Cabinet Shop
Custom Classic Construction, Inc.
Since 1985
cabinets4u@built-incabinets.com
Those of you not familiar with the term.
A blog is a weB LOG. A journal or open diary
A page where we will share our thoughts, new ideas, frustrations and information with you.
A personal view of us & our business
Today is July 23rd
Log entry #33
After a long day of installing Mashatti husband's office last week (in 94 degree humid weather) We were exhausted.
Her sister Mana generously offered us a couple of Shish Kebobs she was preparing.
The few times we have been to their home taking measurements for different projects Mana is always in the throws of making some dish that smells yummy.
.Wednesday was no different. She was preparing food for the celebration of the Birth of Iman Ali.
we were delighted & very grateful for her offer. We took them home to grill for dinner.
I served them with rice. we both agreed that they were wonderful. Thank you Mana
in iran they use a flat skewer ( not unlike the swords that desert travelers would have used when on the road many years ago..
Today is June 1st
Log entry #32
. we were shocked by the price of oil. My neighbor paid the other day. it was $4.39 gallon.. We can not afford to heat both buildings at that price and as of now I can not even lock in for the coming season So We decided to take our oil monies and buy a wood splitter ,and wood burning units. to heat our home and the woodshop
We will need to purchase some oil for our hot water
about 8 cord will carry us through this coming heating season .So every chance we get we grab a tree or two from our forest, spit and stack it so it can be drying
We have 4 cord in as of today.
Today is May 26th
Log Entry #31
Memorial Day Weekend we took a 1/2 off and went to my sister Kim's home for a bar B que.
This is Christina & my great nephew Matthew. Kim dragged out the old rocking horse we had as kids
Matthew is still a little young to ride it by himself but with some help from his Mom he enjoyed it
My Niece Tara Always the ham
At the end of the day We sat around the fire pit and enjoyed coffee and raspberry pie
it was relaxing afternoon and so good to visit with everyone.
Today is April 28th
Log Entry #30
It has been a whirlwind around here with trying to catch up on projects and maintain some sort of life outside of work..
I can officially say We are finally up to date with our projects and are finishing up a few of our own.
I am so lucky to have a husband that can, will and did build me my dream kitchen. It is great!
Still have a few loose ends to do but I have a wonderful working kitchen again
There is an Oak Cap to install on the half wall. Base board is primed and sanded ready for top coat in the shop & I still have to finish up painting the rest of the wall and the windows
Today is January 9th
log entry #29
It has been a long 2 months. Jim's Mom passed away on Christmas Day after complications from a surgery she underwent earlier in the month.
We can only hope to be as active & productive as she was at 82.. She always worked hard but made time to enjoy life, We miss her very much and our Thursday night dinners.
I know you all must have enjoyed our January Thaw Monday the 6th and Tuesday the 7th. It was the first breath we have taken since early December,
We are behind schedule in the shop but just really felt we owed it to ourselves to enjoy at least one of these days so we closed up the shop noon time Tuesday and headed out on the bikes for a 100 mile trip in search of evidence of our January thaw
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We enjoyed our afternoon very much. We feel regenerated, relaxed. and ready to attack our work schedule with a Big smile..
Today is November 2nd
Log Entry #28
Halloween was a blast this year our theme was
THE WILD WEST
My neighbor & I love Halloween
Our husbands think we are out of our minds.
Our routine is to treat or treat to all (5) houses on our short little dead end
road. There are no children here so we bring some sort of creative alcoholic
beverage to share with everyone.
The first thing we do is place a lit carved pumpkin at the mailbox...then give
them our gift bags which consists of a silly toy, a candle some candy and
sometimes homemade relish or pickles. and then hit them up for treats. They must
give us treats or else
Via our gators we then travel up to the Peterson Farm (about 1 mile) where the
migrant workers children look forward to our arrival. They are the receiver of
all the treats we gathered from our road.
We stay for a glass of cider they laugh at our silly costumes we give them a
ride in the gators and then we head back towards home.
Our night out would not be complete without a stop at the "Mayor of White Road's
house. His name is Richie is a 67 year old man that has keep records of
everything about White Road since he was a kid. .He lives in the same house his
great grandparents built.
