Deck Video

Good Things...

...come in small packages.

One rockin' big deck just wouldn't suffice. Now we've got a precious mini version right off the mud room. The perfect spot for...collecting recycling???



By popular demand (okay a suggestion from John), I'm adding a "before" shot:

A Deck Transformed

The deck was one of the things I most liked about our house the first time we saw it. Admittedly, there was very little to actually like back in the days of dead bugs, smelly carpets and putrid wall colors. Nonetheless, I fell for the big deck in the back and immediately started envisioning cookouts and lazy Sundays reading a magazine outside. Turns out the deck wasn't all that...in fact, its partial destruction was one of the first projects John and David undertook. Partial because its size meant it not only blocked cars getting into the garage, but also our ability to open the bulkhead doors. So, the deck was partially dismantled, but left completely functional, and over the last several months, we did indeed enjoy a number of meals out there, and a number of lazy days and evenings. But a complete renovation of the deck was always planned, and with most of the indoor projects now well behind us, John and David turned their attention to the deck a few weeks ago. I think I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves...

A Deck Transformed, Part II

Spring in our Steps

Oh...I really should have saved that title for an entry about the "coming soon" stoop. Bugger.



We continue to be busily working away...John and David on fixing up John’s condo to lure in prospective tenants; and me, figuring out just where on our deck is the best place to get a little sun, read a book and sip on a nice cold drink. Oh yeah, John has also been busy planting a garden, complete with squash, peas and pumpkins, and setting up a pretty “low-rent” horseshoe pit. I’ve been diligently testing if it’s more efficient to refresh my cool drink by going from the deck to the kitchen via the family room or the mud room. (I may be lazy, but you can’t say I’m not self-aware.)

These last couple of weekends have been so gorgeous and we’re really enjoying all the sunlight the house gets. Something tells me that come July and August, we may be cursing that very same sunlight, but for the time being, it’s simply lovely. We’ve been opening up the skylights in the kitchen and living room and breathing in the fresh New Haven air. Mmmmm. We also got a patio set a few weekends ago and broke it in on Saturday with an impromptu barbecue with David, Pam and Matt. Hastas were planted (thank you, Pam!), burgers eaten and horseshoes thrown (and even a few ringers).

Meanwhile, John is *this close* to being done with the condo fix-ups. This has been no small project and the place looks better than I’ve ever seen it, and not unlike a Tiffany box. Next up for the house: a new deck, a new stoop, and come Fall…pumpkins!

Small Changes, Big Difference

A hallway and mudroom/entranceway may not be the most exciting of projects, but considering the sheer prominence of both, they really are key victories in this ongoing battle to transform our house. We walk up and down the hallway multiple times every day and it can be seen from practically every room in the house. The mudroom was such a mess when we first moved in that having it look polished and (almost) complete -- and completely free of bug carcasses -- feels damn good.

I'm a bit late to the game on this (oh approximately 10-12 years), but I finally got myself a digital camera...enjoy the really timely pics!