And the high-end ice creams were manufacturing the dairy instead of using cream and milk products. Sometimes it indicates it in small letters on the front of the package. I am a big ice cream lover and had to go back and look at what I was getting.

We went to the Lindt chocolate museum in Cologne Germany last spring. The history of chocolate, and how colonialism brought chocolate to the world, while destroying the local cocoa industries was fascinating. They gave out good samples, too!

I’m at my printmaking class right now and knew you all would want to see what my fellow artist just produce.

Yeah a runner rug or two is what I was thinking. That is what we've always used in there anyhow.

Today we bought all the cedar tongue and groove paneling boards for the porch ceiling/wall parts. I did the picking of boards and handing them all down from the top row to Otherhalf below. He stacked and bundle wrapped all the boards together. We filled three of their lumber roller carts and he's taking it all down to the workroom now. I made quite a pile of rejects in their lumber stacks... it's a PITA pulling all these things out one by one to find out there's a bad crack, a knot in the wrong spot or the tongue broken off or they're warped... but it's also kind of cool to know I picked out each and every board we're gonna use!

He has to put up the part of the wall above the far window soon for the minisplit to be mounted on. Our guy told us our windows were coming tomorrow, but we haven't heard if they're being delivered to the house or if he is picking them up for us or what... guess we need to connect with him again here today and find out.

Once they get here, they will install fast. Windows always make such an impact on a build. I can't wait to see them!

I sure am excited for you to have this porch re-do, rred! You've moaned about that area from the start of this thread, so I guess it's time LOL.

My auntie in England was discovered to have an extensive Roman settlement in the garden..it happens!

Just found another cost I missed: construction insurance. For one year, C$8,678.88.

That’s a bargain, Worthy!
I just had to extend mine, for another 6 months- my initial policy was for 18 months- but we’re not done….US $14,900. for another 180 days!!!

I think you have good bones, and I applaud vetoing the marble backsplash for the bar. It would compete with it in the kitchen . I think you should put the same wood as the cabinets there, bars should be a bit dark and moody, and then glass shelves and bar ware will add some sparkle. Art and rugs will be key, and buy what you love. We like to shop at auctions and they often use the word monumental to describe the size pieces you will need. I swear “new” Art from galleries is priced by the square inch, but once it gets to estate auctions, most people do not have the wall space for the large pieces. That applies to rugs as well.

For the feature wall, a warm wood slat or textured plaster finish could add depth without competing with the black column, while a single large piece of art would help fill the empty space. At the bar, leaving the back simple and letting glassware and a few statement bottles do the work may keep it from feeling busy. For the fireplace, a natural stone or limewashed surround could add the warmth and character you want while still fitting the modern mountain look.

Your builder is not your designer,

You're building a massive home, we can not even read the plan.You get a pro kitchen designer, an interior designer, the builder/architect and all of you are now the TEAM.

That is the single best way to ensure continuity, form function, et all.

No crowd source here will be as valuable, will only lead to a thousand suggestions you can not digest.

Is this great? No......: )