One of the benefits of living in an our home is that I get to relive Christmas memories from years past including a real, big tree. I tried to explain to Steve that "the house" required a real tree of 8-9 feet. Anything else just didn't seem sufficient. That is part of why we ended up with "Frank".
Granted in the last few years my grandparents celebrated they switched to a slightly smaller fake tree - but most of my memories here include a real tree that took up most of the bay window.
We were also fortunate enough to incorporate some of the older decorations. This included the tree mat which used to be stored under the rug and has Santa Claus on it.
I also found an ornament which my grandmother had bequeathed to me. Her exact words written on the box "My will - Fred blue clown, Katie and Jill pink clowns". Unfortunately one the pink clowns didn't make it, so instead in the box for Jill was her absolute favorite decoration - the glass teddy bear. When I showed this to my sis before she left for her holiday in Costa Rica, the ornament brought tears to her eyes. And the to me is what the holidays are about.
Since I started this post pre-Xmas and it is now 3 days after Christmas- somehow I have lost the nostalgic feeling when I started this. Steve and I did end up watching his favorite holiday movie "It's A Wonderful Life" one night, which will be added to the list of Grosskopf family holiday traditions.
Happy Holidays from 108!
Friday, December 22, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
Change of Scenery
Since we haven't exactly gotten around to decorating the house for the holidays or being even remotely close to having all of the gifts bought, it seemed entirely appropriate to spend some quality time yesterday updating the look and feel of 108 North.
So here it is...... I am still trying to figure out how to make the picture at the bottom less life-sized.
In other news we bought a giant tree last night (around 9 feet). I guess this is what happens when you have tall ceilings and a bay window.
Frank the tank (as I have just named him) is resting peacefully on the front porch wrapped in a plastic tree bag, which probably looks like a plastic scarf seeing as the bag is made for "normal" trees.
Pictures to come when Frank makes his debut later tonight. In the meantime, I will leave you with the thought Steve and I both had as we drove off the lot with Frank strapped on top of the Jetta, "Since when did we become grown-ups capable of making decisions about buying Christmas trees?"
So here it is...... I am still trying to figure out how to make the picture at the bottom less life-sized.
In other news we bought a giant tree last night (around 9 feet). I guess this is what happens when you have tall ceilings and a bay window.
Frank the tank (as I have just named him) is resting peacefully on the front porch wrapped in a plastic tree bag, which probably looks like a plastic scarf seeing as the bag is made for "normal" trees.
Pictures to come when Frank makes his debut later tonight. In the meantime, I will leave you with the thought Steve and I both had as we drove off the lot with Frank strapped on top of the Jetta, "Since when did we become grown-ups capable of making decisions about buying Christmas trees?"
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Making the fat hurt....
I am not one for making new year's resolutions (or having any expectation of keeping them). I also wasn't one of those brides who was fasting or living at the gym the weeks before her wedding. In fact, I distinctly remember thinking that changing my diet or exercising would not allow me to "maintain" the size I was when I was fitted for my dress.
Let's just overlook the fact that during my engagement I had been traveling for work and probably had put on a few pounds. Needless to say, my dress fit perfect.
Post-wedding, since I was going to be in town for at least a few months we made an investment to join the Y which happens to be 2 blocks from our house. I say investment not because of the cost, but the mental commitment to actually....dare I say it....work out.
So we are on our 2nd month and some weeks we do better than others, but I am actually really enjoying it for a few reasons.
1. Steve and I get out of the house together and although talking on the treadmill is somewhat limited - the walk there is usually a nice "catch up on the day" time
2. They have tvs with closed caption where I can watch the shows I would watch at home anyway - but I am not really into (ie Office, Grey's Anatomy and few others must be watched in the comfort of my home).
3. The facility is older and hence does not attract the more serious workout freaks - a few high schoolers and NCC kids but for the most part it is people like us who are definitely not training for the Iron Man or anything. This alone makes it easier to go and feel like less of a sloth.
4. And of course the obvious health benefits of exercising.
The last few weeks I have started pushing myself towards a goal, which I now feel compelled to document as a way of keeping myself on track. The goal is to run 3 miles in 30 minutes and while that may not break any records it is big deal for someone who started walking 3 miles in just under 1 hour.
