My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am. ~Author Unknown
July 30, 2008
July 27, 2008
A shock, a boost, or something else totally?
It seem like summer is starting its slow descent into fall around our house- we’re slowly waking up to the realization that our September vacation is less than two months away, my summer flowers are starting to die out as the late blooming weeds are trying to take control, and I’ve got projects at work that have due dates around January…
I know there’s at least a month of good weather yet, but I’m starting to feel the pressure to get some of those outstanding summer projects complete- and if the budget is a bit too tight- at least one of the major projects done. So which one?
Choice #1. Electricity- The kitchen took most of our effort this spring, and now we just need to finish up by running power from our new outlets to the breaker, and running a couple extra outlets to existing circuits. Not a tough project, but not crucial in using the the kitchen either. Though it would be nice not to have to run down to the basement to microwave things, the kitchen has been 100% more useful than it had six months ago.
or
Choice #2. Mud-jacking- It rained a lot this spring. A lot. Last fall, we noticed one of the brick columns of our porch was leaning just a touch to the left. If I didn’t point it out, the average passerby would have never noticed it. It was in no danger of pulling away from the house, but with the additional rain, the lean has become a more pronounced tilt. And, while purely cosmetic (the column is non-load bearing), I’m not fond of having the leaning tower of Milwaukee off the side of my porch.
Or
Grab bag Choice #3- This and that- including the back staircase, the porch board replacement, and fun with attic insulation. (All of my least favorites- but all tools and supplies are here and waiting for us.)
So, which to do? Finally have the electricity run, prop up the porch by mud-jacking it or the odds and ends that keep piling up? Keep in mind that all three will be completed before the snow starts to fly (with any luck)- but which should be the first one to be completed?
July 24, 2008
When Johnny comes marching home again…
My husband is in the National Guard; two weeks ago was his final weekend Guard drill.
I’m proud of him because of his commitment to the service and to his deployment a few years ago, but I’m also relieved that the 6 years of “one weekend a month/two weeks a year” were up. (Not to mention the back-of-the-mind worry that he’d be redeployed).
It’s bittersweet though because while I’m celebrating having him home more often, I know he’s going to miss the camaraderie and doing a job he loves.
And unfortunately, there’s not really a middle ground for this one…
July 23, 2008
Spade not included
Just read an iinteresting article in the NY Times about a new type of backyard gardening where the gardener comes to you. Basically, they provide services like a landscaper, except they plant, cultivate, and harvest your garden in your own backyard.
While I don’t ever see this taking off in the Midwest (maybe we’re too frugal? too industrious?), I definitely wouldn’t mind someone else worrying about if the rabbits are going to pillage my stringbeans or if those sprouts are weeds, while I laze the day away admiring the few flowers that grow on their own.
July 19, 2008
Run, Run…then run some more.
All home improvement projects are on hold for the weekend as I’m working at a conference for my job- and participating in my first ever 5K run…
I’m a little surprised at that too, honestly.
Now, I know it’s not a marathon…it’s only a 5K, but I’ve never been one for running. Generally, making myself out of breath for a long period of time is not high on my list of fun things to do. Though my father and sister have both run for enjoyment, I never really understood the point. Run? Why? Is someone chasing you?
Regardless, I was coerced strongly encouraged to run, so now, 9 training weeks later, I’ll be lacing up the tennis shoes instead of strapping on the tool belt.
Wish me luck.
Even better-those of you with beautiful weather, please send cool breezes and mild sunshine my way.
Those of you with nimble and quick feet, lungs of steel, and sweat glands of iron, please allow me to borrow them to use tomorrow morning.
And those of you who will wake up to a fresh donut and steaming cup of coffee, enjoy an extra one for me. I’ll be a bit jealous of your relaxed, easy-breathing ways.
July 18, 2008
Random thought of the day
You know it’s time for lunch when a co-worker is telling you a story about how someone threw a milkshake at his car during a fit of road rage, and all you can think of is:
What a waste of a milkshake!
and
I wonder what flavor it was…
July 17, 2008
Shortcake
Ever since I was a kid, summer meant my mom’s strawberry shortcake.
And while I can’t quite get her recipe down, it still reminds me of her.
July 16, 2008
Stairway to (Superhero) Heaven*
I was lazy this weekend….so lazy, that the word should have an extra three or four syllables.
LLLLLaaaaaazzzzzzzyyyyy.
I had big plans to get the stairs done- due to the popular vote from a handful of you readers- but then I started to rip up the linoleum…and was quickly derailed.
Did I mention that it’s glued down with some freaky superhero strength adhesive? A superhero strength adhesive that could not be persuaded to loosen it’s death grip on my stairs? An adhesive made from the sweat of Superman himself?
No? I neglected that? Hmm.
Well, let’s just say that in the battle between me and the revenge of the 60’s flooring, the age of free love won out.
This time.
The war is not over though- I just need to find a new weapon. The floor’s kryptonite, if you will.
And if that doesn’t work out, I may just have to figure out a way to cover it up, and pretend it’s not mocking me in all it’s burnt orange splendor.
I did get the bathroom window ledge done instead- but do not have any interesting battle stories related to that…And honestly? The victory over the bathroom seems a bit hollow when I consider what’s waiting for me by the back door.
*while I’m not sure of the exact date my stair linoleum was installed, I’d bet this was playing during the installation process….
July 12, 2008
Spreading the Kudos
Wow! Thanks so much for This D*mn House for picking my blog to be honored! I felt all tingly when I saw the mention…and usually that only happens when I’ve been painting for a couple of hours…
So, to pass the honor on- my list of favorites:
- House in Progress: The first blog that got me interested in writing about our old house almost a year ago. Their house is what I hope my house will be one day!
- Tiny Old House- A fellow small house owner, the progress on Jennifer’s house has been amazing- especially in the last few weeks….She’ll also a familiar commenter- which makes me wonder how she manages to get so many great projects done!
- Tiny Oak Park Bungalow- Love their garden…LOVE it…While I only grow various weeds, their garden is gorgeous.
- One Project Closer- My go-to source on how to fix/do/beautiful my house, in language I can understand. Their expertise on everything from paints to power washers is a great resource, and helps me stay out of too much trouble..
- Cottager’s Wife- I found this blog through One Project Closer, and whenever I read it I feel like I’m on a mini-vacation to the West Coast…The view alone makes me weep in envy…which is a good thing…
July 11, 2008
Trendsetters…and project of the weekend!
Very cool article in the New York Times about community shared agriculture…not that I’m biased due to our first season as farm share holders…ahem.
So far though, we love it. The boxes we receive each week contain a little more than the week before- and the quality has been great…it’s almost making me a little scared that we’ll have too much by the end of August. I guess my office will just have to share the bounty.
In other news, M is gone for the weekend, so naturally I’m looking to get a few minor projects done around the house. So, what should it be?
A. Updating our back-door staircase so it no longer looks like something out of 1960?
B. Tiling the window ledge in our shower so it stops peeling? (I know..I’m not a fan of windows in that area either)
C. Painting an accent wall in our living room to spice things up a bit from the everyday white?
D. Prepping our upstairs attic space for new insulation by pulling down the homemade wood sheeting?
Thoughts? C’mon, speak up people!
