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Lament for The Berghoff
January 23, 2006
This past summer, Christa and I had the pleasure of dining at The Berghoff in Chicago. It was her first time and, sadly, probably the last for both of us. This is because this amazing restaurant, in business for 107 years, is set to close this February.
I found this out because I was curious why so many people had been hitting this website by searching for “Berghoff.” Sadly, my own search led me to a site that indicated that the restaurant will close.
This really grinds me. I mean, I’m pissed. Just ask Christa about my reaction.
Supposedly, the business is closing because the building owner bought out the lease so that the building can be converted into condos. MIXED-USE people! MIXED-USE! You need a good restaurant/cafe downstairs! How could someone ignore a business’ traditional vitality and historic value like that? It’s not like the business is in bad shape either. Christa and I visited on a non-descript day in May, and when we were done with lunch (we ate early), there was a line out-the-door.
Uggh. I need to go cool off.
Posted by paul at 09:26 PM | Comments (2)
Owning a Home
January 08, 2006
Owning an actual home has been an adventure so far, compared the owning a condo in Ann Arbor. In Ann Arbor, I only had one emergency expense to pay for - the heating coil in the furnace died one Sunday - a $50 expense. So far, here in Oklahoma City, I’m looking at $400+ to fix a pipe that broke sometime after the inspection (and no one knows for sure if it broke before or after closing, so it’s our problem).
In more happy news, Christa and I have done a TON of work so for, and we’re in for much more. Completed this weekend:
- Bought a dishwasher and range (to be delivered Saturday)
- Put another coat of yellow on the kitchen walls (using some of the paint left by the previous owners (Thanks Vet!)
- Sanded and repainted the kitchen cabinets
- Replaced the hardware on the kitchen cabinets
- Completely raked the front and back yards
- Built the base for an 8’ by 4’ compost box
- Laid out the landscaping for the backyard
- Bought paint for the trim in the kitchen and office, and paint for the office walls
- Repaired a hole behind the door in the bedroom
- Replaced the kitchen’s main light fixture
- Bought lights for the office and hallway
- Replaced house numbers with more appropriate looking numbers
Things yet to do:
- Wash office walls and paint new color
- Paint trim in kitchen and office
- Sand and paint in bathroom
- Install dishwasher and range
- Install lights in kitchen, office, and hallway
- Buy landscaping materials
- I’m sure there’s more we are going to do
I’m excited about how the house will look. I’m especially happy to work on the landscaping/garden out back. I’ve got a slight plan already worked out… We’re going to build two raised beds, one for perennials, another for a vegetable and herb garden. The existing pathway will be lined by mulch, and a crushed granite walkway will be built to other areas of the backyard (to the compost bin behind the garage, etc.).
This was probably boring to my readers, especially since most of you have only seen a few picutres of the house. More to come later, I promise.
Posted by paul at 08:49 PM | Comments (6)