Now we're starting to take up outdoor space too!
We've long wanted a back porch and discussed numerous options over the years;
always deciding that it wasn't a priority and wasn't in the budget.
Last September, construction on a roof over the back deck finally began.
The Rugged Mountain Man and I dug the holes. Together. It was tough work, but so good for me to realize why I really don't have a "honey-do" list. It's easy to dole out what all you want done 'round the place. When you do the work together, you realize what it entails and how much time it takes. I came out of that with a new respect for the dirty work the Rugged Mountain Man does around here. If we want something done, it's much more respectful to pull weight in that request.
I also came away from this experience very thankful for my two neighbors and father-in-law who wielded hammers and other tools on Labor Day to get this thing up.
Don't you just love the turkey in the pic? He sure did taste good!
With the roof up, the "porch," as I now call it, stayed that way for the next year while the pressure-treated wood cured. It was wonderfully serviceable and we LOVED it. It just wasn't pretty yet.
Next up:
All hands on deck to stain and paint!
The Rugged Mountain Man, Blossom1, Blossom2 and I all painted and stained all day.
It was very hard work, but we all worked the ENTIRE time, just like champs.
We even used their favorite boring work tip:
We downloaded audio books and listened while we worked. It makes the time go faster!
The Blossoms have a greater respect of what goes into a project now.
We truly could not have done it without them!
We're enjoying this new space for good family time. Just the other night, we had family game night out on the porch. The laughter and banter were the highlight of my week!
BEFORE/AFTER
