I promised to follow up with two different men who both work on houses.
One – John – has been working on a BIG house, restoring it by himself.
The other – Jean – creates tiny houses – for birds. When last we heard from Jean, he was working on his Xtreme Birdhouse. While I was impatiently waiting for the photos of the finished product, Jean sent me these other ones, made from the corks of wine bottles and said:
“I can assure you that I was totally sober when I worked on those…. lol…..”
I promised to believe him. Which doesn’t mean YOU have to.
As for his Xtreme Birdhouse, it’s complete, and it’s even larger than it looks in these photos:
Which may explain why Jean calls it “The Bird Cathedral”. Congrats, Jean, on one heck of a birdhouse! Here’s another view:
So let’s go over now to Prince Edward County and check in with John, our intrepid house-restorer, and his wife Ann. When last we heard, they were about to move into the beautiful old house. Here are some photos, starting with Ann sitting on the step waiting for the truck:
John says: “The Move went as smooth as SILK!! No surprises, no grief, and very good weather!”
The couple had spent the days prior cleaning the house, and now it was time to roll out the rugs and put things in their places:
Within a day or two, the dining room, living room, master bedroom and third floor den were partially set up.
John’s office, meanwhile, looks like it’s always been there….
Of course, there’s a lot of work left to do. They’re also keeping an eye on the garden, to determine how much work it will require. But one thing you and I know about John: he has a plan for getting it all done perfectly, and on time.
Ann and John, congratulations.
Top 4 photos by Jean Long, remainder by John Garside.
Cynthia Reyes 
Pretty handy crafty people.
Sure are, Levi.
Love the wee houses and the big house is wonderful too!
Me too!
Fabulous houses, big and small. Did Jean tell you which birds come to the Cathedral?
The praying kind? OK, just kidding. I’ll ask Jean.
Or the ones who have had their prayers answered with the provision of housing? 😉
What spoilt birds Jean must have! Ann and John’s house looks wonderful.
Aren’t they so talented? Goodness.
What a lovely post Cynthia! I love the sweet birdhouses and the story of the move to the lovely large house.
Thank you, Karen. I wish I could build stuff! But not so talented, so am living vicariously through these amazing individuals.
Wow – I am loving the third floor of that house! I could look at houses all day.And the birdhouses are spectacular – now that’s a labor of love.
Sure is a labor of love. These men are so gifted.
Nothing satisfies like a new home – soon to become A Good Home for birdies and people.
I asked Jean what kind of birds nest there. Wrens so far. He made the holes small, so big birds couldn’t enter. Meanwhile, there’s a wild turkey nesting on 11 eggs nearby. Maybe Jean will send me a photo. Spring is such a time of marvels and surprises.
That bird cathedral has a bit of a jenga look about it. Very cool. Loved the cork ones, too. And John’s house! Wow, I love that day bed! Fantastic.
Cheers
MTM
If I were a carpenter, I’d make such nice things! Instead, I admire these guys.