We can undoubtedly say that time has been an element in favor during the whole pandemic. In fact, during those past months, we have certainly had the time to delight ourselves in rediscovering passions, hobbies, and learning new things.
In addition to cooking, house upkeep was one of the most popular activities during the lockdown. We dedicated ourselves to DIY activities, primarily maintenance, followed by gardening and home decoration. These months have been an excellent opportunity to "get your hands on" and experiment with embellishing our homes by fixing, modifying, gardening, or building new things.
In addition to house maintenance, another popular pastime that filled our days has been to take part in online courses. Many professionals, artists, and teachers have been making their skills available to provide classes, webinars, and live streaming services.
MSA kept busy during the lockdown. So, we're sharing our home projects.
pocket Patio by park
We added our pocket patio addition. We were inspired to create an outdoor space right off of our living area. We found excellent floor tile that laid over the existing concrete pad nicely. We used plants that liked indirect sunlight to create a lush and green space, and adding the ladder was a great way to house herbs, Lavender, and Gerber daisies. We love to hang out on our new patio. It feels like another place, quiet and private. In the evenings, we can throw a few logs on the fire pit and make s'mores. I used Tate's chocolate chip cookies and Lint dark chocolate with sea salt. It was a great way to reinvent the old graham cracker and Hershey's chocolate version.
AC compressor by bill
One of the projects I completed was installing a new AC compressor in my car. I had wanted to do it for the last two years but just never found the time. So, when the lockdown began, I decided to dive in. The process involves taking the front of the car apart to get to the compressor. Then, put the car all back together and blowing nice ice-cold air.
She Shed by CHRIS
I wanted to transform my shed into a She Shed, where I can do my artwork and crafts. So my husband and I ruthlessly went through it and cleared it out – that was Step #1. Then I painted the interior white, so it's bright and clean. Added a worktop, filed it with all my art/craft supplies, purchased a new drafting table, and voila! A unique and clean space. I don't have a picture of the interior, but you can get an idea. I made a mosaic "She Shed" sign for the exterior and then worked on my first project – an old oil lamp with no glass globe. I purchased a globe, mosaic-ed it, and electrified the lamp. YouTube is my new best friend!
learning python by brian
My hobby in quarantine has been learning computer programming with Python, one of the most popular languages.
BBQ AND FIRE PIT BY SHAWN
During the Covid-19 home quarantine, I made some outside home improvements. I added a BBQ and Fire Pit conversation area.
Zoom drawing marathon BY ERIN
I continued with drawing & participated in Zoom drawing marathons which I had never done before. We would draw for 5+ hours. I could "pin" different models to draw. This format offered more flexibility & a variety of models with whom to choose.
landscaping BY karen
My husband and I had our landscaping completed around our home – finally! This project was our most significant project of the year, and we are so happy with it. Fortunately, our property has a deep well to irrigate much of the plantings around our home.
chairs & shed BY jacqueline
I did a lot of projects last year. Of course, those long weekends helped. I tend to be very productive during my off time consistently. What can I say? I like to make stuff! So I'm attaching some of my faves, and I'll let you pick whichever you want to use.
Renovated some old resin wicker chairs – here's a pic of before and after – side by side. I had never attempted anything like this.
I built a shed/outdoor cabinet, for lack of a better word, I called a "Shebinet" – a cross between a shed and a cabinet. I had never built something quite this big, so it was a great learning experience. I wanted to make sure the back was also pretty, as it is the backdrop of my little side patio. I also made the planter next to the cabinet, and I have planted bougainvillea and succulents. The tiles on the face of the planter are pieces from our previous kitchen renovation.