We laid the new slate tile kitchen floor yesterday, after installing the brilliant track lighting to replace the bare flourescent tubes we had on the ceiling. Grouting must await our return from travelling back east, but even without it the whole room looks remarkably better than what we had. Classy, even.

During the course of laying the slate, some of it had to be cut to shape. Interestingly, the tile cutter water reservoir accumulated a significant layer of oil as a result. Apparently this flowed out of the slate as I cut it, meaning this geological deposit dates rather far back. I'll post kitchen before and after photos once we grout.

Lowe's also delivered the rest of our stucco mix on another pallet so we're set to mix and spread it the weekend we return as well. Almost out of time before going back to work, but we've accomplished just about all the things we wanted to during that time.