ADDING A NEW PORCH

This is what our new porch looks like.

After we added an addition onto our house 

I had always wished that we had put a porch on it.

So after eight years

we did!

This is what it looked like before. 

There were flower gardens all around the pavers but they were

removed this summer in preparation for the porch. I neglected to get a before picture.

Here's another view of the back, before.

And another.

After all the pavers were removed

they laid out the forms and leveled the dirt.

Here's a look at them bringing in the concrete and leveling out the pad.

We had the concrete tinted so it would match the existing brick better.

It was interesting to watch them work.

This is the pad all smoothed out.

When it dries to a certain hardness they start the stamping process.

The gray powder they put over it will become the joints in the brick design.

They stamp as they go.

This is what the pad looks like after the stamping is complete.

They leave the gray powder on overnight and the next day

come back and hose it off.

This is after the gray powder is removed.

Notice the gray is just in the joints.

Now they add a heavy duty sealer that darkens the brick somewhat and

shows up all the little imperfections you have in brick.

You can see the difference here, with the sealer and without.

It looks so much like real brick instead of stamped concrete.

It's not a perfect match to the existing brick

but it's pretty close.

We enjoyed the pad for a few weeks before they started on the new porch.

So finally the porch addition was started.

This is the framing stage.

The roof had been added at this point.

The vinyl has been added.

But there's still electrical, gutters and

columns to add.

Here's a picture of the porch ceiling before vinyl was added.

Here's the after.

It's a beautiful light blue but it's hard to tell in this picture.

Finally the electrical was done.

We chose to put two ceiling fans.

Should stay nice and cool with our hot, humid summers.

And finally out beautiful columns were added.

Don't they look great.

They made quite a difference in the overall appearance of the porch.

As you can see it was finished in time to decorate for Christmas.

Here's a picture of the fire pit next to the porch.

As you can see we were using it before the porch was finished.

I'm sure we're going to enjoy many a marshmellow.

Here's a side view, all finished.

Notice little Maggie.

It turned out beautiful. 

Looks like it's always been there.

Can't wait for spring to decorate it

and start adding flowers and plants.

It makes for a great spot to sit and watch the chickens.

Hope you enjoyed the transformation.

How great is the love 

the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called

children of God...

1 John 3:1

I enjoy reading your comments.

RECYCLING OLD WINDOWS

Being the recycler that I am

I wanted to use these old windows for another project.

Instead of painting on them this time I used them for

a couple of different purposes.

The first was to build a small box and attach it to the window.

Instant window box. 

I put drainage holes in the box and actually used it with real plants the first year.

But then I got lazy and now I just put artificial plants in it.

I change it out with the seasons, which is fun.

I also attach my cement moongirl to the window.

I've got moons everywhere.

My next project was to build another box with shelves

and attach the window.

It has become my toilet paper holder in the master bath.

I frosted the glass to blur the view a little.

Here's a larger view.

As you can see, it holds a lot of toilet paper.

Here's a close up of the pretty knob I attached.

It is one of my favorite things that I've done with recycled windows.

Hope you enjoyed the projects.

I enjoy reading your comments.

For nothing will be impossible with God.

Luke 1:37

WINTER DECORATIONS

After putting all the Christmas decorations away,

I usually decorate some things for the winter season.

Following are just  a few of the changes.

This was the lamp that I made decorated for Christmas.

For winter I put a snowman candle holder

and a candle that turns on with a timer, inside the lamp.

It comes on every evening. 

Here's another look.

This was my chandelier decorated with ornaments for Christmas.

For winter I hung an assortment of snowflakes

and some icicles.

This is the metal tree I got at Pottery Barn years ago.

As you can see it was decorated with glass ball ornaments for Christmas.

I had it in my bedroom.

 For winter I put snowflakes and icicles on it. 

For Christmas I had Mr. Owl in my dining room.

The only change I made to him was his location.

He now sits in my garden window 

in the kitchen.

Here's a close-up.

And another.

Happy Winter!

Hope you enjoyed the decorations.

And we know that in all things

God works for the good

of all who love him.

Romans 8:28

I enjoy reading your comments.

MAGGIE UPDATE!

If you remember, here is Maggie

at 5 weeks and 5 pounds.

Another puppy picture.

Here she is now.

She's  12 weeks old,

and 22 pounds.

She's wearing her new collar.

Hello there!

She's very capable of jumping on furniture.

But she doesn't know that yet.

Only a matter of time.

Here she is with her stocking.

She loves to run around in the backyard.

And likes to collect sticks.

She likes to chew.

A LOT!

Isn't that an adorable face.

She also really knows how to relax.

This was after playing with another dog friend.

Thanks for checking in.

I'll keep you updated on her growing.

Let everything that breathes

praise the Lord.

 Hallelujah!

Psalm 150:6