Photos of Camille, Daniel (and family and friends) » house

Linen Closet

David — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 04:29:45 +0000

After a few years, I added the cabinet doors to the linen closet. They’re nice, but I’m not sure I’ll make custom cabinets again in a hurry; they were a lot of work.

Camille mows the lawn

David — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 05:26:51 +0000

I’m a little suspect that Molly had a hand in this, but Camille approached me with the knowledge that I had recently hired a crew to mow, edge, and blow for $35 a pop. She offered to do it for $25, undercutting the competition. I reluctantly hired her.

I took on mowing our family’s 1 acre lot in third grade. I recall how exciting it was the first time. The second time, it was less thrilling. By the fifth time, it was drudgery. But my dad wouldn’t let me give it up. (Ironically, when I left for college and couldn’t mow the lawn anymore, he bought a John Deere riding lawnmower for himself. Bum!)

It took Camille three hours to mow, edge, and sweep our lawn. We have a 5000 s.f. lot and only 1500 or so of it is lawn. She accidentally discovered that my earmuffs have a radio; it made the time go faster.

Camille in a hail storm

David — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:17:15 +0000

Sometimes a girl just can’t resist – Camille went outside when she saw it was hailing. She’s an experiential learner, for sure!

A New House in the Snow

David — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:57:55 +0000

What a difference a paint job and a bit of carpentry makes. Compare the December 2008 picture with today’s. The curb appeal has increased a bit, eh?

December 2008

November 2010

Daniel World

David — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:25:21 +0000

Here’s a glimpse into Daniel World. While Molly was doing yard work, Daniel positioned himself nearby. He made himself a nest complete with comics books galore. He also snuggled with Spirit. He often self-comforts in these ways.

Porch Repair

David — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:34:16 +0000

Here a few pictures from my recent porch floor repair.

new porch roof

David — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:59:13 +0000

As many of you know, I’ve been slowly (emphasis on slowly) repainting the house. On repainting above the porch, I discovered an answer to a long standing problem. I had wondered (for years) why it wound rain inside the porch, as well as outside. The answer became apparent to me as I looked upon the porch roof. There was a large hole about a foot in diameter directly under where the downspout for the upper roof led.

After I painted above the porch roof, it was time to repair the damage. What skip sheathing existed was clearly shot and there was already three layers – the 120 year old wood shingle roof covered by two layers of asphalt shingles. In my mind, there was only one good way to correct the problem – re-roof! As it was only a 4 in 12 pitch and relatively close to the hard ground, I took it on.

I tore off in a few hours, creating a huge mess. The roof framing was truly rotten, especially at the eaves, partially a product of no venting. So, after sweeping and vacuuming up the debris, reframing started. Luckily for me, a fellow came by late in the day and offered to take my junk to the recycling center and transfer station for $125. It was some of the finest money I’ve ever spent as I wore myself out reviewing basic geometry and complex angles framing a new roof.

Camille and Kasey Garden

David — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 04:52:02 +0000

Getting a jump on the season – 27th of February!

Reading at home

David — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:37:24 +0000

Sometimes, it helps to have a cozy place to read.

DSC06046

DSC06047

Painting is such a pain

David — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:29:43 +0000

but it is good to see the results…

Painting Process – the east side is coming along

David — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:58:09 +0000

Perhaps it might be best to document the process of painting. We’re nowhere near being done, but things and looking much better. Thanks to all of you that helped us in our color decision. Molly got her way and I hope you like it. It’s a very warm yellow. I am very happy that both Molly and like it with the “plum” color of the sashes that we picked for our earlier color scheme. What do you think?

A farm house look

David — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:54:58 +0000

I think it looks sharp. What do you think?

which color?

David — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:25:36 +0000

Hello -

We’re deciding on a house color. Which do you prefer? Please post below in the comment section.

NPR addict attacks house with paintbrush!

David — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:53:40 +0000

News Bulletin!!!

NPR addict caught on film attacking 120 year old house in Ballard! Details at 11!

More house history discovered – digging up history in Ballard

David — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:59:52 +0000

As I remodel and repair the house, I discover more about it. My current understanding is that the front part of this house stood on this lot in 1892 (it was shown on the Sanford Fire Insurance maps of that date), but likely was constructed on this lot in the previous decade. When remodeling the downstairs bath I found a Canadian prairies newspaper dated 1886 stuffed in the wall. I think it was a time capsule for me to find, or perhaps just convenient insulation.

Yesterday, in replacing some split siding near the front door, I found these two items. I believe the first is our original street address. Our street was named North St before annexation of Ballard by Seattle. I think the number is likely our house number, as 17th Ave (the nearest cross street to the east) was 1st Ave in the old system.

121 North Street (old Ballard address)

Then, to the left of the front door, I found this. I think it is a man’s name and address. I’m guessing that he was the builder (or framer) and that the address listed is his. I only use male pronouns, because it was likely in 1886 that only men built homes. The writing is cursive, though, and implies some level of literacy.

Neuman

JB Neuman - 1003 2d Ave

I love these discoveries. They are treasure beneath the surface. It’s like an archeological dig, right here in Ballard.