Mom and Dad's new house

You probably know that I've been trying to get my parents to move closer. The day when they will need someone to help them more and more is nearing - and I want them to get down here so they can meet people, learn how to get here and there, and feel comfortable in Austin before they get to the point where it would be too much to leave everything they've ever known.

The house needs some work, and Rick and I have been working on it over the last few weeks. We're trying to get some of the outdoor and sweaty stuff done before the temps get too high.

The person who lives there now, Karen, has been very accommodating as we work to improve the property, and try not to make things too crazy for her.

So far we have purchased a new front door - solid wood with leaded glass insert - to replace the plain metal door that is currently there. It's in the garage...but will be installed soon.

Last weekend we spent all weekend trimming the oak tree in the front yard. Yes...ALL weekend. I still hurt. But the property looks so much better. You'll see in the photos that we also removed the shrubs from the front that had been neglected for several years and replaced them with a raised bed. We also replaced the mailbox and made a small bed there for future planting.

You can see a sample of the new trim color that we used on the mailbox stand and the trim around the front windows. The main color is a tad darker, but will still be very light compared to the brown that is there now.

This weekend we'll tear out the bath/shower surround, repair any water damaged studs (that may be a lot of studs!) and re-tile the walls. If we have some extra time before Karen returns we may paint the bathroom, replace the vent, and do a few other assorted mostly cosmetic things.

Still on the list...replace garage door, replace sliding door, replace windows, replace roof, replace some damaged siding, replace fence, remove overgrown tree from back yard, remove metal shed and replace with a more usable shed, replace kitchen cabinets and appliances, install wood flooring, replace patio cover. The list probably goes on but I'm going to stop there before it seems too overwhelming.

Lots to do. Check out the progress pics here...check back every few weeks - you'll likely see more progress... ;)

Know anyone that wants to buy a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom, 2 living room home with two car garage, single garage, full basement and fully equipped beauty salon in Boone, Iowa? Put them in touch with me!