Now & When

Owning an old home means the projects never really stop. From necessary fixes to creative upgrades, there’s always something in the works. As winter settles in, we’ve been wrapping up outdoor projects, tackling indoor tasks, and learning as we go. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished recently—and what’s still on the horizon.

The Fence: Function Over Form (For Now)

After months of planning, the fence is finally up! We went with a basic 5-foot black chain-link fence to give the dogs room to roam freely and safely. While it’s not the most attractive option, it’s practical. We even expanded the project to include fencing the front yard after talking with the foreman. Our beagle-cross dogs have a talent for finding and eating everything—from raccoon scat to mushrooms—so having a controlled space was a must.

These photos show the beautiful existing fence which is wood and carefully contoured to the ground (gorgeous and pricey) and the new chain link additions. Denaige is hoping that this spring she can get some vines and landscaping done to make it less industrial looking. Long term, the decision to go with upgraded posts will give us flexibility to add a wood fence or even a stone wall with ornamental wrought iron in the future.

Yes, the current look has been compared to everything from “The Shining” to a construction zone, but we’re focusing on the long game. For now, it’s functional—and our walls are much cleaner without certain unpleasant dog-related incidents to clean up.

The Cellar Entrance: A DIY Adventure

One of the most pressing issues we’ve faced is the cellar entrance. When we tore down the east deck, we uncovered a poorly constructed cover that let in water, air, and rodents. While a tarp has temporarily kept the water at bay, it was time for a permanent solution.

Enter my latest project: building a proper cover. With minimal carpentry experience but a willingness to wing it, I’ve been working on a design that’s both functional and (hopefully) not too terrible to look at. I even documented the process with videos, which I’m tempted to call “Carpenter Cringe.” As a Millwright, I’m used to working with steel and metal in industrial settings—not wood in a residential one—so this has been a steep learning curve.

Once I figure out how to set up a channel and post the videos, I’ll share them. My hope is that others can learn from my trial-and-error process—or at least have a good laugh. Stay tuned!

Looking Ahead: Progress, Not Perfection

While we’ve made strides with the fence and cellar entrance, there’s still a long list of projects waiting. Winter brings its own set of challenges, limiting what we can do outside, but it also gives us time to reflect and plan. Each task we tackle, no matter how small, brings us closer to turning this house into the home we’ve envisioned.

The truth is, projects like these are about more than just fixing problems. They’re about learning, adapting, and finding joy in the process. Whether it’s upgrading fence posts for future possibilities or figuring out how to keep mice out of the basement, every effort adds to the story we’re building here.

Final Perspective:
Progress isn’t about getting everything perfect—it’s about moving forward, one step at a time. From functional fixes to future dreams, each project teaches us something new and brings us closer to creating a space that feels truly ours. This house has its quirks, but it’s ours to shape, one challenge—and one victory—at a time.