Concrete countertop was poured today

Making progress

Metalweaver

Today we received 300 pounds of artwork from Tom DeHoog. His work is incredible - the pictures don't capture the beauty and feel of it. You will just have to come visit and see his work on display at Patina in person!

2 crates of gorgeous metalwork arrived today

My apologies to the artist, Tom DeHoog, as my pictures do not do this work of art justice!

Good with people

I spent the day (yesterday) at the computer while John went to Marble Falls to meet with the sign guy, the rock guy, the rug lady, the electrician, the plumber, the mason and our GC. When he came home and relayed the conversations to me, I reminded John of a comment that his dad made about him being "good with people".

John chuckled and said "I learned my people skills from watching my dad in action. I remember seeing my dad dressed to the nines in his suit and hat. He was really a sharp dresser. . his tie was always knotted perfectly and his shoes were always shined. I distinctly remember overhearing him speak on the phone - very professional, pleasant, positive. I try to project that same attitude. Lessons well learned from a pro."

Where did the month of January go?

We went to the Dallas Market on Friday with Debbie Lynn. We've hired Debbie as Store Manager and the trip to Market with her just confirmed that we made a great choice! We shopped til we dropped and picked up some great stuff for the showroom.

My friend, Sara Libby Wilson, sent a hilarious gift - at the next opportunity, we will post a picture on the blog. Thanks Sara!
We also returned to find some new paintings from Laurie Pace - always a treat. Laurie's work speaks to us. It is going to be tough to let someone else take it home.

We are partnering with an interior designer from nearby Burnet. Kimberly Dart decorated one of the Parade of Homes last year and we loved it. So, we tracked her down and found a kindred spirit. She will hang her shingle at Patina and just told us that she was awarded Designer of the Year in Burnet. Congrats to Kimberly.

Today, we will check in at the store and then head into Austin to pick up some store fixtures and finalize some insurance paperwork. This is really fun.

New front door

New glass storefront

Cashwrap/bar/counter is coming together

John and Rob survey the scene

Construction progress

Pat (designer), me, Debbie and John at Market

On Monday, the glass storefront will be replaced with center doors

Great neighbors!

Our Landlord's son, Scott, and his partner Anthony have a custom cabinet shop in the back of our building and they are making our cabinets and fixtures - great guys.

Framing in the cashwrap area - it will be like a bar

Do you think we can get a variance?

Amy Shalles, our fabulous graphic designer, put together this mockup of the 18 ton rock used in the monument sign. Unfortunately, code will make it much smaller but this mockup was so cool, I had to post it!

This bloomed in our front yard last week

Local flavor

Missing you.....

After a long day of computer work, phone calls, paperwork, logging inventory, researching insurance, I had nice phone conversations with each of my children. While I waited for John to return from Marble Falls, I found myself missing those days when the kids and I were still under one roof (more when they were 2 and 4 years old rather than those nasty teenage years though) . While I appreciate the phone conversations and text messages we now exchange long distance, I found myself wishing that they would blog so I could visually peak inside their daily lives again.

Recently, Chuck and Michelle gave me access to Gigi's preschool cameras. WOW - this technology is great. I watched Gigi playing with the other kids at school and I could barely tear myself away. Beth emailed pictures of Esa and I could see how much she has grown since the last time we hugged. I also saw their new home in Colorado and realized again that we no longer live 5 minutes from each other. Work on the store has been all consuming lately - I haven't had my daily conversations with my sister and I haven't spent time visiting with Joe and Donna. I miss seeing Kelly (actually, I miss having Kelly living with me) and I miss my former co-workers. WAAA - I miss my dogs!!

So, as the evening sun went down over Lake Buchanan, I found myself wanting to connect. First, I logged in to Em's blog...then I clicked over to Casey and Joe's blog...then on to Betsy's blog...and finally, Kim's blog. By the time I got to Kim's blog (complete with music and rolling video - way cool Kim!), I was no longer feeling lonely. Their collective blogs reminded me of the joy of life....particularly, the journey and the friends we meet along the way. Thanks guys - I miss you.

As John's car pulls into the driveway, I am reminded how happy that I am to be here with him. Life is good. Life is very, very good. Keep in touch.

This rock will be our monument water-feature sign

John and Rob went rock hunting at the quarry today and found this gem (pun intended). It weighs 12 tons and will eventually be our monument sign!

Sunny in Tow

John and Rob took the trailer into Austin to pick up store fixtures while I waited for Larry the cable guy (really - that is his name). Larry hooked up cable/telephone/internet at the store. Hopefully, the electrician can differentiate when he comes to pull out all the old wiring! As soon as progress is visible, I'll post a photo.

Meanwhile, I am learning our software program (RetailPro) while John is involved in construction. We make good business partners - so far we haven't found a task that both of us refuse to do.

At this point, we are still on track to make a March 1st Grand Opening......

What happens when you put on your kick-@#s boots?

...you finally get a permit