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Thursday, August 12, 2010

the mailbox is awaiting your letters!


If you missed the part about the very last, large Smith and Hawkin mailbox, the antique granite fence post found on our property, and the antique iron lantern arm that comprise the mailbox you can read about it here!


This is the view head-on, and you can see there are some natural curves to the post which made it a bit difficult to get everything level! This is the view you see when you drive down our driveway; the mailbox actually sits across the street from our properly. I am going to have our house number engraved on the granite post above the mailbox.


Side view facing North.
Isn't the antique iron lantern bracket the perfect scale for the piece?! We've received some really nice compliments from neighbors, but my favorite one is that the mailbox looks like it has always been there! Dan did a fabulous job of engineering all these disparate pieces together!


View facing South.
The antique stone wall with the row of maples is our property.

This is the entrance to our house.
It shows how the mailbox sits across the street and is now centered on our driveway. The stone walls ends in stone "beehives" at the entrance to the drive, which are very unusual here in New England. To give you some perspective, the huge maple on the left at the entrance is 75 to 80 feet tall, and probably 150-175 years old. The driveway splits at the large hemlock tree you see in the center of the driveway. If you go left it takes you down to the garage, and if you go right it takes you up to the front door. The house sits on top of a hill, and people are always surprised that there is such a great view from the house, as you wouldn't know it seeing the house from the road. I love surprises!
We are using this year to get ready to get ready to do landscaping! The driveway will be gravel. We will plant grass along the stone wall (hopefully this Fall.)

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For those of you who enjoy seeing the whole process (yes, I know you crazy kids are out there!) here are some "in progress" photos. The mailbox on the right is the one we replaced. In this photo the granite post is being moved via chain and a wooden "belt" that Dan built for it's transport so that the chain wouldn't mar the granite.

I have no idea how we would survive here without Big Blue, the tractor! Here, Dan is removing the chains from the granite post as he has placed wood supports to keep the post straight while the concrete dries.



This photo shows the old mailbox and the new!


Luckily the concrete took only 30 minutes to set!


The generator was brought to the job-site by Big Blue to complete the install once the mailbox was leveled. The generator powered the electric hammer-drill that Dan had to buy (at least that's what he told me!) to drill into the granite. Hey, I'm all for any purchase that gets my projects done!! You can see the iron arm/bracket resting at it's base.


And now...here's to hoping the check's in the mail!!


46 comments:

  1. I haven't visited since I saw the post on the ground... looking good!!! how beautiful. And you know what - you will look at that letterbox forever with joy!! I do love taking pleasure in the everyday. Well done!!!!

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  2. It DOES look like it has been there forever! Gorgeous!

    And....was this your b'day present???


    Waiting...
    tap
    tap
    tap...

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  3. That wall is wonderful. My gosh, what an entrance. The mailbox addition is perfect.

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  4. What a cute letterbox. Sigh, I wished we could have individual leterboxes in Paris.

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  5. Oh dear, I think I like the green mailbox better.





    hehehe
    Susan

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  6. hi joan,

    this mailbox looks as if its been there forever. i think it blends perfectly with the surroundings. i don't think you could have done a better job. or i should say dan. it's a work of art. gorgeous.

    ~janet

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  7. I LOVE it! You have a packaged headed your way soon with some goodies for you and Ella, I'm happy to know it will be arriving in such style!

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  8. It really is a work of art! I love the natural aged look to it...just beautiful. Projects like that make all the difference in the world.
    Can you think of any more projects that Dan can use his new tool on? :)

    Enjoy your day ~ Sarah

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  9. I love your mailbox, and what a lot of space you have! All those wonderful trees too!
    Dan
    -x-

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  10. Gorgeous!!!! Very creative with what you had to make something unique and while at the same time looking like it has always been there.

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  11. OMG, Joan, it is absolutely beautiful and your Dan sure is handy. AlL I can say is WOW. I love your new mailbox and had read the post about acquiring the mailbox when you posted it. Had also read the original post about finding the granite post. It does look like it has been there forever. I am amazed at how you seem to get these photographs in your head and then turn them into reality. Just amazing. Very well done.

    I am sooooo enjoying visiting your blog.

    Carolyn

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  12. Beanie says wait on having your house numbers engraved in the granite. She has a better idea! Something about a can of orange spray paint and stenciled longhorn numbers. It's all the rage here in Austin on the curbs. Hook EM!

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  13. it looks perfect!! It is the icing on the cake to that beautiful stone wall and it looks oh so New England for sure!

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  14. ...ps to european chick...if i could live in paris...i could manage without an individual mailbox!

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  15. absolutely beautiful...

    does dan hire out...?

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  16. Gorgeous - the whole thing is just perfect. About those Longhorns and that orange paint....you might need to guard your beautiful granite post....those folks can get crazy.

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  17. I echo the other Carolyn- you truly have a gift to be able to "see" things in your head far before they become a reality.

    This is simply lovely- what a nice way to be welcomed home....

    Carolyn

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  18. I'll bet the snowplows avoid THAT mailbox! It looks great. I had one of those S&H copper mailboxes at my first house; I should have taken it. Hmmm, I guess I still could.

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  19. I reckon the US Postal Service will award this gorgeous creature 'Mailbox of the Year.' Great work Dan, great taste Joan.
    Millie ^_^

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  20. Neat idea and it looks great! I love the copper mailbox...

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  21. I did'nt know a mailbox could be so beautiful!!!
    I'm a new follower!

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  22. Wow, I think I want a new mailbox! That's beautiful!

