tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84512648629652153072024-03-13T13:45:00.977-04:00DC RowhouseThe renovation process of a DC rowhouse built in 1901Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.comBlogger423125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-8380484583366643452011-10-07T10:07:00.000-04:002011-10-10T10:08:18.530-04:00Maryland Home and Garden Show - Winner!The winner is . . .<br />
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SFDC!<br />
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Please e-mail me ASAP at dcrowhouse@gmail.com to get your tickets!Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-19015869280885548172011-10-05T13:21:00.001-04:002011-10-05T16:34:55.055-04:00Maryland Home and Garden Show - GIVEAWAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mt9DqQuE34/ToyQ3TSgp3I/AAAAAAAABps/pNH2Hs80jbE/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mt9DqQuE34/ToyQ3TSgp3I/AAAAAAAABps/pNH2Hs80jbE/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div>I'm giving away <strong>a set of FOUR tickets</strong> to the <strong><a href="http://www.mdhomeandgarden.com/fall">Maryland Home and Garden show</a></strong>. The show is October 14-16 and features things like an IKEA kitchen stage and other interior design! This is a great chance for you to visit with hundreds on contractors in one room!<br />
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How to enter:<br />
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<strong>Leave a comment</strong> (make sure you put in your e-mail so I can let you know you won!) by <strong>Thursday, October 6th, 2011 at Midnight. </strong>I'll annouce the winner on Friday. Good luck!Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-54375329435986509862011-10-03T15:54:00.000-04:002011-10-03T15:54:29.137-04:00Meanwhile . . . we added another projectIn the midst of working away, in the hot, sun on the deck - another project fell out our feet. Beneath our feet would actually be more accurate. In our rowhouse we have two units, the one we live in (which is the top two floors), and the english basement unit. The term "english basement" is used to describe a unit that is only partially below ground, our basement apartment has full size windows, but the bottom of the window is the ground. We were finally getting to the <a href="http://www.ronamag.ca/rona-by-design/basement">basement renovation</a> we had been thinking about for years!<br />
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Our tenant (who had lived there two years before we moved in) was moving out - and the place was in dire need of a make-over. We just had no idea how much. In fact, we had only been into the apartment a few times in the entire time we owned the property. Our tenant was the best you could ever hope for and we never had to fix a thing. The only time we had been in the basement apartment was to turn off the main water main when we renovated the kitchen, and maybe for one or two other small things we needed.<br />
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Graciously, our tenant allowed us to tour the apartment a few weeks before he moved out so we could plan for what we would do - we only had 4-5 weeks to do everything we needed to before the next tenant moved in. During the walk through we thought it looks pretty good, but when all the furniture and wall hangings were removed, it told a different story. Here's a picture of the kitchen (I had pulled out the stove right before I took the picture).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dcmp7v5Nw14/TooQpaEK8hI/AAAAAAAABpo/GCQw6PWLJ4o/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dcmp7v5Nw14/TooQpaEK8hI/AAAAAAAABpo/GCQw6PWLJ4o/s400/photo-6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We had never noticed the kitchen floor had two separate tile sections. Though we planned on ripping it out - it was more a must now and less of a wish list item. The walls were all stained and dirty around where the picture had been hung and above the electric heat registers. Even a mixture of bleach and soap didn't work to wash it off. So, paint would also be necessary now. We would be using everyday of that 4-5 week period for sure now! But, there was something new and exciting about working on a space where we didn't live. It was going to be a new way of renovating.<br />
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This post was supported by: <a href="http://www.ronamag.ca/rona-by-design/basement">RONA</a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-15246123395353250262011-09-27T15:21:00.000-04:002011-09-27T15:21:30.139-04:00Back to the DeckSo, where was I? Oh, yeah, injuring myself as usual. <br />
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So, after the railing came down, we tried our hand at ripping up the deck boards with a crowbar. It did not work. At all. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSk7OMheMn8/TnjKjHzBGPI/AAAAAAAABpU/dTsIEphsCT0/s1600/deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSk7OMheMn8/TnjKjHzBGPI/AAAAAAAABpU/dTsIEphsCT0/s400/deck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">So, it was time to take out the circular saw to cut through the boards - making them smaller pieces to pull up. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wlv8eXtmIj4/TnjKmdu9u-I/AAAAAAAABpg/j3fFpdZteq0/s1600/deck+saw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<img border="0" height="290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wlv8eXtmIj4/TnjKmdu9u-I/AAAAAAAABpg/j3fFpdZteq0/s400/deck+saw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
