It still needs to be painted. 
The backyard still needs to be picked up. But here you go with how it looks this evening. To say we are happy is an understatement. We bought this house 5 yrs ago and finally we can say the yard is finished! 
M likes to sit on the picnic table while grilling. I like sitting on the upper patio while spinning. You can see the railing the contractor surprised us with this morning. He said he would make a railing but this is more then we expected. Much nicer! We wanted a railing since the upper patio is about 18" off the ground and my mother tends to step off there. Now she can't. Now I won't have to worry about sprained ankles or falls. Perfect.
We are still discussing the picnic table. The problem with getting rid of it (it's large and takes up too much room) is the dogs like to sit on it. I like to toss fleece on it when I have a new fleece. We don't eat on it. Wouldn't it be nice to have a table to eat on? I think a coffee table type in front of the benches would be perfect. If it doesn't block the back door.
We'll get there. Eventually. This evening we watched the sunset and beamed. Soon, I will be priming and painting.
Tomorrow is M's and Anne's birthdays. Have a good one, Anne! We'll be thinking of you while we treat M's folks to lunch. M's dad was also born on the 27th. 3 of the nicest people you will ever meet share a birthday. I am truly blessed to have all 3 in my life.
What a lovely space! Belated Happy Birthday to M!
Posted by: Dawn | 07/30/2007 at 10:15 AM
Shoot - I totally missed M's birthday, mired in yarn as I am (and with house guests). The pergola looks fantastic - what a lovely place to sit and just be, eh? And a nice gift for both of you for the late summer!!
Posted by: Anne | 07/30/2007 at 06:14 AM
That turned out REALLY well. Enviable space. I really want to stick plants around it.
Posted by: Laurie | 07/27/2007 at 02:35 PM
Hey! Long time...I've been a bit "incommunicado" because of all the events over the last couple months or so. I've been admiring your yard and hard work -absolutely beautiful! Don't know what the dogs will do, but if you've been tracking my blog, I have had to clear out the house in two weeks. I need to vacate next week. Here's where I thought of you after this post: I have a large, folding, sturdy but not too heavy craft table. It's yours if you can swing by and pick it up (I'm near I70 and Ward Road) before Tuesday. I'd just leave it out for you. Let me know if you want it as it'll probably just be thrown away - I don't have time to Craig's List or even schedule a donation pick up.
Posted by: Marta | 07/27/2007 at 11:08 AM
Happy birthday M!
The pergola looks fantastic!!!!!
Posted by: Kristi aka Fiber Fool | 07/27/2007 at 09:52 AM
Happy Birthday M! The pergola looks great! I hope you enjoy many hours outside.
Posted by: Chery | 07/27/2007 at 07:56 AM
Happy Birthday, M! You can enjoy a nice piece of cake (or whatever your birthday treat of choice may be) on that nice, new pergola! It really came out well. I like the idea of a coffee table with benches for outdoor dining. It will make a wonderful spot for enjoying the warm evenings!
Posted by: Sheepish Annie | 07/27/2007 at 06:21 AM
Love your pergola! I think that's what my deck needs, at least over part of it. Then I could load it up with hanging plants. How cool that would be (especially in the temperature sense).
Happy Birthday, M n A!
Posted by: Chris | 07/27/2007 at 05:59 AM