screened porch, electrical stuff, doorknobs, and exterior primer

Walton and my Dad were able to finish framing the screened porch last week. Walton was glad to have an extra pair of experienced hands to help with the big project they tackled.



Dad also built the mantel for our fireplace for us last Wednesday. McCurry's gave us the stain so it would match the built-ins in the living room. Here it is "rough". I put the first coat of polyurethane on it on Sunday. Walton sanded it and put another coat on today. It may need one more coat, then Walton will put on the trim pieces to dress it up.


Here are Walton and Dave observing wildlife or maybe airplanes from the deck. We're not sure why they look so intense.


Walton spent a good chunk of time this weekend putting the cement board siding on the inside/outside of the screened porch. He also spent some time trying to fix a jam in his nail gun.





And Kyle tenaciously installed doorknobs. I started helping him, but he was more successful without me in the way. I was proud of how long he stuck with it.

Will and I carried all of the light fixtures up from the basement and put them in the rooms where they belong so Walton will know where to install them.


Anthony and his guys primed the exterior of the house today. It looks odd right now. That will change quickly, though. As on the inside of the house, they were meticulous with the details. Everything was carefully taped and screened so there won't be any overspray or paint drips.

deck continued and paint

Dad and Walton got all of the floorboards onto the deck today. More importantly, they put the support columns for the screened porch in place. Dave and another friend (Steve Cecil) happened to be in the right place at the right time to help lift the 6 x 6 posts up onto the deck surface. Dad said he was awake in the middle of the night last night trying to figure out how he and Walton were going to get those heavy things up there without help. Will also pitched in when we went by after school today.










Anothony and his crew put up the first coat of wall paint on the walls today. The colors look terrific (no "what was I thinking" moments....) We are very pleased with their work - I especially noticed what a great job they did with the dark color in the dining room. There aren't any messy spots where it meets the light colored ceiling.

guest bath

dining room

master bedroom



And here are two happy boys. Grandma made them one of her delicious chocolate pies. They thoroughly enjoyed it - and some of my piece, too.