Porch Is Done! We Are Buckeye Groupies

Porch is Done!

MotherAnn 4 years ago
About three years ago Jon and I began making plans for a new deck and screened porch to be added to our house. Jon could do anything so he was going to build it. It was something we had talked about for some time but there was always something that got in the way - either he didn't have the time to do it or we didn't have the money. Finally both kids finished college and moved out and he quit working side jobs with his builder friend. The first step toward this new oasis was to have a tree removed. My little sister's nephew is a tree guy so he did that for us. Plans were being put in place for Jon to begin the work in the Spring of 2018. Well, once again something got in the way. Jon was diagnosed with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer and began treatment. Building a deck and porch was suddenly low item on the totem pole of priorities.

As anyone who may be reading this knows, Jon passed away in December, 2019 from his illness. I have been learning to live this new life of mine without him by my side. It has been a difficult and emotional time for me; I'd been with Jon since I was 17 years old, married at age 20. Being surrounded by so many caring friends and my family has been my saving grace. Annie (the lab) has helped in that department as well.

Early last Spring I decided that Jon would want me to get that deck/porch built so I contacted a few carpenters for prices. Of course now there would also be labor costs involved. My friend's son made me feel the most comfortable, so he won the job. He's a young man just starting out but has loads of talent and reminded me so much of Jon when he was working. We drew up some plans, but lucky for me he was willing to make changes since I came up with new ideas as the work progressed. Actually, he came up with ideas, too. Because of Covid getting things started was difficult. First getting a building permit became a major act of congress. Then, getting a hold of all the materials was another hurdle.

Robert spent many hours here. He was not only my carpenter for the summer, but he became Annie's BFF and she looked forward to every morning when he would arrive. I also used him as my official taste-tester on a few new recipes I tried out. He not only is a skilled carpenter, but he has a discriminating palate. I was impressed when he could pick out certain flavors in a dish. Who knew a young man actually tasted his food?!

The work is finished and I absolutely love my new little paradise attached to my house in the woods. I sit outside with my coffee in the morning, or wine in the evening, and I feel as if I am in a little cottage in the woods on vacation. A perfect place for my new stage in life called Retirement!
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sclaire 4 years ago said:

Beautiful porch! If I had one like that I would spend all my time on it!

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MotherAnn 4 years ago said:

Sclaire - Thank you! I do spend many hours out there. I have rocking chairs with cushions and a gas firepit to keep it warm in the chilly weather. My parents love coming over and sitting while watching all the birds at the feeders.

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