There was no hiding the door that leads to the back yard with its lack of threshold and doggie door. We covered it with plastic too, but it did little to stop the cold and nothing to stop the bugs.
Two weekends ago that all changed; thanks to my brother, Mark, and parents we now have a new view in the lower level. The mini blinds are gone, the new windows and a new door are in. It is now the warmest level of the house. We need to put up some curtains, but for now we're enjoying the view.
That weekend was very productive. Two light fixtures were installed on Friday evening (the last of the work left to be done after the great leak of March 2007--no more dining in the dark!). Mark and Dad got up and made the first trip to Lowes and were back by 8:30 or so. Then the window removal and installations got started. Mark and Tony had four of the six windows put in by lunch time. After lunch they finished up the other two windows, made an additional run to Lowes for door installation materials and then put in two exterior doors. One door in the lower level and one in the kitchen (the former owner, Captain Handy, had put an interior door on the entry between the kitchen and the garage). Then there was putting up the final light fixture over the sink. Mark was all done and on the road by 6 p.m.
All that was left was putting up some trim and painting the newly exposed cement around the new windows. Mom and Dad took care of that in short order.
Also, during the course of the weekend Dad spent a good deal of time using our new gift of a small chipper/shredder to reduce our pile of sticks and tree trimmings to a little bit of nothing. The back corner looks so much better now. Mom spent a good deal of time doing prep and finish painting work for the new light fixtures as well as making sure there were good things to eat. She also kept all the waste picked up and organized.
Tony spent his time helping Mark with the windows and doors. I was the go-fer and also spent a lot of time trying to cover things that could be moved and cleaning up.
Deuce, my brother's dog, was also very busy. He enjoyed roaming our back yard and we hoped that his presents would help with our raccoon problem. He split his time between monitoring the window/door work and keeping and eye on The Angry Squirrel. We have a photo of him checking out a window opening as well as a photo of the staredown between him and The Angry Squirrel (he's on the wire directly above Deuce). There were many stares exchanged on Saturday. We're pretty sure Deuce won.
(In case you were wondering, The Angry Squirrel is the squirrel's offical title. If you happen to be outside, this squirrel becomes very angry. He chatters and chatters and will not move or be quiet until you go away. The Angry Squirrel also buries all his treasures in our back yard--as evidenced by all the little ripped up bits of grass.)
We want to say thank you again to Mark, Mom, and Dad for all your hard work! We really appreciate your generosity!
Below is a slideshow of some photos from the weekend. Enjoy!
2 comments:
nicely done. those look like the same windows we installed earlier this year.
we need to take some pictures of our remodeled basement, including new fireplace (inside and out), windows, paint, carpet, lights and entertainment center (including me new TV, which rocks).
I also need to post some pics of the babies room. we put stripes one wall and, although at first I was leary, it turned out pretty well after I got a laser level and figured out the best way to paint it.
it was a boatload of work and we were fortunate enough to have help from our families, especially on the windows. man, I'm glad that is over.
we installed half of the windows this year and plan on installing the rest of the house next year.
be sure to save your receipts and get your tax credit.
Wow! Looks great! Bet your heating bills will be a nice improvement, too. :)
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