It did not work. At all. My cheap little circular saw was not cutting through the boards. So, off to Frager's Rental to get a better one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIE3wFmPylE/TnjKniJGaBI/AAAAAAAABpk/9YiRkTNFTpU/s1600/dewalt+deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIE3wFmPylE/TnjKniJGaBI/AAAAAAAABpk/9YiRkTNFTpU/s400/dewalt+deck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Ah, much better. Though, I wouldn't say this worked like a charm. Oh, and you can also potentially sever your limbs with it. You can to GENTLY lower the saw into the wood before you start cutting - if you move a hair too fast, that saw will bounce back at you . . . and your feet. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--bkwVJ235w8/TnjKg78MtcI/AAAAAAAABpI/OmDN4skR4WI/s1600/deck+cuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--bkwVJ235w8/TnjKg78MtcI/AAAAAAAABpI/OmDN4skR4WI/s320/deck+cuts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Also, I was dumb and made too many cuts at once. Basically, we just wanted to get that scary part done ASAP, but it leaves the deck really unstable to walk on after. So, don't do what I did. Just make two at a time so you can rip up the boards as need be. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fz5obkkiKkU/TnjKha7WotI/AAAAAAAABpM/S6thntNRl0E/s1600/deck+hammer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fz5obkkiKkU/TnjKha7WotI/AAAAAAAABpM/S6thntNRl0E/s320/deck+hammer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEVnjmtZBtc/TnjKjo5KN4I/AAAAAAAABpY/VaHGBLs-K3U/s1600/deck+hammer+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEVnjmtZBtc/TnjKjo5KN4I/AAAAAAAABpY/VaHGBLs-K3U/s320/deck+hammer+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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At the end of Day 1, this is how far we got. Did I mention it was also about 110 degrees that day? Yeah, I would recommend to renovated decks in the spring or fall. The work is really labor intensive and having the sun on you doesn't make it any easier. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JgRmzb5zuSs/TnjKk2nx4oI/AAAAAAAABpc/JJO1pNZ18fs/s1600/deck+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JgRmzb5zuSs/TnjKk2nx4oI/AAAAAAAABpc/JJO1pNZ18fs/s320/deck+progress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We slept like rocks that night though. . .Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-10848684035052593202011-09-16T09:00:00.000-04:002011-09-16T09:00:11.661-04:00Alive and KickingSorry. Life got the better of me and I have been neglecting the blog. But, don't worry there is much, MUCH, to share!<br />
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I'll be back next week to start posting the new projects!Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-54465224545675826672011-07-14T17:03:00.000-04:002011-07-14T17:03:30.905-04:00Whoops<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, the deck is done. I'll update you later on that. But first, let's talk about what happens when you drop a 4"x4" post on your foot. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After ignoring it for weeks (and not being able to fit it in a shoe), I finally went to the doc who informed me I had a "deep bone bruise" after checking to make sure it wasn't broken. Now, I'm stuck with this tape wrap for the next five days and a month of anti-inflammatory meds. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKx637nNNGA/Th9Y5L7QahI/AAAAAAAABo4/BQiEQD0aCx0/s1600/foot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKx637nNNGA/Th9Y5L7QahI/AAAAAAAABo4/BQiEQD0aCx0/s400/foot.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe I should just re-name the blog to DC Rowhouse Injuries. Sheesh. </div>Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-10486206284073956072011-06-28T13:22:00.000-04:002011-06-28T13:22:21.655-04:00The Deck: Part Three<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While Dan left to drop off the rental truck, I stayed at the house and began the destruction. First, I cleared the deck and moved the grill into the kitchen.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IP2y9ErC-gM/TgoMM2lBmCI/AAAAAAAABoY/qyZGI_U2XmE/s1600/grill+in+kitchen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IP2y9ErC-gM/TgoMM2lBmCI/AAAAAAAABoY/qyZGI_U2XmE/s320/grill+in+kitchen.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W1IvFxpiD8w/TgoMPfvWnkI/AAAAAAAABoc/mYxxq9gGqRs/s1600/old+deck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W1IvFxpiD8w/TgoMPfvWnkI/AAAAAAAABoc/mYxxq9gGqRs/s320/old+deck.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNdyMTwqduU/TgoMQ4FmCkI/AAAAAAAABog/uTO0VrbSb2U/s1600/rickety+railing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNdyMTwqduU/TgoMQ4FmCkI/AAAAAAAABog/uTO0VrbSb2U/s320/rickety+railing.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> A few strong pulls and the railings came down. One of them . . . onto my leg. At the time, it didn't hurt so bad. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgyW-8YQPjk/TgoMSdXbiHI/AAAAAAAABok/sVOOKYkvzKQ/s1600/legbefore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgyW-8YQPjk/TgoMSdXbiHI/AAAAAAAABok/sVOOKYkvzKQ/s320/legbefore.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">But the next day showed a different story . . . </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SK_vXe3WBBs/TgoMsqrGsuI/AAAAAAAABow/XtQ2uZhGA_Y/s1600/legafter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SK_vXe3WBBs/TgoMsqrGsuI/AAAAAAAABow/XtQ2uZhGA_Y/s320/legafter.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I should have known . . . 15 minutes into this project and I'd already damaged myself. </div>Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-15589742945607800012011-06-07T10:00:00.003-04:002011-06-07T10:47:15.482-04:00The Deck: Part Two<strong>6:30 am</strong> - My alarm sounds and I begrudgingly open an eye. We have to be at Home Depot at 7am to return the wood we have on "will call", rent a truck, pick out new boards, and bring them home. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>7:00 am</strong> - We grab a cart for the wood (this in itself seems to be a feat to track down this morning) and head to the decking section to get the 2"x8"x16' pressure treated boards. As it turns out they are stacked up higher than I can reach. I ask a (very helpful!) employee to help Dan while I head to the service counter to return the wood on "will call" and rent the truck. </div><br />
