Construction 4-24-08

We are coming to the finish line soon. The house is going to be finished. Now our contractor is sweating on the details. I was there count the number of door handles needed for each cabinets.

I have ordered the handles on line. It was convenient and fast. Within one week all the handles were delivered.

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4810289_cjApe/1/285912702_pgyAg#285912702_pgyAg

Construction 4-18-08

Our front door is in. Carpeting, wall papering, landscaping etc. It is a busy place.

Thanks JW for starting all these.

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4749446_HyYnU/1/281430810_vhtsw#P-1-12

Construction 4-15-08

The landscaping has begun. The outside lighting is being put in. I cannot wait to see the light at night.

Tim said the appliance will be going in this week.

More pictures at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4736688_nXa8W/1/280553994_PTHKe#280553994_PTHKe

The May 9th preparation committee has been hard at work. It will be a welcoming event.

Construction 4-8-08

As we are drawing closer and closer of the completion of JW house. We are moving to new challenges. We need to complete the interior. We are working on operations. We are looking for volunteer to help.

We are planning for a celebration on May 9th. We will have lots of fun.

Our grand opening will be in the fall of this year.

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4682265_c7Jh2#276833950

Construction 3-31-08

The Tiles are being mounted. I like the color. Make the room bright.

We still need more work in laying the stone on the column.

The house is close to be done. Now we need furniture.

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4628190_hhjGB/1/273096469_g2xtc#273096469

Construction 3-24-08

The shower door is in. The outlet for the TV is also put in. Now we need to raise enough money to buy the TV.

Tim is also putting in the window trim.

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4581033_N9Nm9/1/270062537_gnqbP#270062537

Construction 3-20-08

The cabinets are being installed. All the ceiling lights were in.

We are preparing for a dedication on May 9th. It will be a family affair. The grand opening date has not been set yet. We are looking at Sept as the target date.

We have a new interim exacutive director. His name is Norm. We have high hope for him to lead us to organize ourselve into an organization that will sustain itself in the long run.

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4556097_FfvyJ/1/268486863_GfMbt#268486961

Construction 3-17-08

The unions are out over this weekend inforce. In two days the fence were done. We have volunteer bringing food for the people working. Tim again work extra.

De Anza Tile of Palo Alto solicited for the JW House and was able to get Peninsula Builders Supply of Sunnyvale to donate the stone needed for the project – approximately 35 pallets worth. Additionally, Dale Tile in San Jose donated the entire floor tile and material needed to install it.

Members of the Bricklayers, Tile setters and Allied Craft workers Local 3, California (BAC Local 3, California)donated labor for installation.

We are deeply appreciative of all involved.

The Board of Director is working hard to complete the house and get the operation started.

There are many things to learn and to discuss.

More picutres at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4534662_nTmjT/1/267045992_rbKB8#267046261

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4534561_FBvac/1/267037301_kfgFq#267037301

Construction 3-13-08

By next week the view of the house will be changes. Fense is going to go up. We would not be able to see the house from across the Cancer Treatment Center.

Many things need to be done yet before the house can be up and running.

The only thing I can say is it is going to be beautiful.

Construction 3-11-08

This is a big mile stone. Tim is measuring for the placement of the fense.

We have been working hard to begin the process of preparing JW House as a organization going forward.

We like to be ready to open for guest. We would like to be prepare, and make JW House as a welcoming place for all.

The board member has been working very hard to build to prepare and to get ready to celerate.

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4496942_zDnPj#264701744

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4496870_hsDLt#264697548

Construction 3-4-08

We were at the construction site yesterday. Tim presented AM a check in support of JW House. He and his family not only donated their talent, time (he works over time all the time, donated his weekend to work with the apprentices) and now money too.
His love for JW House is a blessing to us. We are so lucky to have someone like Tim to be our superintendent.

More Picture at: http://fcaw.smugmug.com/gallery/4460285_RaBVn/3#P-1-12

3-1-08 Belgium club fund raiser

I am sorry you have to see my face. I randomly picked it and end up with myself after eating the fries, waffles and of course Beer.

We got to listen to what happen to the other charitable group are doing. All of us are triving. Exciting work is being done all over the world. I am so grateful that I have the chance to be part of this.

