We found 6 caterpillars, fed them milkweed leaves and watched them grow. Fascinating and amazing.
Exterior
Beauty of Nature
A gorgeous large mushroom found behind the house.
Gift of a Warm Day
It has been cold but we got a warm enough day to raise the long heavy wood ladder to reach to the eaves (about 30′) so Steven could install the outside vent coverings for the two bathroom fan vents. It was still a reach even with the long ladder. I kept my phone set to the dial setting for an emergency.
On the way up the ladder Steven discovered the cover for the incoming electricity conduit was a jar from building the second floor last year. He had to make some adjustments to get it back and place to keep it all rain free.
New Dormer Window
We had planned to keep the dormer window but after sitting in the alcove over time we realized that it was too small and in poor condition.
Shopping at the Builders Outlet we found a window that was almost perfect. It was white but I could spray paint it. It didn’t have a screen but it was the right size, had safety glass and 3 panels in top section.
We had taken out the old window and outside trim and Steven had to reframe the opening.
I installed the window tape and Steven installed the old sill and the new window.
Chimney into Patio
We wanted a patio in the corner of the house by the kitchen. Having a large pile of antique bricks suggested a solution. All that is left now is a smaller pile of broken bricks that I will use next summer to 
edge flower beds.
South Sun for the Kitchen
I had wanted a large window in the south wall of the kitchen. Alas it was not to be. So we bought a 6′ narrow window from our contractor last summer. We have installed it over the future kitchen cabinets. It lets in lots of sun and light.
Let the Light Shine In
While Steven worked on the electricity, I worked on the window that will be installed above the south kitchen cabinets. I framed and window wrapped it. I need to add wood across the top and then we can install it. It will give wonderful warm sun in the winter. We had removed a window earlier below it. We will need to patch it next spring with pieces of lap siding. The strip above the window is tar papered. We are thinking of putting in decorative shakes.
Chimney Bricks into Patio Bricks
I sorted the chimney bricks into a pile of broken bricks. We decided to lay a patio in the L space behind the kitchen. I started it and to take up three rows so we can lay a drainage pipe for the pump. I’ll have enough to create walkways in the garden around the garage.
Driveway Pavers Got a Seal
The pavers were installed three summers ago. I finally spread the first coat of sealer. They look fresher and now repeal the water. I have enough for one more coat. Hopefully this will also help keep the weeds at bay.
Floral Beautification
We decided to give the house a more lived in look by adding 4 hanging baskets to the entrances. I also repainted the trim around the bay window with the lighter trim color.
