"All Hands on Deck"

 Surprisingly, the deck took only two days to construct -- although it took more than than for the prep work.  Our friend Sam-the-Younger (who lives next door) spent hours removing massive chunks of lava the entire length so that cement blocks could be placed and the support boards could be leveled.

Then, Phil and I spent a couple days putting water seal on the under boards and staining the 2x6" top boards.

House a year ago -- without shop or apartment.

Here is a photo of the house when we first saw it.  The actual 'footprint' of the house remained the same because we simply (ha ha) built up from the existing cement pad.  The lower floor of 600 sf became Phil's shop for future creative projects.  Obviously, the top floor became the lovely new 720 sf ohana.  The double doors open into the shop, and the single door to the right is the entry to the ohana.




When my grandma and mom taught me how to embroider, crochet and knit, the rule was -- "the back side must look as neat and pretty as the front side."  Bet a few of you remember that one (along with always wear clean underwear because you could be in an accident.)

Here's another comparison between the present back yard with a lovely green lawn, passion fruit vine structure, and orchard in the background.

When we first moved in there were a couple citrus, no flower beds, and no lawn to speak off.  The man who we bought from had not yet had any time for landscaping as he had just finished the house when he put it on the market for sale.

We were VERY lucky to find it at a great price, and we saw the potential that one year of hard work would bring.  Now, each of us are looking forward to spending more time and energy on our respective art projects.  Yeah!

Happy One Year Anniversary to US!