Backyard Details

Home & House Cats

We've been doing a little work on our basement lately. After putting up the sheet rock on our north wall (which was torn out to put in support beams when we bought the house), we decided we wanted to make it an exciting space to chill out in. Now keep in mind we are usually subdued, quiet, calm people. So, loud colors really are out of the norm for us. I mean you can usually find Kris wearing black... and, my closet resembles various shades of grey and browns. But, we wanted to break out of our shells, so we went with some very, very loud colors.

We're making a trip to IKEA next week, so, these rooms currently do not look put together. I promise to post more photos in a couple weeks when we finally get it the way we like (after almost one year!)

First, the anti-chamber...







Not sure you like the creamsicle orange? Me either. It's definitely bold.

Our TV/Game room (please mind the quasi-mess, it is our living space)...





Here is a painting by Jim Fletcher (my High School art teacher) gave my parents for their wedding 26ish years ago. My dad is letting me borrow it for a bit, under the understanding that it must stay in a dark room (to limit fading) and that it will be returned to them. Isn't it beautiful?



Meanwhile, I put up another photo collage similar to what we had in our apartment. I've filled it full of pictures of friends and family, but, realized it's been awhile since I've printed off anything... lots of old photos in there.



Yesterday, to my dismay, it snowed. Luckily, it's all gone now, but, we thought it would be a good oppurtunity to let the cats discover why it's not cool to go outside. They didn't get the memo.

Up on the roof

We've had some leakage problems via our chimney (yeah for home ownership), so handy-man Kerz has been up there the last couple days trying to fix it. For some reason, I wanted to experience the roof too... so, with camera in hand, I followed my husband to the rooftop.

I was terrified. It's a lot more steep up there than it looks... and, well, I didn't have the best of shoes. I managed to take a few photos though.

Here is a birds eye view of our front yard:


Mr. Fix-it:






Me, a bit terrified:


Us:

Pussy Willows

Here are a couple shots of some pussy willows we have in our living room.





On a totally different note, the kittens have discovered Cat-TV...



...more posts with them in the near future. I adore kittens!

House Detail: #2 & #3

Tulips = Britta not so sad about winter

About this time of the year, I long for Spring. So, instead of curling up in the fetal position, I start buying flowers. It makes me happy to have life and color around the house when there isn't much outside.

It also gives a chance to re-energize my desire to take pictures, as flowers are an easy target.

House Detail #1

A leaf latch from Great-Grandma Greta's Table

Bench

If I've learned two things as a fresh-faced home owner, it is:

1. I am not a plumber

2. My taste in furniture is far too expensive


For the first time in my life, I have a chance to buy furniture for a home. Unfortunately, I love modern, simple design... which, comes at a price tag. I've been looking for a nice bench to put in our living room/entry way. Here are a few I've found... and their price tags...


designpublic.com ~ $490


designpublic.com ~ $805


Design Within Reach ~ $998

Thank goodness for IKEA.

I've come up with a bench made of IKEA stools. They are not a designpublic bench, but fit with my style better than what I can find at Target.





Ah, maybe my idea is ugly... but, at $20 per stool ($40 for the whole), it's worth it.