I started a load of laundry last night before bed. I went down this morning to switch it to the dryer to find it standing open and full of water.
At least we know it doesn't leak.
Gross.
Showing posts with label owning a home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label owning a home. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Deck!
What's this? ANOTHER home improvement project? You got that right. We are on a roll.
Our deck formerly had an incredibly ugly privacy "screen" on two of its corners, protecting us from the prying eyes of our neighbors. Here's the thing, though: there's nothing to see but an ugly privacy screen. Our house sits so far back from the street and other houses that we are fairly secluded and have no need for the ugly thing.
Finished tearing down.
Pedro's checking out Richard's work.
Tear down from a different angle.
Helping Daddy build!
Two sides finished. Third railing almost fabricated.
The Richards.
Finished!
Next weekend's project will be to paint the deck all the same color as the fence, and then I think we may be--dare I say it?--finished with our big projects for the summer.
Our deck formerly had an incredibly ugly privacy "screen" on two of its corners, protecting us from the prying eyes of our neighbors. Here's the thing, though: there's nothing to see but an ugly privacy screen. Our house sits so far back from the street and other houses that we are fairly secluded and have no need for the ugly thing.
Once again, I forgot to take a real "before" picture, but looking at this, you can probably get the idea.
Finished tearing down.Pedro's checking out Richard's work.
Tear down from a different angle.
Helping Daddy build!
Two sides finished. Third railing almost fabricated.
The Richards.
Finished!
Next weekend's project will be to paint the deck all the same color as the fence, and then I think we may be--dare I say it?--finished with our big projects for the summer.
More Projects
Our neighbor gave me a flat of Snapdragons last week and said, "I think these would look great in front of your house."
Subtle, right?
Not one to look a gift dragon in the mouth, however, I got to work.
After.
Before the Snapdragons:
After.
They will grow to be 18-36 inches high and be very colorful in front of the house. I can't wait to see them in full bloom!
Updates to follow!
Subtle, right?
Not one to look a gift dragon in the mouth, however, I got to work.
First, I had a hosta to plant.
Before:
Before:
After.
Before the Snapdragons:
After.They will grow to be 18-36 inches high and be very colorful in front of the house. I can't wait to see them in full bloom!
Updates to follow!
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Satisfaction!
Little else has given us as much satisfaction on this project as what we accomplished today:
We finally got rid of the pile of sand and the pile of busted up concrete today. In 100 degree weather, no less. YEAH! Also, you would not BELIEVE the creatures we found living in our pile of concrete. It's been less than a week! I should charge Toad Rent.
Little else has given us as much satisfaction as getting rid of the sand and concrete... Except maybe this:
These are my sunflowers. They are literally tripled in size from this time yesterday. This is so exciting!
Monday, June 06, 2011
Urban Experiment: Raised Garden Edition
When we moved in to our house, there was a hot tub in the back yard. We kept it for about a year and then sold the stupid thing. What a pain in the rear. After that, though, we ended up with an empty cement slab threatening the safety of our family and friends. Richard and I have been talking about what to do with it for a long time, and this spring we finally decided to tear it out and build a vegetable garden.
Here is a photo journal of each step of the back-breaking project. I don't really feel like they convey the amount of work that went into each step, but aside from being able to make YOU lift a shovel, I guess I won't be satisfied that you truly understand.
I only wish we had thought to take a picture of the slab in its original state, but I forgot until it was too late.
Here is the pile of concrete...anybody need clean-ish fill?
Under the cement slab we found a startling amount of sand and rock. In order to reuse the landscaping rock we had to build a rock sifter and sift out the sand into the wheelbarow. The day pictured here was the day after it had rained, so every. single. shovelful was very heavy.
We tore out the wooden walkway leading to the gate. We will use the sifted rock to make a path to the gate with decorative pavers. More photos of that project to follow.
The neighbor graciously gave us left over black dirt from his order. It was so nice of him!
It saved us a lot of time and money. I paid him back with baked goods. Once we have produce, I will be sure to share with him!
It was enough to fill our garden half way!
What a mess!
Garden Girl is sitting on the newest wall of the garden. She is an accomplished rock-picker.
DIRT! We were so relieved when this was in. What an accomplished feeling!
