Well, it's been a heck of a last two days. I am trembling with fear, but bit by bit I have actually started working on the construction of enclosing my porch. Big accomplishment today was completing the first of four window panels.

The porch is 8'x28'. I bought four windows that are basically 4'x6', a regular front door, and french doors for the back. Still not sure how to rig up the doggie door, as the french doors will pretty much take up most of the 8 feet available, but I'm sure I'll think of something... lol

So, before and pre-during pics, for you pic-hungry masses!!

From top left to right:

1. Porch from street with all the construction stuff moved on there.

2. On the porch, looking towards the back yard

3. Looking at the porch from the back yard - very first framing standing there on the right-hand side behind the little tree... lol

4. On the porch, looking towards the street.

5. The first of four window frames. French door visible behind.

6. Speciman bookcase I'm building inside. Notice how the few shelves I've installed have already accumulated clutter... tsk, tsk

7. The new security screen door I installed last weekend - the new door behind it was installed the weekend before. Note the nasty original mobile home door on the right - that little nasty splash of yellow. I gotta get the dumpster and get rid of the cast off stuff.

P.S. - You're all doing so well - congrats to everyone! Watch out for that reflux! And all the good advice that everyone else has already dished out!!

**hugs**

Is there anything that you can't do? Wow, that is going to be so great when you get it finished.

Thank you Donali, You looked lovely! LOL. Its great hearing from you. Life gets entirely too busy and hectic. Your still my hero though. I still can't wait to meet you in Vegas. How is life going other than your front porch (which is looking good by the way)? Teresa;)

Donali, wow, what a project!! I'm in awe. I can't wait to see how it all comes out. You are so inspiring--maybe someday I'll pick up a hammer or something!

Geez! You and Delarla could start a construction business and make lots of money! That is so awesome that you can do that huge project. I can do lots of repairs and build some things, but that is a HUGE project. Hope it is fun, too.

Yikes!!!! I wouldn't even know where to begin! Hats off to you, Girlfriend, that is a huge project!!!

Thanks for all the compliments, but I am scared spitless! What the HE&*#$^ was I thinking?!?! lol

I'm a little numb - the only thing that keeps me going is knowing that if I DON"T finish by 9/28, BF will have no office, and no place for his computer or boxes of books soon to arrive. That's the only thing that is powering me through the fear!!

Today I finished all four window frames. I think that should be the most intense building thing, although the front and back will be a little complicated because the doors are so tall, and the awning is so short. I tried to put up my first section of inner wall and it was too tall!! Yikes! So tomorrow (or sometime soon!) I'll have to take it apart and cut it down a 1/4 inch or so and try again. Sigh.

My knees hurt... I have a huge bruise on my left arm from almost losing control over the first window frame - better the huge bruise than the frame crashing through the French door windows!! Yikes!! It has been ungodly hot the past couple of days. I lost 5.5 pounds yesterday - all fluids, I'm sure. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to get me under 201!! Someday soon, I hope...

Keep your fingers crossed for me... :sick This is one of those projects where I can honestly say I don't know if I need a frontal lobotomy, or a bottle in front of me... Probably both!! lol

It has always been my experience that when people bite off more than they can chew they get down to work and chew it.

Way to go Donali. You can do it. But then you knew that all along didn't you? Don't let the raspy voice of doubt creep into your thoughts.

You can do it.

The porch is gonna look great! The BF is gonna be impressed! Heck, I am!

Donali, I think it's awesome that you are taking on this job. Doesn't it feel great to accomplish new things. We have been renovating my bathroom for the past month and it is a difficult thing to live in the construction zone. But it is so worth it when it's all said and done.

Update - got three panels set... The French doors (of course) are a b#*&$(W#* to install, particularly since they don't really have anything to hang on too... I need to put up more of the inner wall to help keep the door frames true before nailing/screwing them in. But hey, the first window panel is pretty solid!

Maybe tomorrow I can finish setting all the panels, and get the front door in. Then Wednesday siding, and I'm almost home free.... Oh, please, please keep your fingers crossed for me!! And thanks for all the support and encouragement!!!

Geez Donali, I'm in awe!

Ever consider doing your own home show? You could inspire a heck of a lot of women. I love it! You GO girl!

I just wish I could do half of what you are doing! I am so anxious to see the finished room. Girl you are awsome!

Betty

I am SO hoping this thing doesn't just fall over... lol That would be a great testament to all those DIY women out there.

I still have hope, but last night was a little disheartening trying to set the French doors. I think I'll stop at Home Depot tonight and buy lots of metal Ts and angles and corner braces and... :guess

:cross-eye :rolleyes :nervous

And so the saga continues...

the French doors still are not square/true/level, or whatever their problem is, but we have moved on to bigger and better things - the window panels!! I feel almost halfway there - tomorrow the front door and the rest of the inside, and then Saturday (fates willing) up goes the siding and then the painting, and on to the rest of the myriad of chores I have set for myself to accomplish in the next TWELVE :mad: TWELVE TWELVE days!!!:eek:

<awestruck and nearly speechless at the lightening speed at which you're progressing!>

What a great job you're doing!

He must be a pretty great guy to inspire that.

You are definitely to be commended Donali, to even attempt such a chore. I'm amazed. But then, we all knew you were an all around pretty special kinda gal. You go girl!! Great job!