So Tuesday night I got my time to 38 m 40 s. Unfortunately I am sort of negligent on the whole stretching thing so by the next morning I was very sore - especially my stomach. I expected the legs to hurt - but this was weird.
Last night when I got back on the treadmill, I figured it out. It was from my stomach bouncing when I run....it was official "my fat hurt". Although I was not able to beat my time from the previous night, it solidified my drive to reach my goal.
My hope is that in time there will be less fat to hurt...we shall see.
Let's just overlook the fact that during my engagement I had been traveling for work and probably had put on a few pounds. Needless to say, my dress fit perfect.
Post-wedding, since I was going to be in town for at least a few months we made an investment to join the Y which happens to be 2 blocks from our house. I say investment not because of the cost, but the mental commitment to actually....dare I say it....work out.
So we are on our 2nd month and some weeks we do better than others, but I am actually really enjoying it for a few reasons.
1. Steve and I get out of the house together and although talking on the treadmill is somewhat limited - the walk there is usually a nice "catch up on the day" time
2. They have tvs with closed caption where I can watch the shows I would watch at home anyway - but I am not really into (ie Office, Grey's Anatomy and few others must be watched in the comfort of my home).
3. The facility is older and hence does not attract the more serious workout freaks - a few high schoolers and NCC kids but for the most part it is people like us who are definitely not training for the Iron Man or anything. This alone makes it easier to go and feel like less of a sloth.
4. And of course the obvious health benefits of exercising.
The last few weeks I have started pushing myself towards a goal, which I now feel compelled to document as a way of keeping myself on track. The goal is to run 3 miles in 30 minutes and while that may not break any records it is big deal for someone who started walking 3 miles in just under 1 hour.
So Tuesday night I got my time to 38 m 40 s. Unfortunately I am sort of negligent on the whole stretching thing so by the next morning I was very sore - especially my stomach. I expected the legs to hurt - but this was weird.
Last night when I got back on the treadmill, I figured it out. It was from my stomach bouncing when I run....it was official "my fat hurt". Although I was not able to beat my time from the previous night, it solidified my drive to reach my goal.
My hope is that in time there will be less fat to hurt...we shall see.
Friday, December 01, 2006
First Snow Fall
Monday, November 27, 2006
So far...so little?
Well we have some homework to do - we met with Contractors 2 and 3 and now have to figure our next steps. First we have a few large numbers but no specifics on how much it is going to cost us to renovate. Also, we aren't positive on what the next step is but we do know a bit more about what the future holds.
Now its time to decorate and try to insulate the house for winter - even though the last few winters have been mild (global warming?) we want to be prepared for cold.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The Next Steps?
As Steve mentioned last week, we are on to the talking to contractors phase. Until we decide who we are going with let's just call this guy #1.
#1 seemed very laid back and is currently working on one of the homes a few streets away. We got his number off the sign - so this isn't exactly a referral at this point but we figure it is good to see what else he has done.
#1 walked the house as we jabbered away about the "character" of the house (cloth wiring, lead paint, etc) and what our rough plans are for the next phase. He didn't seem shocked by any of this and even complimented how much better the structure of the house (as seen in the basement) was than he expected. He also confirmed that the floor boards in the dining room are the originals.
Overall a positive review for #1. He was able to figure out a good plan for efficiently using the upstairs space to create a hallway into the kitchen and the dining room. The plan is to divide the kitchen into a laundry room and full bath (for the kids). We also discussed the ideal spot for putting a staircase up to a 3rd floor (obviously this is not part of the next phase - more like phase 27).
One other revelation - our dream of 2 staircases may not be possible. A little history - when the kitchen was remodeled in the 1950s, they took out the back staircase which went up to the back hallway to expand the kitchen. Having been a Cosby fan in the 80s - I always thought it would be so cool to have 2 staircases. The contractor pointed out that without expanding the space, the stairs would be very steep and not up to code.
#2 had to cancel for tonight so we are hoping to re-schedule for this Saturday. It will be nice to hear his perspective as well. #2 re-did the B&B in Naperville and the owner speaks very highly of the work they did.
More to come when we starting getting numbers and deciding what we can afford. The good news is that #1 said that we would save a ton by doing the demo upstairs ourselves. And of course the male in the house thinks that would be a ton of fun...
