Now we attack the yard

This weekend Jim and I started 2 separate major projects. Jim, with the help of his pal Seth, ran wires to the garage from the basement in preparation for building his workshop. He has started to accumulate some major pieces of necessary equipment including a table saw and dust collection equipment and has started to install a system for hanging his tools and shelves and generally get massively organized (as only Jim can do). I, on the other hand just gathered my gardening stuff, plus the addition of some great new extendable snips and started raking and cutting and gathering debris. We have a ton of yardage.I am starting on the backyard. I divided it into 6 segments and I figure it will take me a weekend to do each section. There is a ton of pruning to be done as well as oak leaf removal which is holding down the ivy and stopping the sun from getting in. I am currently doing research on leaf blowers. Though I hate the noise, it seems like the only way to clean out the ivy beds without hurting them.Every day I make new discoveries in the garden. I was saying to Jim that as an anniversary present to ourselves I wanted to plant a dogwood tree and then on Sunday while relaxing on the deck I looked up and the tree which is next to the deck and when the blossoms opened I realized it was a Dogwood but a different variety then I am used to with very small beautiful blossoms. We also have 4 huge old lilacs which are in serious need of trimage which will happen after they blossom. Azaleas are blooming and there are all kinds of bulbs starting to pop up through the front of the ivy. So one section, 14 bags of leaves and a giant wood pile.The town only will let you put out 6 bags of garden rubbish a week so might have to lug it ourselves.Good thing I bought a box of 100 lawn bags! While racking behind the Cyprus trees I found this cool metal bumble bee and a cobalt blue marble. Yes I am having the time of my life, except for those scratches!

The making of the white box

Somehow, while in the planning process of my studio, it dawned on me I wanted a completely white minimal space. Walls, ceiling, floor, and trim. The walls needed serious patching,then 2-3 coats of paint,floor needed special paint, trim and doors and window needed some love. Then we installed a new version of my favorite bookcase Jim and I made. I ordered a cool retro styled sofa from Urban Outfitters which folds into bed. That will take 3-4 weeks till arrival. Track lights going in tonight. Then we are installing Homosote on the walls so I can attach drawings and paintings and work with ease. Here is the before and after (so far). So great to have a studio again. Let the games begin!

Let there be light!

We have been busy in our new home.There are so many projects underway.I am in the middle of my studio renovation (photos in next post) which includes ripping out a ridiculous bookcase which was partially in the wall, massive patch work, then painting the walls and floor. Then we will add track lighting.I am basically creating a white box in which to make art. We have also almost finished our bathroom (photos to follow as well).Still need to deal with the nasty grout situation, that's Jim's task. In the meantime we decided to deal with the exposed ugly light bulbs all over the house. Between the internet, Home Depot, and the Bowery lighting district of Manhattan, we have updated most of the fixtures. I have a $100.00 cap on spending and have found some great deals.The hard part was dealing with the old rotting wiring and the corroded bolts and screws which did not want to come out.Screw meet hack saw.Its amazing what a simple cool light fixture will do for a room.We are also changing to L.E.D where ever possible.Fortunately we already have dimmers because those things are damn bright. Enjoy the photos.