Our First Hummingbird In 2022...

Male Ruby Throated Hummingbird - Image Courtesy of Birds and Blooms Magazine

We spent most of the day outdoors on Tuesday. It's been a crazy spring, and yesterday was no exception. The blustery wind was replaced with a gentle breeze, so Handsome and I tackled outdoor tasks.

Handsome started on one of the downed trees that rests on the land we currently rent out to our neighbor. He farms it every year, and that tree needs to go before it's time for him to plow the land.

I wanted to put our outside furniture on the porch, but had to clean all of it first. Little kitty footprints, and more of Leo's winter pastime. Ugh. Glad it wasn't too bad, but now everything is disinfected, scrubbed, dry and on the porch. In fact, at bedtime, Claudette and Crystal were comfortably situated on the cushioned chairs for a sleepover.

When we took our afternoon break, we were surprised to hear a saw running. Handsome went outside to find Andy cutting those big willow branches off the main tree to make the rest of the task easier for us. Now all my husband has to do is cut up all the branches and we'll load them up for the burn pile behind Andy and Shelly's.

Speaking of which...our dear neighbor, Shelly is finally back home. She went to the hospital on March 3rd, and has been either in the hospital or the rehabilitation facility adjacent to the hospital since. She's made enough progress that she could now come home to continue her recuperation. We got to see her yesterday, and I almost wanted to jump into their vehicle when they pulled in to say "hi".

Needless to say, all that work and excitement wore us two seniors out. We ate dinner, took Tylenol and tucked in happy with our efforts.

If we hadn't been outside, we would have missed our first hummingbird visiting the feeders I put out three days ago. He'll spread the word, and soon we'll have a little flock visiting every day. Winter is finally, blissfully gone.

We'll take it a little easier today. We have haircuts and a little grocery shopping to do, and then we'll be back at the farmhouse for the rest of the day. I think I'll bake cookies when we get home and take a fair amount up the hill to celebrate Shelly's return. We think it's a quiet, appropriate way to welcome her back.

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Before and After (Most)...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Porch - Before

We love this old farmhouse. For over one hundred years, it has sheltered generations of one hardworking, and God-fearing family. In 2016, she became ours. With ownership came responsibility to honor her for as long as we're here.

Sadly, the porch that baptized every member of the previous family, would not have been safe enough to baptize one more. She was showing every year of the past one hundred, and it was time to do something about it.

If you're a follower of my blog, you've seen the entire project in process. (I just realized that I need to update the link at the top of my blog with all the posts about the project.) There are still a few things to do yet - the second-story airing porch on the left side of this picture, and we're going to repaint the supports for the "friends and family" entrance below it. We're waiting for the rainy weather to pass this weekend, and then those things will be done. I'll do one more "before and after" of this image when it's all done. I just couldn't wait another day to show you the finished lower (main) porch.

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch - South Elevation

The "before" image of the southern side of our porch was pretty sad. It really was listing (slanting)  that much to the right. The new porch is exactly the same footprint as the old one, but the rails were moved out about four more inches. (See that they're not centered on the pillars?) Doesn't it make a huge difference?

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch - Eastern Elevation - South to North

The biggest difference on the eastern elevation (the old front of the porch), is that the staircase to the front yard is gone. We now have rails across the entire front of the house, which will allow for more sitting and visiting area on this side. (This view is what you see when you come around from the side entry.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch - Eastern Elevation - North to South

Another difference you may notice is the new light fixtures. We took down the old ceiling-hugger fixtures, and installed vintage Appleton barn lights. I love them, and it will be so much easier to change out the bulbs when they burn out. 
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch Project - After

 

One feature I forgot to share (but will in the next and final post about this whole renovation) is a token we added to show one hundred years hence, so everyone will remember the year this new porch was built. It's a beautiful 2019 Liberty Silver Dollar, encased in acrylic and embedded into the stonework. 

We love this new outdoor space, and it will definitely get a lot of use in years to come. We especially love that it honors and elevates the grand, old lady, without looking pretentious. The best part is that, except for repainting the rails from time to time, this will be a no-maintenance porch. Great for owners our age.