#1 seemed very laid back and is currently working on one of the homes a few streets away. We got his number off the sign - so this isn't exactly a referral at this point but we figure it is good to see what else he has done.
#1 walked the house as we jabbered away about the "character" of the house (cloth wiring, lead paint, etc) and what our rough plans are for the next phase. He didn't seem shocked by any of this and even complimented how much better the structure of the house (as seen in the basement) was than he expected. He also confirmed that the floor boards in the dining room are the originals.
Overall a positive review for #1. He was able to figure out a good plan for efficiently using the upstairs space to create a hallway into the kitchen and the dining room. The plan is to divide the kitchen into a laundry room and full bath (for the kids). We also discussed the ideal spot for putting a staircase up to a 3rd floor (obviously this is not part of the next phase - more like phase 27).
One other revelation - our dream of 2 staircases may not be possible. A little history - when the kitchen was remodeled in the 1950s, they took out the back staircase which went up to the back hallway to expand the kitchen. Having been a Cosby fan in the 80s - I always thought it would be so cool to have 2 staircases. The contractor pointed out that without expanding the space, the stairs would be very steep and not up to code.
#2 had to cancel for tonight so we are hoping to re-schedule for this Saturday. It will be nice to hear his perspective as well. #2 re-did the B&B in Naperville and the owner speaks very highly of the work they did.
More to come when we starting getting numbers and deciding what we can afford. The good news is that #1 said that we would save a ton by doing the demo upstairs ourselves. And of course the male in the house thinks that would be a ton of fun...
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Next step - the contractor.
We have a couple of appointments set up with contractors this coming week. This will help us determine the size of our project. I haven't asked anyone how much it would cost to add a second basement. A second basement? That's right. Well not for 108, but my dream is to have 2 floor basement. How cool would that be, "Oh, that's right, we keep that in our second basement..."This is a random photo for possible ideas for landscaping next spring. That is a project in itself. We are going to be taking some ideas from Conservation at Home.
Friday, November 10, 2006
A start?
Well we had our first appointment with an Architect! He reaffirmed that we needed to be talking to a contractor to get the real overall project scope. So back to the drawing board. We are going to visit a few of our neighbors (one of which turns out owns the The Naperville Running Company) to find out who they used. Again the key is finding a contractor with an eye to keeping the house historic.
Katie is still working at ripping down some of the wallpaper and scraping some paint in the bathroom (possibly our first project).
Katie is still working at ripping down some of the wallpaper and scraping some paint in the bathroom (possibly our first project).
Thursday, November 02, 2006
One step for us, one giant leap for 108
It has begun. We have appointments with a few architects next week and we should start getting numbers on what it is going to cost us to get 108 fixed up. It sounds like there will be some things that I will be able to do (our town is a bit permit heavy). More to come...
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Blogging on the train...
I just had to try this out.
I got my new Verizon Wireless card today for my work laptop. So, when I realized that not only did I leave my cell phone at home this morning - but I also did not call Steve from the office to let him know when to expect me - starting up my laptop was the obvious answer.
Not a major catstrophe by any means - he could live without the information that I am on the 4:28 which gets in at 5:12.
However, now I have the ability to send him an email from my laptop on the train. Alas - I have no idea how fast it will send from underneath union station nor if I even caught him before he left the office....
What's a girl to do?
Of course I can send a text message to his phone.
So now I am in utter suspense. Did he get the emails (one from gmail, one from my work account)? Will the tm reach him in time?
The only way I will now for sure is if when I exit the train a small pup named PorTillo is waiting for me....
So now we will see how long it takes to post a blog....and how long my battery lasts. In 15 mins we have gone down to 78% - not looking good.
I got my new Verizon Wireless card today for my work laptop. So, when I realized that not only did I leave my cell phone at home this morning - but I also did not call Steve from the office to let him know when to expect me - starting up my laptop was the obvious answer.
Not a major catstrophe by any means - he could live without the information that I am on the 4:28 which gets in at 5:12.
However, now I have the ability to send him an email from my laptop on the train. Alas - I have no idea how fast it will send from underneath union station nor if I even caught him before he left the office....
What's a girl to do?
Of course I can send a text message to his phone.
