Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN/AP) The Shaniya Davis case became a nationwide story almost a decade ago.

Today, that story will continue as the man convicted of killing the 5-year-old girl pleads for a new trial.

The state Supreme Court should throw out McNeils conviction because his initial legal assistance was ineffective and ruined his claim of innocence, McNeills lawyers said.

McNeils crimes include sexual offense with a child by adult offender, first-degree kidnapping, human trafficking of a minor, sexual servitude of a minor, and indecent liberties with a child. McNeill previously pleaded guilty to felony assault for shooting three people in 2001.

A Cumberland County jury deliberated for less than an hour in 2013 before recommending that McNeill be sentenced to death for Davis murder.

The little girls body was found south of Sanford in a remote kudzu patch near a place where deer hunters gut their kills, six days after her mother reported her missing from their Fayetteville mobile home. Searchers and their dogs had passed by the area without finding the girls body until McNeills lawyers told police where to look.

Davis mother was sentenced to serve least 17 years in prison for second-degree murder, human trafficking of a minor, and other charges after investigators learned she traded her daughter to McNeill to pay off a $200 debt.

During his trial, McNeill offered no evidence, did not want anyone to testify on his behalf before sentencing and prevented his lawyers from offering any closing arguments to jurors.

My goal was freedom. I lost my freedom. What does it matter after that? McNeill said in 2013.

North Carolina is rare among southern states in that it hasnt had an execution in more than a decade because of various legal challenges. Condemned killers get an automatic review of their case by the state Supreme Court, bypassing the lower-level appeals court. About a half-dozen are in various stages of appeal to the high court.

There are 150 killers on North Carolinas Death Row, including McNeil. Hes been one of the most recent additions to the line waiting for their execution day. The longest has been on Death Row for 31 years. The latest was added in April 2016.

The seven-member Supreme Court will hear arguments beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Edenton.

More here:
Man sentenced to death in killing of 5-year-old Fayetteville girl wants new trial - WNCN

More than 700 new jobs are headed to Mesa with employers such as Dexcom, Alorica and EuroContempo Cabinetry. Wochit

Recruiter Jinnfer Goodwyn assists prospective employees during a job fair at Alorica in Mesa on May 4, 2017. (Photo: Cheryl Evans/The Republic)

Looking for a job in the East Valley? Mesa may be a good place to start your search.

In the coming years, several new and existing employers are looking to add upward of 700 full-time positions in the Valley's second-largest city.

Many are in key industriesthat Mesa officials have been courting for years, such as high-end manufacturing.

"In general, we're seeing that the economy is comingbacknow and companies seem to be more confident about hiring, and expansions that may have been on hold are now moving forward," said Jaye O'Donnell, Mesa's assistant director of economic development.

RELATED:Hiring picks up at Arizona's biggest employers

Mesa and Arizona leaders join Dexcom CEO Kevin Sayer at a ribbon-cutting event for the company's new Mesa facility on April 25, 2017.(Photo: Dexcom)

Dexcom, a manufacturer of continuous glucose monitoring for people with diabetes, opened a 180,000-square-foot facility in west Mesa late last month.

The company is actively recruiting 500 employees for a variety of functions including manufacturing, administration and customer service.

Dexcom is headquartered in San Diego. The new Mesa location will be the company's second and largest manufacturing facility.

Employees areprepping the first phase of the new facility for approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Full manufacturing operations should be underway early next year, according to Jeff Moy, senior vice president of operations.

Dexcom's glucose monitoring system tracks glucose throughout the day without finger pricking and sends alerts to patients' smartphones if their levels are high or low.

"Diabetes, it's a chronic disease, so it'sbasically about reducing burdens," Moy said.

Mesa Mayor John Giles said he was thrilled with Dexcom's decision to locate in Mesa both from an economic and public health perspective.

"Diabetes is a nationwide epidemic. Thenumbers are just off the charts, particularly for children ... it's a veryhigh-maintenancedisease. So this technology isreally life-changing," Giles said.

Dexcom's new facility is located at the former Motorola campus in west Mesa, which was once the "center of our economic portfolio," Giles said. It's been closed for more than a decade.

Giles said it's encouraging to see Dexcom take advantage of "a piece of property (that) remains very strategic" because of its proximity to major freeways. He said he believes Dexcom's success will attract other similar businesses to the area.

Moy said his companysettled on the Mesa location because of its proximity to San Diego and the flexibility of the site itself, which allowed them to design the facility to Food and Drug Administration standards.

MORE:Intel says it's investing $7B in Chandler facility, bringing 3K jobs

Alorica supervisor Jeremy Leonard demonstrates the AT&T Wow station at the company's Mesa facility on May 4, 2017. The AT&T Wow station is used to help train employees on different products.(Photo: Cheryl Evans/The Republic)

Alorica, the largest customer-service provider in the country, is adding 150 jobs to its Mesa location.

Alorica provides customer-service solutionsfor large companies in about a dozenindustries, including communications and health care.

The staff additions, which are mainly customer-service positions, willaccommodate growing client demand, according to spokesman Ken Much.

He said the company welcomes applicants with varied backgrounds. Customer-service experience is not a prerequisite.

"If you're the kind of person who likes helping others, we want to meet you," Muchsaid.

Wages are competitive within the industry, butthere are opportunities for advancement that often don't exist with other entry-level customer-service positions, he said. About 70 percent of Alorica supervisors or managers began as customer-service specialists, Much said.

"We want people who have that potential and interest for a career," he said.

READ:Apple plans to make servers in Mesa data center

Alorica managers Ernest Johnson (from right) and Jake Montgomeryanswer questions from prospective employees during a company job fair in Mesa on May 4, 2017.(Photo: Cheryl Evans/The Republic)

Later this year, a high-end cabinet manufacturer will open a 72,000-square-foot facility just north of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

EuroContempo Cabinetry announced the newsitein February and plans to break ground later this month, according to co-owner Lisa Storey.

The company, which currently operates out of a smaller outfit in Gilbert, plans to add about 40 new jobs in the next three years.

Storey and her husband picked the Mesa Gateway location because of the easy freeway access and visibility, she said.

"When we were shoppingaround we saw this location here and we thought, 'Oh my gosh,this is perfect,'" Storey said.

The city has focused on the Mesa Gateway areaas one of its key employment corridors.

"We really see (EuroContempo)as one more company to add to what we know will become a very vibrant regional employment area with a mix of high-wage jobs and also companies that have complementary relationships with the airport," O'Donnell said.

Giles said the company was a great addition because along with newjobs, it will provide high-end cabinetry to a growing area of Mesa.

"It's bringing a beautiful building and jobs to an area of Mesa thatneeds a lot ofcabinets and it needs good jobs. So it's a good fit," Giles said.

City Bakers employees and guests at the Mesa grand opening of the Denver-based artisan bakery.(Photo: City of Mesa)

City Bakery: 20 jobs

The artisan bakery out of Denver opened a 5,000-square-foot facility in west Mesa where it producesand distributes breads and pastries to restaurants across the Valley. It's expected to employ 20 people.

Infineon Technologies: 20 jobs

The Germansemiconductor manufacturerannounced in December it would add 20 high-wage jobs and 11,500 square feet to its west Mesa facility.

Santander Consumer USA: 970 jobs over three years

The Dallas-based company, which specializes in consumer financing for vehicles, began adding employees to its Fiesta District location in January 2016. It's expected to bring 970 jobs to the former Bed, Bath and Beyond building in three years.

READ MORE:

Mesa schools change grad rules 1 year after denying leukemia survivor's request to walk

Victim in fatal Mesa apartment fire identified as Arizona Department of Economic Security employee

Quiz: How well do you know Mesa, Arizona?

Read or Share this story: http://azc.cc/2pTpROp

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More than 700 new jobs coming to Mesa - AZCentral.com

If you are done with your old window and is looking for a change, then it is time to go for window replacement in Clayton & Apex NC. There is one company that helps you find the best replacement windows for your home.

Raleigh, NC - May 8, 2017 - (Newswire.com)

Windows are not just there for bringing in light and air into the room. Nor it is just placed for safety and security. Windows in every home have a role to play. There is a purpose for which so many different windows exist. Every home has its style, and you would want the windows to be in sync with the same. You will not want a bay window in the living room if you see that it is not going to look good there. You would want experts to help you decide on the right replacement window for your home, and that is where HomeCraft Windows excel. They understand that replacement windows are an effective investment and there are many benefits to it provided you make the correct choice. You might have second thoughts in your mind regarding installing windows in Cary & Raleigh NC, but once you go with the decision, you will be glad that you took it.

HomeCraft Windows offers an extensive service that can be completed in 3 parts. You get to choose the most appropriate window replacement in Clayton & Apex NC for your home, the installation as well as the warranty coverage.

