Here's how the construction on the porches is shaping up. The open space between the beams (locally milled cedar) up top is the size of the windows that will go in there this week. The roof will be extended with windows in the peak. Downstairs will be all screen porch. Inside we are renovating from back to front, with our bedroom and bath just about done. With our simple plumbing skills, and many trips to Chris at the hardware store, we were able to change out the lavatory and toilet ourselves. The most dramatic change was adding a window to the bathroom. As each room gets done, the no-clutter rule goes into effect. We bought 3 pieces of furniture from Fifi (Finally I Found It), including a double hat box dresser for me. The shape of the mirror reminded me of an old photo of my great grandmother, Lizette Druihlette Altazan, so I hauled it out and added it to the family photo wall that you can see in the mirror. It's interesting to see pieces of Heron decor here and there in this house, keeping our history. Another piece from Fifi is what Melissa calls a Governor Winthrop, kind of a secretary with a class cabinet that holds the tea cups and a bottom part that hides the mail clutter. Commonground Fair is next weekend already, and it may be the ultimate test for Diana, the new owner of the Heron. The Common Ground Family, as we call them, are the folks who stayed with us at fair time for the last five years. Everyone cooked and partied at the Heron each night. They owned the place for 3 days. Diana is very protective of her kitchen and other spaces. It will be interesting to see how they work it out. We've moved the party here to the lake for at least two nights. I always knew that one of the reasons people felt comfortable at the Heron under our tenure was that it really was not our home. The lake house has always been the real home. So there were no protected spaces at the Inn; everyone had free run. Melissa has been cranking out salsa for the Rotary booth at the fair. Maybe they'll actually sell some of it this year. Last year we ate the leftover chips for six months. They should switch to fried green tomatoes with a salsa side. The smell of something fried pulls them in. It has to be about tomatoes because we have so many of them at this time of year. We still have not closed on the purchase of 22 Main. We find, as the buyers, that we don't mind if the lawyer takes more time to check out every detail. Besides it will be a massive renovation, and we're in the thick of it here at the lake. The red Honda Civic has a new home. I sold it to Jim Reed and told him it answers to Zippy. He's a zippy guy and understood. Didn't have to advertise. Just parked it at Gary's Hair Salon and Used Car Lot (next to the Heron) with a sign on it. So long Zippy, Hello Iko.

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