This is what the deck side of our house looked like when we moved here in 1998.
First change out was the stairwell window. The porch you see to the right in this photo has been enclosed and is now our family room with french doors onto the deck.
Dear built a temporary platform to be able to hoist the window up and get it set into the opening.
Next he built the deck in anticipation of Josh and Laura’s rehearsal dinner in August of 2001.
The deck got an extension sometime after 2001 so we could reach the garage from the house on decking. The house got a facelift with new horizontal siding.
Our deck covers changed over the years, too. These two are serving us very well currently. This photo shows the extended deck and the difference between the horizontal siding and vertical siding to the left of the deck.
Here’s a shot that shows the house with the completed horizontal siding.
One more addition this summer is this privacy fence we put in.
Here’s a view from our house without the privacy fence.
And this is the view with the privacy fence.
We really are enjoying this new privacy fence. It gives this whole area a more finished feel and we aren’t totally open to the surrounding neighbors anymore.
Some reflections…
Our two sons born almost exactly 2 years apart were married 14 years apart, one in 2001 and the other in 2015. So our 3 kids were married in 2001, 2011, and 2015.
July 2015 was a tough month for me. It was as if someone had let the air out of my tires. I’m happy to say that I’m getting back to my old self now in August!
I also have to admit that summer is probably one of my least favorite seasons. Even though I was born and raised in Southern California enjoying the beaches and spreading coco butter on my body to sunburn tan, sitting in the sun does not give me pleasure anymore. I enjoy the sunshine while sitting in the shade or under an umbrella. These days my favorite time at the beach is in the winter.
How’s your summer going?
This is my new header photo for now and I learned from my good ole Bloggy friends that this plant is Bee Balm. 
When Dear and I took an overnight road-trip in the middle of July to the North Olympic Peninsula in Washington State we stopped at a couple lavender farms. In a few days I’ll post my lavender shots but for today I’m sharing this sweet garden on the edge of the lavender fields at Purple Haze Lavender Farm. 
Our July has been very full and interesting to say the least. We had extended family stay with us after attending our son’s wedding at the end of June till July 8th. We are still in semi-retirement mode as Dear waits to hear about where his next job might be. During this mode we have said a few times that everyday is Saturday. We aren’t experts at this retirement preview. We took our little road-trip so we could get out of the “everyday is a project day” at this old house. Now at the end of July our youngest and her hubby have moved into our basement as their monthly apartment rent went up over $400. Yikes. Now we are trying to blend all our stuff, including furniture. We are very happy and thankful we can offer them this space. If Dear and I get re-located with a new job they will stay on and take care of our property. It’s a win-win situation for all of us. In the meantime we have lots of eggs, milk, spices, oatmeal and bookcases! You get the picture! How’s your July winding down?
