Yet another weekend of workin’ the wine cellar. It’s getting down to the exciting, yet frightening part. Frightening in that one wrong cut and I can screw a lot of things up. The latest pics show the plank paneling about done. There’s still a little more to put up. You will notice I have the 8 holes cut for the smal 3" cans that will circle the perimiter of the wine racks. These can be aimed down towards the racks and will provide the mood one needs when retiring to the cellar to bust open a bottle of the finest.

Still to do… the lower sofit under the racks. I expect this to be the most difficult part and the part that can make the whole plan work… or suck. I also need to plumb in the stationary tub. I’ve been aching to do this but I’ve held off so that it does not get in the way of the other millwork happening around the room. This thing has been waiting to go in since Oct. 2005! The last things to do are finish the tile behind the sink, install the racks and put up the crown molding. The crown molding will set this space off like nothing else. I’m telling you, it will be on fire! I got my sights set on some awesome crown molding and I’m holding off until my budget allows. Yes people, I’m talking musuem-like crown molding. This is the stuff you just can’t justify putting in many places.

Stay tuned for the next update in a week or so.

In the spirit if all mother’s in my life, I have planted a clematis in the back yard. To me, it represents longevity, renewal and beauty.

Just something to remind me that without my mother, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I am confident that my loving wife and mother of my children will play the same role in the lives of our little ones.

Over the weekend and a half day on Friday, the wine celler took a big step. Oh if I only had another 1-2 days on it. After extensive preparation and re-preparation within the walls, I got the 1/4" ply walls up and all the tonge and groove cedar planks installed.

I set the racks in the room just to get an idea of where it’s all heading. Not bad. I hope to finish this thing up by the end of March. Stay tuned for the final pics.

My nose is burnt, my board is on fire and my body is exhausted. This Utah trip was just WAY TOO GREAT. I’m not worthy. There is nothing like sushi, saki, hot-tubbin’ and shreding up some of the finest snow in North America. I’m back folks and I’m tired and ready to do it all over again.

I love Old Crow Medicine Show and it was even sweeter to see them in such a setting. River boats along the Ohio River… imagine that. I was thoroughly bummed about missing the Aug. show in Louisville. I was full of shame… then I found out they were playing Tall Stacks. I was originally in disbelief, but the moment it was confirmed, we snagged some tickets for a cruise and said screw it’s on. Susan and I were able to get out and take a cruise on the Belle of Cincinnati and then catch Old Crow at 9pm.

The weather was perfect. I was so giddy, I was taking all the pictures I could, video too. Tall Stacks in Cincinnati has become quite an event. I’m looking forward to the next one already. The charm of cruising a riverboat (the ski club was also in attendance,) coupled with a great night of music was just the thing we needed. Huge thanks to my mom for playing both baby sitter and chauffeur. It just wouldn’t have happened otherwise. Mom’s so great!