This week the shutters are getting an overhaul.  We had a few good ones, but the majority needed a good bit of work.  But at the cost of over $400 per pair, we decided to make do with what we had!  So right now, our backyard looks like this:

If you’ve been following, you may think that the shutters were black, but they were actually a very deep green.  Even up close it was hard to tell sometimes.  Right now, they are getting a coat or two of a “peel stop” product so that the paint will stick and last longer, and then they will be painted black.

Our plan is to use the best ones in the front and down the driveway side of the house (where they are most visible).  We will repair what we can of the rest and use them in the back and other side of the house.  Our long term goal is to replace them all over time, but for now, this will work.  It’s all about that first impression!

Speaking of first impressions, we are having the front of the garage painted to match the house.  Contrary to what we assumed, the garage (or carriage house, as it was once known) is actually original to the house, and has always been painted to match.  The sides and back are covered with shrubbery, and can’t be seen anyways, so for now we are just doing the front.  (We’re cheap, I know! But if we have to cut some corners, I’d rather cut them here than in, say, the plumbing!)  Here’s a shot of the first coat.  I can’t wait for those doors to be squared so the whole building doesn’t look so lop-sided!!  Better yet, I can’t wait for the whole garage to be squared, doors to be updated, and new lighting put in.  But hey, I’ll take what I can get!

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