The "to be done" list

Do you keep a list of things that need to be done around the house? We always manage to write up an impressive page or two of tasks that we'd like to get done before Summer comes. There's something about the birth of Spring which brings about the homely nesting instincts, and hubby and I found ourselves, once again, writing out such a list.

This year's list, for us, is going to be fun, but a lot of work. We'll be pulling out carpet and polishing more floorboards (it's taking us about 3 years to work through the whole house in stages), painting the bedrooms, and finishing a few touches that were left from last time.

Mariposa's selections: flowers for the garden,

and a choice of a blue for her bedroom wall.

We're also going to tackle sprucing up the kitchen on a budget. Basically this means giving the walls a lick of paint, as well as painting over all the cupboards in a complimentary colour (they're currently all polished pine paneling). The sink .. yes, the faucet needs replacing, and I've just ordered a venetian blind for the window (now that the neighbour's tree has fallen down and been removed, we can each see straight into each others kitchens).

Most importantly, though, is the installation of a new greenhouse I recently purchased. We have a space in our backyard where a concrete slab was poured to make a detached BBQ area. However, we've not found it very functional, with all the roofing disintegrating not long after our move into this house. So, it's become a bit of a storage area for tree trunks and prunings to dry out, bags of compost and miscellaneous materials. Well, it's time for a clean up! All the wood is to be cut up properly for firewood, and we'll have to organise trips to the tip with whatever is deemed unusable. Maestro's been given the fun task of demolishing the brick BBQ, which we will rebuild in another location. Then, this space will contain our new productive greenhouse. More yummy organic vegies; I can't wait!!

The site for our new greenhouse.  

I had to take a before picture .. but it's such a mess!

Today, I'll also start sowing some seeds for the front garden. We've decided to put in a number of sunflowers, along with some chinese greens and herbs. The shadows will begin to retract soon, so we'll start these plants off in little punnets and plant them out in a couple of months.

I have no idea how long it will take to get all of these jobs done, but I think writing some time goals are in order. Mariposa is champing at the bit to get the paint for her room. Some paint swatches were bought home, and she's chosen a lovely cornflower blue as a feature wall. Oh yes, I should write this down too: her furniture to also get a lick of paint. Oh dear, we are going to be busy!

You can all look forward to some updates as we go along.  I really needed to put up this post as motivation, because these jobs MUST get done, even if they do take until the end of the year.