Shirley and I planted three flats of marigolds to keep away the rabbits! I'm not working this hard to offer snacks to the neighborhood rodents.
Planting the marigolds was sweet and bitter because it brought back memories of my Gram. She always planted marigolds around her garden. I think she would be excited about our effort.
I have also been thinking a lot about my grandpa in Nebraska. His garden always had tomatoes and corn. I have wished several times that I could call him up and ask his advice. I never realized how much growing things would make me think about my loved ones. I can't help but feel like we are connected through the earth in this way. God loves me so much to bless me like this.
Finished marigolds. Green, yellow, red bell peppers and jalapenos.
In the top left corner, I planted carrot, parsnip and beet seeds. The towel is for my poor knees.
Along the top of the photo, to the right of the seeds are four rows of onions. In the top right corner of the garden are two watermelon plalnts. Below those are two cucumber plants. Gross. I'll be planning to give most of these away...unless maybe I decide to make pickles. Maybe I can wear rubber gloves so I don't smell like a cucumber all summer.
In the bottom of the photo here, you can see the beginnings of Tomato Alley. From left to right we have Heirlooms, Grapes, Romas, Early Girls and Better Boys.
Finished planting!
In the center of the garden you can see cilantro, rosemary, basil and Greek oregano. To the top-right of the oregano, marked by a rock are green beans.
Along the deck-edge of the garden, I planted sunflowers. I hope they will grow to be about four feet tall and make a natural barrier between the deck and the garden to keep the four-legged family members out.
Caged and fenced.
Here is a photo journal of each step of the back-breaking project. I don't really feel like they convey the amount of work that went into each step, but aside from being able to make YOU lift a shovel, I guess I won't be satisfied that you truly understand.
I only wish we had thought to take a picture of the slab in its original state, but I forgot until it was too late.
This is what was left underneath the slab off concrete.
Here is the pile of concrete...anybody need clean-ish fill?
Under the cement slab we found a startling amount of sand and rock. In order to reuse the landscaping rock we had to build a rock sifter and sift out the sand into the wheelbarow. The day pictured here was the day after it had rained, so every. single. shovelful was very heavy.
We tore out the wooden walkway leading to the gate. We will use the sifted rock to make a path to the gate with decorative pavers. More photos of that project to follow.
The neighbor graciously gave us left over black dirt from his order. It was so nice of him!It saved us a lot of time and money. I paid him back with baked goods. Once we have produce, I will be sure to share with him!
It was enough to fill our garden half way!
What a mess!You can see the rock sifter leaning against the AC unit.
Garden Girl is sitting on the newest wall of the garden. She is an accomplished rock-picker.
DIRT! We were so relieved when this was in. What an accomplished feeling!
Shirley and I planted three flats of marigolds to keep away the rabbits! I'm not working this hard to offer snacks to the neighborhood rodents.Planting the marigolds was sweet and bitter because it brought back memories of my Gram. She always planted marigolds around her garden. I think she would be excited about our effort.
I have also been thinking a lot about my grandpa in Nebraska. His garden always had tomatoes and corn. I have wished several times that I could call him up and ask his advice. I never realized how much growing things would make me think about my loved ones. I can't help but feel like we are connected through the earth in this way. God loves me so much to bless me like this.
Finished marigolds. Green, yellow, red bell peppers and jalapenos.In the top left corner, I planted carrot, parsnip and beet seeds. The towel is for my poor knees.
Along the top of the photo, to the right of the seeds are four rows of onions. In the top right corner of the garden are two watermelon plalnts. Below those are two cucumber plants. Gross. I'll be planning to give most of these away...unless maybe I decide to make pickles. Maybe I can wear rubber gloves so I don't smell like a cucumber all summer.
In the bottom of the photo here, you can see the beginnings of Tomato Alley. From left to right we have Heirlooms, Grapes, Romas, Early Girls and Better Boys.
Finished planting!In the center of the garden you can see cilantro, rosemary, basil and Greek oregano. To the top-right of the oregano, marked by a rock are green beans.
Along the deck-edge of the garden, I planted sunflowers. I hope they will grow to be about four feet tall and make a natural barrier between the deck and the garden to keep the four-legged family members out.
Caged and fenced.
