Home Improvement 2024 ERAS Tour :: A Quick Look Back

Before moving on with our current DIY Home Improvement Project it occurred to me that it would be fun to share a little history of a few of our earlier projects. So early in fact, that computers and social media were just coming on the scene so printed photos were still the “go to” for saving memories at that time. Over the years the hubs has made significant changes and improvements to our “ 1980’s” home and landscaping.

Our house was built next to an orchard and did not have landscaping on the sides of the house or the backyard. So, the hubs took care of that. 

He had a vision. He borrowed some equipment from a farmer he had worked for in high school, college and early marriage and before I knew it….

…he had it ready for landscaping by spring. 

Eventually he would build a deck with a trellis and covered it with grapes and years later he built a covered patio with a pallet board bar with seating. The one thing in common with all of our home improvement projects is he does it all. He thinks of it, designs it and then builds it.

As our family grew he decided to build an addition on our house. The original house had 5 bedrooms, one of which we used as an office - on one side for him/sewing room - on the other side for me. It was tight quarters however we made it work. 

In 2002 the hubs designed a new addition for the house. He drew up the plans himself, got all the approvals and then dug right in….literally!

It was a definitely a family project as we all chipped in when we could. Friends and family also helped when needed which was so nice but most of the work was done by Mr. Wonderful.

We did have to rent a machine or two. The hubs knew how to operate them so he kept things moving along. 

The kids loved to watch and occasionally got to ride along. The older boys were taught how to operate the machines and helped with some digging. 

We helped with the framing too when needed. 

This was just a fun, quick look at a few of the major projects that have led up to our current Home Improvement Project. Coming up soon…. our new Entry Light Fixture!

Happy Tuesday!

Sunset Hues and Peaceful Views

Happy Monday!

PAINTING THE ENTRY … Walls & Ceiling

Our Home Update Project 2024 moves to the ENTRY.

If you are just tuning in we have been updating our 1980's home.

Out with the OLD and in with the NEW.

However, before we can replace our old 1980's light fixture we must paint our 

VAULTED Ceiling Entryway.  

Did I mention this is a DIY Project?! 

The hubs had just finished installing the new stairs, rails and balusters, as well as DIY paneling. New carpet had been installed also so before we started we needed to cover it all in paper and plastic. DONE!

To be honest, I was not much help on this next phase. Actually, I have not contributed much muscle power to any of it however I try to pitch in whenever or however I can. My role is more about choosing the paint colors, carpet, stair components, fixtures, etc. Other than that, this is basically a one man show!

We decided ladders were just not going to work for what this phase entailed which was painting the high walls, the ceiling and hanging a new light fixture. So, the hubs rented scaffolding. We needed three sections to get close to the ceiling and even then he needed a step ladder and/or an extended roller. Each piece of the scaffolding was very heavy. My main job was to keep each section steady as he lifted them up and even that was difficult.

I am not sure I was even keeping them steady...

{ actually I am SURE I was NOT }

 ...but he assured me I was. What a great Coach!

The third section was too tall for me so I got out of the way and he constructed the rest

{all of it} by himself. Give credit where credit is due and he definitely deserves all the credit.

DONE!!

Whew... he finished the job with no injuries!

But wait .... 

before he disassembles the scaffolding he needs to take down our

old 1980's light fixture

and hang the NEW ONE. Stay tuned!

Our Home Improvement Eras Tour 1987 ~ 2024

Happy Saturday !

Spokane

Back in June,

on the way to our son and new daughter in law’s wedding reception in Spokane,

we stopped in the Tri-Cities 

to meet our daughter for dinner.

It was a beautiful night to sit outdoors to eat and catch up while enjoying the Columbia River as well as the sunset.

Then, off to Spokane the next day where the sunsets were equally as stunning.

Mr. Wonderful and I took a lengthy walk along the Spokane River and wouldn't you know, "the hatch" was on, which didn’t “bug” us at all. (haha!)

In fact, the hubs was catching the flying insects and wishing he had thought to bring along his fishing pole. 

Clouds of bugs were flying all around the river. A great time to go fishing I am told, however, the fishing poles were back at home.

Our stroll along the river was just spectacular. 

It was quite full from all the snow melt.

SONG OF THE RIVER

The snow melts on the mountain

And the water runs down to the spring,

And the spring in a turbulent fountain,

With a song of youth to sing,

Runs down to the riotous river,

And the river flows on to the sea,

And the water again

Goes back in rain

To the hills where it used to be.

And I wonder if Life’s deep mystery

Isn’t much like the rain and the snow

Returning through all eternity

To the places it used to know.

by William Randolph Hearst

Downtown was quiet, which made for a nice evening walk through the park that was all set-up and ready for an event the next day. We had fun plans for the next day so no time for fishing or more exploring downtown on this trip. We had an event of our own we were looking forward to….the newlyweds Wedding Reception!

After a long walk we enjoyed a light dinner at the Post Street Ale House. They are conveniently located downtown and within walking distance, which also made it easy. We had eaten there before and knew their food was good.

Their Arugula Salad is great! 

The long, beautiful day allowed us extra time to explore.

It was another fun weekend in Spokane!

Have a Great Thursday!