<strong>8:00 am</strong> - We start loading the 16' boards on the truck. This is way more work than it looks. It takes us 30 min to get them in there and the door closed. On a scale of 1-10, my crankiness is at a 5 now. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SkUFn3Iy1vc/Te0pWBqkVHI/AAAAAAAABoQ/n9IizEEZSDI/s1600/hdtruck1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SkUFn3Iy1vc/Te0pWBqkVHI/AAAAAAAABoQ/n9IizEEZSDI/s320/hdtruck1.JPG" t8="true" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<strong>8:30 am</strong> - I get the keys to the truck. When I get back outside Dan has an odd (yet gleeful) look on his face. <br />
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<div align="center">Me: what?</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Dan: I have something to show you?</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Me: Um, what? </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Dan: Come here . . .</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We start walking over to the pallet of concrete blocks as he points between them. I crouch down to see this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uscbq-p48N0/Te0o1bdrvNI/AAAAAAAABoE/FqMe1Kj9-xE/s1600/hdkitten2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uscbq-p48N0/Te0o1bdrvNI/AAAAAAAABoE/FqMe1Kj9-xE/s320/hdkitten2.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Do you see that little kitten face? We tried to catch it for awhile, but it was too hard to get to. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>9:00 am</strong>: We head to the house to drop off the boards. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRdopJ4OmIk/Te0pFWW7PUI/AAAAAAAABoM/lzpNRSMrjWw/s1600/hdtruck2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRdopJ4OmIk/Te0pFWW7PUI/AAAAAAAABoM/lzpNRSMrjWw/s320/hdtruck2.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>9:45 am</strong>: Back at HD to get the other boards we need to the railings etc. When you're at home making the list, 30 - 1"x6"x8', 12 - 2"x4"x12', 32 ballusters, and 6 - 4"x4"x10' boards don't seem like much. But, when you start loading them up . . . you realize how much that is.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4C6cjKkncAc/Te0qvkIOsZI/AAAAAAAABoU/dYT6ANmVY9M/s1600/dan+wood+hd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4C6cjKkncAc/Te0qvkIOsZI/AAAAAAAABoU/dYT6ANmVY9M/s320/dan+wood+hd.JPG" t8="true" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the time it took to load the wood, drive to the house, and unload the wood - it was close to 11am. We hadn't even done anything yet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">to be continued. . . </div>Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-47973905172433939632011-06-06T14:24:00.000-04:002011-06-06T16:23:04.963-04:00The Deck: Part OneWhile the main structure of our deck is perfectly fine, the twenty year old floor boards and rickety railings had to go. I've been talking about this project for <a href="http://dcrowhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/those-are-some-mighty-big-boards-you.html">awhile</a>. Years. We tackled the fence and stairs in 2008. Three years later it's time to do the deck boards.<br />
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Here are some before pictures:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bU6PULjk9qY/Te0WPjlcVBI/AAAAAAAABns/W-a7B1ti6qo/s1600/deck1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bU6PULjk9qY/Te0WPjlcVBI/AAAAAAAABns/W-a7B1ti6qo/s320/deck1.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDqB4fVYcGo/Te0WQCVcUYI/AAAAAAAABnw/X0RXNAw5jlI/s1600/deck2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDqB4fVYcGo/Te0WQCVcUYI/AAAAAAAABnw/X0RXNAw5jlI/s320/deck2.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MFN8RuiRbtE/Te0WQkR1ITI/AAAAAAAABn0/yE8hPPPhtwQ/s1600/deck3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MFN8RuiRbtE/Te0WQkR1ITI/AAAAAAAABn0/yE8hPPPhtwQ/s320/deck3.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can see from that last picture that the railing was incredibly sturdy. Moving the grill was a piece of cake. I wheeled it inside and it took about 45 seconds - it was a one (wo)man job.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P7_g7j-b1Wg/Te0WRv-TfII/AAAAAAAABn4/Yn-qiJOlYBc/s1600/grilldeck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P7_g7j-b1Wg/Te0WRv-TfII/AAAAAAAABn4/Yn-qiJOlYBc/s320/grilldeck.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
On Friday night we picked up our zipcar to head to Home Depot to get the boards for the deck. We spent about 30 minutes picking out the boards and loading them up before realizing there was no way we would be able to tie them onto the roof of our rental SUV as expected. So we pushed them up to the service counter to get some insight to what our options were. It turned out <a href="http://www.homedepotrents.com/truckrental.asp">renting a Home Depot pick-up</a> was the best route for us. So, we left the wood at "will call" and vowed to return at 7am the next morning to pick it up. <br />
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While we were picking out the deck boards Dan had questioned the thickness (they were 5/4). I insisted they were the right size. Until we got home and realized the boards we had on the deck were 2" (really 1.5") boards and I had to eat crow. Which meant all the wood we had laboriously picked out (and was waiting for us) was wrong. <br />
<br />
