"I'm gonna have a relationship with that thing."

This photo was taken over Christmas in my sister-in-laws backyard. She had just finished filming an episode of Turf War, a show that pits two neighbors against each other, with a contractor, to see who ends up with the best backyard. Full episode available here.

Lynn was hilarious, as always*, and her backyard is incredible. That tub has hot and cold running water! They also installed a gas fire pit and a bar.

The colors of her backyard alone make it worth a viewing. Incredibly rich, bright fuchsias and peacock blues with the green of the landscape make you want to curl up with that fire pit and have a giant cocktail from the bar. They also designed an enormous movie screen upon which a movie can be projected. Appropriate because Uncle Mike is a cinematographer.

The other yard also got an incredible makeover. But instead of landscaping and color, they got a giant pergola with an amazing outdoor kitchen. Super fancy, but no match for the wabi-sabi loviness of Lynn's yard.

Check out the video, if only to hear Lynn say hilarious things!

Also? Check out Lynn's website! She makes great things!


*She coined two of my favorite sayings: "Walking Nap" and "Friends Hat." If I explain them, they aren't as funny. Except that "walking nap" came up when discussing Edward Burns. Which is funny no matter what.

Painting with Alligators

We have this crazy structure that is supposed to keep rain out of the basement. It works, but it's ugly. And, turns out, termite food.

John wanted to replace the post which meant that it needed to be painted which meant I could paint it! Green!

First, John removed the jasmine. He unhooked it and leaned it over so we could put it back after painting. Once it was removed, he discovered this:

An alligator lizard who had set up house in the corner of the structure. With baby! I'd found some of her shedded skin in the yard. Which was creepy. 

New post! (Where the blogger and home improvement worlds collide).

John also replaced two other pieces of wood and removed the top before I started painting. I primed and puttied and even painted the house and trim again.

While I was waiting for some pieces to go in, Bee discovered my brush:

After a few hours painting and securing the structure, and the dumping of a five gallon bucket of paint, (thanks, Bee!), we put the top on.

The finished product:

 

John just needs to reattach the jasmine. And I need a bath. I climbed all over that structure and gerrymandered myself in order to paint it. I also cleaned up that insane paint spill. Insane. Paint. Spill.

O Banksy! My Banksy!

Things you can learn about my family from this photo:

1. We don't watch our kids as closely as we should.
2. Bee likes to draw.
3. We need to keep more paper around.
4. We recycle.
5. We shop at Big Lots.
6. Bee needs a bath.