Everyone is invited to his home Halloween night for a huge buffet. It is a
banquet of fall harvest, He cooks everything from eggplant parm, pickled beets,
baked butternut squash to homemade apple pies, herb breads to baked pumpkin
seeds .If is comes from his garden he will make something special for Halloween.
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Today is October 1,2th
Log Entry #27
Today was dedicated to our metal health. Jim rode the Susuki and I on was on the Ninja. We left mid morning & returned at dinner time. On our Way home we Stopped in to see Jim's Mom She took us out to the overlook at the camp. it was a beautiful. view.
Camp Pinnacle at the Overlook
Helderburg Mountains looking towards Pinnacle
Today is September 15th 2007
Log Entry #26
The reason I have been slow in updating this page is due to issues with my connection to the site (excuse # 101)
We have been extremely busy working on designing several new projects for customers.
WE are also trying to keep plugging away at our kitchen.. The New cabinets are done the paint is curing in the shop. We bought the hardwood for the floor and The old kitchen is torn out for the most part. We removed the old soffit gaining the extra height in the cabinets.. I have my sink & dishwasher still hooked up. the stove is on a movers Dolly to roll it out of the way when working and back to it's outlet when I need it. Thankfully I use the grill outside for most of my cooking.
We are rewired & ready for sheetrock... Jack ( our rocker) should be here on Monday to look it over ..and give us a date he can schedule us in.
Yesterday we were bitten by a bug that affects many motorcyclists. it is called MMS ( Multiple Motorcycle Syndrome) Yes We purchased another bike. Bought it in morning registered it in the afternoon and Jim put 115 miles on. He came home with a big smile. Let me introduce you to our latest addition to the "Bat CAve"
2004 Suzuki V-Strom 650
Unfortunately the weather is nasty this morning (rainy and cold). So we are going to work in the shop & hope the weather clears up so we get out on the bikes later on this afternoon.
Today is July 18th 2007
Log Entry #25
Today is June 28th 2007
Log Entry #24
No time to write now
Today is June 19th 2007
log entry #24
I have just become a Great Aunt. Let me introduce you to
Matthew
Born 06/17/07
Today is June 7th 2007
Log Entry #23
May slipped by with out an entry.
Let me bring you up to speed.
We have made many upgrades to the shop while still keeping up with production. Below are a few pictures of what we have been working. Take a few minutes and Visit our SHop Shots page
Click on the images below to see what we replaced
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Today is April 28th 2007
Log Entry #22
National Female Ride Day
New event highlights women riders
Get ready to ride on Friday, May 4, for the first "National Female Ride Day." Women are being asked to get on their bikes and "just ride," whether you have a sportbike, cruiser, scooter, dual purpose, street, off-road or dirt bike.
The goal of National Female Ride Day is to highlight the many women currently active in motorcycling and heighten awareness of female riders.
According to campaign organizer, Vicki Gray, of Toronto, Canada, another goal of the event is to inspire and attract new riders to the sport.
I thought even though it is a Canadian event I would show my support by posting this and by riding a couple of hours on May 4th & I did
Today is March 2nd 2007
Log Entry #21
This entry is a special thanks to a true "hardware man".
Every once and awhile we will be passing one of those big box stores, forgetting past experiences we decide to run in for one thing or another.. only to leave upset, disappointed and without our needed item.
trying to ask a question to an employee at Home depot or lowes we find that in general they are bored and don't know a thing about the department they are assigned to work in.. We just love when one of their employees that say & I quote
"if you didn't see it on the shelf we don't have it" (are they trained to say that?)
now on the other end of the spectrum is John.
John manages Phillips Hardware in Guilderland center.. Over the years Jim & I have walked in with a handful of broken parts. John takes a look at the pile & heads down the aisles grabbing one of these 2 of those etc. He opens the packages up and dry fits them to show us how it all will go together. We leave there with everything we need to do the job including the gasket or washer I mean he thinks of everything. to complete the project .at times even remind us that we already have one thing or another from a package we bought for a previous project.
