A Second Fireplace

Last winter we transformed a corner of the dining room, and built a fireplace where there had been none.  It was hard work, but we've been so pleased with the results, and have enjoyed it so immensely, that we decided to add another fireplace to the living room. 

Construction started two weekends ago when Verne built the box to place the insert in. Late last week he hung the metal lath, and prepared the scratch coat.

Though I didn't get photos of the new love notes he left me, they were very similar to the ones he made on the dining room fireplace. Though they're covered over now, our names are forever under those rocks.

He's sweet like that!

This is where I come in. Up until this point, I stood around admiring the laborer, and made sure he had plenty to eat and drink. I even made his favorite butterscotch pudding.

And then, just like last time, I found out how hard stone masons work. Verne mixed the cement, Collin buttered rocks, and handed them to me. It's like a puzzle, fitting each one against the next. I've worked three 8 hour days on this project, and it's not quite done.

I'm looking forward to the evenings when we can sit and relax by it!