Goodbye Ugly Deck Structure

So, my BIL was down to visit his folks recently and stopped by our house to see our progress.  I remember both BIL's being very impressed with the quality of home we found in the small town 225 miles away we were retiring too.  Both BIL's are handy and can build.

I mentioned to BIL 2 how much I dislike the ugly metal structure over the deck.  The past owners would prop it up in the middle of the deck with three 2 x 4's and strap an enormous tarp on and have parties, I guess.  Well we were not digging it.  It is an eyesore and cuts into our view when we look out of window and look out over our yard from the back patio.  Plus, we are getting our patio screened in someday and won't use/need the huge tarp over the entire deck. 

Well, BIL2 wheels start turning and he is thinking it could use this structure to make a carport.  He only has single car garage and it is full.  He and DH both remark how much money they past owners spent on all this metal.  Well, we tell BIL2, if you want it - feel free to come and get it.  So, he took this week off work and is going to go get it!  whooopieeeeeeee!  More before and after photos!

So, here it is with the horrid metal structure and here it is without.  DH and I LOVE the uncluttered look without and will have better view of our back yard and the sky between our oak trees and the flag.  So much better. 

Our Last Sunday Evening in City House

Yesterday we got back to the city house and I helped my friend load an armoire I gave her, then we took a good 4 mile walk.  It was humid, but not terribly hot (upper 80's).  Friday we took, unloaded and organized last load until we move excess personal effects/clothes/sheets/towels/cleaning tools - literally what can't fit in hotel.  That won't be until July 13.  We are staying in the city the next 2 weekends.  We will keep 3rd vehicle (suburban) in city parked at hotel, which will be handy because it will act as our rolling storage unit for few more weeks.  Then we will move it south and park it in DH workshop - we already made the room for it.  For Aug and Sept, we will just have our personal commuter cars in the city.  But anyway, back to Friday in the country...it wasn't the biggest load, nor the hottest day we have worked in, but I got dizzy and nauseous and about passed out.  So DH made me sit in AC house and drink some water.  It only lasted a short time and I was fine.  I think I just did not drink enough water Friday.
Ate a small dinner Friday down at retirement country and got to visit with BIL.  He had been working a job keeping him away afternoons till 11pm, well, he ended up leaving there and thinks he has another corp gig lined up late july or early aug.  He and SIL had sold their 3rd veh and are considering selling their cattle (usu keep about 15 - 20 to let them focus on their downsize).  He will spend few weeks attacking jobs at his late mother's residence to be able to finish that house and get the prop on the market.  His sister and her husband drives 6 hours one way each weekend, versus BIL 3 hours one way to work on this property. 
When DH and I got back to city and walked into CH Sunday, we could see that the woman we hired to clean had done a great job and my friends who came and got sev pieces of furniture had not left a trace of dirt or dust, so we were pleased.  I cleaned out laundry cabinet, kitchen drawers and weekend the area behind my house/patio area.  I weeked front area last week.  We had a large brunch on the way home for DH birthday, so we just sat in our lawn chairs in our living room and drank our healthy smoothies for dinner!  It was sort of fun.  Our 2 dogs are like what is going on?!  Where is our furniture?!
Today is the last Monday we will commute from our CH.  The picture is of a rain shower we enjoyed from our view last week.  Tonight I will finish packing my clothes and wipe out master bath vanity and do one more load of laundry.  I will take one more walk if weather permits on my lovely route i will miss so much.  DH brother coming over to get a gifted briefcase and our FSBO house sign for when he sells his house later this month or next.  DH sister and his brother are all about same age as DH and all working toward downsizing and getting more nimble for retirement.  I have inspired sev friends and family members to purge.  I will never stop purging after seeing people deal with estates after the fact.  I have no children to help me.  Have a wonderful day!  Here in the Midwest, we are enjoying some mild overcast weather today.

More Move Planning

My husband and I have one more load of stuff to haul and find places to put it.  Then we have a load of cleaning supplies, ladders, vacuum and plants.  The plants will go to my MIL to be watered for 3 months.  Then the last load to the extended stay hotel.  We are tired.  I am moving away from "what I did to prepare for my move" to "what I did to stop and smell the roses"...Saturday I drove my convertible and had lunch with my sister.   Sunday, I sat and watched TV a couple hours in the afternoon and sat in our camp chairs out on our balcony to enjoy our view as much as we can since we only have 3 more weeks.  It was too hot to walk until late 7:30.  When I got home Sun from walking I made a smoothie, took a shower and asked DH if he wanted to sit on our deck in the cool 70+ degree weather.  He said, we don't have anything to sit on.  I reminded him of the camp chairs in the garage.  When I got out of the shower, he had them ready.  We just sat out there for 30 min.  No phones.  It was nice.  We are trying to take it in.  Our view is the favorite thing about our house.  Monday I started a Max Lucado book.  Tuesday will be yoga.  I am going to mentally start the slow down because mentally is where the challenge for retirement will be for me.  And physically, eventually.  Let's worry about mental first.  Deep breath...I got this. 

Pictures!

Here are some of City House view, entrance.

So cool I can finally do photos!

Have a great Friday.