I know it sounds silly, but I just can't believe food will come from this toil--especially the seeeds! We prayed over our garden that God would be honored in our hard work, and after the enormity of the project I honestly feel like we can take on any project!
We are planning to finally get rid of the sand and cement today or tomorrow, and then we can rake the landscaping rocks into place and have a nice walkway from the deck to the gate. I want to add a few more touches to the garden, and I will post pictures of our progress over the summer. We are all very excited about this change to our back yard.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Dirty it up!
Last week, a large amount of tomato juice got spilled in the fridge. Before that, it was half a bottle of RED wine. Before that a quart of milk.
I finally decided that just wiping out the spills was no longer sufficient, so I took the whole bottom shelf apart and ran the drawers through the dishwasher, then scrubbed down the glass shelf and plastic parts. It was disgusting, but high time.
Now?
My fridge is SO CLEAN, that I can't slide anything in or out of the bottom shelf! I go to slide in a pan of lasagna and it sticks on the super clean glass! I'm thinking I need some surf board wax to be able to slide the huge juice jug in and out.
Or maybe I should just dump some milk and a handful of dirt in there and let it do its thing.
I finally decided that just wiping out the spills was no longer sufficient, so I took the whole bottom shelf apart and ran the drawers through the dishwasher, then scrubbed down the glass shelf and plastic parts. It was disgusting, but high time.
Now?
My fridge is SO CLEAN, that I can't slide anything in or out of the bottom shelf! I go to slide in a pan of lasagna and it sticks on the super clean glass! I'm thinking I need some surf board wax to be able to slide the huge juice jug in and out.
Or maybe I should just dump some milk and a handful of dirt in there and let it do its thing.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Hospitality
The window on our deck door is very difficult to open, so I've just been keeping the door propped open to allow fresh air into the house. I figure this way, any mice who've waited til the last minute to confirm their living arrangements for the winter can just come on in.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Urban Experiment: Fail.
This is the only tomato I harvested from my TopsyTurvy planter this year (and it ripened on my counter).
Maybe next year I should water the damn thing.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Deadant. Deadant. Deadant. Deadant. Deadant. Deadant. Deadaaaaaant!
Richard: I found some ants this morning in the bathroom.
Erin: I know, I've seen them, too, but I can't figure out where they're coming from.
Rich: I found their base camp.
Erin: Gross!!! What did you do?
Rich: I did what any boy would do. I sprayed them with bathroom cleaner til they DIED!
Erin: I know, I've seen them, too, but I can't figure out where they're coming from.
Rich: I found their base camp.
Erin: Gross!!! What did you do?
Rich: I did what any boy would do. I sprayed them with bathroom cleaner til they DIED!
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Icky Christmas
Today I stopped at The Home Depot to pick up some air flow directors for the air vents in our FREEZING house. Basically, they're a little bandshell for your heat vent, that, incidentally have already made a big difference.
Anyway, on my way in the door, I stopped to smell some candles. As I was sniffing, a very normal-looking man cornered me against the display with his cart. He picked up a candle, sniffed it, and said, "You smell good."
My first inclination was to think that I must have misunderstood him, but when he kept staring at me with a dumb grin on his face not unlike THIS:
I knew I had not, afterall, misunderstood.
Without another word, I squeeeeeezed out of the tight spot he had me in (literally and figuratively), and made my purchases.
Icky. Icky Christmas. Not Merry.
For what it's worth, I'm still seeing spots from taking this picture.
Anyway, on my way in the door, I stopped to smell some candles. As I was sniffing, a very normal-looking man cornered me against the display with his cart. He picked up a candle, sniffed it, and said, "You smell good."
My first inclination was to think that I must have misunderstood him, but when he kept staring at me with a dumb grin on his face not unlike THIS:
I knew I had not, afterall, misunderstood.
Without another word, I squeeeeeezed out of the tight spot he had me in (literally and figuratively), and made my purchases.
Icky. Icky Christmas. Not Merry.
For what it's worth, I'm still seeing spots from taking this picture.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Equations for Keeping House
Vaccuum Cleaner + Space Heater = Blown Fuse.*
Baby Hangers + Paper Bags = Barrell of Monkeys
*The bedroom clock (even though I have not reset it since I blew the fuse two days ago) is currently closer to real time than it was before the vaccuuming incident. Why bother resetting it? I can't see it from the bed anyway and Richard doesn't use it. Whatever.
