Grotto-scape

The rocky grotto area on the east end of the house is getting a makeover...
Russell has built a bar to replace the old rickety shed that was full of junk and possums.  The new space will include a grill, sink, fridge, and plenty of room for entertaining.

 The patio levels around the bar will have pavers installed within the week.  While we're at it, we will improve the front steps and landing area at the foot of the porch.

The outdoor shower now has a lattice surround with some orange flowering vines for privacy.  Someday we will add a hot tub nearby, too.  

I Hate Tiling

I already knew that I hated tiling floors, but I had to do one last one...

And now the guest bath is finally ready for guests!

the temporary lavender bath with linoleum...

the tiling in progress

tiles all spaced and ready for grout

DONE!

Russell has been finishing up the outdoor projects like sanding and staining the deck, plus building a permanent surround for the grill.  We are looking forward to some lazy afternoons on the "new" deck...

staining and weather proofing

building a tiled surround for the grill

new lattice under the porch, new garage windows, and fresh dirt over the old septic system

a real propane tank!

Low-Hanging Fruit

We are on the cusp of the final inspection after waiting on a few last details.  Almost two years since we bought the place, and just over a year since we moved in!

The only recent major change was the addition of the gorgeous built-in bookcases that appeared around the time of the Superbowl.  Russell used the reclaimed pine paneling from the original house and incorporated it into the sides of the case.  Sometime we will paint the shelves, but the raw look matches the rest of the decor nicely for now.  The piece-de-resistance is the hidden, sliding two-part shelf that Russell built into the doorway.  Now we just need a secret passageway...

While we finish up the last of the house details, the yard is growing unattended and wild and well.  I noticed lots of loquats and cherimoyas at the farmer's market yesterday, so it seemed to be time to pick some at home, too.  The cherimoyas are especially impressive in size considering we have not paid attention to that tree in about 6 months.

The lemon-lime tree out back is no such thing, it turns out.  The lemons ripened in March/April, and now the tangerines (?) are ready to pick.  Or maybe they are baby oranges.  More investigation is needed.  I filled my shirt with them and the rest of the ripe loquats.

P.S. Go Bruins!!!