Poppies in a field near Oberstaufenbach, Germany
I know this photo has nothing to do with our new house, But I haven't blogged in a week and I haven't posted any more pictures from our Germany trip, so two for the price of one, so to speak.
So, it's been one week since we closed on our house. Seven days ~ LOTS of boxes, lots of trips in the van and rented truck, lots of trips up and down stairs, lots of sore muscles and bruises, lots of sweat and just a few tears. Aside from a few small things still at the other house, all of our stuff is here.
I'm trying to not get totally overwhelmed by all I want and need to do to the house, yard, and garden. My family and friends all tell me to make a list. Tackle one thing at a time. A couple of things are needed immediately (leaky toilet ~ ewww, a/c issues) but most are just to make this house into our home (paint and window coverings).
I'd love to get everything we need from Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel, but alas, that is not in the budget. Oh, how I wish for a nearby Ikea! So, that is my challenge. I'll be trolling the internet for thrifty DIY home-improvement ideas. Any great blogs or sites out there that I need to know about?
Our first overnight guests, Jon's parents, will be visiting in September. How's that for motivation?
BTW, we've had our first homeowners' expense. On the day we closed, when we
brought the first load over in the truck, we found that one of the
young trees in the back yard was down and could not be saved. So sad. A quick
call to a tree guy (and $120) and it was taken care of.
The day we brought the dogs over for the first time, Leo decided to try to give me a heart attack. He scooted out the garage door behind me and wouldn't come when I called him. He continued around the side of the house and I heard a great crash. Turns out the big dufus went right for the cover over one of the basement window wells and fell right through. Jon came running to my panicked cries, jumped down in and boosted Leo out. Thank goodness he was just scared. Dumb dog.
That's all for now. I suppose I need to tackle some of these boxes. Putting things in their place and putting some things in a Goodwill pile. Nothing like a DitY (that's do it yourself in AF-speak ~ pronounced ditty) move that makes one realize how much unnecessary crap one has, right?
I'll post photos later. I want to get rid of some more boxes and get some things on the walls. Then I'll let you see :-)