So now I am in utter suspense. Did he get the emails (one from gmail, one from my work account)? Will the tm reach him in time?
The only way I will now for sure is if when I exit the train a small pup named PorTillo is waiting for me....
So now we will see how long it takes to post a blog....and how long my battery lasts. In 15 mins we have gone down to 78% - not looking good.
I get phone calls ......for dead people
One of the things about living in a house that has been in the family for a while - is that most if not all of your utilities bills may in fact be in the names of relatives who are no longer with us.
Getting our names on the bills - is changing this week as we officially have a mortgage as of tomorrow. In the meantime - it is awkward to have someone call and ask for your grandmother who has been dead for 8 years.
When I first lived in the house only a year after my grandpa passed, it was hard to get calls and mail for him because it reminded me of him. As time passed the calls lessoned and having my name on the phone bill has certainly made an impact.
It seems like some of the charities are going off of old phone lists. When we get calls for picking up donated goods, I have to resist saying "no, she's no longer with us."
Many of the marketing materials that come to the house just say "Residents at..." so you are never quite sure if it is a mass mailing or targeted to some demographic.
I did for a time get mail with my name on it for funeral homes, senior living, being cremeated, etc - which I can only assume was due to having my grandparents demographic info mixed with my name. I can assure you - I mainly got dating service ads when I was at the townhouse.
So what prompted this post? I received a reminder phone call the other day for a pick-up of a donation. The woman completely skipped over asking for one of my deceased relatives and went directly to "Is your mom there?"
Given what I described above - I am ready for people calling and asking for just about anybody - but my mom, really do I sound that young. So I guess in addition to clearing up names associated with the house, I am also going to have to work on sounding like I am older than 12.
Getting our names on the bills - is changing this week as we officially have a mortgage as of tomorrow. In the meantime - it is awkward to have someone call and ask for your grandmother who has been dead for 8 years.
When I first lived in the house only a year after my grandpa passed, it was hard to get calls and mail for him because it reminded me of him. As time passed the calls lessoned and having my name on the phone bill has certainly made an impact.
It seems like some of the charities are going off of old phone lists. When we get calls for picking up donated goods, I have to resist saying "no, she's no longer with us."
Many of the marketing materials that come to the house just say "Residents at..." so you are never quite sure if it is a mass mailing or targeted to some demographic.
I did for a time get mail with my name on it for funeral homes, senior living, being cremeated, etc - which I can only assume was due to having my grandparents demographic info mixed with my name. I can assure you - I mainly got dating service ads when I was at the townhouse.
So what prompted this post? I received a reminder phone call the other day for a pick-up of a donation. The woman completely skipped over asking for one of my deceased relatives and went directly to "Is your mom there?"
Given what I described above - I am ready for people calling and asking for just about anybody - but my mom, really do I sound that young. So I guess in addition to clearing up names associated with the house, I am also going to have to work on sounding like I am older than 12.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Itsy Bitsy...Spiderman
Who else can teach your kids about gang signs?
I just saw a commercial for "IBS" and had to know about this plush toy that is sure to be a Christmas blockbuster.
Well worth seeing the flash promo with the singing and dancing.
hmmmm...actually some of those dance moves look vaguely familiar.......
I just saw a commercial for "IBS" and had to know about this plush toy that is sure to be a Christmas blockbuster.Well worth seeing the flash promo with the singing and dancing.
hmmmm...actually some of those dance moves look vaguely familiar.......
Unknowingly keeping Da Bears 6-0
Sometime during the 4th Quarter I got a phone call from Steve who was watching the game from a local watering hall with a few friends.
"Go to my closet and put on my Walter Payton jersey right now".
I am not a wife who takes kindly to such demands - but I had seen the 4 interceptions in the first half and I knew what I would have to deal with if the Bears continued down the path of a total disaster.
Miraculously, the Bears pulled out a win as I learned in another call (putting on the jersey didn't curtail my watching home improvement shows).
Just happy I was able to help out the team.
"Go to my closet and put on my Walter Payton jersey right now".
I am not a wife who takes kindly to such demands - but I had seen the 4 interceptions in the first half and I knew what I would have to deal with if the Bears continued down the path of a total disaster.
Miraculously, the Bears pulled out a win as I learned in another call (putting on the jersey didn't curtail my watching home improvement shows).
