way useful iphone app - toodledo

i'm not a big iphone user (compared to my better half) but i was referred to a way cool + totally fantastic todo list by a friend (thx BC). i'm sure there are a ton of em out there but this one is pretty intuitive w/ nice interface/folders/... but the biggest, and most important, feature for me is web access/editing of todo lists. it does require a manual sync (button) on the iphone but being able to view/edit on your desktop is huge. check it out.

http://www.toodledo.com

our DIY project mini kitchen update - kitchen lighting

last week we completed the updating of our kitchen lights. the house was built in 1954 and kitchen was renovated in ~91. although a bit dated, the kitchen was quite good. one thing jo really liked was the ample size, to allow 2+ people to cook together without running into each other. we changed out the fluorescent tubes and replaced them with 4 recessed cans in a "sunken cavity," which we finished off with wainscot + moulding. tools: miter saw, circular saw, finishing nails, hammer, nailset, jigsaw. a bit hairy at times measuring the centers of the 4 holes for lights but we perserved. see photos below.
mc

changes made in 91 by previous owners: (assumed)
opened up kitchen wall (removed door) to dining area
new dark oak cabinets
dropped ceiling to accommodate cavity for "modern" 4 ft fluorescent tube lighting
new electrical (romex)/GFCIs

changes made in '09:
new granite
new stainless undermount unbranded sink
new garbage disposal (waste king) + plumbing (done improperly - need redo)
refinished cabinets
new laminate flooring over linoleum to better match red oak throughout rest of house

*indicate guesses/missing confirmation

BEFORE:

original lighting w/ 2 pairs of 4 ft fluorescent tubes



installed 4 energy star/title 24 compliant CFL 5" cans
new cans installed (philips lightolier 5" fluorescent Xceed round energy star)
http://www.lightolier.com/products/index.jsp?CATREL_ID=25263&BLK=N&CAT_ID=26523


the very hairy/tricky measuring of can centers on wainscot panel

our "precision" jigsaw cut job

YAY - it fits! (mostly). hammering overhead is painful. need to borrow compresser/nailer in future.

finished! now to countersink nails, putty, paint.

/end

2010: getting back to it

so after a 10+ month hiatus, i'm back! unsure for how long but we'll see. a lot has happened in the last year. we completed a successful 3 wk backpacking (+hotels) trip to chile/peru. and we sold/bought a house and did a ton of renovation work.

a list of possible things i'll write about:
- real estate: key house buying considerations - location (city, school, neighborhood, street) & house (lot size, house size, beds/baths, condition)
- home improvement: selecting contractors (we did new windows + HVAC)
- DIY (do it yourself) / home renovation: some very simple/basic kitchen remodeling (more decor), electrical work (adding lights, switches, outlets)
- home improvement shopping for materials, hardware, tools
- general financial tips (shopping wisely, credit cards...)
- and other random stuff.

here we go!
mikee