Jolly Good

During the 48 hour test it hit 7.8 for awhile but mostly 4 and under for the remainder of the test. I believe it will be a permanent running installation.

Do you also have a dehumidifier in your basement?

ddsrph

My house is really a walkout basement with a roof. It’s cut into a slope. My insulation and water proofing is very good so my heat pump keeps it mold proof without any hint of excess moisture. I checked my radon levels when I first moved in and was around 4 but I had installed pipes under slab in anticipation of installing pump so went ahead and installed. I haven’t since checked levels but need to do so. Here is a side view of the end most underground. Your levels are not that high but the lower the better. Being near lake it was debatable about dehumidifier being needed but it turned out I didn’t need one.

Jolly Good

Today's highlight.
A morning trip to our local Lowes to buy some shrubs and we were met with staff members chasing a guy through the back of the parking lot. He had stolen some DeWalt power tools. They lost him as he disappeared into the wooded area behind the store.

What's really crazy is the average age of most of the Lowes workers at this store is probable 70 years old!! And apparently the blatant running out of the garden center with stolen goods is a common occurrence according to the poor ladies that had tried to stop him

Anyway shrubs planted and we are now having a nice rain shower to water them. A good days work!

lizzyq

At least, unlike in Florida, in Pennsylvania such miscreants tend to be fully clothed, but also no alligators hiding in the wilderness to eat them either.

Jolly Good

Yesterday we met with a contractor to extend our kitchen. He probably won't be able to start for a few weeks but we are drawing up the plan and selecting the cabinets and counter tops this week. He also is going to cut back the crazy over grown back yard for us. Our neighbor invited us over so we could view our property line better from their side. We now have an idea of the challenge ahead...it might be next year before we really work on it but it will be good to at least have some of it cut back in the next few weeks!

We have also visited a few state parks and found some good hiking paths. I know now why this area is called Penn Hills!! It is so different than our old flat area in Texas My legs have been aching from the hill walks.

Lion in Winter

Also, in terms of your back yard, where you are now winter will actually kill things (although not as bad as Chicago) so you will be able to see the lay of the land better.

Lion in Winter

What is your interesting bit of modern art/sculpture next to the carport?

ddsrph

That’s my under construction covered pavilion. It’s my first attempt at block, brick and stone work. Here’s a better photo of it. I am waiting on roof trusses to build roof. I will do the rest of the brick and stone after roof and vinyl trim is done.

ddsrph

You can rent a self propelled brush mower at the local tool rental place that can quickly cut most of the growth. Our rental company charges for one day if picked up late Friday and returns Monday morning. They will cut brush up to about 1 inch diameter. If it can push them over it will cut it.

Nutmegger

Take your time, and the land itself will tell you what to do. Our garden has been evolving for twenty-four years now. We fenced a large area for the dogs in a patch of woodland when we moved here (the fencing company had to fight through the undergrowth to get the stanchions in!), and cultivate within that area too, as otherwise the surrounding wildlife wipes out everything we try to do. Inside the fenced area, the layout evolved around the paths that the dogs created as they ran through the woodland; we worked around interesting boulders to feature them; trees fell in storms and opened up light to new areas; and we never said no when people offered us plants as they cut back their gardens. It's a living thing that keeps on changing!

Lion in Winter

Very impressive. I like the sacrificial altar built in at one end.

Jolly Good

Yes, a little bit different than Texas!

We need to check that out. Thanks !

I know it will take time. It's such a shame it has got so wild. Our neighbors said the owner before the one we bought from used to keep it looking great. Then when the last guy bought it he just fenced it off and let it go wild. He didn't actually ever live in the house he rented it out and the renters didn't bother with it.

ddsrph

A brush mower similar to this can clean it up fast. They are self propelled and easy to use. I prefer to clean up my own land as I can leave trees that I want to keep.

cheradenine

That looks awesome mate! worked in construction for a few years here and really miss it. Hope to see the final product!

ddsrph

Will definitely post some photos. I did it all myself except pour the slab floor.