So, wrong wood, wrong car. Not a good way to start a project. At this point, I started to think we were over our heads. <br />
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to be continued. . .Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-73978810415690381692011-06-03T09:53:00.000-04:002011-06-06T16:23:21.438-04:00On the agenda. . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GVeg265TKY/TejltCc81FI/AAAAAAAABno/dGtc2RNAUfA/s1600/june3-5+weather.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GVeg265TKY/TejltCc81FI/AAAAAAAABno/dGtc2RNAUfA/s320/june3-5+weather.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This weekend we are hoping to <em>finally </em>re-do the deck, which entails ripping up and replacing the floor boards and building new railings. The one thing I am dreading is carrying our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Weber-3741001-Genesis-Propane-Grill/dp/B000H1SJ8C">huge 160 lb. grill</a> down the stairs - though I suppose we may be able to wheel it inside the house for the day. But, it will be worth it once I get to smash all the gross and broken deck railings off. <br />
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Then, back to more painting. . .Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-25678526543269967902011-06-01T14:12:00.000-04:002011-06-06T16:23:40.400-04:00Things are happeningAfter another weekend of painting, we finally finished the living room, stairway and upstairs hall. We have never been so thankful for the <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_251378-287-MT-17_4294858112+4294866449_4294937087_?productId=1238905&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Multi%2BPosition_4294858112%2B4294866449_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr%7C0%7C%7Cp_product_quantity_sold%7C1&facetInfo=Multi Position">ladder</a> we bought a few months ago! <br />
<br />
With the heat wave we are enduring (weather.com tells me it "feels like" 104 degrees right now), I can't imagine getting to all the outdoor projects we have on the list. But, the weekend looks great and I'm hopefully we get to tackle the deck!<br />
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Stay tuned . . .Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-79418076376323318912011-05-02T08:00:00.001-04:002011-06-06T16:23:40.401-04:00Living room progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPROCksWjR4/Tb1EKNJy_UI/AAAAAAAABnk/8LWhxwH_pZ4/s1600/P2162545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPROCksWjR4/Tb1EKNJy_UI/AAAAAAAABnk/8LWhxwH_pZ4/s400/P2162545.JPG" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The last time you saw it, the living/dining room looked a little like this. And this . . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6a_T3VP56mo/Tb1D73z-7qI/AAAAAAAABng/URexgMeTBE4/s1600/P2162544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6a_T3VP56mo/Tb1D73z-7qI/AAAAAAAABng/URexgMeTBE4/s400/P2162544.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A weekend of solitude was all it took for me to muster up the motivation to tackle painting the living room. I mean, we had only lived with the newly framed primed fireplace re-framing for oh . . . <a href="http://dcrowhouse.blogspot.com/2008/06/halfway-there.html">three years. </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZxu7h7f3Cw/Tb1Dc4n3UnI/AAAAAAAABnY/SvANBjaABhc/s1600/P3032604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZxu7h7f3Cw/Tb1Dc4n3UnI/AAAAAAAABnY/SvANBjaABhc/s320/P3032604.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KTWH4Kl6eE/Tb1Djjb70XI/AAAAAAAABnc/1jZgVT9MRdQ/s1600/P3032605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KTWH4Kl6eE/Tb1Djjb70XI/AAAAAAAABnc/1jZgVT9MRdQ/s320/P3032605.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBrtuM3G0ug/TbXHKLaTy-I/AAAAAAAABnE/ae5CkC2-5Rs/s1600/P3032602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBrtuM3G0ug/TbXHKLaTy-I/AAAAAAAABnE/ae5CkC2-5Rs/s320/P3032602.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfkFKjXt-Rw/TbXHVDB66RI/AAAAAAAABnI/_PsqnlUYU9g/s1600/P3032603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfkFKjXt-Rw/TbXHVDB66RI/AAAAAAAABnI/_PsqnlUYU9g/s320/P3032603.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Painting the trim is next. Hopefully we'll get it done in the next three months rather than three years!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-72423814291050279952011-04-27T09:45:00.000-04:002011-04-27T09:45:08.493-04:00A quick noteFor the past two weeks, I've been having trouble loading photos. Hence, no posts. <br />
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Thanks for your patience.Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-31280166479381315402011-04-07T10:34:00.000-04:002011-06-06T16:24:00.385-04:00Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a quick teaser photo:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QYRs91zQszU/TZ3LLd9qctI/AAAAAAAABnA/Pp7bNFsCO18/s1600/lr+paint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QYRs91zQszU/TZ3LLd9qctI/AAAAAAAABnA/Pp7bNFsCO18/s320/lr+paint.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
This past weekend I made some serious progress on the living/dining space (even the kitchen!). Details coming soon.Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-66606264739550960262011-03-25T09:07:00.000-04:002011-03-25T09:07:25.983-04:00Save Yourself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qVBHdyR791E/TYySO0hQQsI/AAAAAAAABm8/ETmah3wttoA/s1600/salt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qVBHdyR791E/TYySO0hQQsI/AAAAAAAABm8/ETmah3wttoA/s320/salt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After sealing the fence, my hands were left with a splatters of oily paint. I didn't have any hand scrub in the house so I quickly mixed up a bunch using what I had in the kitchen. It was fantastic! So, I'm passing it on to you my dears. . . <br />
