Side Projects

James took some time off from the major projects to get a couple of smaller things done.  He doesn't get to enjoy many "maintenance" projects around here, so these are usually a nice break.  The first was hanging our new TV.  It was given to us, and, although we don't have "TV", it is nice to have a place to watch movies!

The second was a surprise project. He half-jokingly called it my anniversary gift, but I think he was far more irritated by the ever-messy pile of shoes in the floor of our closet. I find it hilarious that we even have that many shoes -- we probably each wear 3 or 4 pairs on a regular basis.  But he took a morning to construct a shoe shelf for me. He'll be embarrassed that I posted a pic, because it's not pretty.  :-) But it means a lot to me. So thoughtful.

View from the Back

Well, here's an updated overview of the back of the house.
1.  The nasty barn. GONE.
2. The upstairs bathroom. PAINTED.
3. The temporary wall on the back porch. DONE.

To Do:
A lot.
(including tearing off that dormer on the right side)
:-)

Electrical work continues

One circuit at a time, James is moving wires from the existing panel to the new one.  Tedious, tedious work...

Temporary Wall

In preparation for the MASSIVE next project (tearing out the back wall and ceiling in the dining room, James had to build a temporary support wall on the back porch. The weight from the back wall of the dining wall will transfer to this one.  Fascinating as usual...

Painting continues

The 2nd floor painting is finished, so on to the 1st floor.  And bye-bye yellow!  There are just a few traces of yellow remaining.  The difference is unbelievable. I think it's probably time for some updated overview pics.  Coming soon...

Door no more

This sliding glass door in the playroom (future den) is not in the master plan.  So, looking for a "quick" Saturday morning project, James decided to tackle it.  

Removing the old door and frame was a lot harder than he expected, but what a beast.  He got it out! And got to work on the new wall...

By 1pm, he was done -- in time to catch a matinee showing of "The Hobbit" :-)

Happy New Year! (or Team Brown!)

Wow, my in-laws rock.  When they heard that their James was going to spend the day getting the remains of the barn out to the curb, they decided to join in the fun.  They'd been up until 3am celebrating the new year, it was frigid outside, but they surprised us by showing up ready to work.  And work, they did.  

The last piece!!

By dinnertime, the barn had been moved to the curb, a possum had met his match and another had been sent packing.

We all settled in for some hot food.

SO grateful for the help.  James could NOT have gotten all of that done in a day by himself.  What a blessing.