Baby Hangers + Paper Bags = Barrell of Monkeys
*The bedroom clock (even though I have not reset it since I blew the fuse two days ago) is currently closer to real time than it was before the vaccuuming incident. Why bother resetting it? I can't see it from the bed anyway and Richard doesn't use it. Whatever.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Clean House
I used to have house-cleaning routine that I was very happy with.
Then I got pregnant.
Now that I'm starting to feel more like a human and less like a home for an alien-life-form that preys on its victims from the inside out, I can not for the life of me remember what that routine was.
Then I got pregnant.
Now that I'm starting to feel more like a human and less like a home for an alien-life-form that preys on its victims from the inside out, I can not for the life of me remember what that routine was.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Topsy Turvy - Month 3
As you can see, the tomato plant has grown and grown. However, it hasn't been hot enough for many of my grape tomatoes to ripen!
I just hope we can pick these before it snows...
Today's harvest. Friday, July 24, 2009
Topsy Turvy - Week 5
Won't it stink if I do this whole photo-journal of my Topsy Turvy and we only get one tiny, rock solid tomato? Because so far, that's what we have.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
New Living Room
God used our neighbor yesterday to remind me that he loves me. She called to tell us she was "getting rid of some stuff," and did we want to come check it out?
Yes. The answer is always yes.
Waiting for us was an almost-new pull out couch.
Our current couch was truly on its last legs, and, to be honest, wasn't very...fresh.
I am very touched by her generosity.
Now I've just got to figure out how to make the couch and the chair look less insane next to one another.
Methinks more new curtians are in order...
Yes. The answer is always yes.
Waiting for us was an almost-new pull out couch.
Our current couch was truly on its last legs, and, to be honest, wasn't very...fresh.
I am very touched by her generosity.
Now I've just got to figure out how to make the couch and the chair look less insane next to one another.
Methinks more new curtians are in order...
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
An Urban Experiment - Topsy Turvy
OK, so it's already been established that I have a thing for infomercials.
So...in the hope of all things "too good to be true," I purchased a Topsy Turvy tomato planter. (Actually, it was a gift from Lauren. Tomato, tomahto.)
I am love the idea of growing my own tomatoes without the trouble of tilling a garden.
Here's what we've got after one week of growth:
It may not look like much, but already, the plant has doubled in size and is reaching toward the sun instead of the ground. I'm pretty excited. Updates to follow!
p.s. Miracle Grow for tomatoes makes your begonias go crazy!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Thoughts on Mowing the Lawn
I don't think I have had the occasion to mow the lawn since I was about 15 years old. It was an enjoyable experience overall, and I had a lot of time to think.
Here are my thoughts:
Mowing after a long bike ride may not have been the most well thought out plan.
Self-propelling lawn mowers are an inspiration from God.
I don't remember mowing the lawn being such a dirty job.
Mowing the lawn is a lot more fun when somebody offers to pay you.
The time to think will inspire millions of blog and status update ideas, but the physical exertion will shove them right out of your head.
I am glad my husband does most of the dirty yardwork!
Here are my thoughts:
Mowing after a long bike ride may not have been the most well thought out plan.
Self-propelling lawn mowers are an inspiration from God.
I don't remember mowing the lawn being such a dirty job.
Mowing the lawn is a lot more fun when somebody offers to pay you.
The time to think will inspire millions of blog and status update ideas, but the physical exertion will shove them right out of your head.
I am glad my husband does most of the dirty yardwork!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Home Improvements
Richard, his bother, Jeff and his girlfriend, Sam (Jeff's girlfriend, not Rich's...) painted our fence last weekend.
I'm only sorry I didn't get a photo of my three little Tom Sawyers out there! They worked so hard and did such a great job!
I'm only sorry I didn't get a photo of my three little Tom Sawyers out there! They worked so hard and did such a great job!
Before.
After.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Lazagert
I miss Gertrude.
Sometimes I wish she'd pull a Lazarus and come forth to tell her (albeit former) caregiver to stop spending what's left of the money, and put the furniture back where it was.
Sometimes I wish she'd pull a Lazarus and come forth to tell her (albeit former) caregiver to stop spending what's left of the money, and put the furniture back where it was.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)