Bought the farm and a $64,000 chicken coop. LOL

Okay, Zilchwater's apologized for being a party pooper...But Chele, as we know, loves poop. So they're square. ';)

Just found this thread and had to read the whole entire thing, plus the previous thread! What a great project you've bought yourself! It's so exciting! So much space for the children to run and play, and for you to get dirty!
Here are my votes on the major issues so far:

Red Kitchen: definitely! I had a red living room in my past house and I've always missed it. I did our bedroom in red in this house. I made them look like frescoed walls by resurfacing the walls with sheetrock mud, then priming with a tinted primer, then using a damp rag to wipe on color. The color just glows, especially in the summer when we actually get sunshine in that room for a couple of hours.

Best interior wall finish: eggshell. Semi-gloss reflects too much light for general use, and I find flat paint impossible to keep clean.

Plastered walls: definitely! We have plaster in the master bathroom and in the family room. I love those walls the best in the entire house. There is something about the density of the color that cannot be described. Like a solid surface countertop.

The chicken coop: not the insurance company's business if they don't have to insure it. I'd remove the aluminum siding, throw another coat of primer on it, then use lattice to create 'siding' and grow clematis or some other flowering vine, preferably evergreen. Then I'd dig out a garden bed around it and landscape a bit. Get some cheap 1 x 6 wood and make simple molding to go around windows and doors. Paint the molding a bright periwinkle blue, or a sunny yellow, or some other cottagy color. Have hubby take off the door, sand it smooth but don't bother removing all the paint, then use woodstain over the whole door to seal it in a color matching the trim. Just stain right over the paint that's left and wipe off. Put the door back on after repairing the door jamb. Voila! A beautiful "chicken house en Provence!". Just be sure to use decorative chickens! LOL

Hope you keep posting photos of the progress! We've been in this house for 5 years and are not finished yet with the remodeling. But looking back on how far we've come by seeing the photos really keeps us going! I'm excited for you!

Yellow plaster in the master bathroom. When we moved in, this bathroom was literally about the size of an airplane bathroom. There was barely enough room to walk in and turn around for one person, let alone two. And talk about ugly! How many ways can you say 'hideous'? Now it's one of my favorite rooms. I haven't tried the Venetian plaster by Behr and was wondering how good it was. So I'm glad to have seen some photos of it in use! Very nice! Maybe I can use that in my other bathroom.

Thank you very much for your lovely ideas and photos! I have to ask if you have posted those pics somewhere else a while ago? They are both beautiful but I am having a really serious deja vu! LOL

When you resurfaced the kitchen walls, did you just roll on a fresh skimcoat or do something different? I bought texture paint and did the living rooms walls and one side of the hall way. I like it but don't know if I will do it again. I used the stuff with bumps in it that you use to do popcorn ceiling. In the living room I applied sort of a basket weave design, using a round stomp brush for ceiling applications. In the hall, I did straight up and down so it sort of looks like that glass with rain water running down it. I've had many compliments on it but I don't if I would do it again. If nothing else, every square inch of every wall will need scrubbed down and a new coat of skimcoat.

We are going to spend most of next week up at the house. I need to go buy a riding mower and have calls in to rent a bobcat and tractor/bush hog/tiller. All my utilities should have been marked by now so I don't dig up anything vital. LOL Tell me what kind of person worries more about digging a pond and gardens then moving furniture and necessities? :)

A stock gone crazy gardener. :0) But we still love you.lol

The question should be, "Who worries about furniture and necessities when there are ponds to be dug and gardens to be planned".

I've been here 4 years now and there are at least 20 unpacked boxes still down in the basement. How embarrassing to admit that but I had... ponds to be dug and gardens to be planned. I used to know what was in them. Now I don't care. Our boys can figure it out when we die and sell it all at an estate sale.

ROTFLOL I won't have a basement. LOL I will however have a 24x32 garage. :) I am thrilled to death to have a garage with a door big enough to get my vehicle through it and into a clean space. However, I am wondering how full it will be. Hmmmm. I think we can creatively stack things about the perimeter and maybe throw some plywood up on the rafters and store quite a bit and sort it out later. Crafty, aren't I?

