Small Improvements

The tree at the side of the garage has gotten quite large over the decades, and is starting to damage the wall. A small section of wall is taking damage from the root system of the tree; we'll have to fix it after we remove the tree, but until then we can at least make it look a little better.

We placed some painted particle board against the wall, in hopes of at least stopping the dirt, roots, and water from entering the garage so much.  While it won't last forever, it will at least help until we can afford to remove the offending tree.

We also took the time to hang a board up to hold our tools; prior to this, the tools were piled in disarray.  At least we can find what we're looking for, now.

We decided that black shutters and posts would look better than the terracotta color that was there before.  We put a small, temporary garden in front, along with a couple planters and a birdbath.

Getting Rid of Eyesores

With the nice weather we've had recently, we started working on the yard.  The big bush by the garage and the tree in the middle yard have been (mostly) removed.  We made use of the fire pit in the back yard to burn the cuttings.

The skate ramp in the back yard is halfway down:

We plan to use some of the wood to replace some shelving in the garage, which has become bowed over the decades.

...as Karen Carpenter so aptly said, "We've only just begun."

Moar Moving!

...like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our moving.  More progress was made helping Mom move her belongings to her new place.  We're almost done with the moving portion of our venture!  I managed to throw my back out again while moving some of our things around.  Perhaps some day I'll learn to lift with my legs.

After we get settled in, I think our first small project will be to paint the dining room.  Jim has already been looking at Drapes and Grapes.  lol.  This, we decided, will make a great first improvement without spending too much money.  After all, our first major expense is to fix the roof.  That takes priority.  If anyone reading this knows of a dependable and local roofer that will get us a decent estimate, please let us know.  We are not rich, and need to be frugal.

Moving... moving... MOVING....

A majority of our time today was spent unpacking and moving boxes around.  From time to time, we found a box of memories, in which we reminisced.  Many photos and portraits, long forgotten in the closets, were discovered and moved.

On his way home from work, Jim stopped by a shop that was supposed to have had Chef themed items.  While browsing, he found some nice items for some of the other rooms as well:

These wrought iron accessories are for the dining room; 

wrought iron artwork is a major accent in old world decor.

He found this clock today, but he's had the violin for many years.  

It is a 1/16th size violin (and yes, it works).

These chef themed items will go well in the kitchen.

These kanji plaques will add a nice accent to our oriental bedroom.

Our New Adventure

We have purchased our first home; a real fixer-upper.  It's in a great, quiet neighborhood, in a subdivision in Springfield, IL.  The house was build in the mid-1940's, has had some repairs in the last 10 years, but nothing much since then.  

Over the years, we have discussed what we would like to do with our home, and now we finally get the chance to put that dream into action!  A lot of hard work is ahead of us.  

Feel free to donate to our cause (LOL), or even throw out some suggestions.  We can always use tips and pointers.  We plan on having different themes for each room in the house, and those themes are mentioned in the appropriate sections.