A quick overview of all the remodeling work that is listed below, and why it has taking so long to accomplish
Anyone who talks with me on the phone always asks what I am doing, so I decided to make up a page that gives the answer. Just saying that I am still remodeling my house just does not project just how much work I have been involved with. No one would believe just how occupied I have been with doing all of this, and to tell the truth, I can hardly believe it myself. I can tell on the phone that I am getting a "deer in the headlight" stare, like, "How could you still be doing that?" Well, this should answer the question and brighten the eyes.
BEGINNING IN JUNE, 2005
(Be sure to use the bottom slide bar on every page.)
PROGRESS TOWARD THE REMOVAL OF
THE WALL DIVIDING THE LIVING ROOM / FAMILY ROOM
LATEST DEVELOPMENT
IN THE LGM
REMODELING CHRONICLES
As of June 2006
This shows what this wall looked like before I moved in, and what it looks like now. Quite a difference.
You will also see more pictures of flowers in the early stages of planting development, as well as the table I built for the back patio area.
Removal of walls separating what was 2 bedrooms. A huge task for this "young man," believe me. Just hauling all of the demolition that had to be done to the dump was enough to do me in, let alone what it took to remove it all.
As of 2010
These pictures are not the greatest, as it is a very hard area to photograph. Between the difficult lighting, the tool table being in the way, and the small area, it was quite troublesome to get an accurate view. However, they will due to give an idea of how it is coming along. I will add more as I get the rails, styles, and moldings up.
I have also done much in the Master Bedroom, which is just to the left of the office area (now the woodshop) and the adjoining 15 X 25 Home Theater Room where I have set up a 73" HD TV with incredible surround sound set-up. Watching any sports event, including a NASCAR race, is quite enjoyable. I have not taken any pictures of them. Why? Maybe it has something to do with "time." I have also finished out two other bedrooms, but have not put up any pictures of them either.
Somehow I keep thinking that I can get something done like I would have ten to twenty years ago. BRRRZZZZ!!! Wrong answer, I figured that I could get this job done in about two weeks when it actually took me a good two months of HARD LABOR. I am quite glad that I did not have sense enough to know what I was getting myself into. Par for the course.
REMOVAL OF CEMENT STRIPS IN FRONT LAWN
March of 2009
The original owner had formed cement strips in the front lawn where he had intended to anchor a wrought iron fence. There was over a hundred feet of them. Bad idea.
Ken Ross, my next door neighbor and retired General Contractor, offered to remove the cement strips that were a pain to trim and mow around. He said it would be a "peace of cake" and take no time at all to do. He had a Bobcat, and figured he could pull it up without much trouble. BRRRRZZZ!!! WRONG ANSWER!
As of 2008
As if I did not have enough to do, I decided to do some extensive changing to the back porch area. I was not satisfied with the plants I had back there, and got myself into a real project of improving over what I had. You will see what I mean below, as I took on the project of building plant stand benches. That was another task that I thought would take a couple of days that turned into a couple of weeks.
CREATING THE GARDEN ALONG THE FRONT GARAGE WALL
I got the bug to plant a flower garden along the street side of the garage, which was totally bare. So, I decided to take on the venture of preparing the area for them, and oh, what an endeavor I got into.
MAKING / INSTALLING OF TRELLIS FOR GARAGE WALL
We did much contemplating of what should go against the garage wall in the bulb garden. We finally decided to use a climbing rose, and two red berry vines. This meant that I had to install a trellis for them to grow on. After looking for a ready made trellis, and finding nothing that would work, I decided that I had to make one. So, I bought a bunch of red wood 2 x 4's, created the design, and went to work building it. The pictures (taken and published at Shari's request) show the project from beginning to end.
This is a few pictures of the spring flowers. The beds have not progressed to where they will, but have still produced some very colorful scenes for so early in the season.
That is all for now. There will be more, as I am not near being finished. I do thank anyone who has taken the time to see what I am up to in my "retirement." Yeah, right! I had more time on my hands when I was working for a living. Between all of the above, plus a web site that takes up about four hours a day, and the usual every day things that must be done, I hardly know what to do with my spare time, right?
Most of the flower beds will look quite similar to last years. However, we are now in the first week of July, and the Day Lilies are coming in strong. They are quite incredible in my mind, and so have included a bunch of pictures of them. There are 9 different varieties, with each one having its own distinct flower. The flowers are larger than regular Day Lilies, with much more color in them. Thought you might enjoy seeing them.
OCTOBER 2011
While painting Darlene's doors, I began to get interested in replacing my front door. It was probably the worst looking area in / on the whole house. It really was in bad shape on the outside, and actually, an eye sore. The more I thought about it, the more I decided I should do something about it. Little did I know what that was going to require of my time. I never realize just how much I am taking on with a new project, and this was no exception.
Except for the first part that shows the removal of the hedge, and replanting, much of what is here is mostly a repeat of last year.