So, I hope you love the new look as much as we do. Just looking at these images again makes me very, very happy. We have a few garden tasks to complete yet this fall (and the two items I mentioned above), but we're otherwise ready to enjoy the rest of this beautiful Autumn. 

Our home will be safe and cozy this winter, thanks to the hard work of the guys from Wendels Construction, and our younger son with his incredible carpentry skills. We are truly blessed, and are so grateful that we could do this for ourselves and our home.

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Lighting...

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Appleton Barn Lights

 

The electrician is working at the farmhouse, while our son is building the rails for our stone porch (and for the upstairs airing porch). Handsome and I found these nearly pristine, vintage barn lights that we had installed to replace the old ones.

Don't worry if you can't remember what the old ones looked like. When this project is finished, I'll be posting comparative "before" and "after" photos to remind you - and so you can see the difference.

While the guys were working on the house, I was busy baking bread for the next few weeks. By the time we sat down to dinner last night, I'd made two loaves of banana bread (you can find the recipe in the "Recipes" link at the top of my blog); and five loaves, plus three baguettes of French bread. In fact, we cut into one of the baguettes as a side for homemade vegetable beef soup at dinner time.

Today, Bella is going to the vet with Handsome for her twice-weekly splint and dressing checkup to make sure she's not getting any sores or irritations from the splint. (For those who don't know, while in San Antonio, our little jock attempted a jump but didn't land well. She fractured three toes on her left foot, plus did a little damage to a tendon. As a result, she's confined and splinted until everything heals. Confinement is really hard for a dog who's always on the go!)

When they get back, we're all going to pick up Concord grapes at a local farm, and then to Menasha to pick up my newest Wool Box from Primitive Gatherings. (Bella and Tag love riding in the truck, so of course, they're going, too.) Once we're back at the farmhouse, I'll break out the canning supplies, and we'll have grape jam in the pantry cupboard by dinnertime!

It's going to be a busy, busy, runaround-type day, so I'm going to enjoy my coffee while Handsome and Bella are at the vet's, and then we'll be off about our day together. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow. See you then!

Watching Paint Dry...

Brynwood Needleworks - Painting Railing Parts

 

There are a lot more parts painted and stacked against the wall outside the frame of this image. Don't worry though. I'm not going to ask you to watch me paint. That would be unspeakably boring.

 

I'm only showing one of these images to show you what I haven't been doing. Baking, laundry, oh, yes...and needlework. Only loading the rollers with paint, and waiting for it to dry for the next coat. And, I'm not finished either. sigh

 

#2 Son arrives today to begin assembly, so I guess I'll be painting some of this after it becomes actual built railing. I'm good with that, but I'll certainly be happier when it's finished. 

I think I'll be in the studio while he works today. I wouldn't want to be in his way, after all. (We won't actually speak about my ulterior motives, right?)

 

Farmhouse Renovation - Goodbye, Mud...

Brynwood Needleworks - Mulching

 

Well, we're working on it, anyway. The dirt in the foreground has been seeded with grass and clover. The history of the farmhouse says that the year it was built, it was "planted" in a field of clover. Much of the clover still grows along with the grass. We're continuing that tradition when we plant grass.

The top of the yard (above the wall) is being mulched to keep down weeds while we work on plantings. The long downspout will eventually be replaced with a gravel "riverbed" and a little pond. It's part of my plan for next spring, however, if I have time yet this fall, perhaps I'll get started on it.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Goodbye, Mud

 

I've already planted sedum, Jacob's ladder, gypsophila (baby's breath), pink and purple coneflowers, lavender, and hardy mums. I'll be adding Shasta daisies (Mom's favorite), and a few others. I also have a beautiful butterfly bush, but I read that it can get 6-8' tall, so I'm rethinking that. While I want the plantings to fill in, I don't want them to obstruct the stonework. 

My plan for the stone "riverbed" and little pond will begin at the base of the downspout, and work outward toward the corner and stone monument. The lavender and coneflowers will frame it. I'll be trying to decide what I'd like along the retaining wall, too. Perhaps something that will trail over the edge? 

I'll be able to work on my plan over the winter, order plants, and be ready for more landscaping in the spring. I'm looking forward to that.

