dedicated, but not completed

there hasn't been any renovation activity this week.  nor last.  I guess everybody has been Working On Some Other Job.  will put in a call to the builder this morning to discuss -- have been wanting to do that but there have been some severe administrative distractions at the office all week.  nonwithstanding the attractive exterior paint, the condition of the inside walls is getting to me and I can't yet think charitably of the builder's having pulled the trim carpenter off the job with only a day and half of work left to do.  that really was a dirty trick. 

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Sunday's dedication seems to have been enjoyed by all who came.  I guess it can be considered a success, if for no other reason than it constituted a static load test:  the porch did not collapse under the weight of the guests standing on it (this was not an explicit goal of the event, but I would not have wanted that many folks on it in the condition in which it was before having been rebuilt). 

I don't think that during the 15 years I've lived here that there have ever been that many people here at once, that there has been that much food and drink (stored or consumed) in the place at once, or that as many bottles have been set out as in this week's recycling pickup. 

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but seriously, I was quite pleased to be able to share the occasion with friends and neighbours, and that those who wished to and could attend did so. 

pony rides

as part of the Refenestration Dedication I wanted to arrange for pony rides in the Circle.  for the younger guests this was provided on a self-serve basis using one resident pony left over from the Wonder Boy's youth and another two from a yard sale the previous weekend (I'm convinced that by sheltering them here I have saved them from the glue stick factory). 

the concept seems to have gone over well in the intended demographic so they are now stabled on the porch and available for anybody who is passing by and might be in the mood for quick trot, gallop or canter around the Circle.  just put them back when you're done so they will be available for the next visitor who might have need of them. 

this cat cam view shows Sarah and Eli walking back into the Circle after their rides. 

satisfied customers

the favourable reception does not seem to have been manifested in all possible species: 

Maple casts a suspicious eye on the porch ponies

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for those who have attained legal age for consumption, 7oz "pony" bottles of Rolling Rock were provided.  unlike the stick horses these are not stabled on the porch but if you drop by you're welcome to enjoy one (offer good while supplies last). 

another kind of pony
from the Latrobe Brewing Co., Latrobe, PA