welcome here for one month. That's it. 

We've had sodden skies and mud all week. We've managed to keep busy between rain drops, finishing up a small bath remodel– doing a knockdown ceiling, building the vanity, finishing tile work.

I'm not sure where the crew is currently. They did head back to our Bridge Street exterior reno early this AM when the sun made a very brief appearance, but the rain has picked up again. Harder to work in rain then snow with power tools, let alone the misery factor. Our guys are tough though… used to working in all kinds of weather.

Tonight we head to the doggie chiropractor. Our "Snack Manager"s crazy habit of jumping off stairs and more recently falling down stairs has finally caught up with her. She now suffers with a bad back and has added to her misery by tearing her ACL. It is hard to see. She's been on a ton of meds and in an attempt to cut down on those… we are hoping the adjustments and massages will help. She is 12 years old. Our goal is quality of life for her as long as possible.

Last weekend the Carpenter continued his firewood project. Hauled two oak trees off a customer's property they no longer wanted. We also had a huge Box Elder tree (a trashy marsh tree) removed from behind our garage. It was massive. I ended up joining him where we cleared and hauled and swept mountains of saw dust and debris. I thought.. what a way to spend a Saturday night! Comes with the territory some days. I hate to see the Carpenter beat himself up with such physical work. I wish I were stronger to help carry his loads. I do what I can. 

The other night the Carpenter told me about a conversation he had with one of the White Bear Lake building inspectors. That inspector told him that if he could, he and the other inspectors would recommend Applewood to the homeowners in the community. The Carpenter has always maintained great relationships with inspectors and is well respected because of how he handles himself on the job. And … he has never failed an inspection either in 30+ years. He would not tell you this.. but I will! 

This post has ended up being a little of this and that. Well that's the kind of week it has been. Hope your week has been a good one!

Wishing upon a star...

by the Artist

Such busy days. I know.. I write about this a lot. But it's true. For both of us. The Carpenter continues to put in 12 hour days- 60 hour weeks. I'm being conservative with those numbers. Owning a small construction company and needing and not finding additional excellent crew members for the past three years has taken it's toll. But there is a light at the end of this tunnel! We have a new crew member starting very soon. 

Hang on Mr Carpenter! Hang on.

Because the Carpenter has had to continue to do on-site project management, order/pick up supplies, put out fires, and have his "bags on", he spends most evenings catching up on paperwork, meeting with prospective homeowners, setting up meetings, and in the case of one evening this week… build a bath vanity for one of our current projects. 

I came home at 9 PM and he was out in the shop building with music blaring (thank goodness our neighbors aren't close!), building the vanity from scratch. He could do this in his sleep I know. He worked till 1 AM, came in to catch some sleep till 6 AM. Headed back out to the shop to prepare for an 8 AM delivery. 

I know I've written about this before… but for those who haven't read that post.. back in the mid 1990's we rented a large commercial space in North St Paul Minnesota. It had a showroom (which showed our custom furniture and cabinet work) and a huge work space as well as office. The Carpenter spent many late nights there alone working. I'd wake up at 2 or 3 AM and he would still not be home. We lived in Woodbury at the time which was a good 30 minute drive to the shop. I am glad he is just outside our back door now. I can at least look out the window and see the shop light on...

I look forward to when he can project manage, build custom cabinets (during daylight), and not have to pick up a hammer on site.. (unless he wants to.) I myself enjoyed a job where I didn't do the design.. I directed the peeps who created the design. I wish this for the Carpenter. I'm going to wish upon a star tonight. And say a prayer!

Wax on!

by the Artist

We've had a beautiful fall for working outside. Upper 60's, no wind and mostly full of sun. Perfect for one of our current projects- an exterior renovation. Would be so great if this weather held till Christmas! Fingers crossed.

We've had a busy summer and fall and believe it will continue well into the snowy months. I'm hoping we get a nice inside project for the crew to stay out of the bitter. Hasn't happened much in recent years. 

I've been busy painting my little accumulated pile of furniture out in the shop. There's been a bit of a learning curve for me. Seems like it should be easy to paint furniture. But I'm using "chalk paint" which in application is different then latex. Because the paint is "chalky" when applied.. it needs to be sealed. With a "little brush." It hasn't been easy. Surprise!

I returned to the only "Annie Sloan stockist" store http://www.mamashappy.com in this end of the cities to buy more clear wax and brushes. I viewed a video on the merits of using a very very expensive wax brush (the professional painter in this house was aghast) as opposed to a clean cotton tee shirt. I bought two. One for the dark wax too. (someone is threatening to take the unopened brush back)

The next day I started waxing with the special brush. It didn't go well. I couldn't get a good rhythm going. Too thin, too thick. With little bits of wax here and there. So here I go again.. two steps back!! 

Thinking maybe the wax was too cold- we keep the shop pretty cool unless working in there- I placed the can in front of our wood stove to heat it up. The fire went out.. and I never got back out to the shop to face my waxy foe.

I've since cleaned the brush. With dish soap. Today I will try again. One of those pricey brushes might be heading back to the store. But sssshhhh don't tell the Carpenter that!

