Crawl spaces are just creepy @Magpie, but the boulders probably just came in from the cold and are hibernating. They move a lot slower and may hibernate for decades. Luckily they don’t eat much.
The bedroom is almost finished, I am procrastinating on staining the final trim by redesigning our junk closet.
It’s in the di ing room and may have been a linen closet, but when we moved it we used it as a tool parking area and now it holds catfood, vacuums and mops, and other assorted junk. Including a vast number of expired covid tests.
I plan to clear it out, peel off the fake cedar vinyl, paint and build a set of cubbies on one side and leave the other open for the vacuum and hanging mops. I think we have all the materials, so it’s a matter of doing. I love a no cost project.
It will look nicer when done, but I am not going for a designer look, just functionality.
@marionberries, IMO productive procrastination is the best kind. Sounds like a nice upgrade to your utility closet!
The boys are putting in new windows today! Yay! No more drafts.
And, I ordered closet organizers from IKEA… Some cubby system for DS2 and a full closet system for DS1, with drawers, shelves, and rails. DS1 doesn’t want a dresser/armoire, so we need his closet to accommodate all of his clothing storage needs. DS2 wants a dresser, so his closet will probably be a lot of toy storage.
New windows are sooooo wonderful. We replaced all the windows in our 1950 house with the leftover money from closing (itmwasnansurprise gift!) 18 years ago. People ask us how much heating costs it saved and we don’t know, having never spent a winter without them.
You will love the light, the easy cleaning, and no whistling or drafts.
AIMR
(Linda -In the year 2025, I am happy to be alive! :us:)
1768
I am so excited because our exterior renovation is about to begin! I met with the designer and project manager as well as the owner of the company that is doing the work…they have such good ideas and listened to my ideas and concerns as well. I am overwhelmed by the choices but the designer is going to take me to look at the actual stones and pavers for the walls and walkways.
Unfortunately, we had to make the decision to take down the two front yard trees. One is dying and the other was planted too close to the house so the roots are going to destroy the new front porch and entrance. We will plant a tree after the work is done for the future generation. I am looking at some fairly nice Japanese maples.
Looks like my yard will be a mess for about 4-6 weeks.
That’s so exciting! I’m looking forward to seeing progress shots along your journey.
1 Like
AIMR
(Linda -In the year 2025, I am happy to be alive! :us:)
1770
I am bummed about the one tree, but I know it has to go…the roots are already a trip hazard and will affect the house’s foundation. Appropriately enough, the removal company is called “Tree Assassins”…
…can I interest you in a replacement that will support your local wildlife for future generations? I usually start with recommending redbuds instead of Japanese maples-- they tend to be a similar size to a lot of the popular ones, & have super cute heart-shaped leaves.
(more on trees & ecosystems if you want it)
The problem with planing trees from other continents is that at best they function as oxygen-producing statuary in the landscape; if you plant something that’s evolved with the local insects then you’re feeding the food web, especially the songbirds who need ridiculous numbers of caterpillars and things to raise their babies.
We used to have a beautiful redbud in the yard of my childhood home. Ours was a Judas or European variety. They are nice trees.
1 Like
AIMR
(Linda -In the year 2025, I am happy to be alive! :us:)
1774
We will be replacing trees and also adding bushes for birds to nest as well as planting flowers for bees, butterflies, and birds.
We will be minimizing grass as well and using our runoff water from the gutters to water the lawn. I love redbuds but here in PA there is a disease issue with them. I am sure the landscape designer will help me find a suitable tree that we can enjoy now and will still be around for the future generation.
Yes! The little gremlins… They really need the ability to get away from each other that camping out in the sitting rooms (though divided by a floor) doesn’t give them.
They’ll be going back to their rooms minus a few pieces of furniture that I haven’t managed to replace yet, but we have to be extremely judicious with what comes back and what leaves the house. I’m hopeful that limited storage makes it easier for them to part with the stuff they don’t need/use. Forced minimalism, lol.
4 Likes
AIMR
(Linda -In the year 2025, I am happy to be alive! :us:)
1781
The sound of jack hammers and excavators has given me a headache, but I am glad things are moving so swiftly! My front yard is one big, muddy mess. They have to take out the old porch, which is 3 feet of solid concrete. They got about two feet taken out…probably another twelve to go…tomorrow, the tree assassins will take down the two front trees…I won’t be able to look.
I get to look at bunches of samples tomorrow as well. Can’t wait for the after pics!
Looks great @tendstowardschaos ! It will be such a relief for them to have their rooms back, I know it was for me! And the colours are so nice.
@AIMR this is the worst bit but it will be much better soon! It’s a shame that the trees will have to go but I’m sure you’ll be able to replace them with a lot of new nature. Right after we moved in here we removed two huge trees that had grown way too big for our yard, and were both planted way too close to buildings. It was a shame that we had to take down the nice cherry tree, but we had no other choice (the other one was hollow and had to go anyway).
AIMR
(Linda -In the year 2025, I am happy to be alive! :us:)
1783
Ugh—the pine tree was infested with pine beetles and the maple was starting to rot from the inside…so, at least they were reaching an end…still sad to see
