The Courtyard: Getting Closer

Lyle has been burning the midnight oil. Seriously, he puts on a headlamp and uses power tools while the rest of the normal world slumbers.

It's been quite a transformation from a few months ago. We still have more to do, but the courtyard was finished enough to host Lyle's office party here today. It was so neat to use this new space and see how well it functions.

Lyle is still in the process of revamping the hot tub structure, but I love how it's coming along. I can't wait to get vines growing up the sides.

And lest you think Lyle is the only one who does any work around here, I made some windows. I've been taking a stained glass class on Tuesday and Thursdays and I think they look quite good, if I do say so myself.

This one was just hung this morning so I haven't had time to paint the frame.

They look neat from inside as well.

Lyle built an arched entry into one side and still needs to get rid of the ugly plastic lattice on top.

My favorite recent building project of his is the dining trellis. He came up with the design himself. He built the red benches and plans to make a table and I'll make another window for that side. I planted a "Cecile Brunner" climbing rose that should get big enough to cover the trellis and climb up onto the roof.

The pizza oven still has quite a long way to go, but Lyle has promised his employees that next year, he'll be making them pizza.

It's been a busy summer.

And as usual, Olaf could care less.