When you are going for window replacement, you are increasing the value of your home. It is estimated that replacement windows can return homeowners 71% to 81% of the project cost upon resale. Apart from that, new replacement windows can help make savings on energy bills and reducing dust and allergens. Above everything else, the right replacement windows will enhance the exterior of the house as well as add beauty to the interiors.

Call 919-231-7181for more details.

About The Company

HomeCraft Windows is a locally owned and operated window and door installation and repair company. They offer a wide range of options in window replacement in Clayton & Apex NC and also provides installation of the same.

Press Release Service by Newswire.com

Original Source: Window Replacement in Clayton & Apex NC Can Change the Look of Your Property

Originally posted here:
Window Replacement in Clayton & Apex NC Can Change the Look of Your Property - Digital Journal

Craig S. Semon Telegram & Gazette Staff @CraigSemon

PAXTON - Voters werent feeling that generous Monday as they voted against three of the five Proposition 2 questions facing voters in the annual town election.

Voters defeated a Proposition 2 levy limit override question for the Wachusett Regional School District budget, a Proposition 2 debt exclusion question for site plans and initial design of a new Department of Public Works facility, and a Proposition 2 capital expenditure exclusion question for money toward window replacement for the John Bauer Senior Center.

Again rejecting a measure already defeated at last weeks annual town meeting, voters defeated a companion ballot question asking for a Proposition 2 levy limit override for $190,092 to fully fund Paxtons $6,065,107 assessment for the regional schools budget for fiscal 2018. The vote was 173 against and 124 in favor.

Last week, Paxton became the first of the five towns in the school district to reject its share of the budget. At Rutlands annual town meeting on Saturday, voters passed an amended school budget of $2,683,134, short of the school district's request for $3,071,172. Four of the five district towns (which also includes Holden, Princeton and Sterling) have to approve their assessments for the school budget to go forward.

Both the DPW facility and senior center window replacement questions had passed at town meeting, but failed in the election.The DPW question vote was 160-136, while the senior center question lost 168-130. The Proposition 2questions needed voters' approval at both the town meeting and election to move forward.

Voting 1,135 in favor and 161 against, voters did pass a Proposition 2 capital expenditure exclusion for $70,000 toward Town Hall exterior repairs.

With a 155-143 vote, voters also passed a Proposition 2 capital expenditure exclusion for $41,910 for a new Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicle to replace the Police Department's 2008 Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser.

Both the Town Hall and police cruiser questions also passed at town meeting.

Read the original here:
Paxton voters reject three Proposition 2 overrides - Worcester Telegram

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Once you decide which home improvements you want to make this Summer, then you have to decide which company to use. The first thing you'll do is ask around to see who your friends and neighbors have used, right? Well, if you need new replacement windows or patio doors, you might ask one of the 31,504 other Colorado homeowners who have used Renewal by Andersen.

The Renewal by Andersen window is made especially for our UV rays and temperature swings, and it will make your home comfortable in the cold and the Summer heat. Renewal by Andersen handles the entire process- they build their windows, install and warrant not just their windows and patio doors, but the installation too. And they will leave your home immaculate when they are done.

Ted Kuenz joined us from Renewal by Andersen Replacement Windows right here in Denver.

So if you're considering replacing your windows, call our Help Center and schedule your free in-home window education with Renewal by Andersen. When you call today, you can get the Spring Special: Save $250 on every window and $750 on every patio door! And that's with no money down, no payments and no interest for a year. Call now at (303)968-3272. You can find them online at LoveYourWindows.com.

Continued here:
Let Renewal By Andersen Handle Your Summer Home Improvements - FOX31 Denver

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A man shot to death last month had been with his girlfriend when the two were robbed of a vehicle to settle a debt, according to court documents filed in support of charges in the case.

Neil Allen Alway, 39, and Ashley Lorraine Barry, 31, both transients, appeared in court Monday to face charges in connection to the incident.

Two additional suspects were arrested Monday night. John Michael West, 43, is accused of first-degree murder, kidnapping and robbery. Ashley L. Wideman, 23, is accused of first-degree kidnapping. Both are expected to appear in court Tuesday.

Alway faces a charge of first-degree murder for the slaying of Raymond C. Brandon. He and Barry both face charges of first-degree robbery and first-degree kidnapping.

A probable cause affidavit filed in the case gives the following account of events:

Allison Fields, who had been dating Brandon for nine months, told police that for the first few weeks of April, she and Brandon had been driving a silver Subaru Forester to a residence on Northeast 172nd Avenue to shower and eat breakfast.

