For the past week and a half, I've been awakened by the sound of hammers outside my house. We replaced the wood trim around the exterior because it was disintegrating due to termites. The walls are stucco.

I'm glad we finally got it done. Hubbo never wants to do anything or pay for repairs, but I didn't want my house falling from termite rot.

The handyman lives in this housing complex 2 blocks away. Several neighbors recommended him. I walked up to him when he was taking his lunch break in his truck (he was fixing another house in this cul-de-sac) and asked him to take a look at our place, because I knew we had wood damage.

I hired him without consulting Hubbo, who would've complained about the money. I feel we have an investment in this home and need to take care of it.

You are soooo right, Meredith! That investment is worth every penny.

How does that saying go? "It's better to repair the roof when the sun is shining."

Listen to our realtor. She knows what she's talking about.

Are they finished? Doesn't it feel good to see the difference?

My son has a carriage house behind his home which he rents. The tenants moved out. It was dirty and needed painting. My brother has been kind enough to paint the whole dang thing, inside. He's retired and committed to family which you have to admire. Between my brother, his wife, Ross, Matt and I, we made the place look brand spanking new. Elbow grease and paint can really make a difference. I have a feeling it's going to rent right away.

I'll rent it and I haven't even seen it. I would KILL to live in a carriage house! I love those addendums to the older homes.

This is really different. It's a separate building which I think is unusual for Baltimroe city row homes. I'll tell him you'll be moving in soon.