How did I miss this??? Cool house! 7 acres? I am so jealous!!!

I know what that window is behind your living room - it's a scream hole! Get off those drapes! Get your feet off the coffee table!

LOL!!

I am so happy for you!!! This is a fun thread to watch.

Nicole

ROTFLOL Nicole! I bet you are right. You know us moms have to have eyes everywhere! :) And thank you!

Nicole, well said! I'll bet that's exactly what it was! "Stop hitting your sister" "Didn't I tell you no eating in the living room?" Stop watching tv and go do your homework!" "Get off your a** and get your own beer!" "Turn that down"......"

I'm laughing out loud about your garage! When we moved in we were thrilled to have a double garage, after having a small single for so many years. Don't even ask me how many days we've been able to park my car in the 'garage/workshop/storage room/ staging area for stuff we're getting rid of' room, etc. Oh LORDY, Lately it appears that garages are not for cars anymore!

Yep, you've probably seen those photos on my old pond party thread. Had to take the photos while the house was clean. About once a year when the sun is shining.

What kind of woman thinks more about ponds and gardens when the weather is good? A smart one!

Are you asking me about my walls? You refer to the kitchen so you may be asking someone else, but in case you are asking me, here's the scoop:

My recipe for resurfacing walls is really easy and a lot of fun, and it ends up looking and feeling a lot like plaster. Oh, and did I mention cheap? First you wash the wall with TSP and water. Then you get a big 5 gallon bucket of pre-mixed sheetrock mud. This is the only part DH has to help with because the bucket weights a ton, and I can't open it by myself. The lid is too tought.
Anyway, you get a trowel, mine is about 6 inches, and you round off the edges with a sander, making sure they are extremely smooth. (or buy one with rounded edges, but the ones I saw were pricey and I was too cheap.) The you just start troweling on the mud, working and smoothing it with the trowel until you get the look you want. Just play with it. You can't make a mistake.

Let it dry for a few days, then when it's totally dry prime it. I always use a tinted primer because it saves a step in the painting process. I just use cream color, but it would depend on the painting effects you wanted.

For the final coat, for the effect that I have, I chose a color much darker than what I wanted but in the same tone. Then I take the paint, a bucket of fresh water, and a regular terry cloth washcloth. I get the washcloth wet and wring it out so that it's still wet but not dripping. I fold it into a pad then just touch the edge to the top of the paint in the can, picking up a little paint, but not a lot. Then I just rub it on the wall picking up more paint or thinning with more water until I get the look I want. I find it best to do an area then stand back and look at the whole area at once to make sure it is what I want. Before it is totally dry you can use the cloth with water to thin out an area, or you can add more color to another area. This part makes you feel like a total artist and is a great deal of fun. My girlfriends were always amazed at my walls until I showed them how to do it and let them play with it, and they were surprised at how simple it was.

Using sheetrock mud is a wonderful and easy way to resurface old, worn walls without making a huge mess or costing a lot of money. LMK if you want a closer photo of the wall.

I love this thread! Keep it up! But how you do this with 6 kids is beyond me! Actually, how you do anything at all with 6 kids is beyond me. You're quite a woman!


Oh, sorry this is such along post, but I forgot to add my idea about your 'hole in the wall'. My DH and I were recently at a restaurant in Seattle and they had the coolest 'holes in the wall' between sections! They had taken very thin slices of marble in a beautiful caramel color and had sandwiched a light between them. It was beautiful! The marble just glowed with a soft light and you could see all the lovely veins and colors. I was enchanted by it and am trying to figure out where I could do something like that in my house!



This message was edited Sep 23, 2005 10:28 AM

Hmmm, "I am thrilled to death to have a garage with a door big enough to get my vehicle through it and into a clean space"... whaz that?

