For the most part, this project is complete. All major aspects are done. What's left are things like wiring up the exterior lamp, some sun screens and a more formal temporary set of steps (until we get the stone ones put in). I'm glad the bulk of the work is over. My patience had run shallow on this particular project, which I didn't expect. Could be I'm ready to start handing off future projects to hired help. We'll see.

 

Anyway, below is a series of pictures that document the progress:

The entire garage was painted first. The ledger boards got coated too.

Roughing in the understructure. You can see the shape and size of what's coming.

Floor joists and roof joists in place. Roofing material and all related rigging in place. Two coats of paint. It took a long time to get to this point.

Decking boards in place! The border pieces were very time consuming to put in.

Once the borders are done, the other pieces go much faster. Yet there are dozens of screws to sink for each plank.

We really love this new space. Very comfortable spot to get away from the office, read or take a phone call. Lot's of flowers and other decoration coming from Virginia, she's taking over from here :)

 

 

While the job search continues, I've taken the opportunity to finish a few more projects around the house.  This time, the garage gets all the attention. The term "garage" just doesn't feel right these days.  It hasn't been able to hold a car for decades.  I've updated and divided the inside to include a laundry room, shop, overhead storage and large office with two comfy workstations for Virginia and I.  New flooring, electric and plumbing.  Garage? I don't think so. But what would you call it?  It's the "free standing detached shop, laundry and office building with a garage door".   Hmm, now that's certainly elegant. 

 

Anyway - I rented a paint sprayer and blasted it with primer and two top coats.  Using one of these machines is a new experience for me.  A fire hose of paint, it tends to get a little messy if your not careful. But the final application looks much better than a roller. After the paint,  the real objective was to begin a covered porch off the office entrance.  See the pictures for the progress:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous final thoughts:

 

I thought I'd share this nice clip I stumbled upon while trolling through YouTube.  Susan Tedeschi (from Boston) does an excellent cover of "Angel From Montgomery" while performing on Austin City Limits.  Many make the mistake of attributing the song to Bonnie Raitt (who made the tune famous),but in actuality it was written by folksinger/songwriter John Prine.  Also discoverd that she's married to Derek Trucks (nephew of Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks) since 2001.  Where have I been?

 

Regardless, something about this version just knocks me down - a combination of the tender delivery and lyrics.  Just beautiful, don't you think?