On April 20, shortly after they arrived at the residence, the four suspects came into the room and ordered Fields and Brandon to take off their clothes.

Alway pointed a semi-automatic handgun at both Fields and Brandon before taking Brandon outside while Barry stayed with Fields inside the house.

Fields said she heard what sounded like someone being hit with an object and then Brandon screaming; Fields said she could tell he was frightened and in pain. Then, she told police, she heard a loud gunshot and the screaming stopped.

Alway and the other man, West, then ran back inside and said they all had to leave quickly.

Alway zip-tied Fields hands and led her outside, where Barry broke the drivers side window and unsuccessfully tried to start the Subaru without the keys.

Fields told investigators that Alway wanted to take the Subaru from them to settle Rays debt, the affidavit states.

The four then got into a white Jeep SUV with Fields and drove to the farm on Northeast 119th Street in Vancouver.

Once at the farm, Barry cut Fields zip ties and told Fields not to cry or she would be killed, adding that the only reason she was not dead already was because Barry knew Fields father.

Fields told Alway that her father already had a window to replace the one broken on the Subaru, and he agreed to drive her to her fathers so he could get the window replacement.

Looking for her father, Alway drove Fields to her grandmothers house and found her father outside. Fields ran toward him, and Barry and Alway fled, keeping the Subaru and Fields tablet computer.

On April 25, a Vancouver police officer arrested Alway and Barry on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle, a Jeep Wrangler. Alway was in possession of a black .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun and was charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon.

Two days later, Clark County sheriffs deputies were dispatched to 15308 N.E. 172nd Ave., southeast of Hockinson High School, for a report of a body found on the property.

A witness reported that she heard rumors that Brandon had been shot in the shed of a residence and went to the residence and spoke with a man who lived there. The resident denied knowing anything about the incident, but gave the witness permission to search the property. She found Brandons body in the shed and called 911.

The Clark County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Brandon, 34, and classified his death as homicidal violence. He suffered a gunshot wound to his chest.

Both Alway and Barry were interviewed and provided detectives with an account that was fairly similar to Fields account, though Alway told detectives that he was not involved, saying he was on the other side of the yard trying to get his Jeep out of the mud.

Alway told detectives that Brandon and the other man present during the incident were smoking in the backyard when he left. He also said that the other man had been carrying the gun found in Always possessions.

He said he learned about Brandons death from the newspaper.

During Mondays court hearing, Judge Derek Vanderwood set bail for Alway at $2 million and bail for Barry at $250,000. Both are scheduled to be arraigned May 11.

See the original post here:
Pair appear in court in Hockinson-area robbery, killing - The Columbian

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. With the heat packing a full punch across the Sioux Empire this Spring, many people are turning the A/C on for the first time in months. Theres a few things you may want to do to prepare your air conditioning unit before turning it on for regular use.

Theres nothing worse than the air conditioner going out on a hot Summer day. To make it even worse, those are the days when everyone is calling HVAC. Experts say yearly cleanings could help you stay cool.

Service Manager Bob Kriese, with Waterbury Heating and Cooling, said The big thing is, is having the outdoor coil cleaned and the indoor air filter cleaned. Having components checked, contactors, capacitors, make sure theyre where they need to be

The average cost to install a new Air Conditioning unit can range from $2,000 to over $4,000. Kriese said, the cost of getting your air conditioner cleaned and checked is much less than the cost of a new unit.

Outside, check for sticks or leaves in or around the air conditioner and have it checked by HVAC Technicians, said Kriese.

It only takes about an hour to have a unit cleaned and checked. During cleanings is typically when problems can be found before its too late.

All the techs, its our job to get it right, our job to make people happy, said Kriese.

If you want to improve efficiency of your air conditioner and help cut down on bills, Kriese said there are things that you can do inside your home to help out.

Drapes and shades pulled down during the day, during the heat of the day. Make sure all the vents are open and clean and clear for the air to flow.

Manufacturers recommend getting your unit cleaned yearly which costs under $100.

