Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day Seven...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day Seven

Day Seven started with rain. The plan was to get all of the posts installed and remove the supports holding up our porch roof. It rained hard for about and hour and a half, but the weather finally cleared so the guys could get back to work.

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch Project - South and East Exposure

It was really interesting watching the process to install the posts. Each one sits on a secured base. The roof was raised enough (using a jackpost next to each post location) so the permanent post could be placed. Then, the jackpost was lowered, letting the roof down onto the post. Of course, the posts were then secured before going to the next one. After the posts were placed, the supports were removed. It's getting easier to see just how everything will look when completed.

It's funny how often I wanted to just go out onto the porch to watch the posts being installed, only to remember that...there isn't a porch...yet. (face palm)

The posts were also placed in different locations from the originals, because the southern entrance will now be treated as a main entry. There is a post framing each side of the entry area, and the stairs to the porch will be centered on that door, too. Of course, three posts (one at each corner) were predetermined to be able to properly support the roof, but after the entry posts were situated, the rest of the posts were placed equally around the porch. There will no longer be stairs on the front side of the porch (facing east).

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch - Southern Exposure

Our son (the carpenter) came up yesterday, too. He's going to be building our porch rails, so he came to meet with Tom (Wendels Construction owner) about their respective requirements as the concrete, stone work, and railings progress.

The guys knocked off early, but they accomplished their goal for the day. All the posts are secured in place and the supports that previously jutted out into the yard are now removed. Everyone will enjoy the weekend, and next week will be the start of the next phase.

Brynwood Needleworks - Lemon Balm Jelly

I promised to show you the beautiful Lemon Balm Jelly today. Handsome put some on his toast yesterday morning, and gave it a big thumbs up! Isn't it pretty, too?

This is going to be a bread making weekend. I'm making focaccia today, and sandwich bread tomorrow. I mixed up the starter for the focaccia last night, and it has to sit for ten to fifteen hours, so I'll begin mid-morning tomorrow. The house is going to smell great, for sure!

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.