We’re still a couple of days from everything being done, but the basic look and feel of the place is pretty much there. Aside from some electrical work, the last major thing is installing the backsplash – which looks to be a slow and meticulous process especially since the top layer of tile needs to be individually cut to fit:

In keeping with my jaded view of consumption in America, we opted for a substantial upgrade over our old stove but did not spring for any sort of Vulcan’s Forge preposterousness. I think there is a tendency for enthusiasts of whatever sport, hobby or past time they favor to substitute disposable income for capability and buy beyond their skill level. I’ve had too many great meals in tiny restaurant kitchens – and made some decent meals in my own modest trailer-home equivalent – to think that I need a $5K stove. So here is the new KitchenAid:

In the ongoing getting-old-makes-Andy-Rooney-seem-like-not-such-a-dick-because-it’s-happening-to-me downslide, I recently learned that, in the trade, good old-fashioned kitchen faucets like the ones I’ve always had are referred to as “disposable.” In a decision that goes against the spirit, though perhaps not technically the letter, of my above mini-jeremiad, we embarked upon a voyage into the strange land of really fucking expensive faucets. For the rest of our days, we will bore or bemuse you with badly exaggerated accents intoning the fundamental quandary of choosing between “Grohe” and “Hans Grohe” faucets (that really should turn water into wine considering what they cost):

As we’re going to be out of town for a few days, it probably won’t be until Tuesday before we have our first dinner from the new kitchen.