Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Easy Project


"When faced with a challenge, look for a way, not a way out." ~ David Weatherford ~




Well, now that it's almost winter I figured I'd better get the central air taken care of. At least it will be ready for next year's summer weather. Actually last summer was very mild and one of the coolest on record, so I was lucky. The technician needed to put the condenser on top of the deck as he surmised the previous one burned up because it was tucked under the stairway to the three season porch. Air conditioners need open air from above but I most certainly don't want a side stage view of it on my deck, so I bought a fence panel, cut it into three sections, cut a ten foot four by four post in half, assembled the pieces and voila! Instant air conditioner screen! I spent about $100 on that project. Not bad when preassembled ones can cost $250 or more (depending on size).

"If we all did the things we are capable of doing we would literally astound ourselves." ~ Thomas Edison ~

So grateful to have an easy project for a change! :D

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Outward Embellishments


"Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall at last unveil." ~ John Ruskin ~




When I went to Michigan in August, I hired my brother and sister-in-law to paint the outside of my house and install the new front door. I chose a deep reddish brown with a beige trim around white windows. I hardly expected anyone to notice or make comment, however, in this neighborhood it seems to have made a hit. Neighbors have stopped by with positive comments. Even people driving by when they see me watering the plants outside have stopped to let me know they like how the house looks now. I didn't want to post a photo of the house painted until I had the new garage doors installed and finally this has been accomplished! The final bit is to power wash the deck and stain it which will be finished as of tomorrow.



The inspectors passed me on the insulation I did. I put alot of research into it and because of cost I ended up using three types ... fiberglass, spray foam, and T2000 foam board. Spray foam applied individually turned out to be very messy and required alot more cleanup time than I wanted to put into it. Although it's a good product, I would hire someone to apply this type of insulation than do it myself again. The easiest and least messy were fiberglass and the T2000 foam board.

"Once the 'what' is decided, the 'how' always follows. We must not make the 'how' an excuse for not facing and accepting the 'what'." ~ Pearl S. Buck ~

I had another inspection done for the city code violations I had put money into escrow way back last January. I got a check back for 5/6ths of the amount I put in which I was very happy to sign over to my brother. Predictably, he didn't want to take it saying that he was having fun helping me on my projects,.... but he and I both know that without him (and without his tools) I'd have gone to great difficulty and expense to accomplish half of what we've been able to do together. I've learned so much from him this year, and working with him has been gratifying. He's my safety net. If I hit a wall I know he'll help me figure it out.

"I studied the lives of great men and famous women, and I found that the men and women who got to the top were those who did the jobs they had in hand, with everything they had of energy and enthusiasm and hard work." ~ Harry S. Truman ~



I've been so busy ticking items off my "to do" list. I installed the glass block in both bathrooms (which is way easier than you'd ever imagine). Also, we installed the wood floor in the 1st floor and are working on the 2nd floor. Some interior painting has been started but isn't complete as yet.

So, all is well. I still have alot more to accomplish but I'm happy to finally be working on the outward embellishments instead of the inner workings of the house.