Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The Last Frontier


Back of house before remodel



















As I might have mentioned, my family and I have been remodling our home for the past....well, you might say 10 years.  We moved into a house built in the early 1950's and it needed a total overhaul, as well as another bedroom. 


















I have been an active participant in many of the projects and have learned so many new skills, many I hope to never use again!  For instance, I really, really dislike cutting moulding.  This probably has to do with the fact that I hate to measure, let alone make mitered corners.  I did enjoy tiling and painting wasn't so bad. It has all been a long, tedious process and though it was something I always wanted to do, I would never, ever do it again! Where is this post leading you ask?  Well, now that most of the inside projects have been completed, it's time at long last to attack the yard.  As you know, we've mostly used the backyard for vegetables over the past couple of seasons, but the front yard has really remained an eyesore as long as we've owned this property.  First of all there was that white quartz rock covering most of it, which not only dated the property, but made it dang hard to plant anything. 



Very brave man taking down the tree.
























Then, there was a very, very ugly palm tree.  We removed the rock a few years ago and then a few months ago, we removed the palm tree and overgrown shrubs.  I was also lucky enough to have a friend who's husband graciously removed the old cracked walkway (thanks Dean).  Now, we have a clean slate to work with.  We have retaining walls to build and drip irrigation to lay, as well as a little picket fence I think will add a great deal of cottage charm to this place.  Over the coming weeks I want to share the transformation.  We will be doing all the work ourselves, so all you do-it-yourselfers stay tuned. 

On another note, I've had an idea for combining watercoloring with embossing.  I know it's been done before, but I want to see if I can make the technique my own.  Watch for the next post.

Oh, before I forget; I've inherited my daughter's laptop.  That means I'll be able to post more often, but also means some typos and getting used to a flat keyboard, so bear with me. 

Til then, I hope you're all having a great week.

2 comments:

  1. Wow Wen,
    I can't believe that was the back of your old house. You guys have come so far since then. You and Micheal should be so proud of what you have accomplished.
    Looking forward to your watercolor embossing post.

    Love,
    Allie

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  2. Hello!

    You and your husband have been working for many years now on your home but you can now see the light at the end of the tunnel if you are able to concentrate on the outside! It must be so nice for you both to see what all you have accomplished! Can't wait to see photos! :<)

    Wishing you well!

    Barbara Diane

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