Big Stuff!

Okay, this is not in order of importance. . .

Big Stuff #1:

The Porch!!!!  While not totally completed, the electrical is almost done and the fan needs to go up, it is basically done!!!  And here is what we have been doing on this. . .since July 24th when we wrote the first check to the Contractor. . .

First, the railing on the old deck was taken off and the roof was started.  It took a while because this was done in the hottest part of summer. . .August.  But it was solid and well done.  Our Contractor is meticulous to a fault.  There will not be any problems at all with this roof!!!  /The under framing of the old deck was kept as it was well done (yeah Pat!!) and already approved by the county.  Once the roof was completed, the old deck boards were taken up and the new, very expensive Trex boards were put down. . .

 



We have two open side porches, one about six feet by twenty feet and the other is about five feet by six feet.  Originally, the larger one was going to be the grilling porch but we changed our minds and are making the smaller one the grilling porch.  The smaller porch will also lead down to a patio of some kind--we can't decide between slate, brick or pour/stamped concrete.  That will be in the Spring, though.

We also decided on black cast iron posts in the railing, which contrasts nicely with the white exterior.  We also did black cast iron knobs on the two screen doors. . .

And now. . . .drumroll, please!!!brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!

The larger side porch with Victorian style door. . .Maggie has figured out how to open this one already. . .

 The smaller grilling porch with the other less ornate door. . .this one has a doggie door in it so the dogs can come and go as they please. . .

Working on the trim and finishing pieces. . .

The access door to under the porch. . .it has hinges and a lock!

Inside view of our view. . .

And now it's basically done!!  Just the outside light by the grilling porch, the ceiling fan and a couple of trim pieces by the stairs.  Oh and those pesky final inspections!! 

While this took a very long time, I absolutely love it.  It is beautiful and so much nicer than I ever expected.  They did a fantastic job!!! Next we'll be moving my lace cap hydrangeas to be around the back of the porch, mulching and then next spring the patio with built in fire pit.  Woot Woot!!

And what blog post would be complete without some mention of hockey???

Big Stuff #2:

Aidan's Travel Team had practice this morning. . .at 6 am. . . They worked, in separate groups by line, on Offensive Zone Box and breakouts!!  Aidan LOVED practice today!!!  : )

Have a great week!!