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- 1.5 cups of kosher salt<br />
- 3/4 cup hand/body liquid soap<br />
- 1/4 cup olive oil<br />
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That's it. Seriously. Just mix them all together and store in a glass jar. <br />
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You'll save time, cash, and your poor-tired-paint-stained-hands.Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-31430008858895769532011-03-24T09:17:00.001-04:002011-06-06T16:24:34.940-04:00My Secret Shame<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is my closet . . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QPJtVKDeXws/TYs7-nD61zI/AAAAAAAABmw/_OjxphoGF2w/s320/P2172573.JPG" width="240" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But, um, this is my wardrobe (which only includes items that were hanging) . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wiPbedc8AOQ/TYs71CPkT-I/AAAAAAAABmY/MgpEfNWkeFA/s1600/P2172566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wiPbedc8AOQ/TYs71CPkT-I/AAAAAAAABmY/MgpEfNWkeFA/s400/P2172566.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ioXu4-vT9p4/TYs73LfnsaI/AAAAAAAABmc/1wl6_u0Rz54/s1600/P2172568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ioXu4-vT9p4/TYs73LfnsaI/AAAAAAAABmc/1wl6_u0Rz54/s400/P2172568.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hvuLG9Po5Xw/TYs74xuU1nI/AAAAAAAABmg/xaola_krJxs/s1600/P2172570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hvuLG9Po5Xw/TYs74xuU1nI/AAAAAAAABmg/xaola_krJxs/s400/P2172570.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HknW3J_2S0I/TYs77l9oVvI/AAAAAAAABmo/qV_YYesK0SE/s1600/P2172571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HknW3J_2S0I/TYs77l9oVvI/AAAAAAAABmo/qV_YYesK0SE/s400/P2172571.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uKVS_QiTUR0/TYs788zBFBI/AAAAAAAABms/kam1ev1nDUE/s1600/P2172572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uKVS_QiTUR0/TYs788zBFBI/AAAAAAAABms/kam1ev1nDUE/s400/P2172572.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On Sunday, I rented two clothes racks in an effort to stop the madness and purge my closet. Trying to get a tally for everything, I made counted of everything I had. I stopped counting at 400 pieces. I'm here to say that no one needs 60 cotton tank tops, or 65 sweaters. When everything was jammed in my closet it was easy to overlook the sheer mass of it all . . . but once it was brought into the open. Oh my. The shame. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After roughly 7 hours, I purged about 30% of my closet. While I'm sure I could have done more, this was about all I could handle in one day. Some things had never been worn and still had tags attached. Oh, and apparently I really like cardigan sweaters and peep-toe shoes. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As I was wrapping up, Dan brought home an early birthday present for me:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Vz1gIBHE_GE/TYs8BgIIStI/AAAAAAAABm4/qV_aYR-cT1A/s1600/P2172577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Vz1gIBHE_GE/TYs8BgIIStI/AAAAAAAABm4/qV_aYR-cT1A/s400/P2172577.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I can now say that all my clothes fit in the closet. . . though I think the next step is going to be a better organized space. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OqErsCIPer8/TYs8AS-UFWI/AAAAAAAABm0/YNg5VDqVPLI/s1600/P2172576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OqErsCIPer8/TYs8AS-UFWI/AAAAAAAABm0/YNg5VDqVPLI/s400/P2172576.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-58666301190324458562011-03-22T09:00:00.001-04:002011-06-06T16:25:17.129-04:00The Non-Weekend WeekendCan you really call it a weekend when you spend both days on home projects while running to and from the hardware store? While I guess it's the end of the week, this past weekend we busted our tails getting stuff done. <br />
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The horror of our ceiling got to be too much so we finally decided to have it painted. There is a reason I haven't posted a full picture of the kitchen light. . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_KTMhPpDm-Q/TYkk0sKF1FI/AAAAAAAABlo/fVGSO0govsk/s1600/DSCN2479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_KTMhPpDm-Q/TYkk0sKF1FI/AAAAAAAABlo/fVGSO0govsk/s320/DSCN2479.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So, a year and a half later, we tackled the ceiling. I gotta say, painting the ceiling is a huge pain in the ass. The amount of plastic we used to cover the floor and some of the walls and the light fixtures was insane. We (plus three painters) spent about two hours of time just laying down all the plastic sheeting to make sure nothing was going to get messed up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m-ET9A-u824/TYklmVWFc-I/AAAAAAAABls/aDcQdv39KLA/s1600/P2162545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m-ET9A-u824/TYklmVWFc-I/AAAAAAAABls/aDcQdv39KLA/s320/P2162545.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-28uoXCR1xnI/TYklpKQfuyI/AAAAAAAABlw/CDbNayhGjyo/s1600/P2162546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-28uoXCR1xnI/TYklpKQfuyI/AAAAAAAABlw/CDbNayhGjyo/s320/P2162546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EZQgiz0IN4o/TYklrzSAJiI/AAAAAAAABl0/E42zlKWTZqE/s1600/P2162549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EZQgiz0IN4o/TYklrzSAJiI/AAAAAAAABl0/E42zlKWTZqE/s320/P2162549.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sQq_2Ygqywk/TYklwQEgHXI/AAAAAAAABl4/Pf2jbclwggI/s1600/P2162554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sQq_2Ygqywk/TYklwQEgHXI/AAAAAAAABl4/Pf2jbclwggI/s320/P2162554.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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It took me about 30 seconds before I looked down and my hand was smearing blood on plastic. It ended up being a tiny cut. Seriously, just mention "home project" and my body will split open. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cpUK4_mlwLg/TYkl0Z-Fz-I/AAAAAAAABl8/1QAc7dsrDSc/s1600/P2162556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cpUK4_mlwLg/TYkl0Z-Fz-I/AAAAAAAABl8/1QAc7dsrDSc/s320/P2162556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
