Porch, Pals, and Pittsburgh!

Well, we did it. I am SUCH a clutz, though... can you believe that during the course of this one day project, I spilled - not one, but - TWO cans of paint?? Maybe my Mom is right. Perhaps she SHOULDN'T have let the doctor use the forceps.

I met my neighbor, too.

The porch (AND the columns AND the cornices AND the spindles) is (are) painted!! Thanks for your help, little bro. I wouldn't have done all that you wanted to do, but I'm so glad you talked me into it. It looks great.


I'm now in Pittsburgh for work, and got to hang out with the Fachers yesterday. This is Eliza and Eloise at the Barnes & Noble.

This is the view from my room at the Pittsburgh Hilton. Nice, eh? The new stadium on the right and there is a beautiful fountain to the left. You can't see it, but off further to the left is the incline, and as I went to sleep, I could see a gorgeous church all lit up at the top of the hill. Very pretty. I love Pittsburgh.

Sand-a Floor!!

Well, OK, I'm no Mr. Miyagi, but in a vain attempt at doing my own work on my house this weekend (don't worry, my brother is helping), I have plans to paint the porch.

For those of you who know me, I have had my fair share of home improvement projects with the last house I owned. Everyone told me "you don't know what you're getting into." I didn't know what I was getting into. At ALL.

Now, I'm somewhat more realistic about my expectations. Still, because I've been burned before, I now tend to look upon every project as a monumental event. For example, this is my front porch:

This is what my front porch looks like to me when I consider the task of painting it:

I think I'm organized, though. Here's the plan:
1) Bill pressure-washed the area a few weeks ago, so we're all set.
2) Spot sand, clean and paint the bare areas of the deck.
3) Clean the verticals (rails and columns).
4) Prime and paint verticals.
5) While waiting for primer to dry, rip out, measure and cut new latticework for under the porch.
6) Paint deck.
7) Paint latticework.
8) Install latticework.
9) Take bath and drink a beer.

Here's are the big variable:
Rain.

Wish me luck!!

On Sunday I head to Pittsburgh on business (read: EXPENSED!) and I get to hang out with my friend Jenna and hopefully Andrea ... here's a recent pic of Jenna and her little anklebiters:

G. Reaper, esq.