Busy, busy, busy

Sorry it has been a while since my last blog. I haven't forgotten about all of you. I've been extremely busy settling into my new home.

It has been just over 3 months since I moved in. Simonds have a 3 month inspection so I have written down every single thing  that is wrong. It was a long list although I love my home. Mostly there were still complaints about paint (the painter don't know how to patch up a wall and left bog marks in a few places), there are some cracks forming in skirting boards and architraves, one of the downpipes doesn't work, some of the fly wire isn't sitting in properly and a few other things.

I have spent a lot of time thinking about what to do in the garden. I thought it would be easy working with a blank canvas, being able to do what ever you what, where you want, but it isn't! Too many possibilities!

But I have made some decisions;

First I wanted to close in the yard so my dogs are safe.

I didn't want colour bond gates (sorry but they remind me of public housing). When the fence guy put up the side fences I got him to dig (with his post hole digger) four extra holes for my gates and concrete in four 100ml gal posts. Then my wonderful step-dad measured up and built some frames and together we screwed on the wood.

Originally I wanted Merbua, but after finding out the price, I couldn't afford it.

One of the guys at Bunnings (my new favourite store; sorry Spotlight I'm finished with you) suggested Forrest Red Hardwood. It is an alternative to Merbau and a bit cheaper. It was also on special in their catalogue (so watch out for their specials; I saved over $1 per metre!) It worked out the be $4.05 per metre.

One of my goals are to stain the wood with a Merbau oil in the next few days.

Stay tuned for those photos.

Secondly, I needed a letterbox. Thanks to my dad (and again Bunnings), I got this one. I love it! We also got numbers that just stick on. My mum, neighbour Penny and I concreted it in using instant cement. Go girl power! And we even used a level!

Thirdly, I wanted some grass for my dogs and to keep the dirt down so I could put up my clothesline. Sounds easy, but in order to get grass several things had to be done. I decided to get a guy in with a bobcat to save my back. I got a few quotes. The one I picked delivered dirt and spread it out fairly level while still allowing the rain to run away from the house. The dirt was $15 a cubic metre, which is a lot cheaper than $45 from the local sand and soil place. I know the dirt I got isn't the best quality, but it is what I can afford and I did most of the back yard with about 12 cubic metres. The day the guy came to to the fence was the day the guy came to do the ground. What a busy day (for them anyway, I just made coffee and snooped by the windows).

Then for the next few days mum and I raked and planted grass seeds.

I know there are a few weeds (yes from the soil) but nothing I can't handle. I will have to re-seed some patched after summer. And my clothes can go out on the line without being covered in dirt!

 I have started a garden but I haven't finished yet. I have a few plans that I will do during Jan so post up more photos. I'm also looking into the cost of concrete and pavers for my outdoor area near the siding door (but I have to save for that).