September feels like a good month for a reset. I’m all about new beginnings, and Autumn fits the bill. Here in our part of the country, the weather is already turning. The light is different, and even though shorts feel right during the middle part of the day, mornings and evenings call for pants and a jacket.
For the first few years that we lived here, I dreaded fall because I knew it led to a seemingly endless winter. However, after six years, I am getting better at living in the moment, and I am embracing cooler running weather, a steaming cup of coffee during my morning dog walk, and plaid everything.
Autumn Goals
If I were issuing myself a summer work report card, the marks would not be high. No regrets, though. I worked at Bob’s house, and we went to Japan! Japan!
But now it is time to buckle down and get windows finished and reinstalled in BHH. The back of the house isn’t painting itself, and work continues on the huge front door.
For the next two months, I am going to stick to tasks in the following categories: Weatherize, Stabilize, & Organize. That means that no matter how much I want to tear up something new or start on the hall project, I will not. You heard me. I will not. My track record for this sort of willpower is terrible. You’ve been warned. Please hold me accountable.
Remember the time I peeked under the wallboard in the laundry and found original shiplap?
I swear I was just going to pull off a teeny tiny piece. And then this happened:
Fortunately, the end result was a winner, and I feel vindicated.
To stay on track, I made a list that I will not share because I am also terrible at sticking to a list. Just assume I will do everything on it. (I won’t.)
What’s New?
To satisfy my need to start something, I created an IGTV channel for BHH over on Instagram. Video content is something I have been trying to master. Sometimes, it is easier to explain DIY projects on camera. If you are not on Instagram, you can still watch. From my profile, click on the IGTV icon. That is where you will find all the videos.
Yesterday, I posted the first full video. It is about the riveting topic of wood rot. If my description does not entice you, perhaps this photo proof will:
Also, Millie has two cameos, and she steals the show. Please watch it and let me know what you think. If you have video content ideas, share them in the comments.
A door update is coming next week. I have made a ton of progress, and we are all so excited to have a beautiful and functional entry door. The new hardware arrives soon, and it is going to look so good.
Again, let me know about the video, and I would love to know what is on your Autumn to-do list too.
6 Comments
Chad
By your measure for the laundry room, I showed good self restraint with the facade. I peeled back the aluminum capping around a window (the most visible corner I could have picked) and left it bent back for 5 years.
I should finish writing about the back yard. It’s pretty now, probably for the first time in the house’s history.
I’m participating in the One Room Challenge this year, and I’ve already started the work. I’m getting a little bit of professional carpentry help, and didn’t want to have coordination issues when I’m on a tight schedule, and then we made travel plans that will eat 3 of the 6 weekends.
And I’m nearing the finish line. I’ll be down to punchlisting (because I left something undone in every room) and a handful of one-off projects, none of which I expect to be really disruptive for more than a weekend.
Stacy
Restraint, indeed! 😀 I am so excited that you will be participating in the ORC this fall! It will be fun to follow your project. You are smart to do some of the work now. Coordinating professionals is stressful. I tend to choose projects that don’t require contractors because I can’t handle the uncertainty. Ha!
Chad
Also, the historic preservation carpenter texted me back, so I might have the front door happening at the same time as ORC.
(And if I read right, I’m not supposed to even mention anything happening outside of the one room in the weekly posts, right?)
Stacy
It sounds like it is all coming together!
The ORC posts are supposed to be about the ORC only. So, you can mention other things as long as they relate to your One Room Challenge post in some way. For instance, if your post for the week is all about shopping at a flea market, it’s cool as long as you are there searching for something for your ORC project and you talk about it. If you are just going to a flea market and trying to pass it off as a ORC entry, that’s a no-go.
Chad
I meant more like, this unrelated project came up and my parents came over so we can frantically do all the painting at once. I’ll probably mention it but keep the reference brief and come back with a post about the door when we’re not renovating.
Stacy
That will work great.