We're a lot more festive this year.   Last year, we had the net lights on the hedge and the tree in the upstairs window.   This year, I've hung jumbo ornaments and fat lights on the porch (along with a Santa that was packed away). We got out our "faux Xmas tree" (three 1×1… Continue reading

Our house came with an "alcove", a chimney, and small wood stove. The "alcove" is the wrong shape for a true fireplace.   Inspection showed that the wood stove is not in good shape and neither is the chimney, quote: "There was a chimney fire at one time; you should get the tiles and pipe… Continue reading

We have cats. I have miniature houses. I want to display the houses without the cats trying to get inside.   I don't have an easy way, in our human-scale home, to have a room I can close off.   I'm using two 6-panel folding screens, made by Costway and available at Home Depot. The… Continue reading

Today's major accomplishment: under-cabinet (over-the-counter) kitchen lights.   Wheeeeee! Continue reading

Some of the things we discovered having the concrete steps removed: There was a "void" under the largest hunk of concrete. The steps were not, as we had feared, entirely solid the whole way through. While there was a small amount of (unexpected) rebar, it was just 4 pieces of "dowling" holding the back of… Continue reading

Yesterday, we removed all of the bricks from an 8' x 8' space at the backside of the house (the mortar was basically stiff sand.   Today's project – tackling the concrete part.                 Continue reading

Good news: we submitted passport applications in Tacoma (Pierce County) today. (The next appt in Kitsap County would be in October!)   Bad: to ensure not being late, we ended up being 45 min early. When the Greeter said "I'll check you in. They might call you early.", we went in. Of course, they didn't… Continue reading

So… about a month before we moved, back in October, I broke one of the ear pieces of my glasses at the hinge. Not easily fixed.   It being Coivdtine + the stress of packing, I put the glasses into a case, grabbed my previous pair (which worked pretty well) and said "After we move… Continue reading

It's still Too Hot, so we took another road trip. This time, we went south, first to Twanoh State Park, where we were lucky to find a parking space! We waded in Hood Canal, watched tiny crabs scuttle under the very clear water, and enjoyed being cool and wet. Next, we drove into Union, where… Continue reading