Now for the news for those that have been following this blog… I have decided to postpone "The Painted Apple" sale till spring. I don't want to wait that long and the Carpenter certainly doesn't. BUT… I don't want to rush the process. I want a nice variety and good price points, I'm honing my painting skills and ability to visualize a piece before I start.. the best color, hardware. I want each piece to be a story. That takes time.

So I look forward to painting as the snow falls lightly outside the shop window. I will play some good music and count my blessings for the opportunity to take this on. That's what dreams are made of right?.

So stay tuned if you care. I will update my progress get the word out in time for the sale.

Battery heated coat?

by the Carpenter

Another dry spell from the blog….. These months just keep flying by.

Help, we need a carpenter! That’s the main reason I have not written much, there is just too much to do.

We have been in a stretch of many months now looking for help. We have been interviewing a few; none have had what we are looking for. Sometimes I think I may be too fussy, I don’t know, maybe.

It is funny how the job search works these days. We put out an ad that asks for a carpenter with at least 5 years experience in residential remodeling. We get responses from 40 to 50 year olds looking for a career change with no carpentry experience at all, to guys with a lot of experience looking for $70,000 salaries plus a new truck. Where is that middle guy?

Needless to say we have not found the right fit yet. In the meantime we manage with our subs, and with being in tune with the jobs as we possibly can be. I’m sure the guys are tired of hearing me say….”we need to be productive today”.

As if we can be unproductive any day, hahaha.

Summer is over. The turn in the weather is just a breath away. I think this is the 36th winter I will be entering since this carpentry gig started.

I have to laugh. More years then not it seems, I am looking at a winter of outside work, coming off a summer and fall of more inside then outside work. This winter may not be different. I have been looking at a battery-heated jacket the last few years, may have to quit looking and start buying. No wait, I’m hiring a carpenter for that! 

PS from the Artist… I had to find out if a "battery heated" coat exists! Well it does. Check out this link. http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=battery+heated+jacket&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=33825823795&hvpos=1s4&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15963518070457027836&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_2jll98li1h_b 

I think I know what I'm getting the Carpenter for Christmas…. 

thunk.

by the Artist

I'm in the middle of a painting frenzy. I'm surrounded by a cluster of old now colorful chairs. I'm painting 2-3 hours a day. I get the office work done in the AM then head out to the shop. I've had some help but mostly I paint in solitude. Yesterday I had felt overwhelmed. I have been unable to decide on a sale date. The work is much more intensive then even me (who sees a glass half empty) had considered. 

My hands are feeling it. I don't like to wear gloves so my hands take the brunt of the mixing and clean-up and the motion of painting. So I'm pacing myself. And lathering on tons of hand cream. My hands are starting to resemble Martha Stewart's hands. That isn't necessarily a bad thing.. I admire women who aren't afraid to get in there and work hard. No manicures for this artist.

I have been thinking about how to put my creative stamp on the furniture. I decided being a lover of fonts and lettering.. I would paint some quotes. So yesterday I decided to hand letter my first piece. I had envisioned one of the tables with a circle of words that starts in the center and moves out concentrically. I headed to Pinterest and found an appropriate quote. I then with some fear picked up a slim brush and made the first stroke. (I used to do some hand lettering at one of my graphic design jobs, whenever anybody needed that look)

I am not like the Carpenter. I don't like to measure. I like to just go for it. I'm not risky but I am risky. The lettering was almost complete when I realized that I had repeated a word. The. The. I couldn't hit delete. Dah. You should have seen me streak to the house for a clean wet paper towel. Disaster averted. I now realized that a chalk painted surface is very forgiving. The extra "the" wiped right off! 

I finished this session with some sanding and distressing. I love to use the Carpenter's power hand sander. It works great on the chair seats and anything that you need to extreme distress. I knew the sand pad that I attached was getting old. As it spun around at mach speed it started looking just a wee bit off. It started making a very weird subtle sound. I just kept going.. I am rather risky I said. Well it came off. I should say.. it shot off. I don't know where it went. It was a blur. A thunk. I looked for a hole in the wall. I got a little scared.

I told the Carpenter what happened. He didn't seem too concerned. Said he would clean up the area the sand pad attaches to on the sander. He said I have to be careful with power tools. Hmmm. He is awfully used to me.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Photo doldrums.

by the Artist

We're in the photo doldrums here at Applewood. Currently we are on a small bath (we don't usually show small bath remodels. Their spaces are just too small to get good photos), and an extensive exterior remodel (some very unphotogenic work going on there right now- rot found under the old siding in places). We are waiting for one last cabinet to finish up the Deerhills Avenue kitchen remodel, so I can shoot final photos of that project. We finished the Arbor Drive deck a couple of weeks ago. I need to get over there. We have completed a beautiful custom entry built-in bench that needs a camera visit. 

I've been too busy to head out to the jobs lately… which means the Carpenter is responsible for photos. Hmmm. With anticipation I inserted a camera memory card into my computer today. It held exactly six photos– two of them are out of focus and the rest showed lovely house rot. So here I am writing a blog post instead. I know no one really cares that I don't have some great photos to display right now. But I do. 

I need to pick up my little camera. pronto.