porch, day three

Yesterday, when the carpenters and electrician had gone -

oh, did I mention the electrician?

It seemed sensible to add outlets while walls are open - 

I spent a good half hour just tidying up.

At one point, I was sweeping snow into a dustpan.

It was surreal.

But a lot of snow had been tracked in and packed down.

It had not melted on the cold porch,

but it would have made pools when the sun came out again.

Friday morning, before chores,

I stepped out to admire the overall progress.

The ceiling insulation was all in place, and most of the ceiling boards.

The kneewalls were wired, ready for insulating.

I looked at the time...

the carpenters weren't due for at least an hour.

The goats weren't calling for Room Service.

So, what the heck.

I started insulating the kneewalls.

When the carpenters arrived, I had only one little space left to fill,

but I quickly got out of the way and let them get to work.

It was good timing; my back was protesting all the leaning.

But gosh, it felt good to do a tiny bit of the work!

Today the remainder of the ceiling was covered,

and careful work began on the interior walls.
(You can left-click to embiggen these snaps, if interested.)

That's all native white pine, locally harvested and milled.

Hand-selected and driven home on the roof of that tireless workhorse,

the Little Green Sportswagon.

How I love wood.

It was a pretty good day!

Now the carpenters will be off til Tuesday,

which gives me time to resolve the gable question.

It's a pesky problem.

Feel free to weigh in with a comment -

I'd love to hear your opinions!

Backstory:

All along, even when the first builder was here,

finding an option for the gable was a major priority.

I do not want to close it in.

But every effort to find windows, old or new,

to fill even a part of the space - 

like a rectangle or square in the center,

or a transom across the bottom -

has been futile.

So far.

As you can see in the image below,

the tip of the peak has already been cut off by the new ceiling,

and it looks very different, but still okay.

And simply closing in the whole thing would look nice -

more wood!

What could be better?

Well, glass. Glass would be better.

Because I would really miss that view into the canopy.

REALLY.

Even from inside the adjacent parlor,

looking south into the porch and seeing that bit of sky and trees

makes a big difference in how the room feels.

And on the porch, the difference is huge.

It's like the difference between a nice room

and a nice space, I suppose.

A custom-built window to fit the entire gable is not a great option.

Even if I could justify the expense,

it would take weeks to have a window made.

The carpenter suggested a functional compromise:

closing in the peak with pine "for now"

so he can finish the interior construction,

but leaving the outside of the gable tar-papered for protection

until I find a permanent window to install.

Someday.

Maybe next Spring.

I told the carpenter that, rather than closing it in,

I would probably be happier with clear plastic 

stapled across the gable opening until I find a window.

He looked as if I had slapped him.

That's probably how I looked when he suggested closing it in.

I think we will all be keeping our eyes open this weekend,

looking for window options.

~~~

Other, easier weekend tasks:

making a decision on windowsill depth (fun!)

and a couple of trips to pick up more insulation,

to be installed between the floor joists.

This is going to be one cozy room.

Little by little!

Wishing you a delightful weekend!

~~~~~