Time to Enjoy

Well here we are again…. A few months later, Just on normal blog post schedule!

Things have been coming along well. Most of the recent work was in preparation for our housewarming party. Since then we’ve been taking some time off to enjoy the summer, dip in the pool, and have some free time to just relax. After all it’s was well needed. So whit that said there has been a little progress but nothing earth shattering.

First thing that every home needs is a grill. Especially in summer a grill is eagerly welcomed. Nothing like having friends over for some brats, burgers, shrimp, veggies, etc… The reviews online said take 6 hours out of your day to assemble! I was a little taken back by this but started regardless. Mearly an hour and a half later it was completed and ready to be used for the first time! woohoo my first actual grill!!!!!

Before	After!

The first step to getting a new roof on the house to ease of all the leaks and drips was to replace the old air cleaning unit with a matching window frame. Thankfully I found a source on Craiglist who was great! He did a great job matching the old windows in the house. We worked with the original plans but just to make sure I removed the old pane so that he could use that for his measurements. Let me tell you, this was no fun! Removing the air cleaner first was easy, It was the actual window pane that was a chore! Mostly because of the existing rubber membrane roof and the mitered bottom on the frame itself. Finally after hours of work it finally came free! Based on this old window a new one was made. It went in simple and totally looks original! Step one done.

Windows Missing!	View from outside.
	New Window Installed!
Looks origional too!

More Info and Photos After the Break >>>>>

Next item is a new skylight to replace the old one that is broken and leaks unless there is a piece of plastic covering it. Well this was suppose to be easy and fast….boy was I wrong! I spent weeks confirming details and trying to schedule a new roof shortly after. I triple checked all measurements, and confirmed with the company who was doing the ordering. Wanna guess what happened? Yup WRONG SIZE!!!! Not even close, and more importantly not even the right window to begin with! Although the company had the same measurements that I gave they sent me the incorrect size in the wrong window! So not only do I have this huge box sitting in my living room with the wrong skylight in it, But I’ve got no new roof. Sure the replacement is on order from the company but it’s been nearly another month to date! Soon, hopefully, It will arrive and then installed. It’s been raining record rains lately too! Fun fun!

Bucket in fireplace!

and empty. Probably 5" water!

Onward to the kitchen.

The main island cabinet has been installed drawers, Plumbing for small sink, and all. It’s all beautiful and looks nearly original! The large center drawer is great! In the mean time we fixed the other drawers that were damaged and we added another drawer underneath the range for all the spatulas and cooking utensils. This works fabulously! Slid in the wine fridge and it all comes together perfectly! Next we finished the other sides of the island. After a coat of polish they really pop! The color looks beautiful! It’s finally starting to look like a kitchen again!

Installed Beverage fridge!	Turned out wonderful!
Working drawers!	Finished side of new hung cabinet
	sweet Wood grain!
Most of the boards are up!	Lots of finishing!
Plumbing ran in the wall.	Just look at the final wall!!!

One thing that I wanted to do before the party was remove and replace the old, nasty carpet in the back room. Here are some photos of the room with the carpet before.

Before	Nice Stains!
MMMMM!	Looking opposite
other room
	Bye Bye Carpet!

I removed everything in prep for new carpet. Again Craigslist to save the day! Found an installer that had a source for wholesale prices. After a background check and a meeting we were set to get new carpet installed! Everything came out wonderfully and looks fantastic! Finally I’m not afraid to sit on the floor!

Livable Again

What ya think!

Other than that it’s been preparation for the party. Here are a few of the highlights

Replace the outside window that was broken with one of the panes from inside. Eventually I’ll get a new window pane for the original and then add it back.

Replace the other outdoor light to match the one previously installed. The birdies in the old light finally grew up and flew off so it was time to replace the light.

Cleaning up the patio area with a pressure washer before the party. This was fun and went pretty easy. What a world of differance this made! It was long overdue and it cleaned up the patio area very nice!

Look at the difference!
Claire running the machine	Working Hard
Done and clean!

Hanging Photos and artwork was needed…. I put Dawn and Claire on that duty.

Painting a curb stencil with the house numbers to match the newly installed numbers on the house!

Installing the new Solar pool cover and cutting it to fit. I also found a cheap reel on CL too to reel it up when it's not being used.

Thanks to everyone who attended our party! It was a blast and i hope you had fun. There were so many people that it was hard to talk with everyone. Other than that we've been relaxing and enjoying our new home. Having people over, cooking out, and swimming have been the main priorities. Below are some photos of just that. A few of the party and other people we've had over to enjoy our new home with us!

First Jump In!	Dawns Jump!
Finally used as shelves!	Cleaned up and ready for party!
Some World Cup!	relaxing by the pool
Lots of food at the party!	Looking at photos.
Party night in the pool	Peaceful View
Rio Lifegard!	First Dog Bath in the yard.
Pool Beer Pong on a hot day	Crazy Jarid Flipping Handles!
	Life Size Jenga!

Thats all this time

-IM