In the end, the change was huge! No more holes in the ceiling or ugly patch marks, no more blue square around the light fixture. Things are looking up!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bGCqxDDyjJA/TYkl5Nts9vI/AAAAAAAABmA/BcY-xPNMcXc/s1600/P2162550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bGCqxDDyjJA/TYkl5Nts9vI/AAAAAAAABmA/BcY-xPNMcXc/s320/P2162550.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tFPx8qrBJkY/TYkl8tijiZI/AAAAAAAABmE/8sRNjDhVdGs/s1600/P2162561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tFPx8qrBJkY/TYkl8tijiZI/AAAAAAAABmE/8sRNjDhVdGs/s320/P2162561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We even had time to paint the fence outside. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V7Kw8u55DkM/TYkl_bWpI0I/AAAAAAAABmI/jkAKJhhMsJM/s1600/P2162563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V7Kw8u55DkM/TYkl_bWpI0I/AAAAAAAABmI/jkAKJhhMsJM/s320/P2162563.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
To say we were exhausted at the end is an understatement. But, it's always worth it in the end.Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-48635898414732687232011-03-07T09:49:00.000-05:002011-06-06T16:27:09.470-04:00The LatestIt's not like we haven't been doing anything at DC Rowhouse lately . . . it's more like we haven't completed anything lately. But, there hasn't been a lack of activity.<br />
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We had a new hot water heater installed.<br />
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We put in new baseboards in part of the living room (more on that later), but haven't finished the spackling.<br />
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Plans are being made for the upstairs bathrooms, and I'm sorting through colors for the downstairs 1/2 bath. <br />
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There were big plans to paint the ceiling in the living room this weekend. . . but we never got around to it (mainly from sheer laziness on my part). <br />
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So, stay tuned, hopefully I'll have some completed projects to show soon!Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-47909515507438290212011-02-25T09:29:00.000-05:002011-06-06T16:27:40.129-04:00Giveaway WINNER: All Modern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VR1-KNJHWeE/TWe8jGj8n-I/AAAAAAAABlc/Xt1DI7QhGp0/s1600/Allmodern.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VR1-KNJHWeE/TWe8jGj8n-I/AAAAAAAABlc/Xt1DI7QhGp0/s1600/Allmodern.bmp" /></a></div><br />
The winner of the $55 gift card to Allmodern.com is . . .<br />
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EMILY!<br />
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CongratsBennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-61216480430051669722011-02-23T11:28:00.000-05:002011-06-06T16:27:40.131-04:00Giveaway: All Modern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With all the snow storms hammering the midwest and northeast, a lot of us have been staying in and surfing the web. After all the shoveling, and cold and news-watching, I think you deserve a treat. Allmodern.com, a great site for <a href="http://www.allmodern.com/">modern furniture</a>, has graciouly offered up a $55 gift certificate to one of DC Rowhouse's readers. If you haven't been to the site, you should take a minute to check it out. But, I warn you, it might take more than a minute to browse . . .there is too much to see! Below are some of my favorites:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUsZr5HEXrI/AAAAAAAABlQ/y20NOnb6Tfw/s1600/thomas+paul+pillow.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUsZr5HEXrI/AAAAAAAABlQ/y20NOnb6Tfw/s320/thomas+paul+pillow.bmp" width="315" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thomas Paul Octopus Pillow</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUsbiZPWPII/AAAAAAAABlU/k8HpILcLUZA/s1600/red+flower+pot.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUsbiZPWPII/AAAAAAAABlU/k8HpILcLUZA/s320/red+flower+pot.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Flower Pots</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUscxI_1AwI/AAAAAAAABlY/0zDQm3GQhQw/s1600/decanter.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUscxI_1AwI/AAAAAAAABlY/0zDQm3GQhQw/s320/decanter.bmp" width="279" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Classic Wine Decanter</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What do you need to do to enter? Leave a comment on this post by <strong><u>Thursday, March 24th, 2011 at midnight</u></strong>. A winner will be selected using random.org and announced Friday March 25th, 2011. Make sure to include your e-mail in your post if you enter it anonymously so I can contact you should you win!</div>Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-79941840436485206332011-02-22T17:57:00.000-05:002011-06-06T16:28:04.670-04:00Ask DC Rowhouse: The Front Door<em>Benny, </em><br />
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<em>I love the mahogany door you bought for your front door. We are looking to replace ours and we were wondering where you found yours. I absolutely love the look. We may mimic your entire set-up with the all glass security door. Really opens up the entire face of your home. Lovely!</em><br />
<em>Thanks, </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>Lauren</em> <br />
<em></em> <br />
<br />
<br />
Hi Lauren, <br />
<br />
