Finding Space

Shortly after the holidays, we took the time to clean out the garage so that we could both park our cars in it.  Also, we had a garage door company come out and level our door and install a new opener.  It's been so great during these snowy months in Alabama (yes, really) to not have to defrost the car before leaving for work. 

Example of snow that occurred on January 10, 2011.  We got 8 inches.  

Our 2-car garage actually functioning as a 2-car garage. 

It's actually taken some practice for me to park in the garage (I drive the SUV), because I had never had a garage in my life.  So we're looking into getting some hanging tennis balls or some other marker for me to aim for when I park. 

And now, the beast in action! 

A Very Berry Summer

This week we have found several berries along our back fence.  We definitely know that some are blackberries, but we're not quite sure what the blueberry/grape-type things are.  Here are some pictures of the black and red berries in our fence: 

We only picked the black ones.  

They are guarded by some nice foliage.  

They are also quite large, as referenced by the golf ball.  

Since these berry findings, we'd like to make the most of their produce next year by trimming up the plants where they grow and tend to them more.  This house and its yard is full of surprises. 

Lightning Strikes Tree in our Backyard

On June 1, 2010, a thunderstorm came through our city causing several lightning strikes, including one in our backyard (literally).  It split in several places, causing shards of wood to be thrown all over our yard.  

Big piece that broke off.  

Pieces all over our new landscaped area.  

Big piece right by the fence.  

Stuck in the fence.  

The beast itself.  

A piece that was held up in the ground by at least 3 inches. 

Perspective.  

Nice to know that Mother Nature like our house so much she wanted to make a visit.  =)

Setting Down Roots

This weekend Hubby's grandmother came down to help us plant some flowers in our front yard (because she is the green expert in the family).  First, we pulled up all the weeds and runners that had overgrown over the years.  Then, we went to Home Depot and walked all through their nursery and garden section, picking out which flowers we wanted to see. 

We put some red lilies in the rock section in front of the house. 

I love the color on these.  

We also got some deep purple delphiniums, assorted azalea bushes, and a butterfly bush (I'm excited about that one) along with some nandinas that were already here.  

Here's a picture of the whole area after we planted everything:  

And finally, we planted some dog seeds.  Think it will sprout some puppies?  

Spring is Here!

So, we apparently have a lot of random plants and flowers that are starting to bloom.  The first time we saw the house was back in the fall, and we didn't realize the greenery that was available to us.  One of the foliage we were blessed with was a pretty rose bush by our mailbox.

Our dog Roscoe wanted to have a smell, too.  He has been loving the new house and yard, by the way.  We've been leaving him outside during the day, and at night he collapses on the couch.  I suppose a day of chasing squirrels and digging holes is hard work.  Anyways, here he is with the same pretty flower.

I put the pretty rose in a wine glass we found displaying our last name.  We don't know the family who makes the wine, but they make a pretty bottle.

You can see the sunlight coming in on the west side of the house where the kitchen was.  Curtains or blinds are definitely in order because trying to make dinner before 5:30 PM is a tanning session.  B-)

Hubby Fixes a Lawnmower

Hubby found a slightly used (but not for awhile) lawnmower.  He bought the parts to fix it and now he got it working!  He truly is a Mr. Fixit.

Turns it on!

It also cuts the grass!

First Pics

Here's our initial pictures of when we first fell in love with our house. It's obviously a diamond in the rough, but it's ours!

We originally saw the house in September 2009, and 3 offers and one auction bid later . . . we finally have it. My husband has been such a Mr. Fix-It since he was able to hold a screwdriver. Me, however, I have no remodeling experience whatsoever! So, this should be an interesting journey. However, the house is worth enough to me to get my hands dirty.