On the very rare occasion he doesn't have what we need his answer is and I quote
"we can order it and I will have it by the end of the week"
or
That is something I do not have access to but call company A b or C they will have it" (and they do.)
Thanks John It always a pleasure doing business with you
Today is February 9th 2007
20th long entry
Winter preparedness
A little late in the season to bring up but it is finally cold enough to talk about it being prepared in case of a breakdown or accident in the cold. weather can make the difference and maybe save your life
You should dressed in layers. Even though it is warm inside your vehicle what if you had to walk.? Have with you a heavy coat, hat, boots & gloves. a bag left in the vehicle all winter that It should include:
a blanket
I include an extra pair of wool socks
flashlight
I have a coffee can with emergency candles & wooden matches also
one of those obnoxious horns they sell at the ballparks
(In case you were to be trapped they are very loud and might be heard)
flares
A couple of bottles of water
nuts or granola bars
first aid kit
be sure your cell phone is charged up and have your DC charger with you
If you leave your vehicle leave a note on the windshield stating what direction you are walking in.
Today is January 6th 2007
19th log entry
I got my Ninja started & went for My first ride of the 2007 season today!
In the meantime Jim stayed here & worked in the shop. He insisted I go without him. I guess he could see I needed a break from our demanding schedule.
we set a new record high of 71 degrees. which is like 40 degrees above normal
I got to be outside in the sun riding my bike and enjoyed a beautiful winters day.. I am refreshed & reenergized. I can not stop smiling
Happy New year everyone
Today is December 3rd
18th log entry
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Twas the night before
Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
With no thought of the dog filling their heads.
And
mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Way to the window I flew like a flash,
Figuring the dog was free of
his chain and into the trash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears.
He unchained the dog, once so
lively and quick,
Last years Christmas present, now painfully thin And sick..
More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name.
And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain;
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER!
now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all"
I knew in an instant there
would be no gifts this year,
For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear,
The gift of a dog is not just for the season,
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.
In our haste to think of the
kids a gift
There was one important thing that we missed.
A dog should be family, and cared for the same
You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain.
And I heard him exclaim as he
rode out of sight,
"You weren't given a gift! You were given a life
If you are interested in making a donation this holiday season to a Dog Rescue Please take a few minutes and check out www.glenhighlandfarm.com
Today is November 23rd
17th log entry
On our way home last night from an installation. We had the privilege of viewing this .an incredible sunset and we wanted to share it will all of you
Happy Thanksgiving
Today is October 15th
16th Log Entry
Jim and I have been drinking a Health beverage that we are very excited about.
It is called MonaVie.. www.monavie.com
It contains the Acai, berry ( Crown Jewel of the Monavie Blend) .
We watched my Sister A Breast cancer Survivor. regain her energy, Her bones have ceased to ache .and She is one again enjoying her favorite past times, gardening & hiking . She looks radiant.
Seeing the changes in her got us to try it. .It has been just about 2 months of 2ozs twice a day We feel energized and seem to be getting a better night sleep.
We can not say for sure the Monavie is was what did it but Jim's bursitis in both shoulders all of a sudden has stopped bothering him completely.
Give us a call or email us if you are interested in learning more about this incredible elixir OUr Distributor ID# is 141707
Today is October 8th
15th log entry
Last Saturday we went to "Stuntrageous 2006" held at the Fulton county airport. we had never watch stunt riders perform before.
their courage & lunacy made for a great afternoon.
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Dogs are anxious to get outside
bye for now
MaryAnn
Today is September 11th
14th log entry
Yesterday afternoon Jim & I rode our bikes over to the "Electric City riders club" in Rotterdam
the weather was beautiful & the roads to get there were fun (kind of "twisty".)
the event was the 14th Annual Dagostino Memorial cup races.
An old riding buddy of ours has a Nephew ( Mike Lainheart) that was entered in a couple of races.
Here he is doing a "wheelie" off the starting line
and here with the Checkered flag
What a great day.