For now, Handsome and I will place the rest of the ten yards of mulch that were delivered on Saturday, along with the additional five yards being delivered today. We only managed to place this much on Saturday, before we were both pooped (and I was also running back and forth into the kitchen, as I was making bread that had to proof thirty minutes at a time. I baked it off after we stopped at the corner). 

We also lost a beautiful branch from the old apple tree last week, and Handsome is mulling over my request to place it in the front garden bed (you know, like some places use driftwood). We may move it in there so I can see what it looks like (after the mulch), and then I can imagine how I'd like to plant around it. I'm sure I'll take photos to share with you before and after it's moved in place, so we can decide if it's going to stay.

Tag will be here tomorrow to tell you about his week (or day). We're going on a little outing this morning. Shhhhhh. I'm not telling him where, but I'm sure he'll have something to say about it when you visit with him tomorrow. I'd better get going...

 

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day 19...

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch Project - Day 19

 

Day 19 came to a close with much of the work completed. Tom R. began "wrapping" the posts, and his crew worked on placing black dirt on the excavated yard. We still need more dirt on the "downside" of the sidewalk, and some of the gravel needs to be removed around my large rocks so I can plant, but we can start to see the end of the project.

 

The work crew won't be back until Monday, and Handsome is starting home with Bella today, so I'm going to plant some of the new additions I purchased yesterday. I'm also going to move a few other things while the weather's nice.

 

Next week, our son will begin construction of the railings, too. The rails on the porch will be the same height as those that came off. They'll be 24", with the addition of a gate to close off the staircase when the dogs are outside. We're also changing the rails on the airing porch (above the "friends and family" entrance). They'll look the same as the lower railing, only they'll be 36" tall. It will bring some nice continuity to the look of the grand, old lady. Don't you think? 

I've been busy canning more bruschetta, so tomorrow, I promise there'll be photos and a recipe link for you. (Just in case you'd like to make a batch of your own.)

 

Tonight is high school football night for our grandson, so if the weather holds up, I'll be cheering him on. Handsome should be home some time Sunday, and we can't wait. Tag and I have been missing him and that silly black dog. It will be nice to have them home again.

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day 17...

Brynwood Needleworks - Day 17 Porch Project

 

Yesterday was Day 17 of our farmhouse porch renovation. We have stairs! I'll take closeup photos after the stone has been set. (There'll be stonework on the risers and the sides of the staircase. The limestone treads are gorgeous, too!)

 

The crew also started laying stonework for the south wall, and I expect that will be completed today. I'll take photos when they're finished with it.

 

The posts and beam will be clad in white very soon. I went to get supplies with our carpenter son on Monday, and the railing project will begin next week. I'll be painting the rails before they're installed, but everything is moving right along.

 

Tomorrow, I'll be sharing my latest wool work projects, and show you what I'm going to work on next. 

 

Image via PicturesCafe

 

It's hard to believe it's already September. Summer has flown by, and the cooler weather is right around the corner.  I know it's terribly hot in San Antonio, where Handsome and Bella are, so I know they're going to welcome the cooler temperatures when they get back to the farm. I'm trying not to rub it in while they're away.

Farmhouse Renovation - Day Twelve...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag and Bella On New Decking

 

The concrete was dry by yesterday morning, but we stayed off it until late day. After the crew left for the weekend, I took Tag and Bella out to let them see what's been going on. They both gave it their stamp of approval.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - East Elevation

By the end of Day Twelve, the crew had set all the stone on the east and north elevations, and set block for four of the pillars. We're loving how it's looking.

Yes. There will be rails. They'll be custom built by Son #2 (the carpenter). I think that portion of the job will begin sometime next week. Once he builds them, then I'll paint them before they're installed.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - South Elevation

 

There was no progress on the south elevation, or a finish on this small wall on the west side of the porch. We discussed the location for our family plaque. That will be placed soon, too.

 

Handsome and I have errands to run this morning, and then I'm going to can a small batch of tomatoes, and a large batch of zucchini and pepper relish. I have to get to the store (again) first, because the store I went to on Thursday night was out of small lids. I need more of those to do this canning, and I'll be getting more for stock. 

