Saying Goodbye to our Front Porch Faux Fireplace

We had some pretty strong winds here in Eastern New Mexico this past winter and the front yard really took a beating!     The fireplace on the front porch blew over and was a complete loss. 
   Since we had to say goodbye to it,    I thought I would share a walk down memory lane.

When we moved in here over 10 years ago,   the front porch was very small.     So,  one of the first things we did was add on a huge front porch.....it's about a 15 X 40.      I wanted it big enough that we could entertain without being crowded.

After a couple of years,   H built a faux fireplace from the top part of a dresser that we bought at the auction for  I think about $20.       I don't remember the exact amount,   but I know it wasn't much.

If you look close in the top left corner of this photo,   you can see a group of birdhouses on porch posts.     The porch posts are still standing but the birdhouses were a loss in the winds we've had. this past winter.      

Once the fireplace was completed,      H made a long farm table for the front porch.        We can easily seat 10 .....more if we squeeze in.

Then we decided to build a frame over the fireplace and hang some windows in it.........

The frame also made it so we could hang a light over the table........

Last summer,   H took down the windows and hung the oval part of a coffee table over the fireplace.....

We also hung a different light fixture over the table last summer.

The umbrella had been put in storage for the winter or I'm sure the wind would have been blown into  the next county.....lol!

I normally change the umbrella cover out every year or two........

Last summer,    I didn't put a cover on it........maybe I will this spring

We bought new furniture for the porch two springs ago,    so it will stay the same this year.......

I may change the covers on the furniture pads this year.....who knows!

I will sure miss out fireplace........

We have decided not to replace the fireplace.   When we had people sitting at the table,   the walkway in front of the fireplace was to narrow for anyone to pass behind the chairs. 
   So,   the porch will look different next time you see it......without the fireplace,   but with something new in it's place!

I enjoy your visits so much,    please come back soon!