What we did during our summer vacation.

This is the back yard construction zone.  We didn't have much access to the backyard during the process but did manage to get the garden watered everyday.  We got lots of raspberries and have even dug potatoes already.  The tomatoes are starting to set and it looks like we'll have plenty.  We used our potatoes on kabobs with chicken and keilbasa.  They were great!

This is the beginning of the project. We replaced all the skirting with Hardi Plank.  As all good projects go, this led to replacing window trim, facia and gutters. We decided to stop looking or we'll never get done.  Lightened the color to "not quite white" but left the trim color dark green.

This is the back of the house with all the work and painting completed.  The open area to the shed will be getting a new fence as part of the project.  We're also replacing a skylight that leaks and looking for a roofing contractor for next summer.  Looks like we'll replace the gutters ourselves - why not, there's some summer left. 

Friend and neighbor, John Bailey, helping out.  We sure were glad to have his help and we think he learned a lot, too.  He'll be doing some of the same work at his house but he's smarter than we are - he's hiring most of it out.  Marli and Jaelyn helped out a lot, too.  Marli stayed with us for the three weeks that she went to school and she was a great help after school.  Jaelyn stayed with us off and on during the construction project and found that she didn't mind painting but much preferred helping out with cooking in the house.

We also rebuilt the front deck to include nice wide, low steps for the old folks.  Rick's knees are not what they used to be so we decided to make our front entry knee friendly.  I love the steps.  We'll put a roof over the mail deck area with a metal roof before winter sets in. The oiling of the new cedar will be my job and I have until school starts to get it done.  I think sometime this next week would be a good idea although it's supposed to be a little "toasty" so we'll see.  I also have the shed to paint and a garden to tend.  So come out and visit and try out our new front entry. 

We are going to have a little summer fun.  We'll be going to Wheeler, Oregon next weekend so will post pictures from our trip out there.  Should be fun and relaxing - something we don't do enough of.

 Here is the painting crew.  They were a great help during the construction phase.  Of course, when you're nearly 11 and nearly 12 and it's summer vacation - the mind does tend to wander.