Thanks for your gracious comments! Choosing the front door was actually one of the easier projects. As it turns out, everything was from Lowes. We choose a mahogany six panel door at first, and stained/painted it ourselves. We had to special order it from Lowe's, but it was a pretty simple process and only took a couple weeks to arrive. We hired someone who installed the <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_320795-352-F60SK+V+CAM+716+GEO_4294856685+4294931496_4294937087_?productId=3168545&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Aged%2BBronze_4294856685%2B4294931496_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr%7C0%7C%7Cp_product_quantity_sold%7C1%26page%3D2&facetInfo=Aged Bronze">hardware</a> and hung it for us. After a couple years, and sick of the draft, we had a <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_56344-53-34920032_4294807200_4294937087_?productId=3042097&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Storm%2B_4294807200_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr%7C0%7C%7Cp_product_quantity_sold%7C1">storm/secure door</a> installed. Since installing the glass door, we've seen our heating bill go down and have no more drafts. Overall, it's worked out pretty well. Thanks again for reading the blog!<br />
<br />
BennyBennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-10608864990104360372011-01-26T11:48:00.000-05:002011-06-06T16:28:22.499-04:00Closet Conundrum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Several weeks ago we headed to Home Depot to pick up some closet doors, only to realize that six of them were the wrong size when we got home. Since we had already hauled the old doors to the curb, we were left with no doors for close to three weeks. This led to our room feeling like a storage unit/dorm room. The addition of the TV my parent's gave me for my 17th birthday isn't helping the decor either. What? I get attached to things. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBJzAbecVI/AAAAAAAABkk/51Cvr7YrYU8/s1600/IMG_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBJzAbecVI/AAAAAAAABkk/51Cvr7YrYU8/s320/IMG_0332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Meanwhile, our old closet doors were parked on the curb waiting to get picked up (If you call the Mayor's office at 311 you can make an appointment to collect up to 7 large items of trash). The only problem was, no one ever came. So after two weeks on the curb, we took matter into our own hands: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBKnnAhm9I/AAAAAAAABks/YiFwL5IEdNc/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBKnnAhm9I/AAAAAAAABks/YiFwL5IEdNc/s320/IMG_0322.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
In order to get rid of large items yourself, you have to take them to the <a href="http://dc.gov/DC/DPW/Services+on+Your+Block/Recycling/Ft+Totten+Transfer+Station">Fort Totten Transfer Station</a>. It's an experience. First of all, don't count on your GPS to get you there - it'll let you down. You'll end up driving in circles cursing and confused - but that just might be what happens to me each time. So, you finally get there, and you are "greeted" by someone who asks to see your ID to prove your DC residency. Then they tell you where to go. Here's where things get odd. You essentially pull into a parking lot and throw things on the ground. A large excavator rolls around on top of it and moves it into large containers. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBKplKCh7I/AAAAAAAABkw/hopY98cjo0s/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBKplKCh7I/AAAAAAAABkw/hopY98cjo0s/s320/IMG_0324.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBKr8yjLKI/AAAAAAAABk0/i8bPlKG_yUQ/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBKr8yjLKI/AAAAAAAABk0/i8bPlKG_yUQ/s320/IMG_0326.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
If you're lucky, you get to throw away your trash inside. When we had to toss our old kitchen counter here, I didn't think I could do it. Visiting a stinky trash heap mid-July is not a fun errand. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBKtoaD33I/AAAAAAAABk4/CYEs9i965h0/s1600/IMG_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBKtoaD33I/AAAAAAAABk4/CYEs9i965h0/s320/IMG_0328.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBK0_odl5I/AAAAAAAABlE/k9p-zA2MloI/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBK0_odl5I/AAAAAAAABlE/k9p-zA2MloI/s320/IMG_0330.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBKyOYZu0I/AAAAAAAABlA/Oh9ND73qnnQ/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Thankfully, this trip took only a few minutes. We headed back to Home Depot to pick up our newest closet doors and return the ones that were the wrong size. Finally, it seemed the closets would be fixed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBKyOYZu0I/AAAAAAAABlA/Oh9ND73qnnQ/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBKyOYZu0I/AAAAAAAABlA/Oh9ND73qnnQ/s320/IMG_0331.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