The real picture for the event is at : http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4449028_5VGZg#261534297

Construction 2-29-08

First tiles has been laid. Electric outlet is in.

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4430442_ifSfg#260303328

Construction 2-21-08

We have rain today. Does not stop Tim from working. We are finishing painting of the interior. The ceiling panels have been stained.

Tim also try out paint color on the outside.

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4380982_32aYn/1/257237097_cWHhQ#257237097

JW memorial held in Belgium January 6th 2008

This is the first page of the brochure that was hand out during this year's JW Memorial held in Belgium.
Since we were unable to attend there. I like to share with you the copy I had.
The pictures are not of best quality but I did my best.

I think it will help if you read Dutch.

To see the whole brochure go to: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4379796_fATiS#257179129.

Construction 2-19-08

We have started a campaign asking donors to buy items for our interior. We set up a list at the Target store. Please go to the list and see if you can help us.

The link to Target is: www.target.com/lists/FINIDLJGNNJK

The card we sent out can be seen at:
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4370359_VjWHC/1/256593727_rFWAN#256593781

I also got a few award certificates. If you want to see them go to
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4370335_wAGrP#256592541

Today concrete is poured at the entrance and back door area. More piping instalations.
Pictures at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4370289_Ls5wZ/1/256588641_7MEAv#256588641

Construction 2-16-08 Local 3, the Bricklayers, Tilelayers, and Allied Craftworkers donated their labor

Last Saturday Local 3, the Bricklayers, Tilelayers, and Allied Craftworkers and their apprentice donated their labor to help JW House putting up all the rocks.

Many of the board member also come to show our appreciation.

It was wonderful to see so much good will that was generated.

Again we have to thank Tim for his continue giving of himselves.

I still have problem with uploading my picture.

You can see some nice picture of that day on the following site.

http://fcaw.smugmug.com/gallery/4362680_LEFA3/1#256077046

Construction 2-14-08

You may be surprise that I have no picture for my blog. I will let you know why later.

Exciting time. Priming is done, new door for our back entrance is in. Lot of digging and trenching. Busy week.

Stone is going to be put up this week end.

I got a new camera and the jpeg file is too large for posting. I will change the file size next time.

To see the photos: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4341984_QVjrY/1/254734656_vGkco#254747463

Construction 2-12-08

We have established a operation committee. We have met twice. We have started to develop a base structure for the committee. Soon we will be starting to recruit future committee member.

We also plan to start preliminary budgeting. We discussed preliminary time line for a tentative opening date.

I saw Tim today. He introduce to me the person who will help putting up the stones. All the stones for the columns and wall have been delivered. He said either the coming Friday or Saturday, the stones will be placed.

The job site is very busy today. I think they are trying to grade the ground so that the side walk can be put in.

The gas line is being connected too.

More picutre at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4328413_sYT9s/1/253853911_GkLzS#253853911

2-6-08 Construction - visitor from Belgium

Happy New Year

We have visitors from far away. A reporter from Belgium is coming to JW House for a visit. We did a special event for them. They started by visiting the schools JW went to. Then they went to the old Kiley campus of Kaiser. The last and not least place is JW House.

They did multiple interviews and at the very end, I brought them to my office. They asked me why do I have to keep so much stuff in my office. I told them that JW House has not been completed yet. I ask the audience to send for money so that we can finish the house. I hope they will use that segment.

Tim told me by next week the stones will be coming. That will surely transform the whole place. Stay tune.

More pictures at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4294976/1/251711124#251711124

Construction 1-31-08

Saw Tim today. He told me he is putting up the front and back door so that we will have a secure site. Thanks you Tim. He said the Dry wall should be completed by early next week. Tap will then be put on. Now it is starting to look like a house.

We had a board meeting today. We discussed how to get the final push in raising money and finish construction. We discussed if we can finish construction how are we going to celebrate. We discussed a opening event. How to thank others.

We have naming opportunities for different rooms, gardens, and places. If anyone is interested please contact us by e mail - info@jwhouse.org.

We will soon be tile engraving opportunity. Stay tone.

