Playset Re-do Preview

Last year, we made the difficult decision to have a gigantic, noble oak tree cut down in our backyard. Feel free to read all about the saga.  It was heartbreaking.

Searching for the silver lining in the cloud, we thought about how we could use the space. We had already planted new trees in different parts of the garden so this space was free. It was enough area for the playset we thought we would never be able to fit in our yard. So this spring, a year after the tree was cut down, we were ready to build one,  only to discover we still had roots. Lots and lots of roots. Massive roots that we were chipping away at for weeks- I kid you not.

Finally we needed to bring in one of these guys again...

..my poor pavers.

But at long last, most of the roots were gone and we could begin building the playset.

 Luckily our neighbors were getting rid of the playset their grandchildren had outgrown.

"Of course we'll take it!"

However, Mr. Cabin could not leave good enough alone.

Oh no- not when you can re-hab, re-furbish and build it bigger and better!

Mr. Cabin: The canvas roof is ripped and torn maybe instead of replacing it with new canvas I can build a solid roof instead. What do you think? 

Me: That's a great idea, but can we build something that has a little character. Maybe a little cupola on top or something?

Mr. Cabin: Character? For a playset? Are you serious?

Me: Well why not?

And so with that Mr. Cabin began his super-secret building plot.

For an entire day, I was convinced he was building me a planter box.

On the ground this box he was building looked exactly like a planter box!

What it was....was a whole new level- a ladder to a lookout tower. 

A little more than what I expected when I asked him to add a little character!

No problem re-enacting Rapunzel at our house now.

The best part of the lookout is the roof. He jigsawed out stars all around three sides and on the fourth side...

a giant "S" for their shared first initial.

Even the view from inside is pretty cool.

As I write this Mr. Cabin is still in the backyard painting various parts and there is a ton of mulching and landscaping to be done. But until its done, I thought you might enjoy a little playset sneak peek!

Going to show off some of my man's work again at some of these Link Parties.

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Backyard Renovation Part II: The Paver Patio

The road to the outdoor room of our dreams was paved with good intentions... and sand, gravel, pavers and a lot of sweat.

The first step was removing the old patio which was made out of concrete and bordered by an asphalt pathway. We are lucky we have friends who have all these wonderful power tools. Even more lucky that they are willing to come over and help us by using them!

Once all the concrete was out, everything had to be leveled off.

Then came truckload after truckload of stone, crushed stone and sand.

We had to tamp eveything down. Then finally we were ready to begin laying the pavers.

Progress!

Almost done and we realize we don't have enough pavers left. Ugh!

Winter's Dream, Spring's Scheme: Backyard Reno Part 1

The  hydrangeas are hibernating.

The pitcher that is  usually filled with their beautiful blooms has evergreens for winter now.

Everything is as it should be in my little corner of the universe in the middle of winter.

I've pulled out the gardening books and I am pouring through the seed catalogs. I am dreaming and scheming for spring. I can't help it...I do this every winter and the fire in my imagination and the glow of possibility always help keep me warm. I think I would be an awful gardener if I didn't have the winter to plot, plan and then start all over again.

This year while I'm dreaming and scheming, I thought I'd share a little stroll down memory lane too. Here is some of our backyard renovation six years in the making.

The back of our cottage, six years ago.

Not much of an explanation needed, it was falling down...it was hideous...it HAD TO GO.

Enter the men with the tools. Big...bad...POWER TOOLS.

Now you know men and their tools, right?

 So it won't be a shock when you see that the tools got just a little bit bigger as time went on.

As you can probably tell this is a Saga

(Also the Part I in the title gave it away too, huh?)

 So I'll just skip a little bit ahead for now.

In the future, I will write all about the new paver patio...

...and the new deck.

Of course this isn't the "Final Reveal" photo...this is only Part 1.

I hope whatever it is you are dreaming or scheming for this spring and summer, your wishes will help to keep you warm all winter long.

Linking to these wonderful parties: