[BrianR]

Sounds like a worthwhile project!

I had forgotten about this thread or I would have been posting my projects. Let's see, there's the privacy fence I installed using used fence panels and new posts and hardware. Turns out that my Weim figured out how to escape and has been doing so regularly. And has been endangering my neighbor's chicken flock in so doing. Since I cannot afford to replace the fence with new wood (much stronger) or chain link, I have been settling for spot repairs and installing an electric fence. Let's see how long it takes him to suss out THAT!

I have also put a new window in my bedroom. It was quite dark in there and the house has poor ventilation due to lack of windows and poor placement of those I do have. I found a perfect window at the Habitat reuse store for fifty bucks. I called a handyman for help (couldn't do it alone) and we now have a nice window above our bed that opens and admits a nice breeze that cools and airs out the entire house. For privacy, I put stained glass vinyl appliques on it.

Other projects include installing two ceiling fans, new cabinets above the washer/dryer for more storage and soon a new, larger front porch. The interior stuff is pretty much complete at this point, at least until it's renovation time so I will soon be turning my attention to the yard and landscaping.

I have soil similar to Big Sarge's. I want a lawn, flower beds, ornamental shrubs and a driveway. I *will* have these things. But, I know nothing about gardening. So I'm taking F3's advice and taking a gardening course in the area geared to beginners and which will teach me all I need to know to get started.

So I will be laying out the beds, building the raised parts and generally preparing. Other outdoor projects are an ongoing fence replacement as money permits, installing more fencing, a panel at a time as money permits, a covered patio in back, a large enough doghouse to allow all my big boys to fit comfortably, tree removal and stump grinding, yard clearing and lot grading.

I get one break...the county is digging up everyone's easement to install a drainage ditch and I got the dump truck driver who hauls away the dirt to agree to dump a load in my front yard so I can fill in the low spots plus fill in the holes the dogs have dug in the back.

I may have to resort to sodding the back yard as the animal traffic will kill new grass before it gets established. Time will tell.

I really need to remember to get out the camera for these things!