More here:
Preparing Your A/C for the Heat Can Help You Stay Cool - KDLT News

Want to host an event outsidebut not outside-outside? Renting a tent just might be the best option for you! Here are a few things to consider:

A tent for every season. A tent for every reason! Find a rental partner that offers a large variety of tent styles to choose from. Seasonal considerations when selecting a tent style are critical to the success of your event. A tent used for a summer BBQ is not necessarily going to be what you want for early or late season events, and certainly not for winter. Your rental partner can help guide you on what style of tent is best suited for your event and climate conditions. A European structure style tent has the benefit of integrated roof and wall panels that help seal the tent and provide a much quieter interior environment. Also, the structure style tents integrated sidewalls operate similar to a curtain rod and are easier to deal with based on changing weather conditions.

One size does not fit all! Tent styles have evolved from the days of the classic rope and pole tent. Nowadays, tent styles and sizes are only limited by your imagination! Challenge your tent provider and hopefully they have kept up with the times. Within a given tent size, a rental provider may carry as many as six different styles, not to mention many different colors. It is also now commonplace for tents to be installed with leveled wood floors, glass walls, and glass door systems. Integrated heating, cooling and electrical systems can be added at the design stage so everything is clean and looks seamless. Be sure to get educated on what is available. It changes every year.

Im so hot! For events that require heating or cooling equipment, never cut corners. It is prudent to install a system that is redundant to ensure that your client is asking you to turn down the heat rather than asking if it can be turned up! This is not an area that you want to pinch pennies, as it is critical to the success of the entire rental order. Got gas? What good is the heating system if you run out of propane? Your rental partner should work with you to ensure the heating equipment and propane service are adequate for your event. Dont forget about the vendors who are going to want to be kept warm during set and strike!

Safety, liability and permits, oh my! Just because something has been done in the past doesnt mean it can or should be done again in this ever-changing marketplace. Many annual events have needed to evolve as liability, insurance, permits and safety considerations have taken center stage. This is a huge, important element to your events success. Your rental provider should ensure that the plan created is going to work properly and most importantly be installed safely. Permits have become increasingly demanding and expensive. Look for safety packages that address the concerns of fire inspection from the start rather than learning about these requirements when its too late. Your rental provider can help you navigate these areas of concern to ensure your event doesnt run into any unnecessary roadblocks.

What do you mean you cant deliver? Get to know your rental provider and the types of products and services that they offer. Also, find out about their fleet and delivery capabilities. Minnesota has an extremely short summer season and tents are very popular. Your rental provider should know what they are capable of producing in a given week and not go beyond their capacity. Sometimes a good rental providers answer has to be, NO. This is done to ensure commitments to events already in production are not jeopardized. A good rental provider will only commit to the amount of work that they can safely install. Also, remember, this is MinnesotaMother Nature likes to show her stuff from time to time! Plan for the unexpected and have back up equipment in case a weather-related incident occurs.

Timothy Smith is The Tentologist and Senior Sales Representative at Ultimate Events. Tim is a 26-year event professional in the rental industry. Tim primarily focuses his efforts working within the sports and sports entertainment segment of the market. Ultimate Events has been a member of the ILEA Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter since its inception. International Live Events Association (ILEA) is the new name for the International Special Events Society (ISES). ILEA represents and supports more than 5,000 members globally - event professionals who do business together, share knowledge, nurture talent and progress the live events industry. For more information on how an ILEA professional can help you with your event, please contact info@ises-msp.org.

See the article here:
ILEA Quick Tips For Event Planners: May 2017 - Twin Cities Business Magazine

Dive Brief:

Kitchen renovations were the most popular type of remodeling project in 2016, according to the National Association of Home Builders, narrowly beating bathrooms. As part of the Remodeling Market Index survey, 81% of remodelers surveyed said kitchens were their most common project last year, while 80% said bathrooms were the most common.

Just over half (53%) of respondents said whole-house remodeling projects were common, the biggest share since the NAHB began the survey in 2001. Room additions (46%) and window or door replacement (36%) followed.

Kitchen and bath projects have led the list since its inception. Bath projects reached an all-time high last year, with 81% of remodelers naming them a common project, and kitchens repeated the feat this year.

Remodeling is on an upward trajectory, estimated to grow 2% per year through 2025, per the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. Most of that spending will be among millennials and baby boomers, as first-time buyers renovate older starter homes and the 55+ group upgrades its existing homes for aging-in-place.

Indeed, aging-in-place remodeling is experiencing an upswing: A recent NAHB survey found that 80% of remodeling firms did some form of work in that sector in Q4 2016, up 68% from 2013. HomeAdvisor reported that six in 10 owners currently over the age of 55 planned to stay put.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association turned out similar results in its 2017 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends Report. It found that the most popular amenities were in the safety and health category, such as comfort-height toilets, shower seats and no-threshold showers.