Just happy I was able to help out the team.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Piecing together 108 North
So tonight I was doing some research on the style of 108 North. The house was included in a book, "A Guide to Chicago Historic Suburbs On Wheels & On Foot" and classified as of the Italianate style c. 1870. I began by googling Italianate house and was able to find the following:
The Italianate style was derived from the villas of the Italian countryside. Two full stories, low-pitched hip roofs with cupolas, and expansive overhangs supported by decorative brackets are typical features of the style.
The Italianate style dominated American houses constructed between 1850 and 1880. It was particularly common in the expanding towns and cities of the Midwest as well as in many older but still growing cities of the northeastern seaboard.
Here is an example of a classic Italianate house. I can see parts of 108 North in this image...
The Italianate style was derived from the villas of the Italian countryside. Two full stories, low-pitched hip roofs with cupolas, and expansive overhangs supported by decorative brackets are typical features of the style.
The Italianate style dominated American houses constructed between 1850 and 1880. It was particularly common in the expanding towns and cities of the Midwest as well as in many older but still growing cities of the northeastern seaboard.Here is an example of a classic Italianate house. I can see parts of 108 North in this image...
The Guidebook indicates that the front porch was most likely added in the 1910s which seems to fit with my family moving in to the house in 1916. It also refers to the "slightly lower service wing" which we call the kitchen and dining room as having the original tin roof. What is troubling to me is that it doesn't seem to fit with the Italianate style. Although the upstairs windows go to the floor - they have none of the characteristics of the style. Plus the roof doesn't match.
The more I look at the house - the more I want to know how did it get to be this way? What were the original owners like? How many bedrooms were there upstairs? Why was the "service wing" made lower than the rest of the house? Was the back always 2 stories? The house was white when I was little - but what was the original color?
The more questions I come up with the more I want to know. I guess I'd better get back to the "service wing" - the dishes won't wash themselves.
***Crazily enough our plans for that part of the house include expanding the kitchen into the dining room - so I guess we may be returning it to its original use.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Reflected Reflection
Please honey, you have given insight into more important things that College basketball or Mall walking.
My list is as follows (just to name a few):
1. Naperville - deserves its reputation.
2. Just do it - while I like to plan 108 projects - you start removing wallpaper.
3. We have to make appointments - talk about busy schedules.
4. Little dogs - yeah, I will give that one but I still want a Husky!
5. From Professional woman to little girl in 3 seconds flat - when you want something or need something after I just sat down to watch Patton.
6. Features and Benefits - we are both stubborn but even when I say "End of story" you continue to zig and zag and before I know it I am sold on an idea. Slighty evil.
7. It takes two to tango - I thought I did a lot when I was solo, that is nothing compared to what we got ourselves into now (108, a certain clock ticking which I can't mention, etc.)
8. Cool chicks - they exist! Who had the idea of me coming in as Elvis and then let me do it?!?
9. Thinking things through - "what would happen if I strapped a jet engine to the car? hmmmm" (I would like to say those ideas are no more but at least they are less frequent)
10. Angel - I can't tell you enough of how I need you in my life.
My list is as follows (just to name a few):
1. Naperville - deserves its reputation.
2. Just do it - while I like to plan 108 projects - you start removing wallpaper.
3. We have to make appointments - talk about busy schedules.
4. Little dogs - yeah, I will give that one but I still want a Husky!
5. From Professional woman to little girl in 3 seconds flat - when you want something or need something after I just sat down to watch Patton.
6. Features and Benefits - we are both stubborn but even when I say "End of story" you continue to zig and zag and before I know it I am sold on an idea. Slighty evil.
7. It takes two to tango - I thought I did a lot when I was solo, that is nothing compared to what we got ourselves into now (108, a certain clock ticking which I can't mention, etc.)
8. Cool chicks - they exist! Who had the idea of me coming in as Elvis and then let me do it?!?
9. Thinking things through - "what would happen if I strapped a jet engine to the car? hmmmm" (I would like to say those ideas are no more but at least they are less frequent)
10. Angel - I can't tell you enough of how I need you in my life.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Reflection
Yesterday we celebrated Steve's 35th birthday with the family (although the actual date is this Sat the 14th). It has been a tradition for the last few years to go bowling for his birthday.
