Something borrowed...

When I first got the idea to create my fantasy grooming space on my porch, it occurred to me that I would need a counter or desk area for writing receipts, keeping records and a cash box. It would need to have a small footprint, because I was working with limited space. My mind went skipping happily along, thinking of possibilities. It landed on a desk I fell in love with when I was in my early 20's. It once belonged to a distant relative by way of my brother in law. An old school masters desk, it had been tucked in an upstairs bedroom of an ancient farmhouse in Boxford, Massachusetts. My mother, an antique dealer, had bought it from Winifred Parkhurst. I loved the thing, it appealed to me in a very Little House on the Prairie kind of way. My oldest sister also saw the appeal and either my mother gave it to her or she bought it. I could see it on my porch. It would be perfect. I called my poor sister right up. I explained my plan, and she agreed to let me borrow it. Last weekend my daughter brought it to Maine, and today I gave it a good scrubbing with Murphy's Oil soap. I let it dry in the hot June sun, then tenderly rubbed Lemon Oil all over it. A soft cloth and some buffing made the old wood glow with a fresh luster. It will be perfect, and I am grateful to my generous sister Donna for sharing her treasure to help my dream along.

More pink stuff...

Brian is here today, working on trim, stuffing insulation into every crevice, and jamming to show tunes. I love it!

Trim work...

Today, trimming the windows, more window sills, more insulation, more paneling!

Unexpected delights...

All day long at work I wonder what is happening with studio construction. I smile a little smile to myself and ponder the possibilities. This morning I left the two carpenters each a loaf of still warm home made bread with a little note thanking them for their good work. When I got home today I got the dogs that go to work settled in and greeted the dog that stays at home. Cookies all around. Then I stepped out onto the porch to see what had happened while I was away. The first thing I noticed was that half of the room now boasts beautiful, amazing, elegant window sills. The clean, new, fresh simplicity of them made me weak in the knees. I can picture them decorated with clusters of antique bottles holding fresh flowers, and sweet, seasonal items of beauty. And then there was this... which I imagine was a BIG PROJECT. Ever since we moved here the threshold to the front door has been rotten. By that I mean, spongy, scary, how-in-the-world-can-I-fix-this rotten. So I was tickled pink to see clean, thick, sturdy new wood where the old frightening stuff used to be.

Big stuff..!

Today I was awake, showered and dressed early, because BIG things were slated to happen. The first big thing occurred early, the windows were delivered at 7:30 AM. Casey and Chris were there at the same time, and within moments furious activity had begun. I had to force myself to go to work. I so wanted to stay right here and watch things develop. But alas... off I went. Coming home was exciting! The windows are IN. They are beautiful, and work so nicely... all screened and new and fresh looking. They also got lots of insulation in, and more center bead paneling up. And if that were not enough excitement.... My grooming table and bathtub were delivered. OH MY GOSH, I feel like a kid at Christmas.

Warm thoughts and dead shrubbery...

I can't share a photograph because it is not visible, but the guys came today and blew foam insulation all up under the porch. I bet that was a NOT fun job. I made them a loaf of home made bread to thank them. That porch floor has always been mighty cold in the winter, I am excited to know it will be warm now. Tomorrow they come and insulate the space over the ceiling and under the roof. I forgot to post these photos. Monday Chris and I wrapped a tow rope around this lovely bush... of which I was very fond, and ripped it out by its roots. The lawn suffered, the tow rope died, but the bush was yanked. This is where the pathway to the studio will go.

Vents and decks...

Tuesday (Monday was a holiday) the vent fan over where the tub will be was installed. This will remove moist air from the studio. It is ducted through the ceiling and goes out through this rather hideous thing. I hope it can be painted, because it is NOT pretty. Luckily it is off to the side of the house where probably only I will see it. More aesthetically pleasing were today's efforts from my intrepid carpenter... a lovely little 5x5' deck to welcome guests to our entryway. It is super sturdy and I like the way it looks even more than I had hoped.