 

Another busy day at Hickory Hill Farm, but we love having things to do. I think we'll be ready to put our feet up when we're finished. It's nice to fall into bed at night, and it sure doesn't take long to fall asleep!

 

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day Eleven...

Brynwood Needleworks - More Stone Work

 

When Day Eleven began, the masons laid more stone as they waited for the cement truck to arrive on scene. Two of the guys worked on the east elevation (the former front staircase area), and one worked on the wall next to my kitchen garden.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - South Elevation Progress

The kitchen garden area closest to the porch is really taking a hit these days, but Mom's daisies will survive, and there's still plenty of lavender, hollyhocks, (and the birdbath) for the bees. 

The truck finally arrived, and the porch decking was poured. By the time I took this photo, the retaining boards had been removed because the concrete had set up enough. When I went outside with Handsome, I said the concrete looked great, but I wasn't sure I liked the wood trim underneath. (I know it's only part of the form, but I thought I'd tease the guys a bit.)

Before I could utter the last of my sentence, one of the guys turned to me and said, "Don't worry. We're gonna stain that when all the stone work is done." Well, played, my man. I laughed out loud and said, "Touche'! I should have known you'd be ready if I said anything." They're all so good-natured and fun. It's a pleasure to have them here - in addition to the stella work they're doing for us.

Brynwood Needleworks - East Elevation Progress

 

They got quite a lot done yesterday. The concrete was sprayed with a sealant before they left, and we were discussing how we're going to truly make this project ours. We have a couple of things we're going to add to the finished stonework, and I'll share that with you later. 

While the guys were outside working, I made another fifteen jars of Lemon Balm Jelly. That's all done now for this year. I still have tomatoes, and more strawberry/rhubarb pie filling to make, but first I'm going to make another big batch of zucchini & pepper relish. It's a big hit, so I'm making more to share with family and friends. That's today's project...after my morning coffee. Gotta run!

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day Ten. Meet The Crew...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wendels Construction Crew (l-r: Tom, Shawn, Tom R., Owner)

After sharing ten days of our farmhouse porch project, I thought you might like to meet our crew. These guys show up every day and work hard to get our project done.

Left to right: Tom, Shawn, and Tom Reader, who owns Wendels Construction. We remember when Tom R. was a younger man, working for his dad, Ralph. We hired them to do a large bedroom addition on our first farmhouse (where Handsome and I got married). Our addition was over 800 square feet, adding a whole wing to our home. We had a large en suite bath, sauna, hot tub, walk-in closets, fireplace and sleeping area.

Outside, was a lot of full round fieldstone, and a great crew to give us a perfect foundation to begin the project. The last part of their work was to install the fieldstone. It was so nice. I really hated to sell that first home, but there were quirky farmhouse things (like the height of the ceilings and doorways) that made it uncomfortable for my tall husband.

We sold it, and purchased land on which we watched our entire home build from the ground up. Wendels was there for that project, too. We trust them, and we really like the entire Wendels family, of which Tom R. is a member. We're so glad to be doing another collaboration with them.

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch Project - Ready For Concrete

 

By the end of Day Ten, the entire foundation of our porch was filled with clear stone, and then compacted and leveled. There will be a slight pitch away from the house, so water doesn't collect on the decking. They secured the rebar to reinforce the concrete, too.

Concrete will be poured today! This part is so exciting. It will set up for twenty four hours, and then they'll begin work on the pillars and posts. You can count on me to be back tomorrow with more photos.

 

 

One other thing before I close today. I've decided that I'm going to close my Brynwood Etsy shop for the month of September. I'm going to be changing the items I sell in my shop, and I'll be working hard to be able to launch my own website on October 1st. I will also be creating brand new items, too, and it seems the easiest way to do that is to just shut down the shop for the month to get that done.

So, starting now and running through August 21st, I'm having a sale in my shop before I put it on vacation. Use promo code: AUGUSTSALE20 to take advantage of 20% savings on everything in my shop. Minimum order to use code is $35, and you'll get free shipping. You may also combine items to save shipping (if the item charges for it), and I refund shipping overages. 

