The list created by Michael and Sarah, while not as large in number as the Bunner-Hearty list, was nonetheless a fun challenge. We took a certain measure of pride in the fact the scope of both lists seemed to be a testament to the faith our kids have in our abilities.
We stayed in Hollywood for a little over a month, taking advantage of spending Christmas and New Year holidays with the extended Gomez family and valuable time with little Sammy. We accomplished every item on their list plus a few added ones. Michael claimed had we not worked as a team, it would have taken him about 9 months to complete this work himself.
The list included 18 items. We were itold the backyard projects were the highest priority, and that is where we focussed first. Michael was lucky enough to have three weeks off from his job, so he helped tremendously, and Sarah found time to help with some painting.
The backyard is a great space but wasn’t yet optimally configured for their enjoyment or future entertaining. The automated lawn sprinkling system presented an unsightly view from the patio, so they wanted it hidden with some kind of cover. The southwest corner of the yard was overgrown and unusable, and the fence needed repair at the northwest corner near the entrance gate. Finally, the backyard needed exterior power for tools and lighting for both the patio and future deck.
Constructed concrete foundation for new box 
Constructed and painted box to hide system 
Installed new box
Overgrown corner of backyard 
Vegetation removed
Backyard Gate Exit Before 
Backyard Gate Exit After
Trenching beneath new outlet 
There was about 40′ of trenching 
Wiring pulled through conduit 
Conduit placed and buried
Power extended from new outlet 
Second outlet installed at tree
When the house was purchased, all of the windows were original and hurricane protection was provided by aluminum clamshell shutters that would get lowered and fastened when needed. Michael and Sarah had them all replaced with hurricane certified windows. The clamshells were removed and sold, but the remaining damage had to be repaired.
Some remaining hardware from the clamshells had to be removed from the stucco 
Damaged walls were repaired with a stucco patching compound 
Stucco patches required sanding and painting
When we first arrived in Hollywood, the family had a long weekend vacation planned at Disney World. They had emptied their walk-in closet, and asked that we reconfigure the left side of the closet from a single rod and shelf to a double rod and shelf.
Existing shelf and rod removed 
Shelf and rod lowered about 12″ 
New rod installed at the ceiling 
Wall repaired and everything painted
We visited the family in December 2018 just as they were moving into the house and helped with several renovations they were doing. We started the millwork for doors and walls and removed and painted the recessed canister lights in the kitchen and living room ceiling to match their color scheme. Unfortunately, the millwork on the garage side of the door into the garage wasn’t done and one of the canister lights was left hanging because it would not fully recess into the ceiling. During another visit earlier this year we installed wooden steps for the door between the garage and the interior hallway, but these steps were left as bare wood. MFI, ever the problem solver, spent some time on the canister light. The good news was she got the light to stay in place. The bad news was she wasn’t sure what she had done. Sarah refused to give us credit for completing this project until the light remained in place for more than a day. And…it did! The other items were finished as well.
Millwork installed, sealed, and painted 
Wooden steps cleaned, stained and varnished
Two other projects are worth mentioning: 1) MFI solved the problem of leaning and broken front walkway lights and 2) we prepared the closet in the guest bedroom. Neighborhood kids continue to damage the walkway lights while playing, and Michael has battled with repairs that keep the fixtures sturdily vertical. The guest bedroom will eventually become the kid’s room some time after number two arrives in May 2020. Sarah wanted the double closet painted and the back wall of each accented with a patterned contract paper.
Broken walkway light disassembled 
PVC splice cut to accept wiring, threaded to accept base, and clamped to hold light 
Double closet painted 
New contact paper installed
We were so happy to help with this list and were greatly satisfied with the results. Michael and Sarah were liberal with their thanks, as well as, gracious with sharing their home and providing us with fantastic food, wine, and good company. Once the backyard projects were complete, we all drifted to the patio to enjoy our morning coffee, talk over a glass of wine or beer, watch Sammy play, or just relax in the pleasant setting. Michael and Sarah created a butterfly garden along the east side of the patio, and the first ones arrived within hours.
We’ll be returning to Hollywood in May for the birth of their son. They’ve already informed us that the project list has been started and definitely includes building a new deck.
