2014-07-03 - Thursday - Aftermath

After assembling a large group of the porch furniture it was time to take the excess cardboard to the recycling center.  It turned out to be quite a load.  Just think, I still have a serving cart and a gas grill to put together.  Sounds like another trip.

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2014-06-28 - Saturday - Furniture

Saturday I tackled the large box of furniture that has been patiently waiting in the garage.  It was a HUGE box which contained a couch, two chairs, and a coffee table.  Of course, the couch and table had to be assembled...  The assembly was a bit frustrating but everything worked with a bit of patience and planning.

The chairs are swivel/gliders and have a really ingenious mechanism under them to accomplish this feat.  They're also very comfortable.

I ended up working on the couch in the garage during the hottest part of a very humid day so when it was time to assemble the coffee table I brought it into the porch.  I closed the windows, opened the sliding door into the air conditioned den and turned on the ceiling fans.  I was pleased to find out that the porch holds the cooler air from the house very nicely.  It was actually pleasant out there and I took advantage of it to assemble another table.

The first thing we bought for the porch was a large table and six chairs at BJ's Wholesale Club.  I'll have to get a photo of that set on here soon.  While we were there we also purchased a side table and utility cart that both matched the main table.  I assembled the side table on Saturday which leaves only the cart left to do.

Large box?  That's my razor knife on top for scale.

A bit of color.

The side table.

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2014-06-18 - Wednesday - Porch finished and kilns

The porch as completed on Wednesday.  We have windows and screens.  I put the table and chairs together and we are waiting for the rest of the furniture to arrive.  We will be enjoying this soon with friends.

Wednesday night we did a raku firing at Clayworks.  I didn't have anything to fire, but enjoyed being there for it anyway.

We also fired the cone 10 gas kiln and I caught these extremely green flames going up the flue during final reduction.

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2014-06-17 - Tuesday - Porch, Binkley, and the chipmunk

Tuesday the windows and screens were delivered for the porch.  We're nearing the home stretch now.

The windows and screens are a single unit and the windows are made of vinyl.

When it's hot Binkley really likes to stretch out
on the concrete and get some sun.

I walked past the front door today and I heard a rhythmic chirping.  When I looked out, there was a lone chipmunk on the steps staring at the door so I grabbed some video through the side window.  He looked like he was selling something but when I opened the door he just took off.  Must be shy.

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2014-06-06 - Friday - Porch and raku

Friday the electricians came back and installed our fans, lights, and switches.  Now we just need screens and windows to complete the job.

Binkley was worn out after his inspection duties.

Friday night we had a community raku firing at Clayworks and while we had a light turnout, we had a lot of fun.  Everyone brought good food and good spirit.

Raku firing is a dramatic event and there's always a buzz of excitement running through it.  There's the act of working with red hot pots straight out of the kiln.  Whether it's spraying crackle glazed pots with water, applying horse hair to bare pots, or rushing to get a luster glazed pot into the can before it can oxidize, it's a ballet that's carefully choreographed.  Everyone is in the moment while working with these serious materials.

The instant gratification of getting a pot back from the firing within an hour is exciting by itself.  The wonder of what comes out of the cans is palpable.  It's almost never what you expect, but always dramatic.

2014-06-03 - Tuesday - Finished painting

Tuesday the painters came back and finished the final coats of paint.  It really makes a stunning difference compared to the bare wood.

The blue ceiling looks darker in these photos than it does to my eyes.  Cell phone cameras are great, but do lack some adjustments.

Now we're just waiting for the electricians and the screens and windows.

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2014-06-02 - Monday - Painting

The painting crew showed up bright and early on Tuesday to start the process.  First they filled nail holes and then applied a coat of primer to everything.  They were fast and efficient.

The white paint really changes the look of the porch and it will help it look like part of the house.

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2014-05-31 - Saturday - Porch, Binkley, and pots

Friday the final framing was finished on the screened porch.  Railings, lattice, and outside trim were added.

On Saturday, Binkley and I did an inspection and I'm happy to say he approves.

Monday the painting will begin.  After that, the electrician will finish the connections, and install lights and ceiling fans.  In another week or two the Eze-Breeze windows and screens will be installed.

After that, you'll know where to reach us.  :8^)

Saturday I went to Clayworks and had a really productive afternoon.

2014-05-28 - Wednesday - Porch progress

More progress on the porch today.  Things are clicking right along.

Soffit vent.

Gable windows framing.

Bottom plates.

Carriage bolts.

Crown molding to help match the house.

Rafter brackets.

Ceiling innards.

Back door landing in progress.

Fascia.

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