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  23. Joan,
    So beautiful!!!! Once again you and Dan have created a work of art! What a great preview to the beautiful home it belongs to. And you are so lucky to have those gorgeous beehive stone walls at your entrance - such treasures and again, what a perfect preview to what's to come.
    xoTrina

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  24. Thank you for visiting Dovecote Decor! Send us a cool breeze from New Hampshire. Yes, you have the mailbox of the year. I wonder how to aquire a handy husband! He's priceless, and we are dying to know what your gift was.
    Liz

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  25. It's a perfect postbox! Your whole street looks perfect actually! So sad that S & H is no longer with us...you are very fortunate to have that box, hopefully someone soon will take up where they left off.

    Happy Belated Birthday!!! Loved the Martha story! xo J~

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  26. Joan....this is just fabulous, you have inspired me to do something like this with limestone. xv

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  27. Ok that first mailbox was a disservice to the neighborhood, thank you for changing it. But might I add.....WOWZA! What a change!

    It really sets the tone for what's up the driveway. Well done!

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  28. The mailbox is perfect. It DOES look like it's always been there. Your stone walls remind me of the "slave walls" here in Nashville. I've always loved the look. Sadly many of them were damaged during the May floods. I do so hope that they will be repaired. And isn't it nice to have such a handy hubby!?! I have one too. It makes life so much more productive for so much less $$! Blessings.

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  29. Happy day, our dear Dan.

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  30. Hi Joan, I too love what you did with your mailbox...it's really just perfect for your property!

    xo kelley

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  31. Looks fab! But why is it on the other side of the road from your house?

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  32. I don't care how much work this was.....it was worth it!!! Oh, how much I appreciate those extras to make something as common as a mailbox into something unique and wonderful. It says so much about you.

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  33. This mail box is stunning!!!! I love it. Just found you I will be back.

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  34. WOW! I love that mailbox!!!

    Thanks for visiting my blog via Linda at Lime in the Coconut! :) You asked about having cards made of your dog (Ella, I suppose? What a cutie!) if you sent a design. I hate to say it, but it depends on the design and whether it is something that can be converted to work for letterpress... You can contact me at melissa (at) paperinkpress (dot) com and let me know what you're thinking. :)

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  35. I LOVE the post you put the mailbox on. Our sits on a wooden one.

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  36. Uhhhhh! I WANT ONE!?!?!?!? What a beautiful entrance to your property. I love reuse, especially when it's this stunning!

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  37. I just found your blog..... LOVE, love, love. Your house style is so much what we like.
    We have a 12 foot high stone pillar with a foo dog carved at the top - it is the same volume of your stone pillar post. I can so appreciate the beauty you find in all of these wonderful pieces.

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  38. Just came across your blog while blog surfing a bit, and I'm glad I did! I am a New England from Dallas transplant myself! Love your house.....will keep tabs on your great blog as well. I would LOVE an old farmhouse like yours someday!!!

    Meghan, inspirednest.blogspot.com

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  39. As far as your garden goes - hollyhocks and daisies and dahlias. I just discovered your site [thanks to Miss Mustard Seed] and can hardly wait to read what you've done with your farmhouse.

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  40. such a treat to being able to share the joy you have for your beautiful home. you have done a wonderful job. i am sure you will enjoy everyday of your life there. i have certainly enjoyed with delight each photo and the wonderful story telling that comes along with your site. it's my most favorite site. thank you for sharing. i will use your ideas for the echo my own.

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  41. Really obsessed with your site! Beautiful home!

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  42. I love your home. But more than that, I love that you love your home. After 61 years, I feel more ready to embrace that part of myself that loves beauty...in nature, but especially in the home. Somehow over the years I had absorbed the message that unabashed love of one’s home was trivial, small-minded, materialistic, bourgeois, not spiritual or intellectual...all of those things equally. But the absolute truth is, I LOVE transforming my house into a peaceful, warm, inviting, uplifting, beautiful place to be. I love my own home and what I have done to it. Writing about those feelings is a good way for me to embrace that part of myself, and it gives me courage to see you doing just that, so thank you for sharing your home, your journey, and your self.

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    1. I found your comment (thank you for it btw) so very interesting and profound. When I read it I was equally sad and happy. Happy that you have discovered that part of yourself that gives you joy and peace, but sad because you had not experienced it before. Coming from the south it was in my DNA to be house-proud. I watched my mother put cherished decorative items and antiques on layaway until she could purchase them. I then watched her extreme pleasure and happiness in living with those items. If you find this reply I would love to know what you think caused you to have those feelings/emotions about love of home? Was it environmental, religious, academic? Dan grew up in an extremely religious home and was taught it was sinful to be proud of your home. He has since learned otherwise;) This past summer his family did some work on his mother's house and she sat in a chair in the yard and said she could just sit there forever looking at how pretty it was. She was so happy. So silly that all these years she considered it sinful when in fact it brought her joy. She missed out on that part of herself that you have, thankfully, found.
      I truly believe that having a peaceful, warm, inviting, uplifting home is a one of the most
      important gifts you can give to yourself and those around you. It then becomes a gift you give to the world since your heart and soul is restored at the end of the day and it allows you to go back out into the workplace/world complete and whole. One's home is their sanctuary and should be honored as such. That is why I think it is so important to have only things you love/that mean something to you/and are of beauty or functionally important in your home. No matter where your eye lands there sound be something that you see that elevates your soul or brings back a wonderful memory . And yes, I think love of home is that profound.
      I would love to hear your answer to my question and your thoughts on the subject. If you would prefer to write me privately my email is fortheloveofahouse@comcast.net
      Thank you again for your comment. j.

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Welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment; you have no idea how much your comments inspire me to keep writing- I appreciate each and every one. Comments are moderated by me prior to publishing on the blog, so if you don't see your comment post immediately it will be posted as soon as I receive and read it. joan