Project Update

After several mornings and evenings of enjoying the uncovered deck, Jim decided it really would be improved by a roof.

Mid-morning on the 22nd we headed to the lumberyard for supplies, then stopped at Dutchman Metals to order roofing to match the house.

These are both thriving Amish/Mennonite businesses. I don't know the background of the families involved except that many in the area are related by marriage. Nor do I recognize the finer points which would specify the exact denominations of 'Plain People' who live in the area.

The businesses all use computer technology and often it is young women who do the office work.

At the metal shop we were informed it would be half an hour or more before the roofing was measured and cut, a good excuse to putter a few miles up the narrow winding road to Sunny Valley and enjoy a serving of soft ice cream.

Later as we headed for home the sky grew purple-black, lightning zipped through the clouds.

By the time we reached our house, a mere 15 minute drive, the heavens had opened and rain was pounding down. 

The rocking chairs left on the deck were soaked; when tilted to bring inside rain water streamed from the cushions.

There was first of all the rank tired smell of ground too long dry, then as rain continued to pelt down  the scent of refreshment and renewal hung on the damp air.

Showers continued through Wednesday evening, temperatures slightly cooler.

It was astonishing to note how quickly the meadow grass turned to green again, while seemingly exhausted container annuals pushed out gangly-stemmed blooms.

Jim went directly to work on Tuesday and on Friday the 'deck' became a 'front porch' when the roofing metal went on. 

An experienced helper would have made the task easier and though Howard offered his assistance his days have been long with building for clients.

I suspect Jim rather liked the challenge of devising ways to work over head.

I was called at the end of work days to gather tools into the wheelbarrow so that everything could be put under cover for the night.

I did occasionally hold a level or hand out wood screws; mainly I kept a pitcher full of raspberry iced tea on tap.

I kept an appointment at the eye clinic, made bread, roasted a chicken, steamed the excellent green beans Matt bought at the Speck Ridge auction.

A question was posed on the facebook page devoted to Jim's maternal line, so I happily went down various rabbit holes to discover and type a report of the relevant data. 

I can interrupt most any scheduled work when family research calls.

The porch roof has diminished the amount of light streaming into the east-facing kitchen. I don't think this is a problem as during sunny weather the reflection of light on the counters and appliances sometimes made the work area too bright.

My half mug of milky coffee seems to taste better when sipped on the porch. I raise my face to the slant of the morning sun as it shimmers on the heavy dew clinging to the meadow grass. 

In early evening the distant barking of dogs, the clatter and groan of a combine in the soybean field up the road, the shushing whisper of dried leaves falling from the trees along the north ravine are a peaceful accompaniment to the book I'm reading.

Jim comes out, sits in his rocker for a few minutes, then reminds me that if we're going to walk our evening loop around the meadows we'd best get moving as darkness now comes earlier.