So in the spirit of celebrating my hubby, I started thinking about how in addition to a bowling birthday what else Steve has brought into my life (in no particular order).
1. Watching the news in the morning - I am just not a news person in general and so without Steve I probably would have never known what was going on in the world.
2. NPR - to be honest I am more tolerant of news in the morning than news radio, but it is good to see this whole other world called "Wait, wait don't tell me" and "Car Talk" - although I can only handle about 15 mins
3. Rescue Me - definitely a show I would have never thought to watch. Plus the theme song gets stuck in my head.
4. Discovery & History Channels - 2 channels I seriously never knew existed
5. Elvis - while I will always be more of a Beatles girl - I have to say that the man has grown on me
6. People watching - Steve enjoys sitting and watching people more than anyone I know and so when I travel (read am stuck in the airport or eating dinner by myself without a book) - I find myself people watching because I know how much Steve would appreciate it - if he was there.
7. Soccer - I now not only understand some of the rules - but can sit through a whole game and plus I love the side bets
8. Beer - now I am not saying I enjoy beer anymore than pS (pre-Steve), but I have a better appreciation for how many different kinds there are
9. Rolling Stones - another band that I always enjoyed - but didn't get until we saw them live
10. Fantasy football - I haven't gone so far as to look at "his guys" but I do ask how he is doing and have a general understanding of how it works
On the flip side - here is what (I think) I have brought to Steve - perhaps he has his own thoughts.... (hint, hint - this is where you chime in)
1. Watching videos on MTV and VH1 in the morning
2. College basketball
3. Little dogs
4. Apple donuts from the Long Grove Apple Festival
5. Westin's Heavenly Bed
6. Russell's dry cleaners
7. Panera's Potato soup
8. Mall walking
9. Home repair/design shows
10. Tom Petty
So in the spirit of celebrating my hubby, I started thinking about how in addition to a bowling birthday what else Steve has brought into my life (in no particular order).
1. Watching the news in the morning - I am just not a news person in general and so without Steve I probably would have never known what was going on in the world.
2. NPR - to be honest I am more tolerant of news in the morning than news radio, but it is good to see this whole other world called "Wait, wait don't tell me" and "Car Talk" - although I can only handle about 15 mins
3. Rescue Me - definitely a show I would have never thought to watch. Plus the theme song gets stuck in my head.
4. Discovery & History Channels - 2 channels I seriously never knew existed
5. Elvis - while I will always be more of a Beatles girl - I have to say that the man has grown on me
6. People watching - Steve enjoys sitting and watching people more than anyone I know and so when I travel (read am stuck in the airport or eating dinner by myself without a book) - I find myself people watching because I know how much Steve would appreciate it - if he was there.
7. Soccer - I now not only understand some of the rules - but can sit through a whole game and plus I love the side bets
8. Beer - now I am not saying I enjoy beer anymore than pS (pre-Steve), but I have a better appreciation for how many different kinds there are
9. Rolling Stones - another band that I always enjoyed - but didn't get until we saw them live
10. Fantasy football - I haven't gone so far as to look at "his guys" but I do ask how he is doing and have a general understanding of how it works
On the flip side - here is what (I think) I have brought to Steve - perhaps he has his own thoughts.... (hint, hint - this is where you chime in)
1. Watching videos on MTV and VH1 in the morning
2. College basketball
3. Little dogs
4. Apple donuts from the Long Grove Apple Festival
5. Westin's Heavenly Bed
6. Russell's dry cleaners
7. Panera's Potato soup
8. Mall walking
9. Home repair/design shows
10. Tom Petty
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
One simple project
I have started one little project slightly under Katie's radar. I read an article in FastCompany about these lightbulbs and I have installed a few but now I am on a mission to replace all of them. The decorative ones will remain the same, but the rest are getting swapped out one by one.
This is an underlying theme in my mind for 108, simple ways to make the house more energy efficient and a bit more green. Another idea is to replace the water heater with tankless one.
Baby steps...ummmmm baybay!
This is an underlying theme in my mind for 108, simple ways to make the house more energy efficient and a bit more green. Another idea is to replace the water heater with tankless one.
Baby steps...ummmmm baybay!
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