I have a three car "extra deep" attached garage and with all of my er uh gardening projects, bicycles, mini bikes, scateboards, other sports equipment, a refrigerator for pop, a refrigerator for cold stratifying seed, Scout and 4H junk, we cleared a path right through the middle of it all and use the center garage door to get out the door from the mudroom into the garage and then out to where our cars are parked in the upper driveway. Come to think of it there are about 20 more boxes out there from when we first moved here also that the boys can add to their estate sale when we're dead. I haven't run across those boxes in quite a while because they're buried but I know they are out there... somewhere. I think... not positive... that there are some nice decorative concrete urns out there that I lugged home from a garage sale once- I've been looking for those for a while and it'd be nice to find them but I'm not holding my breath. We've sort of made an aisle through the and if you keep your arms in close to your body as you make your way out, you'll get out. We also have a path to the refrigerators too. By the way, we had to build a 1 car storage garage with a second floor to it out back for the riding lawnmower, the push mower, snowblowers, tools, and miscellaneous and we were even able to fit one quad in there before it got filled up. The other quads are parked behind it right now as try as we might, we can't stuff them in anywhere. I'm thinking a pole barn with lofts would have been a natural progression but they don't allow those around here. Rats, we're out of expansion possibilities.

My husband is absolutely positively in shock at how we filled up our garage and the back garage. I think disgusted would be a more appropriate word considering he had wanted a little wood working shop in that back garage and I can guarantee that ain't gonna happen any time before the kids fly the coop.

I hear ya! We have a 2 and a 1/2 car garage from the driveway, another two car taking up half the basement, and just finished another freestanding two car. And this is what the 2 1/2 looks like. The lower is worse. He hasn't started filling up the new one yet as there's no door..... I made him take the pedal cars out of the house, but he still can't park in a garage space, plus there's two extra cars on the lower drive. I threatened to get a long rope with those colored flags on it and string it over the driveway.

I thought I was the only one that took the seats out of my van and stored them somewhere.

Oh but to have a garage at all...........

Molly
:^)))

Oh nooooooooooo... those pedal cars look absolutely wonderful and I see that mini pump there on that shelf. You won't let him bring them back in the house where there is no chance of humidity and temperature changes affecting the metal? Do you have any idea how expensive some of those pedal cars are? Those are desirable collecectibles dear.

I too had a van once and I took out the far back seat. I "compartmentalized" using the newly gained space. I had bins of soccer shoes & shin pads, bins of snacks and gatoraides, bins of spare hats & scarves & gloves & umbrellas, and who knows what else I had in those bins. But the bins soon started breeding and their contents multiplied at night after I parked the van. There was so much garbage in that van that stuff rolled up to where I was driving when I came to a stop and rolled back when I took off. Hubby said it was a disgrace. But ya know something, if my van ever went off the side of the road into a snow drift in a blizzard, I could have easily survived for a week living off the cheerios and other food stuffs gnashed into the carpets as well as the snacks and drinks in the bins. Moms must be prepared.

Molly, you don't want a garage. You'll be incapable of using it in no time flat and soon find your cars parked out on the drive anyway. How about a carport?

Equi,

I have a carport now, the mustang is in there along with my ladders, pressure cleaneer, fert. spreader, lawn mower, bags of potting soil etc.

My van stays in the driveway.

My work bench is in a portable (but fixed) 16X20 foot building out back that I call "the gym." It has electric and a wall a/c unit. It has 3 pieces of exercise equipment in there that, shhhhhh, may be gathering dust. Shelves for storing things that won't fit in the house.

Okay, so I need a pole barn biggern the house.

:^))))

If those pedal cars get in the way, throw them on a truck & send them over here!
Any collector cars are also welcome.
I only had a single garage. Stuffed it full of my antiques in boxes. My sister-in-law said it was a shame to have them packed up, should have them out where people may buy them. So, I did the right thing, took out the overhead door, replaced it with a wall & a window & opened an antique store. Garage for cars isn't even in our long range plan. Kind of don't think about it when car has always sat outside. Thjinking back, I don't think I ever had a garage with my car in it.
Bernie

Tee he he, "It has 3 pieces of exercise equipment in there that, shhhhhh, may be gathering dust". We've got an actual exercise room here and no dust what so ever. We have everything in there from a stairmaster to a treadmill and even a weight lifting station. All shiny and new just like the day we bought it all because... it appears nobody over here wanted to get healthy any more after the first month we outfitted that room. I've found that all of the equipment does serve a higher purpose. We use every last piece in there as drying racks for sweaters and other delicate or shrinkable items that we can't put in the dryer. See, I knew there was a reason why we added an exercise room up on the second floor by all the bedroom. It's a high tech sweater drying facility and one really does get a work out running from the basement up to the second floor sweater drying room and back down again to the basement.