Have fun browsing. You may find something you like. Remember, these same items may not be in my shop when it reopens on October 1st! If you see something you like, might I suggest you buy it, so you don't miss out. Thanks!

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day Nine...

Brynwood Needleworks - East (Front) Elevation Progress

I spent the day with Kathy D., and the ladies in our "Sewcial Sisters" group at Primitive Gatherings yesterday. It was fun to see everyone, and the projects they're working on. When I got home mid-afternoon, a lot of progress had been made.

Three quarters of the stonework is finished on the east elevation of the porch. Forms are in place all around the porch for when it's time to pour the concrete. I don't expect that soon, as the "hole" was larger than expected and they need to bring in more clear stone to fill and grade it before they'll be ready to pour the decking.

Brynwood Needleworks - South Elevation Progress (and a Black Dog's Butt)

 

The south side is looking good, too. Our electrician was here to rough in an outdoor outlet that will be attached to the front corner pillar. He also ran "Smurf" tubing (named for it's blue color, I'm guessing) that will carry the wiring for the entry pillar lights to highlight the doorway and entry.

Electrician is coming back today to to a few things we need done inside, and then he'll be back again when it's time for him to wire up the outdoor lighting.

Masons will get the rest of the stone into the foundation for the porch today, and likely put up more stonework. I'll know more when they get here soon.

Shelly brought down more lemon balm last night, so I'll be making more jelly today. I'm also making more bread to share. So, if you're looking for me, I'll be in the kitchen. Coffee waits...

 

Tuesdays With Tag - Watchin' and Waitin'...

Brynwood Needleworks - Taggart 08.19.19

 Hi, Everybody!

Well, here we are again. Another week older. Another week wiser. Another week bored because the front yard's a mess. Mom keeps tellin' us it's a good mess, though, so I said I wanted to see what the heck she was talkin' about. That led to a walkie to the front yard.

Holy Mashed Potatoes! No grass in the upper yard. It's a good thing we don't usually do our business up there. We'd be outta luck, for sure! 

I'm havin' a little trouble gettin' real enthused about this project. I mean, if all you heard was machines, rock and roll on the radio, and guys with worse hearin' than mine (of course, mine's selective), you might be a little on edge, too. Don't get me wrong. These mason guys are great, but I can't even talk 'em into givin' me a snack from their lunchboxes, 'cuz Mom keeps us in the house when they're eatin'. It's just wrong, I tell ya.

Brynwood Needleworks - Taggart and Bella 08.19.19

 

Boo and I said we'd pose by the new porch project, but we agreed before we got out front that we wouldn't look in the same direction at the same time. (That really drives Mom nuts. heehee) Better luck next time, we say. Even so, she got a pretty good picture of me. Don't you agree? The porch is lookin' good, too!

We've got another week and a half or so of this work goin' on. Our younger son showed up yesterday to go over railing plans, and the electrician is comin' today to run some lines for lightin'. Guess we'll be hangin' around in the house again. Good thing that Black Dog and I don't have thumbs. I'd be teachin' her to play cards, just so I could beat her at it.

Instead, I guess I'll go find a nice comfy spot near the back door so I can throw random barks at people who walk by. That always lights 'em up. I'm not sure what Bella has planned, but as long as she doesn't steal my cookies, we're good.

 

I'm lookin' forward to this all bein' finished, so Boo and I can hang out on the new porch. The weather's been perfect for it, but every time Mom opens the porch door, all I see is a long drop into a big hole! She promises me that I'm gonna love the end result, and she better not be hosin' me!

PS. The coyotes have been howlin' a lot the last couple nights. Must be the full moon. I don't like it one, little bit. I bark if they get too close, and then they quiet down. Mom wishes they'd go away. She worries about the raccoons and 'possums. I guess I just want them to buzz off. All that howlin' makes me a little edgy. sigh

 

 I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...

"Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open".

 

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day Six...

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch Project - Day Six

 

By the end of Day Six, all the block had been laid, and the jobsite (our yard) cleaned up in anticipation of today's tasks. The porch posts will be put back in place today. Once that's done, the big support beams can be removed so the block can be more easily backfilled.

