Finally, finally things are beginning to warm up around here. We’ve had SO much rain (much needed) this winter and the ground outside in my backyard still hasn’t completely dried up yet from all the raindrops we’ve seen lately. Dreary weather, we’ve had our share. But, the sun is finally peeking through once again, as we knew it would and Spring looks to be on the horizon.
Yippee! I love Spring, don’t you?
Have you missed this guy?
My dad has taken a much needed break since the Holidays, but now we are ready to start that screened porch of mine. Just in time to enjoy it for the summer. I cannot wait to get that thing painted and decorated with furniture and accessories, which I already have plenty of in storage. Banner day, indeed. A screened porch was on my wish list and I’m so happy to have it. It will be the most adorable screened porch ever.
He has been ready to go, waiting for it to warm up more so he could get over here and work.
He’s had a few days here and there that warmed up enough and he’s installing 2 x 4’s under the porch so that he can nail up lattice around the bottom of the porch and that will dress it up more. Eventually I’ll get all of this painted out, as well as the inside of the porch when we are finished with it. Lots more work to do around here!
He finished up the 2×4’s in a couple of days and is now ready to start the lattice, then we’ll move on up to under the eaves and inside the porch itself. I’m adding a beadboard ceiling, as well as beadboard around the base of the porch. Since the porch planks are already in place on the floor up there, I’m going to give them a fun diamond paint treatment. You know it’s going to be cute when I’m done, right?
Did I tell you I bought a riding lawn mower? Yep, I did! My parents’ next door neighbors just moved recently and they were selling a really nice riding lawn mower (Craftsman) for $400, so I bought it used and it is in great shape and it’s RED. I also bought a Honda push mower first, but then the rider came along too and I decided it was too good a deal to pass up. So, now I have two. I will need the push mower more for the front yard anyway, so we’ll put them both to good use. My dad is building a door at this end of the porch, so that I can put my riding lawn mower under there to keep it dry. Smart, huh?
Daddy enjoys a good project, I think this keeps him going, but he’ll also be ready to get his garden plowed and planted soon too. We both are so glad that this last year is behind us and the inside of the house is finished. What a relief that is! This porch will be small potatoes compared to 2012’s renovation.
Another thing we just got finished on the porch is adding a new metal roof. The existing roof wasn’t in too bad shape, but it was only plywood covered with tar paper and no shingles. My dad has used this metal roofing on both of his houses and loves it, so we decided to use it on my porch too. This is a Charcoal color. We ordered the materials from Lowes and I hired a young guy to do the work, who was recommended by a friend of mine.
Dad came over to supervise, of course. I think it kills him that he can’t get on a roof any longer.
He actually put an entire metal roof on his own house all by himself, probably 15 years ago and he wasn’t a spring chicken then. But, he knows that at 85, he should not be climbing on roofs anymore. Besides, I wouldn’t let him up there! He did manage to climb up the ladder (I wasn’t watching at the time) to measure the roof when we were ordering the materials. He didn’t trust my measurements from my office window, so HAD to do it himself.
This young fella did a great job and knew exactly what he was doing. My dad was impressed with him. I may be hiring him for more projects around here that require climbing and things that we can’t do ourselves.
And now, my metal roof is complete. No worries with leaking at this point. We’ll soon be sitting out here under cover, enjoying a nice cool breeze this summer. The sound of rain falling on this roof should be a pretty sound, no doubt about that. I took this pic from my office window.
So, that’s an update on what is going on around this place. I’ll be sure to share all the details with you as we get moving along on this project. This is one I’m SO excited about and I know we will be putting this porch to good use soon enough. I really plan to enjoy my backyard this year!
Hard to decide what I have missed the most…your Dad or more house work! The best before and afters!
oh Rhoda I know you will enjoy that porch on these spring days that are coming up so soon! I can’t wait to see what you do to decorate!
I have a metal roof over my porch and I love the pitter-patter of rain on it!
YAAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!! So happy you and your Daddy are able to begin your “much awaited porch”! I know it will be beautiful and just think of all the wonderful memories you will make…….enjoying that porch (no mosquitoes!) with your friends and family! p.s. I think you Daddy is Superman in disguise!:)
I had my backyard regraded and seeded last Fall. Can’t wait to enjoy my back yard this spring/summer. Planning my vegetable garden and want to put up clothes line. We just had a sunny weekend so I have spring fever!
So glad to see your Daddy back and in good health ! I think all the projects you have for him keep him going…..not sitting at home watching TV waiting for the mail to be delivered! So excited that the weather is getting warmer for the porch project to get under way. Can’t wait to see what you have planned!
How exciting! I would love to have a screened porch. Your dad is awesome.
Oh Rhoda- I am so excited for you. Your Dad is truly a treasure. I can only imagine that it must have upset him not to be able to get on that roof. But, there is plenty of other things he can do, as put up those 2×4’s and the latice.
Your screened porch is going to be great! I can’t believe all your dad does at his age. Please tell him not to climb any ladders again. Ever. My not-as-elderly-neighbor fell from the top of a ladder and broke his neck several years ago. I should say my FORMER neighbor. If was not a good outcome, if you know what I mean.
Love seeing your sweet Daddy again. I will be so happy when my own Daddy is back after his stroke and able to do projects like these he so loves. Your Daddy and mine would love each other and would get along just fine. 🙂 I know you will love your new porch and I can’t wait to see what fun you have in store for it. xxoo
Your Daddy is just the sweetest man ever! I can see the integrity in his eyes. You are so blessed to have such a wonderful Daddy and still have him here with you!!
Blessings
Gmama Jane
Said it before and I’ll say it again. Treasure your Dad. I’m sure the handy man learned quite a bit from him and enjoyed talking to him. And you are right about the ladder. We had a neighbor a few years back who, at 94 was up on his roof and fell. But don’t you just love the spirit of these folks. The work ethic. Love ’em. Give him a big hug and kiss for me. I so miss mine.
Yea ! Sweet Dad is back !! Missed him a lot !
I know you already know this, but I have to say it again – cherish your Father and Mother……you are so blessed to have them in your life. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my Dear Mother and Father…….
Welcome back Rhoda’s Daddy! 🙂
Rhoda,
Congratulations on starting on your screened-in porch. I am a Gerontologist and my concern would be your dad doing too much and being injured. He should not be climbing a ladder. At age 85, vertigo and loss of equilibrium put him at high-risk for a fall off of a ladder.
Your Dad is just adorable!
Awww so cute Rhoda, I love that your dad helps you 🙂 Your porch is looking good!
I enjoyed each step of the house . Glad to get to see more with what is next. You are a wonderful person to share with us.
I love the idea of a porch, it really does add a little interest to what would have been a straight line to the side of the house. I so admire your dad, he is truly a trooper and I am sure its helping you out that keeps him going strong.
I plan to put a little porch roof over my front entrance as it is so boring at the moment, something similar to what you had over your side or back door I saw last year.
Good luck with this project, I am sure it will turn out just how you want it and be as perfect as the rest of your house is.
Lee 🙂
Your father is inspirational! What a gem. Can’t wait to watch the process of your porch unfold.