The study also revealed that contemporary and transitional styles are now more popular than traditional; whites and grays continue to reign (including an uptick in white fixtures); ceramic tile remains a go-to material for flooring, with some movement by high-quality vinyl; and water-conserving fixtures are now quite common.

For the kitchen, Houzzs 2017 trend report spotlights colorful cabinetry (though white dominates), particularly as a way to personalize the space; jewel tones like ruby reds and emeralds as accents; flat-panel doors; smart appliances; and windows as a prominent feature.

For more housing news, sign up for our daily residential construction newsletter.

Read the rest here:
Kitchen, bathroom remodels lead as aging-in-place picks up ... - Construction Dive

That's what's left of our kitchen.

It takes a long time to constructa kitchen and only a few hours to tear her apart.

Within four days of our kitchen renovation, the followinghas transpired:

Demolition.

Demolition hauled away.

Appliances donated to Habitat for Humanity.

Initial electrical work completed.

Gas line installed.

Drywall delivered.

Two new windows installed.

Floors checked for repairs and refinishing.

I know this sounds like a fairytale or some ridiculous episode of the "Property Brothers," (by the way, I am so sick of Drew and Jonathan).

But it's true. Come by and see for yourself if you don't believe me.

We have all heard kitchen remodeling nightmares. Workers that never show up. Waiting weeksfor the electrician to do his work firstso we can begin installing drywall. Delays. Delays. Delays.

The plumber's dog had a tooth pulled. The carpenter's truck broke down.

Agaze ofraccoonshas been living in the wallbehind your dishwasher. Call animal control, stat.

Did you know your entire home is swarming with asbestos?

Standing water has ruined your subflooring and all must be removed.

Delays, frustrations and extramonths of washing dishes in the bathtub.

Swearing escalates and tempers flare.

Not in our case.

We hit a Kyle Schwarbergrand slamwith our contractor, Steve Gaulke, theowner of Taurus Construction.

Steve's a local guy. I know his lovely wife,Julie,and taught their three exceptional children when I worked as a substitute teacher at Maplewood Elementary School.

Their reputation is solid gold. Itseems likeeveryother home within atwenty mile radius has used him for a home improvement project.We signed the contract without any hesitation and we trust themcompletelyto do a superior job.

Afteronly afew days, I realized just how extraordinarySteve and his crew really are. When I see their trucks in our driveway, I get downright giddy.

We are blownaway by their talent, professionalism, attention todetail, scheduling prowess and showing up on time.

Let's repeat that shall we?

Showing up on time.

I'lljust take showing up, period.

When they are done for the day, they clean up and put their tools away.Seriously.Perhaps this is a fairytale after all,or I'vebeen sleepingtoo longandthis wholekitchen renovationthingwasonly awishfuldream. Or maybe mixing the antibiotic for my eye infection with Allegra and wine wasn't such a good idea and I'm hallucinating.Wake up, Very Terry. Snap out of it.

No, it's definitelyreal.

Ryan and Brian.

Normally I tire easily of workers being in our home. You lose your privacy and are sharing space with strangers for days on end.No more shufflingaround in your pajamas watching "The Today Show" all morning like a lazy slob.

Get up. Get dressed. Get going. Put a bra on for God's sake.

But I don't mindsharing our home with these gentlemenand have agreat respect for their abilities to install windows, trim cabinets, read design plans and tilethe backsplash.Plus, they have a great sense of humor and arejust, well, reallykind people. Stevementioned thatBrian is every client's most adored crew member and he became mine withineleven seconds of meeting him. He adds a gentle, calming presence to this room full of destruction and reconstruction. Even our cat Tino is unfazed. She hasn't taken a bite out of her tail since they swung that first hammer.

The empty room in all of her glory.

Here is the blank canvas waiting for these artists to paint their magic into a masterpiece.

Taurus Construction will whip her into shape with modern conveniences, clean lines and a much needed facelift.

I know the prize awaiting us down the road will be worth the dust,mess and preparing meals ontop of the washing machinein the basement, two feet fromthe litter box.

Not nave, I know glitches are a possibility and could pop up without warning.

But we are off to a fantastic start, no raccoons were hidingand I could kick myself we didn't do this ten years sooner.

Thank you Steve and your crew of talented tradesmen.

Let's have a box ofdonuts with our coffee next time.

On me, of course.

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There's no turning back now. Our kitchen is in a million pieces. - ChicagoNow (blog)