They're Here!

It seemed like forever but it was probably only a week.  The braided stair treads have arrived.  I guess we know what my project will be this week after work.

Below's a closer picture so you can all see the pattern a little better.  This is the "Fall" pattern of the Thimbleberries by Lynette Jensen Four Seasons braided stair tread which includes the colors green, tan, brown, cream, burgandy and a tiny bit of black.  I think they're going to be a beautiful addition to my home. 

A Hidden Treasure

So the other night I'm sitting in the living room watching tv with the DH and I can't stop thinking how ugly that old nasty yellow gold colored carpet is on the stairs. You could see the nice dark wood on the sides of the stairs and I just kept wondering what the steps looked like under that carpet. Were they warn? Painted? Cracked? What was wrong with them that made the previous owner cover them with that god awful carpet?

I asked my hubby what would happen if I pulled that carpet up and those steps were really bad underneath. He said well then I guess you nail the carpet back down. "What? It's that easy? Well heck I'm pulling it up than!" I told him. So I pulled the carpet off the first step. Wow, it looked really nice. I was sure they couldn't all be that nice. No one would cover those steps with carpet if they were all that nice. I kept going step after step in wonderful condition. I was so excited. Those steps must have been carpeted not long after the house was built. There is some ware marks but very little.

They're going to need a good cleaning and there's still carpet staples to pull out. I just couldn't wait though to show everyone what I've found so I had to post before the work is done. I've already ordered those braided step rugs to put on each step so they won't get all warn down and to help them not be so slippery. Tomorrow I'll work on pulling out more staples. Dang, they used a lot of those nasty things!

Look at the top of this step! (below) It almost looks perfect! All but one step towards the top looks this nice. I love the beautiful wood grain. If anyone can tell from the pictures what kind of wood this is, I'd love to know.

Potato Soup

For those who have requested my potato soup recipe - here ya go.....enjoy!

6-8 medium potatoes (any kind), scrubbed & cubed

2 large carrots, peeled & chopped

8 cups water

In a large soup kettle or Dutch oven boil potatoes and carrots in water until almost tender. Drain, reserving the water for use later.

1 lb. smoked breakfast sausage, sauteed and broken into small chunks. Drain on paper towel to remove most of the grease.

1 large onion, chopped

2 banana peppers, seeded & chopped

Saute with sausage.

2 12 oz. cans evaporated milk

1/2 cup flour

1/4 cup margarine, softened

1 tsp. garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Return potato/carrot water to kettle. Add the evaporated milk and cook over medium to low heat until mixture is thoroughly heated. Mix the flour with the margarine and add to the kettle, stirring until well blended. Add the remaining ingredients and blend well. Salt & pepper to taste. Cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

The Den

Before;

These first two pictures are of the den or guest room as we now call it.

When I bought this house this room was the ugliest, darkest, stinkiest and creepiest looking room in the house. the window was gone and the hole left boarded up. The ceiling was stained and peeling from previous water damage, layers upon layers of old ugly stained wall paper covered the walls, boards were missing from the hardwood floor and there was only part of the light fixture remaining. And to add to the ugly creepiness someone had drawn creepy little things on the back of the door. The light bulb was broken on one side and the other bulb was burned out.

My son and his friends dubbed this the "exorcist room" due to it's creepiness factor.

The last to pictures are after we finished working. New flooring, new window, new sheetrock, new paint and a new light fixture. I think my son and his friends will have to give this room a new name, don't you?

The Computer Nock

Before;

Originally this room was used for a laundry room. It’s located right off the kitchen which was a very ugly green. We weren’t sure if we wanted to keep it a laundry, use it as a pantry or convert it to a space for my desk and computer. The boys had a great idea of using some of the old barn wood to trim it out and with the way it turned out I didn’t want to put folding doors back up. Of course, they had to redo the plumbing and the laundry is now downstairs in the basement. There are tons of cupboards in the kitchen. More than I'll ever need. The computer and desk seemed to be the logical answer.

After;

We replaced one of the original light fixtures in a bedrooms upstairs with a ceiling fan and I decided that I really liked the old light fixture. I washed it up and it really shines (not the best picture). I think it adds a perfect touch to this room.

Sexy?

Yep, that’s right. My honey is officially a country boy with a sexy tractor. I told him that now he should have no problem tilling that garden I want next spring while I watch him chug along.

Where's All The Updates on The House?

I know that's probably what everyone is asking. So here's the first.

The siding was done back in late July. We decided to stay with white as it seems very natural for this house. Besides, the detached garage is white as is the pole barn.

As we worked on the outside of the house a friend had a great idea for our dogs. Put a ramp off the back of the steps to make it easier for them to get up and down. (One is 12 years old, the others 9 years old.) The ramp still needs paint but I think it matches up pretty well with the steps.

Before pictures of the back side;

Before picture of the front of the house that faces the road;After;