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**

Donali - That is looking great! You'll make it! I just can't wait to see the after pictures!

Betty

Leatha - I love your new picture!

Betty

WHOOAAAA! Donali - We're not worthy, we're not worthy....

I am amazed at your fabulous work! Only 12 days - omigod! So how long will it be before you're back online after "reconnecting" with Indiana?????!!!!!!:mad: :D

By the way, I'm almost catching up with you - I bought a tin of white paint yesterday AND some polyfiller stuff....siiiiggghhhh - I'm more YDI than DIY - You Do It!!!

You people are so cute and wonderful!! I guess it's pretty obvious by now that this "lapband support group" has transitioned into an overall support group for me. I come here to read about what's going on in the lives of "strangers" I have come to love and care for, and to socialize, laugh, cry, and even occasionally try and give back to!

Thanks for letting me stick around. YOU PEOPLE ROCK!!! :mad:

Donali, I think Trading Spaces needs a new carpenter, you interested? You're cute enough!! :mad:

I sure hope you take pics of you and your honey enjoying the new porch. We can't wait to see them!! You've definitely got me thinking of what kid-friendly project I might be tackling in the near future. Something without nails, hmmm....

I'm more YDI than DIY - You Do It!!!

lol

Sometimes I wish I was more of a YDI than a DIY...

As far as being absent online from the 28th on, I shouldn't be ex-communicado too much. Probably nothing from 9/30-10/3, as we'll be in Austin, and of course the Vegas Bash 9/8-9/10, but other than that, I'll be popping-in throughout the work day.

SHHHHHHH!!! Did I really say that? lol Well, I do get a lunch hour and breaks.... :mad:

I can't guarantee how much post-workday time I'll be spending on the computer, at least at first, but most of you will be the first to tell me that eventually the "cow-eyes" period fades, and life returns to somewhat "normal" - meaning we start doing our seperate things, and never see each other again, even though we live in the same house... lol

Surely it won't get to be that drastic, right? I was just kidding about that last part! I'm counting on him dragging me to the beach and fossil-hunting, and vacationing, and eating lots of Mexican food together, even if we don't spend every waking moment gazing into eachother's eyes... :knockedou

lol

I think I'm out of the loop, D. This honey of yours is coming to live permanently?!? Are you nervous about that or is it a dream come true?

This honey of yours is coming to live permanently?!? Are you nervous about that or is it a dream come true?

A lot of BOTH...

Yes, the plan is for him to come and live with me "permanently." He will still travel a lot, and may be away 4-5 months of the year, all told and added together, but I believe the plan is that I will be his "base of operations." lol

He was married for 10 years, so he has a better idea of what to expect than I do. I have never lived with an SO, so I feel like a highschool girl at 43, with all the insecurities and childish ways of that age. I'm hoping my relationship maturity comes on quickly, for both of our sakes!!

You know I'll be keeping you posted... lol Good and bad...

:mad:

Ooohhh, how exciting!! Enjoy the honeymoon period, it's FUUUN. And now that you're a grownup (and presumably he is too) the post-honeymoon part will be fun too. Good luck with everything!!!

Wow, Donali!!! Your new porch is looking great! Dh and I are planning to build a new house next summer. You're hired!!!!!:mad:

Dh and I are planning to build a new house next summer. You're hired!!!!!

:mad: :D :eek:

lol

Sounds like a hot time in the old town that night! lol

Betty:D

Hey, next time you don't see my big mouth around here, rattle my cage and tell me to look at some new posts. How did I miss this one?

I'm getting on my knees and bowing to you. I wish I could be there but since I can't I do have some very helpful advice since my husband is in construction:

Say the "F" word a lot and throw your tools. That's what Chris does. Sometimes yell "Co**suck*r" as you throw the tools. Place a lot of blame on others like the wood suppliers and the glass company. It will be beautiful in no time.

I'm so flipping impressed.

Say the "F" word a lot and throw your tools. That's what Chris does. Sometimes yell "Co**suck*r" as you throw the tools. Place a lot of blame on others like the wood suppliers and the glass company. It will be beautiful in no time.

AAAAAHHHHAHAHAHHAHAHAH!!!!!ROTFLMAO!!!!!! :D :eek:

Ah, DeLarla, you so crack me up! I'll have to try your advice. Although I will say, S**T has gotten me this far... lol

*still chuckling, shaking my head* :mad:

Donali, "s**t" is reserved for small projects like wallpapering. You've got to pull out the big guns like the Mo-Fos and the C-S'rs!