Today is August 6th
13th Entry Log
After a 20 plus year hiatus Jim and I are back on 2-wheels. We gave up riding to establish our business & pay off a huge mortgage on the house & shop.
now that we have reached those goals (by working 7 days a week for over 20 years) we are ready to Ride again and enjoy life. We figure between glue set ups or paint drying we will have enough time to ride around Town.
Knox is considered "The Gateway to the Helderberg mountains". lots of great roads with very little traffic.
our choice in bikes
Kawasaki Ninjas
Well got to scoot.
MaryAnn
Today is July 10th
12th entry log
after we finished up our neighbors (Mitch & Gay) installation they invited us to come back for a bar-b-que We return via our overland trail. ( connects our property to theirs) Since we both have J.D. Gators we started our afternoon with a nature ride. There are miles of trails owned by a 2 large land owners abutting us. and they have given permission for the four of us to use. them.
wedged under a bridge over the Wolf Creek. we found a wonderful piece of driftwood (about 7ft tall and 9ft long) .It was a keeper we had to have it
Mitch agreed it was a great piece so he returned to the house and fired up the back hoe. The three of us accompanied him back to the stream to fetch it.
We took the short cut home which meant riding on the roads. It was like a parade. the back hoe leading the way and the 2 gators bringing up the rear we each had ideas on which way it should be placed. Ultimately We opted for Mitch's.
Now that it was in place we would need a couple of loads of soil moved, So off we all went to watch. Mitch loaded the Gator using the back hoe. it was filled with 2 scoops of the bucket. and emptied with a flick of the switch ( his gator has an electric dump body)......... Machines sure are great.
It was much too hot to start spreading the dirt around so we decided it was time for a swim. instead.
later on that evening Gay & I cooked Chicken and fresh vegetables on the grill.. For dessert we had fresh fruit and Mitch made Grasshoppers. (They were perfect as always) The four of us had wonderful afternoon. What could be better good friends, good food, good weather and Our piece of driftwood as a great souvenir to remind us of the good fun we had.
We found it to look like a giant sea horse What do you think.?
Today is July 2nd
11th log entry
This has been an exceptionally busy month for us. We ordered and took delivery on a new truck from Gable Dodge in Cobleskill. 800 miles later I am limping it back to the service department with transmission trouble.
The entire gable team from our salesman Dave head, Paul the head of the service department all the guys in the shop and the gable rental agency staff knew how necessary the truck was to the operation of our business.
Since the testing took several hours. Dave called for a car so i could run some errands. When I returned and found out I was not going to drive the truck home they made arrangement for a truck to use while ours was in the shop.
since there was no inventory of parts yet the module that the truck would need. was only going to come from Detroit. welding his authority Paul requested the part be taken from the assembly line in Michigan and shipped ASAP. back to gable. he then had his technician stay late to install it.
our truck was ready at 8Am on the 4th business day. we were very pleased. they took good care of us and made a bad situation bearable. our thanks to the entire gable staff.
Today is June 3rd
10th log entry
Wow I can not believe it is already June.
I spend any and all free time I find trying to master our new 3d Cad program. the learning curve and conflicts makes it a slow go. I think I am starting to get the hang of it now.
for the second year in a row we are over run with the eastern tent, the forest and the gypsy moth caterpillars. living in the woods makes it impossible to a fight them so we just don't go outside. fortunately the eating frenzy will end soon followed by the glut of moths. by father's day weekend the 2 month siege will be just about over.
Then We will once again be able to hike with the dogs on the trails. & set up "Angell's crossing " ( our campsite in the woods) something we are all looking forward to.
Today is April 10th
9th Log entry
We decided to listen to the words of one of our customers & enjoy a little bit of spring. yesterday Our dear friend Victor joined us for a short hike at the "Christman's Sanctuary".
the sight & sounds of the series of waterfalls was soothing and made for some great photo ops.
The highlight for wildlife was a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers.
We are invigorated, relaxed. focused and ready to get back to work.
Thanks DAve G. for the good advise
Today is March 1st
8th log entry
The motor was waiting for us when we returned from our installation yesterday. Jim worked late & got the table saw back together. and fine tune a job that took several hours.
