Home ownership is...

 ...expensive.  And there's such a long to-do list.  Our first priority (we thought) was getting up a fence around the back yard so that the monster (Fiona) couldn't run out into the street and in front of any more cars.  She did it once and I think I had a heart attack.  After some research, we realized that with the budget we set for home repairs and projects, we wouldn't be able to swing the fence this month...we'd have to save up for three months to get it done.  So, we set that thought aside and finished taxes.  Guess which project Uncle Sam will be funding with our refund?  That's right, a fence.  :)  So, Chris is going to do some more research and planning while I'm away in NM this week visiting Angela.

In the meantime, we know we need to get the gutter situation under control (it's still not draining properly) and also get our grass (what little of it there is) growing properly and weed (read: dandelion) free.  It seems like the dandelions popped up overnight and if you need any dandelion tea, we're sure we could probably get you a year's worth of it just from our backyard.  I also want to work on some curtains for windows (As Chris mentioned today when I walked into the kitchen after my shower, sans clothes: "You know, these are going to be our neighbors for a while...") so we can have some privacy and don't embarrass ourselves.  :)

AFTER

BEFORE

We spent four hours flitting around Southcenter this afternoon while Fiona got a haircut.  The trip included two hours in IKEA.  If you've seen the 30 Rock episode about how IKEA is like a death trap for relationships and it's important to go in hydrated, fed, well rested, etc, we were prepared for the worst.  We both love IKEA, though, and do quite well in there together.  I really only wanted to go in to get curtain rods for the kitchen window (didn't find the ones I wanted, will have to get them online) but we came out with a rod to hang our pots and pans on under the counter and an amazing butcher block top cart that I SWEAR doubled our counter space in the kitchen.

So, while Chris slaved away outside today, I stayed inside and put the cart together.  It's the first piece of IKEA furniture that I haven't used the allen wrench that comes with the furniture for (it didn't have one!) and instead used a drill. No lie.  It's a real piece of furniture.  :)  The dogs helped me, too, of course.

And, my new favorite thing about our house is the beautiful Camellia outside our living room window that's now in bloom.  Pretty!