HEY EVERYBODY! Helen here today (March 14, 2009). Have you taken our poll? Now honestly do you push the button that shows the results for the poll and then vote for whatever color’s winning? Now if you said no that’s great, but if you said yes listen up (read up?). I have a friend who’s rigging the poll and making green go up! SO GREEN IS NOT THE MOST POPULAR COLOR!
Thanks for listening,
HELEN!
Hi...My name is Helen (the kid on the left in the blog header image).
Yuck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here's the thing were moving sometime (who knows when) and if you haven't been reading this blog then we're building house! It's a lot to take in but the news isn't quite real to me. yet...! Anyway have you read about Bogr? The name for our new house?!? Well here's the real story about the shield. One day my dad came home, put the ugly shield up no questions asked. Over the years Camille (our former neighbor), Gretchen (our current neighbor) and I have tried to take it down. It's always (no matter where we hide it) found its way back on our house. SO please if you have a heart be against bringing the thing to the new house (I said please!) As you can see I celebrate my Nordic heritage but I don't scream it to the world (let alone Cottage Lane) and I know I can't take the name bogr! (it is just plain weird.) But that's just how I see it!
We plan to use Hardie Board siding on the exterior of the new house. The “Farmhouse” style points us toward white window exteriors and trim. The siding will be HardiePlank lap siding (Select Cedarmill) with a 6 inch reveal. We may choose to paint the siding and trim a “custom” color later but would like to use a standard color as we build the home. I have added a poll near the bottom of the right-hand column on this blog where you may register your preference by voting. The examples in this posting are screen-shots taken from the James Hardie website (where you will find additional “standard” colors).
We are paying attention to accessibility issues. A home that accommodates first floor living is important to us even though we plan to sleep on the second. The current plan provides ramp (no steps) access to the first floor through the garage. The music room (study) will easily convert into a bedroom if necessary. The full bathroom on the first floor completes the first floor living contingency.
A house needs a name. The “L” shaped house is nice name for a blog but for a house?…not so much.
Our current home in adorned with a Viking Shield as a celebration of our Nordic heritage. All who happen upon it are amazed (or so I’m told).
In keeping with this tradition (while recognizing not everyone shares in my enthusiasm for the Shield) I propose that we name our new home using the Nordic Rune “Logr” (pronounced Log-are). This seems appropriate on many levels.
As an added bonus the Rune Logr is represented by this very nice symbol…
Another desired interior element is a space at the top of the stairs to be used as a “Book Nook”. The latest design has an archway that opens to a space with built-in desks at each end (with book shelves above). The open area beneath the window might house a comfy couch and table. We envision this space being used as a study area for the kids as well as a scrap booking spot for Deb.
We decided early on that we wanted an “Open” floor plan (especially on the first floor). The living room is one large space. The Kitchen and dining room are separated by a wide archway. Mike has paid close attention to the sight lines on the first floor. From the kitchen sink you will be able to see out the front, back, and side of the house. The living room provides views to both the front and back yards. From the north Music Room door you will be able to see straight through the Dining Room bay window, out to the Porch and beyond. From the south Music Room door you will be able to see out the Laundry Room window. Architecturally this is known as "layering" and increases the overall sense of expansiveness.
