Lots of progress lately at 538.  The house painting marathon continues...about half the front is done!  Just bought the light blue porch paint this weekend, so that's next on the list, after I strip down the front porch area.  Hope to have the front of the house done within a month or so.  

Also, WE FINALLY GOT A DRIVEWAY!  About 2 weeks ago, the guys came and ripped out all of the drive and sidewalks, formed it, and poured it all back within 2 days.  It's like driving on glass instead of the bumpy gravel roller coaster we had before.  And it doesn't hold water!  The neighbor's side holds water a little bit, but we'll have to get the guys out there to do something about that.  Overall though, we're super pleased.  

Still working on the plans for the new bathroom/back porch, and that all hinges on us paying off the loan for the central A/C.  Hopefully we'll get er dun before the end of the year...we shall see.  

The process:  strip, sand, prime, caulk, paint(twice). 

All white and solid.  Not pervious, but the kids LOVE it!

Surprise of all surprises:  

when you leave an artichoke unattended, 

you get this stunning beauty!