Thanks for the tip! I'm not even 50 yet but I definitely feel my facial skin changing on me. I just don't feel like myself anymore! I just got all fresh makeup and the foundation I bought made me look so pasty and pale! I think I'll use your tip and try a little darker shade.

What do you mean by stained? Zinsser makes a waterproofing paint that is good for painting concrete block.

Yardvaark has given you some good suggestions, including the one to widen the walkway. The easiest way to do this would be to add a course of patio block or brick on either side of the walkway. The additional 16” would make the entrance feel far more welcoming. Currently people have to approach in single file. For the bed along the walkway, you want an evergreen, sun tolerant groundcover. One that works well for me is Veronica Georgia Blue. Another is Sedum Angelina. Both look good year round. Then add either a series of small mounding shrubs such as some of the smallest Spiraeas or heather. Or else add vines such clematis on flat trellises to the bed, 8” from the wall. You want plants that won’t be stressed by the S and SW exposures. So I would shift your rhododendrons and azaleas to a spot that has some shade during the hottest part of the day. They will bloom well with just morning light. If they are sited where you will see them to enjoy the bloom, that is great. I have one visible from a kitchen window and the walk to the main door as well as several along the drive. I would definitely use Hydrangea paniculata (Aka panicled hydrangeas). They come in a range of sizes from Bobo at 4’x4’ to Little Lime, Little Quickfire, and Little Lamb around 5’ to Strawberry Vanilla at 6’-8’ to Limelight at 10‘. There are others as well, but these are common in nurseries. i will add more later.

IMO tiled floors are hard on feet , legs and backs so my last choice for flooring unless you live in the tropics. why not just stick with the oak you have already and BTW IMO wall to wall carpet anywhere is a dated look not to mention yucky in most cases too. A nice area rug over hardwood in bedrooms is a nice choice .