Gone Country!

Just like Alan Jackson's song...

I've made some aesthetics updates to my upstairs bathroom, with the goal being a more farmhouse look.

I'm please with my upgrades to date!

It's hard to tell but the stripes on the shower curtain are green, which matches the counter top.

I'm tackling the master bathroom next and will be starting with a fresh coat, and new color, of paint. I NEVER cared for the existing color, a lilac, so it's time for it to go!

New Wider Driveway - Complete!

Our new driveway has finally been completed!

The old railroad tie retaining wall has been replaced with a nice looking interlock-type paver system.

The rain water is running off in the right direction - 

Loaming and hydro seeding has also been completed -

PLEASED!

Front Stair Prep

In anticipation of the new front stairs being built I thought I'd give the kick plate and the couple pieces of clapboard, that were hidden by the old stairs, a fresh coat of paint.  No worry about dripping or splattered paint and with the area opened up it was a no brainer. 

Some scrapping.  Some sanding (with vibrating sander).  Then a couple nice think layers of fresh paint.

Before - 

 After -

I'm not sure how much will be hidden by the new stairs but it looks much better.  Also, hoping the colors will blend and match better once dried.

Mud Pies Anyone

With having our walkway redone, which was long overdue, I understood the area was going to look and feel just like a construction site, and as you can see in the picture below it sure does - my lawn, my poor poor lawn, AHHHH!  In reality, I really really had no idea what was coming and how bad it was going to be.  I've been tweaking since the work began.  I've tried incense, yoga, meditation, even edibles.  My doctor won't take my calls anymore, alas.  Hoping once things wrap up and new sod is laid the twitching and sobbing will stop...

Past Posting Updates

I thought it would be nice to provide you all with updates to some of my more recent posting, as I'm sure you've all been chomping at the bit to know...

"Whitey" Update:
Whitey remained on premise with us for a full week before being relocated. He behaved during his stay but more importantly during his transfer and release! He happily made his way out of the trap, checked out the area and scampered off. Hopefully we took him far enough away that he won't be back.

"Freeze / Frost Occurrence Data - Potatoes" Update:
Our Yukon Gold and Red Norland seed potatoes have been removed from the refrigerator and placed in a warm window. They'll be ready to plant outside in about a week.

"Spring Gardening Itch" Update:
Our tomato results are appalling. If you recall we planted a total of 100 tomato seeds approximately 6 weeks ago. Well, of the 100 only about 30 sprouted of which we have about 12 remaining. Of the 12 only 4 have grown their second set of leaves - the plants are tiny, tiny - pathetic. They're just about to receive their walking papers to be relocated to the compost bin. Lesson learned - waste of time and royal pain in the ass to start seeds in doors unless you're equipped to do such things, which we're NOT. Local nursery here I come!

"Colored Easter Egg Egg, Our First" Update:
Only one of the two Americana pullets I bought last fall lays blue eggs. The other is laying a whitish colored egg - she's defective. However, on a positive note we're getting on average one blue egg a day now, bringing our daily egg total anywhere from 4 to 7 eggs a day now. Gonna need to up my cholesterol meds real soon. I sure would hate to be relegated to Eggbeaters...

"Chain Link Kennel" Update:
The pair of Muscovy ducks have been sold. Although, we carried and cared for them throughout the winter they had to go. Ducks are messy and stinky critters, which I new but under estimated. The latter wasn't too bad during the cold winter months, however, with the arrival of Spring and warmer weather this was changing. We decided to air on the side of caution and find them another home before becoming a BIG, stinky problem.