We are building a creative, utilitarian life inside an old Victorian( built in 1898) in the historical "Ghosttown" district of Oakland, CA. This blog chronicles our experiences renovating this magnificent antique home and how we learn new ways to build, plant, create and explore our creativity. We'll share our tips and insights with you on how we rehabilitate, remake and refinish this old house so it will last another 100 years in style.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
b b and b: backyard bugs and bathroom
After much more weeding, we made another new planter, added a few plants, and put down lots of wood-chip-mulch. George reused the old corrugated metal siding from the shed to make a planter for a future tree. We also moved the bougainvillea (ladder photo below) and the cute pink petals are coming back. It definitely seems happier in that spot. We also started growing a couple of zucchini plants in the blue box above.
p.s. if anyone has effective tips on getting rid of vinegar/fruit flies I'd love to know. Even though I add lots of paper to our worm factory, we seem to get those pesky tiny flies.
There are also some regular flies that hover under our deck. We've cleaned the area w/bleach and they still hover. (of all the bugs, ants & flies bug the most)
On a different note, George did a little finishing work on the front part of the bathroom. He used some leftover tile around the vanity and added a few decorative touches that I love. George finally found the perfect spot to display the beautiful blue antique hanging candle holder from Sylvia.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Save the Libraries!
FYI, my friend Peggy shared the info about the library cuts on FB and we support the Oakland Tool Library. It's a great community resource. There are proposed budget cuts to libraries and this one is a bad scenario:
(below - posted from the Oakland Public Library Frequently Asked Questions Mayor's Proposed Budget)
What are some of the impacts to library services under Scenario A?
The following 13 branch libraries are scheduled to close: Asian, Brookfield, Chavez, Eastmont,
Elmhurst, Golden Gate, Lakeview, Martin Luther King, Melrose, Montclair, Piedmont Avenue, Temescal, West Oakland
The Tool Lending Library and the African-American Museum and Library at Oakland
(AAMLO) will close
Second Start Adult Literacy will close
Limited funding for new books, DVDs or other materials purchased
Reduction of service hours for the Oakland History Room
Discontinuation of electronic services like downloadable books and databases
more here:
http://oaklandlocal.com/article/oakland-budget-major-topic-conversation-mayors-town-hall-meeting
(below - posted from the Oakland Public Library Frequently Asked Questions Mayor's Proposed Budget)
What are some of the impacts to library services under Scenario A?
The following 13 branch libraries are scheduled to close: Asian, Brookfield, Chavez, Eastmont,
Elmhurst, Golden Gate, Lakeview, Martin Luther King, Melrose, Montclair, Piedmont Avenue, Temescal, West Oakland
The Tool Lending Library and the African-American Museum and Library at Oakland
(AAMLO) will close
Second Start Adult Literacy will close
Limited funding for new books, DVDs or other materials purchased
Reduction of service hours for the Oakland History Room
Discontinuation of electronic services like downloadable books and databases
more here:
http://oaklandlocal.com/article/oakland-budget-major-topic-conversation-mayors-town-hall-meeting
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Spring Yardwork
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