Fireplace Project

 

 

The weather continues to be cool and definitely not Spring like, so we are taking care of some projects inside. This weekend, a fireplace makeover.

 

We do not want to mess with the wood, or the basics of the fireplace, but the surround and the hearth are pretty beaten up, and needs a nice fresh update.

 

The surround was marble, but all cracked, and loosened from the mortar bed. The hearth was done in shiny Black square tile, much of it cracked from the foundation.

 

Terry got down to the demolition...

 

We took the surround right down to the original brick. The Black hearth tile will be tiled over...

 

Terry built a temporary frame around the inside of the fireplace, and we set a leveling layer of thinset over the bricks.

 

Here we had to figure out what to do with a gaping hole in the floor, in front of the hearth. Three layers of backer board did the trick. It brought the area level to the existing tile.

 

Here's the tile, a mix of glass and stone, tiny tiles, and the colors are complementary to this 1949 house. We were going to do some larger slate tiles, but you know what happens... when you see something and just know it's right...

Ready to go...

 

Nice look. This is me getting some much needed exercise. These projects remind us how old and out of shape we are.

 

Here I am, waiting for Terry to get back from the tile store, because, of course, we misjudged how many tiles we needed (by one sheet).

 

Tomorrow we grout, and take care of finish molding...

 

Then we clean up the inner brick, give the log crib a bath, and shop for a new screen.

 

This weekend project is going to continue into the next week.

 

Carry on.

What Happened to Global Warming?

I got started on my brothers address sign, but the warm weather came, and I went outside...

 

You can't even see it, but I am planting a baby "Clump River Birch" tree.

 

Shorty just wants to play ball.

 

There she is... We need some mulch !!!

 

Okay... it's cold again. Back down to the workshop.

 The forecast is cold, and more cold, so I guess I'm going to get this sign done.

Project Mom's House...

 

Spent the day at mom's today, waiting for her shiny new appliances.

 

I couldn't wait for these old relics to be taken away.

 

The old Cream colored stove & fridge did their job,

 

but it was time for this kitchen to step into 2014...

 

Super nice deliverymen, started dismantling, and taking away the old stuff...

 

and bringing in the new.

 

There goes the old fridge.

 

and here's the new one.

 

 Nice.

 

And look at that beast of a stove.

 

 I am so jealous.

 

*

 

It was a long wait for these special order appliances (special size), but now they're here,

 and lookin good. Hope mom's happy with them.

Spring Sprang

 

Spring has finally sprung. We spent an afternoon trimming the shrubs at the back of the property, and chopping down scrub trees growing deep inside the bushes. This picture is the next morning, when the city comes and takes away trimmings.

 

Yes !!! This city actually welcomes you to trim away, and they come every Wednesday with their chipper and take away anything and everything you put out to the curb. We love it !

 

Giant limbs, root balls, they just take it away...

 Have never had a service like this in any city I have lived in.

 

Yes, we are still removing cement blocks, rocks, broken concrete, stones, wood timbers, and other miscellany from the yard.

 

On this lucky day, we were able to recruit Terry's son (and pals) to help us do some heavy lifting.

 

Pulled out the chaise loungers and Sandy got some sun.

So did Roxy.

 

Alas, the young men took off, and Terry and I are left to sort through this mess...

 

On to my next address sign...

 

My own sign has been tossed aside again.

The numbers are done, but I still the background to do.

 

This sign will be for my brother & sister-in-law, who both have birthdays coming up. They liked the sign I made for their kids, so... they're getting one too.

 

Well this last week was great, but Spring is over, for now.

Tonight, cold and snow !!!

 

 

Slow Spring

 

Signs of Spring, we never miss those little signs of hope.

 

First decent day, Terry decided to go out and fight the Loch Ness Monster.

 

There are so many roots left in the yard, from the giant pines that were removed last Fall.

 

He fought this one, and won.

 

 

There are plenty more where this came from...

 

File this in the, "What were we thinking" file.

 

Aldi's Market had plants (real cheap). We couldn't resist a Clump River Birch tree, and a Lilac bush.

 

IT'S TOO EARLY.

 

They are sitting in the garage until we feel safe about planting them.

 

UGH, Michigan weather...

 

P.S. I know we could plant the tree, but the Lilac has leaf buds that would not make it through a hard frost...