Working on a Groovy Fireplace

5-11-13  Sat.

    The carpenter set up a workshop in the new living room and was busy cutting and assembling the framework for the fireplace around the firebox. He also installed the rail on the ceiling between the living room and dining area that will hold the two sliding partition doors. This morning, Leona and I will take the scooter to the Westside to see a selection of faux stone tiles for the exterior of the fireplace. In the afternoon, we will probably go to some furniture showrooms to see if we can get a locally made fabric sofa and possibly a recliner chair.

      Thursday, a worker paid by the last owner came by to see about the waterproofing of two leaks in the enclosed patio, one on the far left by the window and the other a crack that appeared on the right side just near the wash room. He went up on the patio roof and used silicon to caulk any holes he saw. I hope it works.

Yesterday morning Leona and I rode to the Westside to the tile place Jenny suggested to do our fireplace; real stone would cost 100,000NT ($3,333us) according to Leona. The imitation brown and beige slate tile, each 15”x6” (?) will be less expensive though not realistic. Apparently Leona decided to not make 90^o angles at the corners of the faux fireplace; instead there’s a 3” dog-ear at the corners. I was not consulted about this modification or I would have nixed it. I don’t know how they’re going to bevel the edge of the tiles to make the three sided corners match! Because of the cut-off, there’s only a three inch face on the left and right side of the firebox with a two foot face above. It doesn’t look very authentic in my mind but it’s too late to change it and I dare not complain publically. Leona is happy with it and that’s good enough for me.