The Yard

So, we started thinking about landscaping over the winter. Minimum lawn, please. We began by saying I can deal with the small area in the front of the house (plantings, mulch, ground cover). Maybe throw down some grass seed.

See that sandy area in front of the sun porch? That's where the porta porty sat for 5 months.

Then, there was an Angie's List special: Landscape Design on one section of your yard for a really really good price. We thought we could use lots of help in the back yard, and a landscape designer from Weston Nurseries came out. At least he didn't laugh right in our faces. And while we decided not to use them for installation, he gave us some good ideas.

That white chalk line is the perimeter of the patio. Apparently, a patio and stone retaining wall is called "hardscaping."

There will be steps from the patio down to the lawn.

Mulch and perimeter plantings along the ugly fence.

Patio will go close to the tree; all the area under the back porch and stairs will be enclosed.

And, of course, something we thought we would put off. A new driveway. Pavers. What can I say? They gave us a good deal. AND they're grading and seeding the front, too. I'm OK with that. 

Herringbone pattern pavers for driveway. This is what it looks like now. Isn't that lovely?


Hopefully, we get a schedule for this this week!

Closets and Shelves. Master Bath. The End is in Sight. Just Quite Not Here Yet.

So, we turned the fourth bedroom into a closet/dressing room area and fabulous master bath. Sans finish molding, this is almost all done. There used to be a closet with 2 openings: one in what is now Connor's room and one in the master bedroom.

We walled off the master bath entry and now Connor has a custom closet, for his 3 t-shirts and pants.

Floor of the walk in shower. Granite on the sides.

Granite countertops of the shower enclosure

Another view

Gorgeous.

Loving this shoe rack, but need a few more shelves

My boots look SO pretty.

This tile guy is adding cherry shelves to Connor's closet. This is leftover cherry from the big wall unit we had in our old house. The tile/closet guy can't bear to waste a thing.

Master closet in progress

A Favorite Poster Goes Up, An Old Piece Is Repurposed, Can You Say Closet

Well, we were ready to measure and order for window blinds (yup, there is still nothing on the windows) but were told the "window stops" have to be in place first. I had never even heard of window stops before, but apparently they are the pieces of wood that surround the window, underneath the molding.

So, meanwhile some other stuff is happening.

Master closet is just about ready for installation. The color is not orange, but a nice cream. See next photo.

Painter at work. Entrance to the master closet.

Hoping to have installation done this week.

We didn't think we could fit this piece into the house. It was in our dining room. We no longer have a dining room.

Took the coat rack out, put the china cabinet in. I think it looks great. 

An antique desk from Steve's parents house goes on the landing.

I can't wait til all the walls are painted to hang stuff. This is beside my desk. Where else would it be?

One Year

Exactly one year ago, we laid our eyes on what was going to be our next house. I knew it the minute I pulled up out front. It's been frustrating, annoying, overwhelming and a lot of fun. And we're not done yet!

Wine rack ready for the holidays

Christmas pasta. First batch to be made here.

Christmas table

Christmas morning

And again

And again

Christmas ravioli

Brunch set up

Yes, I know how crooked this photo is.

My new normal

We still have no idea if this fireplace works or not.

Lots of Tile Progress

This photo does not do this tile justice.

Beside the ovens

First floor powder room. Tile done!

This weekend

The guys who did our bluestone front walkway and portico came back this weekend to dig an irrigation ditch and install stone on the sunroom foundation. Also, another door.

Before.

After.

Foyer closet has a door. What?

Does anyone know what those crazy curvy things on the inside of the door are for?