It took more time to picking up and throwing away the doors than it did for Dan to install them!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBQJtFBARI/AAAAAAAABlI/0J1dFPTxWkA/s1600/closets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TUBQJtFBARI/AAAAAAAABlI/0J1dFPTxWkA/s320/closets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-24729915625647978262011-01-21T16:59:00.001-05:002011-06-06T16:29:00.460-04:00The roof is so shiny . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh the roof. The good news is that it's now all fixed up. The bad news is that it cost an arm...and a leg. Maybe a couple toes of the other foot too. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turret">turret</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mansard_roof">mansard</a> portions of the roof have been completely rebuilt, and some nice copper flashing was added as well. While it's a nice feeling to know it's all taken care of, this project was a little bit less satisfying since we can't really see the finished product everyday. Anyway, I'll let the photos speak for themselves:</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToAiPvEYZI/AAAAAAAABkE/M4LEjo8Z7Ss/s1600/roof1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToAiPvEYZI/AAAAAAAABkE/M4LEjo8Z7Ss/s320/roof1.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToAkzA3weI/AAAAAAAABkI/GkTG3SUf2CY/s1600/roof2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToAkzA3weI/AAAAAAAABkI/GkTG3SUf2CY/s320/roof2.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToApOI0QkI/AAAAAAAABkM/EpoaDyLzNRw/s1600/roof3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToApOI0QkI/AAAAAAAABkM/EpoaDyLzNRw/s320/roof3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToAqpjG4YI/AAAAAAAABkQ/ZpbwODu0XA8/s1600/roof4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToAqpjG4YI/AAAAAAAABkQ/ZpbwODu0XA8/s320/roof4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToAt4BOUUI/AAAAAAAABkU/S-kpmXybDq0/s1600/roof5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToAt4BOUUI/AAAAAAAABkU/S-kpmXybDq0/s320/roof5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToA3G_U-4I/AAAAAAAABkY/-Mkwo21toUY/s1600/roof6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToA3G_U-4I/AAAAAAAABkY/-Mkwo21toUY/s320/roof6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToA5eB-gHI/AAAAAAAABkc/lEFJoP9OL9c/s1600/roof7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToA5eB-gHI/AAAAAAAABkc/lEFJoP9OL9c/s320/roof7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToA7ZZh_tI/AAAAAAAABkg/2CIo60ZUBIs/s1600/roof8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TToA7ZZh_tI/AAAAAAAABkg/2CIo60ZUBIs/s320/roof8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-37170539114306965392011-01-12T10:18:00.000-05:002011-06-06T16:29:33.699-04:00Draft Dodger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we moved into the house in 2006, this is what it looked like: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TS3EBPVAW4I/AAAAAAAABkA/mWEEgKlXfZo/s1600/47b6d632b3127cce8b850b362a0a00000025138AZuWjlm2btB.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TS3EBPVAW4I/AAAAAAAABkA/mWEEgKlXfZo/s1600/47b6d632b3127cce8b850b362a0a00000025138AZuWjlm2btB.bmp" /></a></div><br />
The front door was an older wood door with a half moon glass piece with a steel security door on the outside. Not pretty. So, in 2008, I changed it to a beautiful mahogany door:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/Sx1_Fq2upgI/AAAAAAAABPc/Z-jqBLsO9hU/s1600/DSCN3609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/Sx1_Fq2upgI/AAAAAAAABPc/Z-jqBLsO9hU/s320/DSCN3609.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Except, there was a draft problem. We had always had a draft from the front door (even with the old door), but I was getting more and more fed up with it. So, a few weeks ago I went to Lowe's and bought a <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_262510-53-34917032_4294807199+4294965884_4294937087_?productId=3041453&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Larson_4294807199%2B4294965884_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr%7C0%7C%7Cp_product_quantity_sold%7C1&facetInfo=Larson">security storm door. </a> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TS3D7UgbbVI/AAAAAAAABj8/bF7vlcwHQcg/s1600/front+door.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TS3D7UgbbVI/AAAAAAAABj8/bF7vlcwHQcg/s320/front+door.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I opted to have Lowe's install it. While the installer was a little difficult to schedule time with, and showed up 3 hours late, he actually did a great job putting the door in. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">This door has changed our lives. Not only does it keep the draft out (we notice a huge difference in the heat levels downstairs), but when it's open it floods the living room with light. I only wish I had done it sooner. </div>Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451264862965215307.post-51498596116655240342011-01-07T14:19:00.000-05:002011-01-07T14:19:22.754-05:00Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, someone isn't too pleased about it:</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TSdEopZT0MI/AAAAAAAABjw/2erprbD9RXE/s1600/feralcat1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TSdEopZT0MI/AAAAAAAABjw/2erprbD9RXE/s320/feralcat1.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TSdEpteB0tI/AAAAAAAABj0/7hLhhdNmKWg/s1600/feralcat2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TSdEpteB0tI/AAAAAAAABj0/7hLhhdNmKWg/s320/feralcat2.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TSdEqIZLElI/AAAAAAAABj4/X60iRIuNw28/s1600/feralcat3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R3gqQrx0XPg/TSdEqIZLElI/AAAAAAAABj4/X60iRIuNw28/s320/feralcat3.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's hard to see in the photos but the little black cat is still coming around. Dylan (our super-sized cat) is none too pleased. And yes, I am aware Dylan looks like a <a href="http://www.mypillowpets.com/pages/pillows/cat.html">pillow-pet</a>. He's a fatty. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last night I saw a large piece of fur missing from the little black cat's shoulder (a little larger than the size of a quarter) and it looks like a small wound was there. It was hard to see because he is so excited for attention when I am outside. I'm hoping someone took him to see a vet, but I can't be sure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This weekend I may ask around to the nieghbors if he belongs to anyone. If not, I'll probably take him to the vet to get checked out. </div>Bennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07682551689758548028noreply@blogger.com1