a very unglamorous house project weekend

How was everyone's weekend? We had a very busy one doing lots of the unfun and unpretty stuff that we'd been needing to check off our list for a long time. And now, we're flat-out exhausted. And totally ready for another weekend. Here's what's been going on around here.


The backyard plantings are all coming in so well. Lots of mulch went down. And I added a few more plants to fill in some bare spots. I still need to get a good edge on the the beds: one thing I've never been good at, but that would make it all look so much nicer.


I ripped out a few plants that weren't doing well out front. It looks better now with a simpler scheme and black mulch to set everything off. Window boxes are still empty. Maybe by next weekend I can find time to fill them...


Michael replaced the rotting lattice on the side of the house. And while he was at it, discovered there was no insulation under this crawlspace, which is under the front part of my living room, so he added some. No project is simple, is it?! But it'll be great in the long run. The lattice obviously still needs paint. That is my job for some other day.


Speaking of not simple, it was not easy adding lattice to my side stairs, seeing as they were so crooked. Maybe that's why no one ever attempted it. That said, I think Michael did a pretty good job trying to make everything level and look good. And of course, this needs to be painted too, along with the stairs. Someday. Not today! Oh, and yes, there is a missing baluster. Again, another project for another day. I would not be surprised if our project list is longer now than it was when we started. How does that always happen?


I told you our weekend was unglamorous. The wainscoting was pulling a bit away from the wall in the bathroom so M siliconed it up and has it braced for 48 hours to cure. Should be good as new by tomorrow, but it makes getting into this room a challenge to say the least.


I scrubbed a winter's worth of dirt and grime from the front porch. Can't wait to pretty this space up and start using it now that the warm weather seems like it's really here to stay.


At some point, who knows how, I actually managed to get a pedicure (so that is kind of glamorous) and put my feet up. Oh, but that porch railing needs painting. Add it to the list. Actually, we may just tear the whole thing down and replace it next year. So I'm in no hurry to make this spot look better. It does its job just fine as a footrest though at the end of a long, tiring weekend.

9 comments

Pine Tree Home said...

That darn list always gets longer the more you do. You accomplished a lot though and just think all those little things add up.

Painting exterior wood is the least favorite thing I like to do. I have porch posts and outside trim to tackle that I keep putting off. Maybe this weekend :)

Cris said...

Hm, that looks remarkably like our weekend... next weekend! A deck to refinish, porch steps, mulch... yep yep! Your house is really coming along, and I just adore your narrow shutters, they're so pretty!

Ashley said...

Okay, I'm exhausted just seeing your weekend to-do list! Glad you managed to fit in a much-deserved pedicure.

The new lattice looks so fresh even though it's not painted. And do I spy some budding peonies in the front? That's always something to look forward to! :)

Carrie @ Hazardous Design said...

Lol, it is so true how one project leads to another. Glad you found a little bit of time to relax!

Laura@Elegant Nest said...

When it comes to outdoor chores...the list is definitely never-ending! All of those unglamours chores are the stuff that makes everything elso look so fabulous! Love your Rhododendrons...and your fancy matching toes! :)

Anette Willemine said...

What a lovely blog you have!
It's go great having projects going on. Still it can sometimes feels a bit overwhelming. ;o)

Wishing you a wonderful day!
Here in Norway we, finally, have some sun and warm weather. This spring has been cold and windy, but now, now it's going to be lovely!


Anette Willemine

René said...

Good for you for getting the chance for a little "me time". Your yard has grown so much since I first started reading your blog a couple of years ago. I really looks great - your hard work has paid off.

Just a thought.... said...

May I ask where you purchased your lattice?

casey at loft and cottage said...

Yes, the lattice just came from a local lumber supply place. It's cedar, which should last a long, long time!