Way to go! Nice house! Everybody will have their own opinions about what looks aesthetically pleasing... For me, I'd enjoy a row of spruces, the nearer the curb the better. Why not have your soil tested and have the utility companies come out spray paint your grass for stuff you'll need to avoid. How long do you intend to live there? If you plant larger trees they give you privacy quicker but cost a lot more. Additionally, plant some 1/2 barrels and put flowers on that patio. Update your front door to something nicer? Just my opinion, your mileage may vary. Gus

I haven't posted pics yet, but here are some instructions: http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/pepper/2002072150000611.html Good luck! I use a Firefox add-on (BBCodeXtra) which automatically adds the correct codes to convert url's to links, and make text italic or bold or underlined. It can also post images (though I've only done that to fix other people's failed links -- and I haven't done it for so long that I've forgotten how). For this site, you choose the third option in the drop-down menu (xhtmlXtra). I believe there are similar programs for other browsers, but I have no idea what they are.

Camarodreamer, I'm just biting my tongue rather than respond in kind to some of the folks who posted ... All I can say is, don't take it personally. Some people have "arrived" (or think they have) financially and socially, but have somehow lost, or never had, a grain of understanding or compassion. I live in an area where property values have skyrocketed; people are moving here to get away from the city - They bring with them their city ways, demolish modest homes that have been standing for decades and replace them with the all-too-familiar "McMansion" that is too large for both lot and neighborhood, and attempt to ride roughshod over a way of life that has been cherished here for generations. I'm a "transplant" here myself, having been here a mere 30 years, but sensitive to, and appreciative of, what this area has to offer. I love houses and in my travels have seen many. A house is a shell - nothing more. Granted, some have more aesthetic appeal, more architectural merit, than others ... but it is the people who live in them who make them *homes*. If it is one's "calling card", one's announcement to the world that one has "made it" ... then it isn't a home, it's something else. I admire and appreciate your desire to reduce your living expenses while simplifying and increasing the quality of your life. I worked for 8 years in a hospital setting - five of those with hospice and cancer patients and, sad to say, it often took a virtual death sentence before people woke up and distilled their lives down to what was important. I hope I'm not rambling too much, but this is coming from the heart; not always in the best order, and with some of the stinging parts edited out. You know better than anyone else whether this house (or any other one) is right for you and your family - I believe someone has already stated that. Some of the kind posters have helped identify and clarify, and possibly remedy, some of the drawbacks. If the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, then you can overcome those drawbacks and the property will reflect the thought, care and love that you put into your life and become a *home*. Whatever you decide, please don't let it be because of rude, shallow people ... and I wish you the very best. Diane

Thanks for these ideas. I can't believe the effort you all put into offering ideas - taking photos of neighbors houses, inspiration pics, paint swatches and even color mockups! For jterrilynn - I really appreciate your mockup, however, the siding on this house is natural redwood. It is not stained or painted. I will be doing some work on it to get rid of some of the darkening, which I believe is extractive bleeding, and not mildew. I don't actually think the brick is the best match to the redwood, but it's there. I have considered painting it, but that sounds like extra maintenance, so for now, won't. I also think it's a bit less peachy than the photo makes it look. That was evening sun, and it does face west, so maybe it accentuates that color in the setting sun. If it doesn't rain today, I'll try out some swatches on the primed areas. Wish me luck!