WHILE I'M ON THE SUBJECT OF BRICK

While we had the mason here, we hired him to build an outdoor fireplace.  

I drew a picture and he capably followed my novice design to a T.

It was July,

and it was hot,

but 3 half-days of work later.....

                We have a stunning chimney; the centerpiece of a beautiful outdoor gathering spot.
(I'll let you in on a little special feature....the key at the top of the arch was cut from the original 1907 sidewalk leading to the front door.)

October 2014 - Ready for guests

BEFORE & AFTER: MAGNOLIA BEDROOM

    I just came across these photos the other day and was struck by the transformation.  What do you think?

BEFORE
February 2011

AFTER
December 2012

I've been told this 2nd story room on the north side of the house was used as the family room by the previous owners.  It is now my daughter's bedroom.

BEFORE:
2011

AFTER
December 2012

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

This all seems like a distant memory.

What used to be this is now a cozy spot on a cold evening.

The fire is so delightful.

Side note: The antique firescreen was a Christmas gift from my sweet husband.  It fit as if it were made for this spot.

SPRUCING UP THE FIREPLACES

    I painted the last 2 of the 3 fireplaces the other morning.  

As nice as they look now, it is difficult to remember way back when...

BRICK BY BRICK

    Slowly (because the weather has been rainy and progress hinges upon framing and inspections) but surely (the masons are working on a Saturday!) my wood burning fireplace progresses.  

August 4,  2011

October. 15, 2011

Nothing about this project has been speedy.  It is, however, being done right  (Thanks mostly to our Donnie's *  keen eye for detail and extensive knowledge about construction and repair of old homes)

  

* "Number One",  your room on the 3rd floor will always be here for you!

CHIM CHIMINEY

Our house has 2 chimneys with 5 coal burning fireplaces and, like much of the rest of the house, they have been neglected for many years.   So neglected in fact we got the sad, SAD news that they are crumbling from the inside and, short of tearing down the chimneys to the ground and building back up from scratch, there is no resurrecting them .

(See how this bows on the left side)

(Such a tall narrow chimney to accomodate 3 flues)

 To make the firebox usable, even for a gas log situation, would require widening the opening and refacing any fireplace we wanted to use.  Doing so, to the tune of mega-bucks, we would lose my beautiful ladies, all 5 original iron surrounds and covers.

We have since discovered a product that will allow us to enjoy the aesthetic of the fireplaces, give us an authentic looking coal fire, put out a modicum of heat,  and be safe for our daughter to be around. The Vision Electric Fireplace insert  will do just that.  While I found the fireplace insert doing a simple Google search on the internet, the people who invented it have a showroom and store only 2 miles away from Hawthorne Avenue.  We intend to get one soon to be sure our electrician can do the appropriate wiring while he is in the house.

GOOD LUCK WILL RUB OFF...

WHEN I SHAKES HANDS WITH YOU!  << < click 

You can be certain SOMETHING will rub off.  I spent an afternoon cleaning chimney flues.  What a MESS.

When I finished each fireplace, the only thing in the room that was not coal black...was the print my bottom left behind.