Saturday, June 7, 2014

Out on the porch

Have you ever had that dream where you're wandering through your house, or another place that you're perfectly familiar with, and you open a door and find a totally unfamiliar room?

That happened to me this week.

Pictured here is my front porch.  I don't have a "before" picture, mostly because it was never photo-worthy before (it still isn't, all that much) and because when I started cleaning it off, I didn't know I was going to go far enough to require a "before" picture.

I decided, after 14  years, to get rid of the two wooden chairs with the uncomfortable metal strap seats that I had never made cushions for -- if I haven't made the cushions by now, it's not likely to happen.

I got rid of the trashpicked table that was too unsteady to use, and that I had never fixed.

I put the two extra recycle tubs to use holding the straw bale that lives on the porch.  It would live in the back yard, but there's no coverage back there.

I brought up two comfortable chairs from the basement, and my old wooden coffee table.

And I brought out a glass of iced tea and sat down, sweating, to enjoy a totally new view of my street.  Since I haven't pruned the roses lately, I have a very nice privacy screen going as well.

All was well until I took my chairs to the thrift store down the block and was talking to one of the employees.  He kept turning away and laughing, and I finally asked what was wrong.  He told me to go home and look in the mirror.  Cleaning + sweating = dirt mustache.  Think Marlboro man and you're not far off.

On the other hand, I love getting really dirty, because I enjoy the shower so much afterward.  It's like letting your house -- or your porch -- get really messy because you know you'll be able to see the difference once you're done cleaning.

3 comments:

Elaray said...
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Elaray said...

When I was house hunting462, a porch was a must-have. There is nothing like a quiet (if you're lucky enough to live in a quiet neighborhood) early evening on the porch with a cold drink. Enjoy your new space!

Nancy said...

I've had that same dream many times (my husband thinks it's crazy), but alas I've never found that extra room. Your porch looks like a wonderful place to sit and relax.