Monday, April 22, 2013

Back Yards and Lazy Summer Days

When we were looking at houses last spring, one of the things that sold us on the house that we ultimately bought was the back yard. The previous owners had built a big deck off of the back of the house at some point that looks over a pretty slice of grass, perfect for lazy summer afternoon lounging.

We could imagine ourselves out there. The big outdoor table we would buy, the grill that would grace the corner of the deck, and the parties we would have under the stars on balmy summer nights.

Sure, there were some changes we wanted to make to the deck so it would be ours, but we fell for that back yard, and there was no turning back.

Except we moved into the house at the beginning of November

A week later it started to snow, and until about three weeks ago, it never stopped. So instead of enjoying our brand new outdoor space, we sat in the living room, gazing longingly at the empty, snow-covered deck, and dreaming of summer.

Well, spring may have been slow to come to the Northeast - and judging from the temperature outside today, it may be another week or two before warmer weather is really here to stay - but at least it stopped snowing. And this past weekend, David decided it was high time to start using the back yard. But before we could start using it, there was work to be done. 

Because while the snow fell in New York, David was busy planning our outdoor oasis. He was researching landscaping, scouring the stores for patio furniture, and learning how to rebuild and stain a wooden deck so we could remove the wheelchair ramp that the previous owners installed and change the color of the wood.

He knew exactly what he wanted, and I was just along for the ride, which suited me just fine, since that's exactly how I ended up with my really terrific kitchen.

And this weekend, it was time for some demo.


With sledgehammer and saw in hand, David went to work, and before long, our deck looked like this:



It may look like a bit of a mess right now, but I've seen the designs so I know that in a few weeks, it will be absolutely fabulous, just in time for Memorial Day.

Anyone for an early summer BBQ, Chez Merel?

12 comments:

  1. Oh, I can't wait for barbecue season! After this long winter, I have practically forgotten that we have a deck, a grill, and a yard!

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  2. I can't wait to see the finished product! Whenever we eventually buy a house, that is the thing I'm most excited about. I love taking on projects, and having a nice outdoor space sounds awesome.

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  3. We just finished our deck, and let me tell you - the pain of winter will be forgotten after one sunny afternoon with an iced tea and a book back there!

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  4. I miss having a big yard and a big deck. So jealous! I bet the outcome will be awesome!

    Found you via the "I Don't Like Mondays Blog Hop!"

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  5. looks like you guys have got some work to do before you start sending out those invites!! but it's coming... i feel it.. event though i wore gloves today... one more week.. then we're good. :)

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  6. How nice to have a handy husband! Do you think I could borrow him for a weekend? :)

    I love spending time outside. My yard isn't so great, but I have a friend nearby who has an amazing yard with trees, a pond and lovely hammocks to relax in. I love going over there after work on a summer day :)

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  7. Demo is fun and he looks like he's about to really enjoy himself! Yeah, I think I need to borrow him for a weekend too. I spent yesterday giving my husband his "Honey Do" list and didn't get one thing ticked off of it. lol Here's to wonderful summer days on our new deck!

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  8. He's soooo handy! Lucky girl! Photos please! No wait...I'm RSVP-ing for Memorial Day ;-)

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  9. It's going to be fabulous! I can picture you blogging from the back yard in June and I will be so jealous as my backyard is concrete. MOst people call it a garage. GO you!

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  10. I can see why you would have been sold on the deck. Nothing better than a great backyard!! There's something about DIY home projects that are so rewarding. Sweat equity and all of that :) Here's to a new deck and SUMMER coming soon!!

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  11. I can see why you would have been sold on the deck. Nothing better than a great backyard!! There's something about DIY home projects that are so rewarding. Sweat equity and all of that :) Here's to a new deck and SUMMER coming soon!!

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