May 23 2012

It has come to my attention (pointed out) that we haven't blogged in an ever so long time. We were asked about some projects that have arisen and been (loosely) completed since my last post a year ago today (I cannot believe it's been that long!!)

Here's some of what you missed, dear readers, in the last bit of time. We completed a storage closet in the back room. It's not glamorous, so I haven't put any pictures here. It's just well, a large storage closet. However, if you look below, you can see some more of our more pretty handiwork.

Notice that we have a real floor, as well as trim along the edges of the countertops now. And notice the large opening from the kitchen into the living room/dining room now, and the light fixture? This was all a result of Rich getting sledgehammer crazy in January after he proved to me he could do the whole thing for less than $100. Now all we need is the bar itself and that part will be done!

While Rich was on one of his trips to Colorado, it became super apparent that we needed to install a new mailbox. The old one was classic Larry Colbert (former cheapskate owner) - a POS plastic thing that didn't even have concrete holding it in the ground. Why not? Because an extra $3 bag of concrete would NOT be the Larry way. And water to add to the mix doesn't come free you know!  Anyway, when the postal carrier would try to push the door closed on the mailbox, the whole thing would tip/cant backwards about 33 degrees. I insisted it was time. So once Rich got back from 2 weeks in Denver and 3 weeks of third shift, we (he) installed the mailbox. I did the pretty lettering, though. Can't miss what number we are!

Within days, we had a ridiculously HUGE infestation (probably 25 or so?) of earwigs, so then Rich had to go get some poison to deal with those. Now we have poison-laced mail. Yay!

These pics are all fruits (yes, the pun is intended) of Rich's yard labors in the past few weeks. Sadly, all I can say that I contributed is the occasional mowing of the yard and strong opinions on placement of trees. Below left you'll see maters, peppers, basil, onions, and below right you can see our thyme, oregano, and those sticks are "trees" that the Arbor Day foundation gives you for a $10 donation. We did that back in Knightdale and it turned out well, so we're trying it again. 

Below are some of Rich's babies (as the neighbor likes to call them). You have to squint to see, but on the left is a little 1' fig tree, then about a 6' nectarine tree, and two blueberry bushes along the fence, in front of the neighbors bushes (so they blend in--however the camouflage doesn't seem to work with the rabbits who have figured it out and stripped the berries clean this year).

And below is our first attempt at "curb appeal". Note the cherry tree on the left, and some rocks on the right. Rich found the rocks in another part of the yard and put them there. Sadly, of course, it's visually indicative of everything else we've done at the house. It's only half done. :o) And how much is that kitty in the storm door window you ask? Do you hope he's for sale? I'll pay you to take him, along with his diabetic syringes and insulin and mouthy attitude (all stuff we also had to deal with this year). At least the diabetes has helped him lose a few pounds. And he has gotten a tad sweeter. Sigh.

Apparently, this is all the pics I'm allowed to add on this particular blog, so I'll have to do a part deux. Onward and upward!