Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Some outside house improvements. Basiclly a new roof and a paint job.

Well, this is what the house looked like one year for Christmas. The front porch was open and lots of cold air from the lake would blow through the walls.
So we decided to get the porch enclosed to cut off most of that North wind off the lake.

What mainly started off as a $2000 paint job on all trip and windows, turned out to be almost a $14,000 job that include a whole new roof.

The contractor pointed out all this rotten wood in the trim that had to be replaced before he could paint it.
The slate plates used as part of the siding was so old and crumbly, that it was falling off as they were replacing the trim on the side of the house. So we had the contractor tear that off to to replace and add on to the bill.
The same thing was happening on the east side of the house, rotten wood and slate falling off.

Who ever put the roof on before cut some corners in cost.
As you can see, the roofing material was done right onto the wood. The is clearly no roofing paper nor felt down before the laid the shingles down. Talk about cutting corner big time. This is on the south side of the house, which gets the most sun. We were surprised that it didn't do much damage with it not being done correctly.
Now the house is starting to look good with the new roof on in the back.
And you can see the trim and windows are done in the back.

Not too bad on the back side.

The enclosed porch got painted and so did the new trim they put up on the side.

What used to have slate for siding now has a nice new siding on to give it a better look.



Even up new siding up in the front part of the house. That has slate plates too that was used for siding.

The final new look. It cost a lot of money and ruined the summer time get aways; however, glad to spend the money now then years down the road when it might cost twice as much or have more damage done to the house.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Heck Park, Monroe, MI

Went for a walk arout the TA truck stop in Monroe, Mi. Came up on park and took a tour. Enjoy.

















Sunday, September 20, 2009

My friend, Eric, wedding.

Just before the start of wedding, Eric and his Aunt.

Eric's friend/roommate in college, Mike and his wife and their 2 1/2 year old daughter.

Mike's daughter.

Time to start, Eric waiting on his bride to come.

But first, Eric's brother, Mark, takes his position as the Best Man.
Next, Iryna's sister, Anna, takes her position as Brides Maid along with the flower girl.
Here comes the lucky bride, Iryna, being given away by her father.
The two are now face to face in this special occasion.



The exchanging of the rings.

It's the best part, the "I do" and kiss the bride.
The now walk together as, Mr and Mrs Eric & Iryna Barczynski.
The new couple with Iryna's father and Mark.
Eric's parents, Bob and Jeanette, and with brother, Mark.
The newly weds with Iryna parents.

Eric's Grandmother and friends.

The happy couple with Grandma.

Eric's family surrounds the married couple.
Eric and Iryna first dance as husband and wife.

Look how happy the are.
Now it's time for Eric to dance with his mom.



Jeanette is so happy for her son.


Time for the bride to dance with her father.

Eric looks so happy as Iryna dances with her father.


The wedding cake.
The happy with Grandma again.

Group picture outside as the sun sets.




Mike keeping up with his daughter.

The wonderful sunset on Lake Erie in Willowwick, OH, just outside Cleveland.

I switched to black and white for some photos. I can do a better job at it. Look how happy they are as the sun sets.



The best picture I have taken this evening.

These next few pictures are of a game that was played, Project Runway. All couples at the wedding was given toilet paper and had to come up with a design. The bride and groom judged them and picked a winner. I don't think I have to tell you who won. LOL









As the night came to an end, the three college buddies got together for one shot. Eric and Mike were roommates in college, I was their neighbor just a few doors down. We might have lost touch with each other some; however, it felt like we never missed a day being together. We talked and joked about all the fun we had living in Dearborn while in college. We had so good time then and great memories. Now we all have new memories for this special occansion to remember. As our lives continue to write new chapters in each of our lives.