Subtraction and addition...

The porch was only open overnight. The carpenter said, "It's not going to rain tonight, because I say so. Tomorrow I'll put up plastic." He was right. No rain. The porch was open to the lovely breeze all afternoon and night, and I enjoyed it. When I got home from work the next day things looked very different. Not pretty, to be sure. But the framing was installed for all of the new windows, nice new pine that smells fresh and is sturdy and well assembled. The studs under the windows have had "firring" strips added to them so that next week insulation can be installed and the bead board paneling can be put up. AND... the vent fan has been put up over the tub. That will make life nicer. Oh! The saggy part of the porch was jacked up, too. Lots of good things happening, and even though the space looks rough, I can see the pan coming together. And it is such a happy thing.

Subtract windows...

Driving up to home this afternoon I gasped to see gaping, open space where the ancient porch windows used to be. I mentioned before the love/hate relationship I had with the windows. Loved the way they looked, hated the way they didn't work. The house looks completely different without them. Originally the porch was designed without windows, and it is interesting to imagine how it looked in 1907 that way. From inside, the space is so (obviously!) OPEN. There is a lovely breeze. And a messy birds nest in the eves, filled with chirping Starling chicks. Almost all the bead board on the house side is up... just one little end strip is missing. I will love the way this looks when it is all painted and trimmed out. Even the carpenter, Chris, says, "This is going to be such a nice space! So bright and airy!" Poppy carefully investigates the developments each day, then flops down happily in the sun. She loves the porch. Just wait till she finds out there is a pug bath tub coming, it will diminish her porch joy considerably!

WALLS..!

And today... some of the bead board paneling went up!

Power tools and sawdust...

Chris the carpenter was the star of the day. He arrived around noon, loaded a bunch of neatly organized tools onto my porch, set his radio up and went to work. The saw filled the air with the scent of fresh cut lumber, and swept me back like an olfactory time machine to my dad's basement workshop. I used to help him hold boards for his table saw, and how I loved that wood scented air! >/p< Looking outside my porch it is pouring down rain, but I can't help but smile here in my gonna-be Studio!

Snails pace progress...

It does not seem like much is happening right now with the studio, but in reality steps are being made almost daily. Charles, the kind and gentle plumber, worked slowly, methodically, and finished the all important plumbing for the studio... right down to the vent pipe, which I was delighted to find he tucked behind the lilac where it is not terribly obvious. The inspector has been out and all is well. The bead board paneling for the walls has been primed and delivered. And today, to my complete delight... The sign went UP! Friend Scott and Chris got it firmly set and I gasp a little to see it there. It makes my plans seem so real.

Sweet daughter Rachel gifted me with the funky old galvanized wash tub and plants (and even dirt!) to fill it. I love how this all looks together!

My contractor has been on vacation, but I hope that in the coming week(s) things will really start to come together.

Wire and pipe...

The electrician was back today, and finished the rough in wiring. It's a nice, neat job, this guy clearly knows his business. And... the plumber spent the day here, too. The pipes for the tub are in, the drain to the septic tank is in. He still has to install the vent and something else for the tub that I don't quite understand. It is clear that this man is also expert at his job, everything looks perfect. He will be back Thursday to do more work, and then nothing much happens until next week.

Electricity!

Casey, my contractor, was here bright and early, tearing out boards for the electrician. Dennis, the electrician came today. There was a lot of discussion and drilling and sawing. Then there was a bunch of wire installed. I am in awe of people who work with electricity. We decided where the recessed lighting would go, how many outlets were needed, where to put the exterior light, where to put the outlet for the dryer and the bathing system. We discussed dimmer switches and exterior outlets... it was all very thrilling. Now... I still need to figure out cage space. It's a conundrum.