There are a few items of note this time. Pam and I have been working on the front porch, replacing some questionable wood, repairing the railings, and painting. Felicity reports that progress is being made on the Lodi house. A few fall colors are present in the yard. Moving on…

Re: upgrading the front porch. I replaced some questionable quality wood in the floor and began the task of repairing and painting the porch railings. Pam finished her summer project of painting the porch ceiling, and has moved on to adding a striped pattern on the floor boards. This is an on-going project, but here are the results to date.

Painted trim, ceiling, and detail, all by Pam
Replacing floor boards
Removing railings
Fresh paint and rebuilt corner railing
Section of railing getting new paint after repair

At this time, Pam has one third of the floor painted — some left to do! I have completed the Main Street side railings and have yet to begin on the east side sections. It would be desirable to have this project finished before the weather turns too cold. (Pam says she’s retired, and if the weather doesn’t cooperate, no rush. There is always next spring to complete the final bits.)

Fall has arrived with more leaves falling and trees beginning to turn color. I picked up a few pumpkins to place around the east porch steps and they add a bit of color to the yard.

Pumpkins means fall, correct?

The sunflowers came down this past week and Pam has begun cleaning out flower beds, deadheading some plants and emptying some of the “bagged” planters. It is sad to have to begin this work, but other flowers around the place are still going strong.

Part of the Mary Lynn flower bed

We have our projects to keep us busy and fall holds many activities for us. Most are routine chores but the cooler weather ahead means more outside time. It is a pleasant time of the year.

Daughter Felicity has sent us a few more photos of the ongoing home renovation near Lodi, New York. The new roof is in place and excavation has begun to install a new septic system. The porches have been rebuilt, with new flooring in spots, and an upgraded support system.

New roof installed
Septic system excavation has begun

This is Felicity’s latest “old house” video:

Not all is going according to plan, however. Issues with the original electrician, who has serious medical issues and can’t complete his contract, has forced a scramble to find another way to get this work done. This is the guy who was to have installed the heating system as well as wiring the house, so this is a major disruption in the timeline of getting the house completed. We hope Felicity and her general contractor can work out a solution and get back on track.

That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!

Pam’s Penny

Seasonal changes have definitely begun. The fresh crisp air hasn’t taken hold yet, still lots of heavy pollen days.

Happy Trails.