Is it spring yet?

[ksmith]

We’re under a weather advisory for tomorrow. Rain/sleet turning to wet snow. 2-5 inches, with “localized heavier amounts possible” in some areas. I live in one of those areas. Given that I will likely have to get up at oh-hell-thirty Wednesday morning to shovel, I am hoping for a smaller amount.

While we have received only about half the usual snowfall for the season, we have received about 110% of the average February total. Whacked winter continues apace.

As a protest against the coming onslaught, I ordered veggie seeds. Paul Robeson tomato seeds. Italian large-leaf basil. Mesclun mix. Along with the Robeson, I may plant the Black Cherry, which produced a lot of nice, largish cherry tomatoes last year. Nothing complicated planned, just stuff for salads and marinaras.

Thinking about goals for the spring/summer. Junk elimination–get rid of all the clothes I don’t wear, all the junk accrued over the last 25 years. Work on the kitchen and bathroom. Also thinking about the bedrooms–painting the dark woodwork white, painting the walls, getting new closet doors and curtain rods. Possibly new ceiling lights.

Busy times ahead.

Mirrored from Kristine Smith.

Comments

[e-moon60.livejournal.com]

Considering that your goal is to sell that house eventually, you might consider holding off on painting the dark woodwork (or talk to a realtor) because there's a group of buyers who like older styles, including natural wood door and window-frames inside the house. (Personally, I like white walls with natural wood frames, but this house came with frames already layers deep in paint.) Someone who handles real estate where you are will have a better idea what the local market wants.

E.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

If there are buyers out there who like dark and older styles, this house is for them.

I honestly won't have time to do much until the fall, and I did intend to talk to a realtor first about what's selling around here. I get most of my ideas from the TV shows, and there the styles are white cabinets, granite or quartz countertops, subway tile backsplashes. Light rather than dark.

The only thing I definitely have on the radar for the spring is the stockade fence for the back. I have a larger lot that borders three different lots along the back, and each of those places has a different type of fence, which means that my backyard looks a little disjointed. That and the fact that the neighbor with the chainlink fence has kind of an ugly yard, and a new dog that wants to play with my pups, which leads to fence-running and barking....

Anyway, assuming I can have a fence built that abuts neighbors' fencing, that's the plan. I already have a price. Just need to wait for the ground to thaw.

Indoors, there are things that need doing. But I would like to get away with as little as possible given that the deck also needs repair, and the front sidewalk and step needs replacing....

Lots to do.

[e-moon60.livejournal.com]

TV shows are sponsored by people who want to sell "the latest" stuff to those redoing their homes. I watch those shows too, from time to time and some of them appall me. (fyh on PBS...hate, hate, hate everything those two come up with. Vicky's voice doesn't help.) I can even look at some of the This Old House shows and think "Why on earth would you pick THAT?" People who want all modern won't buy an older house anyway.

I don't know anything about your house other than what you've posted here--when it was built, for instance, which is a clue to the quality of design. But you've mentioned exposed wood before, so I'm wondering if it has Arts & Crafts-era styling and proportions. If so, that's a definite market.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

My home was built by a local builder in the late 1960s for a family member. A subsequent owner added the deck and garage. I don't believe they did anything to the interior.

It had a log-cabin-like exterior, and the living room is all wood--walls, cathedral ceiling, and floor--except for a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. Many folks love it, but a few have said it's too dark. A skylight or added windows would help. One guy recommended pickling the wood, but that would be a massive job.

The other rooms--bath, three bedrooms, kitchen, dining area--are standard small 60s rooms. A permanent resident could possibly, I suppose, knock out a few walls to make two bedrooms into one, or take out the deck and add a master suite build-out complete with bath. Or they could finish the full basement, which has a fireplace.

This home would be great for a young, handy couple just starting out, or for empty nesters. I could be narrowing my options just because I'm sick of the place, so I really do need some outside opinions.

I do like Arts & Crafts. Mission. I am tired of the dark wood and long for an open floor plan with lighter colors.

[liddle-oldman.livejournal.com]

We in Boston seem to be in the sights of your weather...

This has been an amazing February.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Yup.

It's coming down now. Original estimates from 4-6", but could get 10" in my immediate area. I will be shoveling tonight--never got the chance to take the snowthrower to the shop. Oh well--I need the exercise.

The advantage to shovels--they never break down.

It's the wind that will make it that much suckier. Gusts up to 40mph. Drifts and ski pants and the industrial snow boots.

Pups were just out. My dining room smells like wet dog.