Thursday, August 30, 2007

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Going Home

I am flying home today after spending a week and a half in DC for vacation/work. I've had a great time visiting family, sight seeing w/ C, and relaxing too. But, there is no place like home! I'm excited to arrive in my lovely city, see my happy dog, and fall into all of the routines that I've created for myself.

Here is to home! May yours be one that you love.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Window #2

Work on the house continues. The goal for this weekend was to get in the second window. The plans for the window size changed a few times, ulitmately building our design around what was in stock at the Home Depot. I hate to give them that kind of power!!


Again, C did most of the work, and I ran around like a crazy woman trying to get everything else done while making myself available should I hear a cry for help. I was actually very busy getting ready to travel for work. But, I did manage to do a good deal of yard work, and both C & I went out with friends.

But, back to the subject at hand ... The demo showed us that the wall we were so pleased to discover insulation in, was in fact not insulated.

We took the time to add insulation, knowing that we will spend many a winter night watching a movie, or perhaps some really bad TV. (I just finished a Gene Simmons Family Jewels marathon ... I'm hooked).

The weekends goal was met! The second new window is in!


Up next, removing the bad old air conditioner, installing new lights & electrical, and moving the door. Plus, C is meeting with a contractor this week to get estimates for sheetrock installation.

In other news, check out this pic that I snapped tonight. Sleepy boy!


Earlier in the week, he was treated to a doggy cup cake. What a life!!

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Progress - Window #1

Today saw progress on the family room. The first window is installed, and as I type this, C is putting the finishing touches on the exterior for the night. The patching of siding and paint will wait for another day.

We were both off of work early yesterday, which afforded us the opportunity to go to Home Depot on a weekday. This is key! However, as I stood in the parking lot watching my husband tie our new window to the roof of his car I began to wonder if we were in over our heads. Or at the very least, if we should have driven the truck!

With sunlight hours left to burn, we were able to demo most of the old window framing last night.

This morning, albeit closer to noon, we popped the old windows out. Rocko had fun discovering how to jump through the wall.


As normal we ran into issues along the way. By now we are pretty good at making it up as we go. I found myself getting in the way on this project, as much of the time there was work for only one person. C did a good job of being the worker while I tried to stay out of his way.
Without further delay, the first glimpse of the new window.
Next up, sitting in front of the TV, enjoying the breeze through the OPEN window!!!!

Monday, August 6, 2007

There is no turning back now! The paneling is in the driveway, and the family room is a total freaking mess ... it is great!!!

To our delight we found two walls already had drywall under the ugly 70's decor. Next step: mapping out the electrical work and replacing windows. We've also discovered that the room has decent insulation, so replacing the windows should be enough to improve climate control.

For your enjoyment I've included a before picture (taken during the house inspection 3 years ago). You'll have to hang out a little longer to get a glimpse of the after shots.

Saturday, August 4, 2007

I've been inspired! I have a few friends who have the most wonderful blogs, and I check them daily for updates. Today is the day I join the fun, and put stuff out there for you all to keep tabs on the house, the dog, and me.

Other than the creation of a blog, I will be making a trip to Crate & Barrel today. Last year, for our wedding, C & I registered at Crate & Barrel. A semi-major purchase made in connection with that was our dining set (do you know that when you close out a registry you get 10% off everything you buy -- register for stuff that you are willing to pay for yourself, save some cash, and redecorate your house when closing your registry).

We waited about 2 weeks, maybe 3, for our table to arrive. The chairs had long since been sitting in the dining room awaiting their partner. We rushed out to the store, about 30 minutes from our house, and wedged the table into my tiny car -- this involved me scooting my seat up as far as I could. Naturally, we were stuck in rush hour traffic, taking us 2 hours to get home, all the while my 5'10" body was squeezed into a seat set for someone under 4' tall. As we started to unpack the table we discovered that it had major shipping damage. We immediately contacted Crate & Barrel, who ordered us another table, and told us we were welcome to assemble the defective one for use until our new table arrived.

The assemble went smoothly, and we turned out temporary table upright. The darn thing split in half and crashed into our new flooring. My husband rushed to see if his floor had been damaged! I got back on the phone with Crate & Barrel.

After 4 weeks, our replacement table arrived. We backed everything up, and made the drive to the store, taking my husbands truck and making sure to avoid traffic. The new table was assembled and in our dining room in no time.

Not but an hour later did we get our first scratch, from a deck of cards. Which was followed by a scratch from setting the keys on the table. Which was followed by a dent from a box of poker chips. Which was followed by many scratches from bowls and plates. All of this has caused us fear from setting anything on the table, and a dependancy on place mats!

Today, we return the stinkin' table. We will not be exchanging it. We've found a replacement which will go nicely with the chairs (I've had no problems with them at all).

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Front Path - Before





Front Path - After





Back Fence - Before





Back Fence - After





Office Exterior Wall - Before





Office Exterior Wall - After





Office Side Wall - Before





Office Side Wall - After





Fireplace - Before




Fireplace - After