For as big of an oink oink piggie as I am in my car and garage, I actually keep our living space debris free although I do have difficulty remembering what color my counter tops are from time to time. It's hard to remember when they are underneath piles of stuff for months on end.

Say Country Gardens, I spotted those pedal cars first and I've got space inside my house for those! I love what you did to your garage. Got any open wheel racers for sale out there? My husband's birthday is coming up and he likes older Faracars, Solido, Corgi, and Dinky with the original box. Please D-Mail me if you do as I would be most appreciative.

Equi,

You really cracked up, almost wet myself. What a great idea, clothes dryers>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>mine is a treadmill, weight machine and ablounge. Great minds think alike.

Molly
:^))

I know the value of those pedal cars, but really, we do need some space for day to day living! Then there's the twenty or so old ones waiting for restoration in what's left of the basement, stacked along side extra fenders, door panels, car parts and other necessities that gearheads can't live without. Full size vehicles include two vintage Rancheros, three Mustangs, a Maverick, a Honda for DH's commuting, his truck, and my Toyota sedan.. In his den are at least 40 scale model cars and trucks and I will not have the pedal cars in my living room any more! And the mower and the trailer and various other pieces of garden equipment are stored under the deck!

My treadmill serves as a holding station for my Grandmother's dishes, canning supplies, and a prop for the vacuum for sucking up the cat litter that lands outside the kitty pan.

I am a patient woman but I have to draw the line somewhere!

With the new garage, we officially have more garage space than living space. More space just means more junk stored. I mean collectibles.

Oh my! An AbLounge. We don't have one of those. I suppose we don't need one as we don't have any abs to work out but that doesn't seem to have stopped us in the past from purchasing more sweater drying racks for that room. We even have mirrors in there so we can watch ourselves hang the sweaters out to dry and get a real good look at our flab while doing so. Now isn't that special!

I tell ya Molly, you too can benefit from the existence of your exercise equipment. Move it all into one of your neighbor's garages/carports down the block a bit. Don't let it get dusty woman- use it to dry clothes. You'll get the workout of your life running from your house to the neighbor's house and you will have also solved the problem of the equimpment collecting dust. I tell ya I'm a mental giant. Have you any other problems I can solve for you? I'm sure I can come up with something creative.

******chuckle, chuckle, chuckle********

:^))))

oink oink oink

Thank heavens i am not a lone in my colection of ?
Well, too good, can't toss out ?

Well, I just spent three fun filled hours at Lowe's. I got a lot of stuff and came home depressed. I had to write a check for almost $4,000. LOL I got a nice riding mower, a HUGE water heater, a new faucet, caulk and some other odds and ends for the new house. I bought a new gold porch light and mailbox for this house, plus more caulk, some exterior paint and trim for the entry doors, caulk for the shower, a refrigerator for this house and more potting soil of course. Oh, I also bought new insulated garrage doors for this house. I think it is that buyers remorse thing. It is all stuff we need and I am sure I will come out ahead when I sell this house but man is it painful to part with that kind of money and not have a garden filled. :) I sweet talked the appliance guy to have it all delivered at 9am on Monday. He tried to get me and emergency delivery for tomorrow but they are closed, only one guy and truck working. Now I just have to hope I get the free moving truck Monday and that it is long enough to do something with it. Otherwise Uhaul will become my friends. LOL

Barf, I hate to part with money for essentials.

Hey 'Chele
SAVE THE CHICKEN COOP

I have seperate riders for all my out buildings,and I see no way that they should have a say in what building can stay or go if they won't cover it
tell them it is no longer a chicken coop and is now a potting shed

and I will help fill it up with chickens............

