With the cabinetry and woodwork completed, and the new appliances being delivered last week, the kitchen is really taking shape.

The huge pantry cupboard (below) that the designer suggested was such a good idea.

The sink will be installed on an angle in the corner below. That’s the dishwasher to the left. The top of the half-wall will have a 12 inch wide section of counter top.

Counters are scheduled to go in just under two weeks, then the plumber needs to hook up the sink and dishwasher, and my new kitchen will be done!

Oh and I’ll have to do some painting too…

The clematis flowers go through a transition: from dark purple, to having light streaks, before the petals fall off.

I think this is my favorite of the perennials I’ve acquired with my new house.

The deep purple color is just gorgeous. The vines of the clematis plant seem to go on forever, with a huge amount of blossoms.

I’ve always loved the simplicity and intrigue of “Billy Jean”, my favorite song of his. Thank you Michael, and may you rest in peace.

Billy Jean by Michael Jackson

Now comes the waiting. Wait for the counter top people to measure (hopefully tomorrow). Wait for the appliances to be delivered (hopefully this week). Wait for the counters to be manufactured and installed (hopefully in a few weeks). Wait for the plumber to install the faucet, disposal, and dishwasher (hopefully soon after the counter).

If anyone needs me, I’ll be waiting… hopefully.

The cabinet on the right of the below picture is a floor to ceiling pantry. The refrigerator will be on the left side of the pantry.

They also removed the rest of the wall (that should have been removed the other day).

Much better! It really opens up the space.

Just a minute boys, that part of the wall is supposed to be removed all the way up to the ceiling. Including the header of the doorway. (Why would someone want a little pass-through like that???)

Yesterday, the electrician and plumber began their work. The carpenter will be in on Monday to tear down the rest of the wall.

After living with that ugly and disgusting kitchen for almost three months, I am so glad to finally see some progress!

Part of the above wall is coming down.

A small kitchen table would fit in the space to the right of the door. Will there be one there when the project is finished? Stay tuned…

This is the dining room side of the soon to be changed wall.

Yes, it’s definitely time to replace these drawers and counter.

With all the petals of the flower jammed into the half-open bud (above), it really is kind of ugly. But the change in a few days is a complete turnaround.

That transformation reminds me of the work I’m doing on the house. It started out somewhat dirty and unkempt. But when I’m done with the house, it’s going to look real nice. At least the perennials that popped up added beauty without any work.

I caught a few ants crawling around, looking for the peony nectar they’re attracted to.

When I was house shopping, one of the reasons I chose the neighborhood I did was the close access to the many bike trails in the area. Where I used to live, there were just too many very busy streets between decent bike trails and my condo. I would often throw my bicycle in the back of the truck and drive a ways to get to some decent bike riding. No longer. My house is just blocks away from a great trail (which can also take me to other trails).

Today I biked my longest ride of the season so far. Around Lake Monona, a side trip along the Capital City State Trail for a while, and then through the side streets of Monona, back toward home. I took no camera, no ipod — I wanted to concentrate on biking and experience the world around me on such a nice day. Even though there were a lot of other bikers on the trails, it was great to be out there, just biking.