Day 4 - Bees suck

For three hours of work I actually felt I did some clean-up. I knocked out the 2nd bush excluding the stump. I believe I have found 12 bird nests so far in these bushes. While cleaning up around the first two bushes however I noticed carpenter bees (bumble bees for my PA folks) apparently nesting in the ground around the first bush. I was able to clear most of the debris around it, but noticed at least 3 hovering and then going in the ground. I was hoping to dig the stumps up, but I have been stung way to many times in my life already I am not quite fond of going through it again. I have some bee spray the owner left, I may try that first; but since they are in the ground, I am not sure how that works or how to get rid of them when they are more hidden from me.

I bagged a ton of brush yesterday, I am allotted 10 bags of yard waste a week. I currently have 11 and plan to have 20/25 by the end of the weekend. I am averaging 3-4 bags per bush, however, the Japanese Maple will take a bit more. I had 1 whole bag that was just leaves, and not even from my tree. It was all the debris around the bushes collecting for years.

I also cut two big junks of metal from that border stuff. Thanks dad for your recommendation, but I was not able to get the blade back out. So I went with it, might as well kill it first anyway. I have another section to cut yet and then I need to get them into manageable sections. Mark Riley recommended I take them to a metal recycling and try to get some money. I might do that when the weather is not so favorable.

My neighbor to my left stopped by and talked for a few minutes. He told me he could see the difference, I was beginning to wonder so it was nice to hear that.

I think all this work makes the house look bigger and nicer than having it covered all the time. I guess we will see shortly. While cleaning up the debris against the house, I have found some interesting things. I found an aluminum bolt for the gutter, this must have been repair work, I do not see any missing. Then I found the following yesterday.

For the end of a hose to spray plants with food. Plants must have liked this so much they kept the bottle.

 
 This was only half used, I am starting to wonder how you just leave this out in different locations and forget about it.

I thought this was funny, somewhat older, but looks like it could still work, sprinkler system, it is very rusted and will be added to the recycling.

My collection for next Wednesday.

What it looks like as of Friday evening.

Day 3 - There is a sun?

I was actually able to get back to work on the front yard last night. Sorry forgot the camera, this will be a non-visual post. The only tree is now cut to the stump, should be a lot of fun to get that out. I was also able to cut down and mostly remove the first bush to the right of the door.

I started grinding the metal fence that holds the mulch in place, that does not cut easily. I have two pieces done, figure another 14 to go. I figured I better start cleaning up the brush before I get a letter or even worse a fine from my subdivision for the junk in the yard. It took 4 bags from Lowes to cleanup one bush and then part of another. I have 51 bags, 4 down, I am hoping I do not need more than that.

I swept the front slab, nice to see it cleaned up. Measured it also, 7" tall, 8' long, and 51" wide. Planning on getting major progress today and Saturday on the front as well as getting that shelf in the garage knocked out. That is my goal for the weekend.

Day 2 - Rain delay

So the weather has been less than cooperative lately. I was planning on working on the front and getting some good progress. On to task #2 the garage.

Before - You can click on any of them to get a full size view.

I spent about an hour and a half dismantling and finding the hidden screws. The shelving was build to last, so it going to be a little more difficult than I would like. At least I know what needs done. Mark Riley let me borrow his awesome 19.2v Craftsman screw drill with light. I have a new found appreciation for Craftsman now. Thanks Mark!

After

Tomorrow appears promising to be windy and no rain, sounds like some shrubs may die tomorrow. One can only hope.

Day 1 - House Transformation Begins

So I am planning on updating this each day that I do some work on the house that visible changes are present. I may not always have pictures so forgive the lack of visual aids sometimes.

After 4 straight of rain and a few tornadoes, it is finally sunny and warm enough to start some 'yard work'. Dawn and I do not completely agree on all the work that should or need to take place but we will work that out as time moves on.

Today I decided the overgrown forest in the front yard must go. If you have ever listened to Dave Ramsey talk about curb appeal. This is exactly the message I got from him. Our house lacks it badly! I want to be able to see the actually nice brick work that is to the right and left of our front door.

For day 1 with the day light left and the few borrowed tools I had to use (thanks Mr. Boehmer!), I began learning what the thrills and love of being a homeowner are all about. (Please note this is mostly sarcasm)

Here is the before picture, please don't misunderstand me, I like the house and it has its own good looks. I just don't believe this is one of them. Sweetheart, I know this may look bad until it is completed, but just trust that I have an ounce of skill to do this right.

So 2 1/2 hours later, I only took 1 break to talk with my neighbors about the vole problem in the area that is also effecting my lawn. If you think you read incorrectly, that was Voles! Here is what they are.
Voles - The deadliest creature known to lawns!

Now that the sun has started setting and my arms feel like spaghetti, and yes mom, I do miss your spaghetti. Here is Day 1 final image.

If it does not rain tomorrow, who knows really?, I will be out here to bag up the debris and to start more trimming (pulling). Next project garage.......to be continued.