Garden update

Last week I took some pictures and wanted to share them. So far we have not had any incidents with the bunny. I think the shiny trap scared it off. :-)

Traci used the extra desk stain to stain the border around the garden

Tomato plants

Asparagus

Snap Peas

Bell Peppers and Habanero Peppers

Watermelon

Cucumbers

Corn

Have a great weekend!!


Bill and Traci

A work of art

Well... It took 2 men 3 days to caulk, repair, primer and put two coats on the house. Below are the results of their efforts.

Some of the additional items we added:

- Shutters for front windows.

- Front door painted black.

- Word art added to the front door "Welcome".

- Glass/screen door so we can open the front door without the cats running away.

- New house numbers that we picked up in Tubac, Arizona.

If you need a good and affordable painter, let us know.

Bill and Traci

Traci and I have been a couple of "busy beavers" the past couple of weeks. Due to the cold winters and hot summers in Kansas, the stain on our deck has taken a beating and was in severe need of a new coat.

Most people we spoke with recommended that we powerwash the desk before apply stain; however, we ended up going a different route after speaking with the paint guy from Lowe's. He recommended some stain remover stuff you sprayed on with the hose and then rinse with water. We went with that option due to not having a powerwasher or the fact that it would only cost $7 for the remover and an hour or so of our time.

The weathered deck

The stairs look horrible

It took us about 6 hours to apply the stain with brushes. Unfortunately, that day ended up being the hottest day of the year and the sun beat down on us the entire time. We went with a darker color and were very happy with the results. We stopped staining so we could go bowling with some friends in our new bowling league (More on that in a future blog) and I resumed staining at 9pm. It was pretty dark out and my only hope was that I didn't miss any big spots. :-)

First the rails

Then the decking

Almost done

In addition to our deck needing attention, our house was hurtin for certain. The paint was hanging off the house in some places and we even had some boards exposed. We had several people come over and give us a bid and ended up hiring a man named Bill who had the best rates, encouraged us to go and look at some of his other paint jobs, and genuinely seemed like he cared and enjoyed doing what he did.

It took him and his crew a day and a half to caulk the house, primer the bare wood and pound all nails in. They then spent another 1/2 day putting on two coats of the base. They have been true to their word and have done an incredible job. Once the house is complete, I will post the finished work.

Caulking and primer

The original color is gray

Now it is sawdust (Trim and door still needs to be painted)

The finished desk and back of the house

Nothing looks better than a fresh coat of paint/stain and we hope you all have some bright colors to brighten your day.

Bill and Traci