New site design - not planning to incorporate a deck though I love how it would wrap around our tree if we did

Reno design 1 - new stairwell and dining room, updated kitchen and bedroom

Building measurements and drawing

Site measurement and drawing

Plans for 137 - initial wish list

Plans for 137 Erie

Overall feelings

In keeping with 1940/50s home

Cottage, Warm, Cozy

Same footprint of house

Rich colours

Lots of windows

Dining area booth

Counter to ceiling window in kitchen with no upper cupboards

 

Dining room

Open to kitchen

Entry door moved to south

Wood and glass doors opening onto deck

Dining area with L-shaped built in bench

Similar footprint 

 

Textures

Real Wood floor

Painted wood ceiling, white 

 

Bathroom

Keep tub

White glass tiles to surround

Pocket door for entry

Pocket door closes linen closet when bathroom door is open 

 

Kitchen

Gas stove

Vent to outside with hood

No upper cupboard

Pantry

 

Basement

Replace stairs

 

Windows

Replace throughout

Coming in 2014 - house re-do!

With yellow, comes greens

It has been a glorious sunny day. My glasses steamed-up when I stepped into the hoop-house and condensation fell like rain when I bumped one of the hoops.

This time last year we had snow and it certainly wasn't 12 degrees, and today we opened all the windows and the door. It was as if the house exhaled; I could smell the moist earth and warming greens from meters away.

I find it amazing that in the moderated climate of the hoop house, a bitter cold winter like the one last year yields very much the same as a mild winter, like the one we are just stepping out of. A testament to the efficiency of the hoop house design and to the adaptability of plants.

Last fall I had envisioned a majestic crop of kale seeing us through the bitter cold months, fortifying our pastas and soups.

The seeds I sowed in late September certainly showed promise; they sprouted quickly and grew sturdily. Sadly, as they approached 3 inches tall, standing proudly in their little soldier rows, I realized I had grabbed the wrong seed packet, and planted tomatoes. Aaaargh!

Even though it was October, I hastily re-sowed two types of kale and crossed my fingers. At some point, I had lost track of them and they were overcome with weeds and the space-hungry spinach.

Today, clearing out the chickweed, I found them, small but waiting patiently to spring to life.

Today, my trug was brimming with greens, onions, spinach, herbs ... thank you hoopie.