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[Black95Z28]

Thank you very much!

Yes, she is about 2 years old at this point. I am sorry for your loss, that is terrible... It can be a love/hate relationship with a boxer for sure. Sad when they lose their friend.

 

[Black95Z28]

Now that Spring is here, Im back on the outdoor projects. I am trying to finsh up the retaining wall, rock beds, dog run and then finally sod.

I made the anchors for the timbers out of all thread and some aluminum strap.

 

[Black95Z28]

More progress.

Mocking up the stair stringers, not sure how I want to tackle this yet.

 

[Black95Z28]

The next phase was working on the enclosing the dog run. I wanted to keep her out of the area around the window well and still have access for emergency eggress and my solar inverter.


I started with putting up the North facing wall and then moved on to converting the existing fence panel to a gate.

Existing fence panel being turned into a gate.

 

[Black95Z28]

Time for some updates, I am back to working on the landscaping, trying to finish the backyard this year.

 

[Black95Z28]

I decided to build a window well cover before one of the dogs or the daughter fell into it. (Reality is so I didnt fall into shoveling rock)

More fabric and rock work.

 

[Black95Z28]

Next up was setting the posts for the stair stringers.

 

[Black95Z28]

Further progress on the back yard. I installed more fabric, rocks and just about done with the dog run.

 

[Black95Z28]

I added some lighting in the laundry room as well, remote controlled RGB LED to match the kitchen. Excuse the mess, I had not cleaned up yet when the photo was taken.

 

[Unruh]

Things are looking great. It’s hard to keep up with you!

 

[Black95Z28]

Thank you, I understand that, lots going on...

 

[Black95Z28]

A good friend on mine gave me some lockers, so I put them in the garage for storage. I am pleased with how they fit considering I didnt design the space for them.

Next up was more landscaping work, I started by clearing/grading the upper level. I need to rent a rototiller to break up the soil and then add some topsoil/fertiziler before the sod.

 

[Black95Z28]

Then I made up this little lattice corner "shelf". The main purpose to keep my dogs from climbing the corner of the fence, but I think we will also hang some flowers or something from it. This corner will have a raised planter bed as well.

 

[Black95Z28]

Continuing progress, working on trimming out the top of the retaining wall and the stair case.

 

[Black95Z28]

Still working on the landscaping so no garage progress...

 

[Black95Z28]

Almost done with the lawn edging on the upper level and getting close on the lower level as well.

Next step was the drip line install before more rock goes down.

 

[Black95Z28]

More progress, I put up the frame work for the raised planter bed and finished the lawn edging.

 

[Black95Z28]

I finally did some actual work in garage, imagine that... I had been wanting to move around my work space and decided to put my workbench next to my toolbox. I had to cutout a section to fit around my electrical chase, but it came out pretty well in the end.

I also used an old shelf to mount all of the power tool chargers on the wall.

 

[Black95Z28]

Working on building out the stairs between the two levels, decided to just use PT lumber for everything.

I have also been prepping for SOD installation and took care of that last Friday.

 

[Black95Z28]

Upper hand rail posts installed, stairs capped off and moving on to the pavers.

 

[ashtonwhitley]

Looks nice!

 

[Black95Z28]

Thank you, I'm trying!

 

[Black95Z28]

More progress on the pavers and raised planter bed.

 

[Black95Z28]

Update: Winter came in fast, so the landscaping will have to wait until spring. I have been bogged down with other projects, work, life, etc. I did manage to install the shiplap in the laundry room and hang up the sign my wife purchased. I still need to trim out the shiplap, the platform I built and I added an LED strip to the upper cabinet after this photo was taken.

I also installed new lighting in our master bath, needed something to match the other fixtures (brushed nickel) and more "farm house" feeling. I used LED Edison style bulbs are they are bright! Hind sight, I should have purchased dimmable bulbs and installed a dimmer switch.

 

[Black95Z28]

I also made an address sign for the house, with the side load three car, the curretn numbers are not visible from the main road. I plan on installing it above the garage window, I just need to figure our the best way to hang it without damaging the siding/causing water leaks.

My next project was installing/wiring up a surround sound system for the garage, I was using my little XM radio up to this point and it just doesnt cut it... I installed a new shelf, w/heavy duty brackets, setup the speakers and ran the wiring to get a feel for the sound quality. If these loactions pan out, I will run the wiring in some channel or up through the attic for a cleaner look.

I also installed a small shelf to store the power tool batteries after they are charged. I had to move the key holder over to make room for the shelf and I think it like more there anyway.

 

[Black95Z28]

I recently decided that I wanted/needed lighting on my little snowblower. I felt that this was important for safety and visiblity when I have to use the machine before/after work. I already had a pair of LED lights, a cheap wiring harness, some aluminum and an SLA battery on hand, so why not?