 

We met with the electrician and our mason late day to discuss conduit that will be laid, anticipating placement for yard and porch lighting, as well as an exterior outlet (for Christmas lights, or year-round access to power on this side of the house). Things are definitely moving right along!

I completed yesterday by making a nice batch of lemon balm jelly, but it was too late to get a decent photograph to share with you. I'll take that today, and tell you all about it tomorrow. I'll share porch updates, too, of course!

It's time for coffee. Number Two Son will be arriving soon to discuss building the rails for the porch. Guess it's off to the races again!

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day Five...

Brynwood Needleworks - Adding Stones To One of The Lilac Beds

While the masons were throwing block, Handsome and I were moving stones from the spoil removed from the building site. There were stones here already, but many had sunk into the ground, so at least one more level was in order.

I love that these stones came out of the ground under the old porch. The last time they saw light was likely one hundred years ago (or more, if you consider when the house building began). I will say they were dang heavy. Most could only be moved from the spoil pile by our tractor to the area where they'd be placed, and then lifted out of the tractor bucket into their resting spot.

The stone barrier we built is virtually finished now, too. It's not tall, but it really looks nice down in the front yard. We have two large rocks that the guys will have to move with the skid steer, so until that's done, I won't be able to put any plantings near it. I'm thinking purple coneflowers, salvia, Queen Anne's lace and chickory will be planted on the house side of the wall, and I'm looking forward to doing that soon.

Brynwood Needleworks - Laying Block For The New Porch

Day Five began with more mortar being mixed, block being staged, and then continued building of the foundation that will support the porch. This side will become the main entrance, so we discussed how the staircase will be placed and treated. (It's going to be beautiful.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Six Courses Done...Three To Go - South Side

By the end of the day, six courses were completed on the southern side, with three more to go. You can see the additional block on the front edge of the wall where the staircase will be built.

Brynwood Needleworks - East Side Of Porch - Seven Courses Done

The east side of the porch has a little more progress. There are six courses completed, and some of the backfilling has been done against the new wall.

 

The guys will be back tomorrow, and who knows how much they'll accomplish? They're the best in the business (that's why we've called on them again, having done two other major projects for us in the past), and we have complete confidence in them. 

 

One thing I know is that I'll probably be in the studio tomorrow. My back has recorded every single stone I lifted. I've been given notice to take the day off so I don't injure myself. I've been careful, so I'm doing fine so far, but I can feel muscles I haven't used in a while. Believe me, it's a mixed blessing, and in the end, our project is going to be a wonderful look for the grand, old lady, and the grounds on which she stands. 

 

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day Two...

Brynwood Needleworks - Kitchen Garden

 

Day Two began with shoring up the rest of the porch roof, so our masons could remove the rest of the decking and pillars. When the last support beam was up and the pillar removed, I checked to find my kitchen garden virtually undisturbed. These guys are really good!

Brynwood Needleworks - East Elevation - Front of Farmhouse

After all the joists and pillars were removed, they proceeded to add flashing around the entire porch area. This protects our main wooden sill beams from exposure to wind and the elements, as well as the clear stone that will fill in the base of the porch, and the concrete that will become our main porch floor.

As I walked around to the north side of the house, I was quite happy to see a small patch of hydrangeas that were left untouched (mainly because the masons wouldn't be extending the work that far around the house). I'll protect those plants, and after the project is finished, I'll move them to the outside north corner of the porch, where they can regrow to their former glory.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - South Elevation - Side Porch Area

 

After all the flashing was installed around the porch portion of the house, the guys cleaned up the rest of the build site, and unloaded more supplies for Monday. They're planning to pour the footings for the porch after the weekend. They loaded up the dumpster that's out in front, and then called to have it removed. They're finished with it now that the demo is done.

Handsome and I mowed grass, after I completed two projects in the studio in the morning. One is a commission, which is now ready to mail, and the other is a Birthday gift for Granddaughter #1, whose big day was yesterday. We're getting together with them on Sunday to celebrate, so I didn't have to mail this one.

I may go to the farmer's market today. I'm not quite sure. If not, I'll probably just take the day off and enjoy the weather...and dream of spending the last days of summer on our completed porch. Won't that be nice?