Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Our Neighborhood has a Plentiful Lack of Front Porches

The new front porch/deck is "done." Done as in: you can walk on it, sit on the new furniture, jump up and down, and even lean on the railing. I still need to add railing near the front door (on the opposite side of the deck) and do a little landscape work, but right now it's too damn hot.

I wanted to build a porch/deck for two reasons:

1. Aimee always wanted a front porch.

2. This is my house now, and by God, I'll build a damn porch if I want.

Our neighborhood is relatively "porch" free. This saddens me. It's an older neighborhood (most houses built in the early '60s), but not old enough to be part of the grand American porch tradition. The lack of front porches is a sorry development in residential architecture. I'm thrilled to have one.

I remember moving into the neighborhood--how Aimee lamented not knowing the neighbors like those she did when she was a girl. Eleven years later, I know the neighbors (most of them), well. They were there when Aimee died, swooping in to clean up the house and take care of things.They've been there through many ups and downs for over a decade.

The porch/deck isn't much--but it's enough. I can listen to the rustle of leaves from my pin oak and fire maple. I can wave to the neighbors as they drive by. I can sit and remember good times with my wife and dream of good times to come.

 


9 comments:

Tim McGregor said...

Beautiful job, Aaron! I like the width of it, nice railing to put your feet up on too. Or spit watermelon seeds over.

I see a pleasant summer ahead. Cheers.

Tim

Aaron Polson said...

Thanks, Tim. Now if the weather would only cooperate...

James Everington said...

Don't worry, the weather isn't cooperating over here either. Only just got the first BBQ in this summer, which is a scandal & a half. Nice porch!

Sara said...

Looks great Aaron! Can't wait to walk, jump, and sit on the new porch! Looks like a great spot to rock Elliot on.

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Oh, there's NOTHING better than a front porch! Good work, too! I hope you really enjoy it (it'll be even better knowing you made it yourself.)

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Oh, there's NOTHING better than a front porch! Good work, too! I hope you really enjoy it (it'll be even better knowing you made it yourself.)

Bernie Mack said...

The deck looks amazing! I look forward to sitting on it during our annual trip to Kansas for Christmas - even if it is in a foot of snow!

Cate Gardner said...

Beautiful porch. I wish we had porches in Liverpool.

Kelli said...

The porch looks fantastic! You did a great job! Our house was built in the early 60s too and it has a concrete porch. I love to sit on our porch...it's so relaxing. I hope that you make many wonderful memories on your porch.