My nephew, James, and his wife, Heather, are animal people. They always have at least one pet but usually more. I believe Heather had her cat, Charlotte, before their marriage. For many years, Charlotte was a beloved lap cat who brightened their days.
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Balcony Update With Paint & Tile
Today I want to share my progress in updating my balcony. I don’t know if you remember the faux grass carpet on it when I bought the condo. I really hate that stuff, but I didn’t plan to do anything about it for a few years. There were more important updates to do first.
In the spring I opened the windows on the balcony to enjoy the breezes. I had a couple of old wooden chairs out there to sit on. When summer arrived, I thought I had closed the windows. It seems I am not strong enough to get them tightly closed. A thunderstorm with driving rain against them produced a wet and soggy balcony. I dry vaccumed it, and it was still damp. With the windows closed, the green outdoor carpet became moldy. I had it removed.
I had the walls and ceiling painted to match the cream on my condo walls. When my nephew visited last week, he asked if I was putting tile out there. I had just bought a brand new a/c and told him in the future. He offered me a present of a tile floor out there from him. What a sweetheart he is. He really likes to be busy and bought tile on sale. He spent several days putting down tile. It looks great.
The two potted plants are my amaryllis. They spend most of the year on the balcony. Next February I’ll move them to my front door for full sunlight. Then they bud and bloom in the spring.
I now need to buy chairs for the balcony. When it was moldy out there, I had my handy man throw out the wooden chairs with the carpet. I don’t want mold spores in wood out there.
Fresh paint with a beautiful tile floor make me happy. It’s too hot to sit out there now anyway. My next step would be a hanging plant from the hook.
I just had my handyman go over the seams of the windows with clear silicone caulk. I’m trying to make it water tight. I won’t be opening the windows anymore.
I hope you are enjoying August wherever you are!
Please see my Link Parties page for the parties where this post was shared.
Moving? Make It Simple
Moving from one residence to another is one of those life events that should be exciting for you. Often it ends up being a massive hassle and a huge source of stress because there’s just so much to organize and so much to do, right? Boxes, tape that sticks to everything but the things you need it to, drawers full of stuff you don’t know whether you actually need or not…it’s a pretty endless and annoying task. But you know what? You can make the best of it, lower your stress levels, and increase the excitement, by simplifying the process. To do that, you need a plan…
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Getting Ready for Easter
I’ve been enjoying a central Florida spring for last few months. In another two weeks, it will be Easter. My preparation for spring and Easter is simple since I don’t live close to my family. In the past, I was one of the homes where we celebrated holidays. Of course, I lived in Michigan then. BRrrr! It was cold. I’ve lived in Florida off and on since I was in my 20’s and now, I’m retired. I’m really happier in the warmer climate.
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November Fall Flowers
No matter what your design esthetic, real flowers make everything better. Today I’m sharing a gift of fall flowers that brighten the room.
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Simple Plumbing Maintenance
Whether you’re a new home owner or a veteran of many years, everyone should plan for maintenace of their homes. Several years ago I did several posts on spring tasks and fall tasks for your home. Everything can wear out over time. It’s so important to set aside money each month for home repairs and to do inspections and simple repairs. Of course you want to do whatever you can to entirely prevent future maintenance issues, but it’s honestly not always that easy. Today let’s discuss maintaining your plumbing.
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How To Keep Your Home’s Foundation Strong & Secure
Today, we’re diving into something that’s a bit of a big deal—the foundation of your home. Today, we’re talking about keeping the foundation of our homes as strong as The Hulk – okay, maybe not literally, but you get the gist. Stick with me because we’re about to break down how to keep that foundation solid and avoid forking out loads of cash on repairs later. Ready to jump in?
Why It’s Super Important
Let’s shine a spotlight on why this topic is getting all the attention. The bottom line? Your foundation holds up your whole house! Damage here can lead to big headaches like cracks or the dreaded water damage. Ignoring little signs could mean big bucks in repairs later on. But hey, don’t stress – we’ve got your back to stop that from happening!
House Check-Up Time
Just like us, our homes need a little check-up regularly. Previously I’ve shared spring and fall home checklists for maintaining your home. Make it a point to inspect your foundation every 3–6 months for new issues. Look for new or widening cracks, moisture issues, and uneven flooring. There’s a great article, What a Foundation Is & What to Check For, over at Angie’s List. It discusses different kinds of foundations and what to look for.
Hire a professional if you find problems that need addressing. Seeing cracks or noticing doors and windows getting a bit jammy? These might be the early birds of foundation troubles. Catching these signs early can really save you from having to spend your entire emergency fund or getting a second mortgage to cover the costs.
Foundation inspections are crucial because they help identify foundation issues before they cause severe structural damage to your home. Not only do foundation problems tend to get worse over time and end up costing you more money, but the longer an issue persists, the more damage it will do to your structure above.
Water, Water, Not Everywhere
Handling water around your foundation is key. Keeping your gutters clean and those downspouts pointing the right way is crucial to keep water from being a homebody around your foundation. And if you’re in a spot that gets more than its fair share of rain, considering a yard drainage system could be your go-to saving grace. We’re aiming to keep water from getting too cozy around your foundation.
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Tips for a Fast Home Sale
As many of you know, after careful consideration I decided to sell my house. Then I did a major purge and had several projects completed. I removed some of my decor for a simpler and less personal look. My home is already painted neutral shades, and I love the light at the windows. I signed with a good agent and have been leaving my home for scheduled showings for the last 10 days.
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