Reading and Getting Ready

I am so thankful that I have a husband who is good with his hands.

I am not so talented in the manual labor department, not that I mind getting dirty or breaking a sweat, but I fear I am accident prone and probably slightly lazy. However, I have always been a very good reader and I have used the interim between making an offer on the house and actual home ownership to check some books out of the New York Public Library.

Marie's Guide to Home Improvement, by Marie Leonard, was a great place to build my confidence.  She outlined a list of necessary tools, a manageable list of 20, that included measuring tape, a utility, a level, putty knife, 6 in 1 painters tool, and a DeWalt 18v cordless drill.  I was familiar with most of the tools and even excited about the prospect of capably wielding a power tool. She briefly explains how to use the tools and when to use different materials (ie caulk vs. grout).  The rest of the book is a step-by-step guide for common home improvements: painting, fixing holes, hanging pictures, shelves doors, and window treatments, and minor plumbing and electrical work.

In her introduction she states,  "My passion is teaching women how to do home improvement projects so that they can experience the immense satisfaction and self-esteem boost that comes from taking on a project you don't think you can do and successfully completing it." 

So, do I get my own 18 volt drill or do I have to share with Russ?

(picture credit to Lindsay Roberts at apartment therapy)

The other book, I only allowed myself to skim, lest I get too excited and get ahead of myself: Starter Vegetable Gardens: 24 no-fail plans for small organic gardens, by Barbara Pleasant.  Summer is coming to a close and I will not be able to plant a garden until next spring.  And before the planting can begin there is  A LOT of clearing that has to take place. It is well organized book with lots of photos and clear concise step-by-step instruction for multiple years of planting. I look forward to checking it out again in the spring!