Ok, so it’s not quite up there with the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo, but in my humble opinion, and especially because they sent me Christmas goodies, I’d say it’s close, really close.
I speak of none other than the magnificent antique tin tile ceiling above Lance Rayner and Laurie Hall’s recently built sunroom, which is now dubbed Christmas Central in the couple’s lovely riverside home.
The tiles are actually two different kinds of tin roofing shingles, about half of them removed from an old building in their yard, the remainder from the roof of an old shed near St. Claude. Lance, retired RCMP, had no trouble tracking down the owner, negotiating a friendly deal, then climbing up and ever so carefully, so as not to wreck them, removing them one at a time. Many, many trips up and down the old ladder.
Installing them on the ceiling of their sun room was also a fussy task, much organizing and fitting, very hard on the neck.
But wow, left with their vintage patina, do they look great. I have no doubt even Michelangelo would approve, especially if primed with Christmas goodies.
The feature wall on the house side is a creative resurrection of materials from days of old as well. The wide planks installed vertically from the top of the wall to the peak of the vaulted ceiling previously lined stalls in their old barn, and the shiplap adorning the lower section of the wall came from the exterior of their barn.
A lot of work but so worth it. Such an historic ambience from which to enjoy their view of the handsome old Red River.
Many a sternwheeler chugged its way through that view 150 years or so ago. Come to think of it, the Countess of Dufferin locomotive once floated by their home on its way to Winnipeg as well.
There are actually pictures of it arriving by barge at The Forks.
However, back to Christmas Central. Bored with languishing in lockdown (and who isn’t) they were thrilled of late when it came time to choose a Christmas tree worthy of such a splendid setting, so they decided to make it an adventure, and go cut down one on their own.
So Lance places a call via the Provincial toll free number that directs one to areas designated for such a purpose, and immediately finds himself talking to a very nice lady in a call centre located just outside of Rochester, N.Y., who knows all about where to find a Christmas tree in Manitoba.
We’re not in Kansas anymore Toto. In return for a token fee of just $9.45 (Canadian I’m sure), she emails Lance and Laurie a map showing both the provincial road and fire road necessary for reaching the area, and about an hour’s drive from home find themselves in a forest filled with trees perfect for the job.
They pick what they both consider to be an excellent candidate, a big bushy nine-footer, haul it back to their van, stuff it in via the rear hatch base first ... so it can be removed relatively friction free from the side door once they reach home. A pleasant hour’s return trip, and mission accomplished.
In no time they have the tree trimmed and up, lights hung, and they’re ready for Santa.
The only question I’m left with from all of the above?
All together now: "Why do you have to call Rochester, N.Y.... to find a Christmas tree in Manitoba?"
Because that’s the way the world works these days Binky, that’s why, it just is. Not even a HUMBUG can change that. Still, seems weird.
Great job on your sunroom Lance and Laurie, beautiful tree, best of the season to one and all.
Comments and feedback always welcome!
lmustard1948@gmail.com
