When I first moved in, the exterior was in decent shape in that it wasn't falling down... but just barely.  The previous owner put a new roof on just a few years ago, so all I needed to pay attention to was the cedar siding.  There was considerable termite damage and wood rot around the front bay window (hidden partially by the bushes), but after several tubes of caulk, things came together.  If I had to name the paint color, I think I'd call it Sick Dog.

Thanks to a little family help, the wood rot has been replaced and other damaged areas have been repaired. I also chose a new color scheme for the siding and trim, gave the front door an entirely new look, resurrected the old house numbers, and I can finally see the finish line on this project.  Only it's twelve feet above my head and it's not such a great idea to be on a ladder alone.

The front door area (I call it a stoop, but it's really too small to have its own name anyway) still needs a little sprucing up with some matching paint on the cement slab and a coat of sealant on the stone facade.  Before long I hope to add a bench on the end as well (how else will I admire the garden that doesn't yet exist?).

The back yard has a loooong way to go, but received a new gate and by next year should have some additional landscaping.  The ivy on the trees has since been killed off, a temporary fire pit replaced an ugly stone bird feeder, and I found a clever way to get rid of pine straw without lifting a finger.  When the interior makes enough progress this year, I'm hoping to add a graveled area to extend the patio area and create a multi-function outdoor space (with a new fire pit and seating area, grill and dining set).