More pictures at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4261543/1/249529183#249529183

Construction 1-28-08

It had been raining lately. We did visit JW House last week. We had lots of fun. Today I saw Tim again. He said the dry wall is going to be all done this week. Next week would be tapping. After tapping he can paint. He told me many people put in a lot of time and giving a lot to JW House. I was discussing how can we thank all these people. I discussed a rainbow design, a sunflower design and a small piece of wood with laser engraving. No matter what it ends up, its thank you from the bottom of our heart.

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4243499#248350694

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4243420#248344762

Construction 1-21-08

I saw Tim again today. He is anxious to put the front and back door in. He wants to be able to lock the place up. Wow!! soon the house is completely enclosed. He also want to sheet rock the place in the next few weeks.

More picture at : http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4205718/1/245833186#245833186

Question to Ernie

Dear Ernie,

I like to know where do you get the inspiration on the design of JW House's ceiling. What make you choose the type of wood for the ceiling.

If I am right, you have move JW's home to JW's house. For that I thank you.

Construction 1-17-08

I see that Tim is trying to get the ground ready for paving etc. All the outside columns are covered. I do not know what is the next step. Are we putting decorative bricks or stone over it? Wait and see.

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4187025/1/244661425#244661425

Construction 1-16-08

We are working on the interior now. The kitchen is framed so that cabinet and appliances can be put in. The column on the outside is being covered. The fireplace has the "firewood" put in.

We have been doing the math on our budget. Adding and subtracting funds and features. Where can we save money? Where can we find some more money?

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4179582/1/244188951#244188951

Construction 1-15-08

More work on the columns today.

More picture on: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4174363/1/243870490#243870490

Construction 1-14-08

I saw Tim today. He was talking about what are the different things still have to be done in the inside. He also told me that he would like to start working on building up in preparation of putting up walkways on the outside. Of course I try to encourage him to go ahead. I asked him if we want to have our grand opening on May 9th would he be able to do it. He said, well then I need to finish everything by late April. I said yes Tim. I think he get the idea.

He told me he wants to finish everything himselves because this is his baby. I said yes this is our baby. I told him how appreciative I am. He was there from the beginning. He was the one who helped us finding a lawyer to set up as a non profit. One day he is going to hand us the key to our beautiful JW House.

More picture at: http://fcaw.smugmug.com/gallery/4168979/1/243497054#243497054

Construction 1-10-08

It has been raining lately. I have not gone into the job site because its pretty muddy. As I approach the house today, I saw this person getting measurement of the wood column. I think this would be the next thing.
May be sometimes next week, I will give it a try to go into the building and get some pictures.

Construction 1-7-08

We have one door installed. This door has lots of history behind. When we designed the house, Anne Marie feel that we need a door that goes directly into our pantry. This would make people bring in food, toiletry and other things for storage easier. Now the real door is in.

Now time to think about opening our door for our guest.

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4128217/1/240872808#240872808

2007 Winter letter

We have sent this letter out to many people last year. The design was wonderfully done by Peggy who has help with many other graphic designs.
If you have not received it and like update from JW House please send us a email to info@jwhouse.org or call us at 4089277885

The full letter is at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4128179/1/240870806#240870848

1-4-08 Construction - received a donation and first rain of the year

I was invited to attend the meeting with the Italian Catholic Federation of California, Inc. St. Nicholas Branch No. 186 at Los Altos. I got to meet with the members. I gave a brief presentation on JW House. I received a generous donation. I extended an invitation to the members to give us a visit in the future.
People asked me how JW changed my life. This is one example. First - no one would care to invite me to go for something like this. Second - I would never accept an invitatiion to something like this. Third - I got to experience kindness and giving amongst us. Fourth - I never would allow myself to speak infront of people. I do not speak well, my English is not good, public speaking is just not my bag.

With speaking more, recently I gave a speech during my daughter's wedding. My kids all love what I did.

Today we experienced a big storm. Took some picture of JW House in the rain.

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4110631/1/239703739#239703739

Construction 1-2-2008

Its going to be raining for the rest of the week. I know I am not going to walk in the mud to get pictures. So I try to get some interior pictures today. I find that our front door is framed. I see the glass on top. Its going to be so beautiful !!. JW you are going to get a "HOME" away from home. I also see the insulation is being put in. I cannot believe the amount of wiring a home has.

More picture at: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4098726/1/238929362#238929362