We have an appointments most of the morning today and a 2-3 day installation coming up next week. We will do what we can to catch up for the time lost. MaryAnn
Today is February 24th
7th Log entry
In the world of the Cabinetmaking the Table Saw is the heart of the shop
The motor on ours quit last week. It has given us over 12 years of continual production. According to the manufacturer that might be a record
We have ordered the new motor & been promised a delivery date
of 3/1 .
In the mean time the shop will be unable to move forward on
starting projects until then.
Our apologizes to our customers waiting to see their built-ins in production.
We will keep you posted.
Those of you waiting, the board for your project is on the cart ready to be ripped.
Jim & MaryAnn
Today is February 19th
6th log entry
As of February 9th we can no longer say:
"we thought we made a mistake once but we were wrong".
I inserted a wall measurement into the CAD drawing incorrectly.
on installation day it was clear what had happened. The reveal was off. It was not the look proposed nor the drawing our customer had agreed on..
There was no question we would rebuild it
We have never settled for close enough. After all Our cabinets are our legacy they will be here long after we are gone. MaryAnn
Today is February 7th
5th Log entry
in January I had mentioned we had purchased new software. I finally had some time to work with it.
Below shows one of the many ideas we had in mind. Lots of details to sort out before it becomes a new page
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"Before & After"
Well the dogs are ready for a walk Got to run
MaryAnn
Today is January 31st.
4th Log Entry
our accountant was here yesterday with our fourth quarter returns. after he left I thought about my dad and how he taught us kids how to save money, a practice that is easy and could help your children save for the future.
my first steady job was baby sitting for a couple that ran a 24 hour diner I worked every day after school and all weekend Starting at $0.35 per hour (of course you could buy penny candy for a penny). each week when I would get home with my money the rule was to give my mother 50% of my earnings and 1/2 of what was left I was to put in my savings account. The other half I could use for what ever I wanted.
Mom told me that since I was working I would need to contribute to the family's budget. of course it seemed unfair but I did as I was told.
at the age of 16 I enrolled in a driver's education program at school. mom and dad said if I wanted to drive I would have to buy my own car. my dad helped me look in the classified for the right car for me.
my saving account that for 3 years I contributed to, plus I had a saving bond my grandparents had left me. it was not enough so driving seemed out of my reach.
That is when I heard the best news a 16 year old could hear, The money I had handed over to my mom each week was actually saved for me and They had (when possible) matched dollar for dollar in a special account,. I Not only had enough money to buy my 1963 Volkswagen beetle and pay my insurance for the year. but had money left in the bank to put towards my college. books
It was a life lesson I will always remember and appreciate my parents efforts in teaching me how to save. money for the future. MaryAnn
Today is January 24th 2006
3rd Log Entry
Invested in new software that will hopefully enhance the site. it is a "morphing" program which we plan on using to show before and after installation. we think this transition pictures will be a helpful tool in showing our customers some of the many possibilities and our past customers imagination of their space.
it will be a learning curve but we hope to have something on line. soon
Today is January 2nd 2006
2nd LOG ENTRY
We had a nice day visiting with friends and neighbors. New Years Day, Something we rarely take the time to do. Jim worries about getting to far behind We never Have disappointed A customer.. our word has always been our bond. we generally can deliver within our said timeline.,
as I am writing this Jim is still in the shop working hard. To add to the load we have a couple of cases for the house. started. They are very important pieces to keep the remolding of the sunroom, laundry and main bath moving.
Today is December 18th 2005
1st log entry
With Christmas a few days away we are busy trying to finish up & deliver several units. Most of them were ordered in plenty of time but each year we seem to get a panic call from a customer that for one reason or another got busy and forgot to call us with their request to get on our schedule in time for Christmas.
We accepted the challenge again this year. The unit is a 12 ft display case in a custom color that will be suspended from A 10 ft ceiling between the Kitchen & Family Room. it is ready to ship tomorrow
While all of this is going on our Sunroom and Main Bathroom remolding project is finally ready to paint. It was supposed to be done before Thanksgiving.
We now appreciate the frustration of dealing with contractors.
we promise to do what we say, Our thinking may be in the minority in the world of business .but our word will Also continue to set us apart from the rest MaryAnn