They had me send an email saying I knew it would not be covered. I wrote exactly that. I didn't put anything in the email about tearing it down. LOL I really think I would like to recover it and keep it unless the studs are trash. It is kind of cute and sits right at the end of the driveway.

You will help fill it with chickens? LOL Best I remember you have some curious looking high maintenance birds. :)

Chele! Funny running into you here! ;-)

We were in Lowe's getting wood for our new GH and ran into them at the Garage Doors and lumber and appliances (they tried to stuff me in a Fridge) and paint.........

As the "six pack" are my S/O's buddy we kinda got borrowed........
I'll say one thing they have definitely inherited their Mother's energy! lol
Tons of fun though and they make GREAT message runners!

Ric and

ROTFLOL I think I will stalk them more often. It was like having a free babysitter! The kids were more than happy to take off with Ric and, so I could shop! That is probably how I hit that $4,000 mark so fast. LOL Now if I could just steer them to where I need the sitters.....

Yeah,I guess that kinda discribes them.......
Never thought of them that way but ,yeah,they are...
ROTFLMAO
But I do have regular ,easy to raise,run free ,roost in trees chickens too

If you can find someone with an incubator I can send you hatching eggs,or find a broody hen to put the eggs under
No,you can not put those maternity clothes on and brood them yourself

or if you want a bunch of real interesting chickens order some from Murray McMurray .
They have a catalog,you can order their rare and exotic mixture,you get all kinds,really cool looking(not show quality but great backyard birds)
Plus if you don't want roosters you can order it with pullets only.
you have to get 25 minimum for shipping,but you can sell or give away they extras you don't want

Scccrrreeeeeeeeeeeeech! Slamming on the brakes! Chickens that roost in trees? What is this you say? Should I put a hen house in the tree line? LOL

Now you tell me I can't just stick the eggs in my pockets or sit on them myself? Hmph! I have found something I am good at! I incubate the best eggs! I am definately a good moody hen! Umm wait, I think you said broody hen. Oh well, what's the difference? LOL Farms bring eggs to my kids preschool. They put them in an aquarium or rubbermaid tote with a shop light above them. Would that work on a small scale or would you have to have a real incubator?

I have so much to learn...pullets, broody hens, 4H, Colonel Sanders quality birds, incubators, show quality, ones with Elvis hair, back yard birds.......I think I will have lots of comical episodes to share. LOL

ROTFLOL

Now you tell me I can't just stick the eggs in my pockets or sit on them myself?

If you want scrambled egg!!!!!!! do so

Hey now! Are you saying I cannot sit lightly on little delicate eggs? :P

Since when are we mothers light as feathers...................think that was WAYYYYYYYY back.LOL

Hmmmmm, looking at my girth, I am thinking I may have doubled in size since high school! LOL Never again will I see my 23" waist unless a Dr and a Lipo machine are involved. :)

Hubby and I have a few stocks that we have had for about a year. We had free stock in a .com company that did well. He sold them and bought new ones right before the value on them went kapooey! One of the companies he boughts stock in is Nutrisystem. It has done extremely well! I am thinking about using our profits to lose my bum! LOL

But hey. when you are done with all that moving-mowing-digging-building-planting.plowing-etc-etc maybe you become light as a feather again.
Janett

It won't happen. LOL Most days I work outside 8-12 hours a day. My doctor lives across the street and he says there is no reason in the world for me to be heavy. He says I inherited bad genes. My mother is heavy below the waist and my father was only heavy IN the waist. He was barrel chested to boot. I got the largest parts of both of them. LOL I spoke of my father in the past tense but not because he is gone. He ended up with diabetes and had several strokes and heart attacks and ended up with a leg amputation as a result of medical problems. It is so bizarre to look at him now and see a skinny little old man. He is only 64 and I bet he weighs about 130.

Sorry about your fahter!
hmmmmmmm 8-12 hours a day on 1 acre. 7 acres x 8 hours= 56 hours !!!!!!!!!!
HEY dont you know a day just got 24 hours- I bet you loose some lbs anyway :0)
Janett

Thank you. I wouldn't wish my father's medical problems on anyone but it did mellow him and make him a mich more kind person.