Rainy days and Monday

I woke this morning to rain and rather loud thunder.  They say, "it's going on all day".
This is the time of year Florida gets really good, sometimes scarey thunder storms and it will go on for several months  into rainy season and I just love the thunder!

Perfect day to think about building my Fireplace.

I ordered my "Amish Heat Surge Fireplace Insert", it arrived this week.

 I have had the heater on most of this past week due to the unusual cold that has spread to our area.... and  the heat,  the heat/surge produces  is  all they said it would be!
I have not had to turn on the central heat at all... and they also say "It uses
the electric of a coffee pot"... that remains to be seen, but I'm hopeful!

The flame is as close to real fire as it can get.   I've look at several over the past
year. Then I took a chance and ordered this one from a TV add.  The electric
savings is really what got me to buy this one. I'll admit I am getting my entire downstairs heated with this unit and I'm thrilled with it so far. 
Now to wait for the electric bill to come in?

This is my empty blank canvas!

My thoughts are to make a 5ft  tall surround. One that I can hang stockings on at Christmas and it must look real.  I can picture what I want it to look like in my mind. The surround will be raised, about 16" off the floor... hmmmm?
Mr Neither wants to hang his TV on the wall above. Not the one shown but a larger one, but I question that?   They say a TV will take away from the fire... I'd rather see the fire really, since I'm not a TV watcher.  This is where my decorating instincts take over.. Picture this,,, "A really nice wood framed mirror and a few candle sticks"!

We will have to pull straws on this one.  

Lets get the surround built then we can have this conversation!  Besides, don't we have to pull the cords behind the wall.. who wants to see cords?  It is starting to get complicated and I have not even started!

I need to go back and find the blog where I borrowed this photo.. It's been days so if you see your photo here.. please send me a message and I'll give credit where due! Your fireplace surround is so perfect and I am going to use it for a pattern of sorts!  Thank you in advance for the inspiration!
I just did a search and found Terry's blog,,  "Forever Decorating"
If you want to see more, click on over and see her "Man Cave"!


  My thoughts are to also build some book cases on either side and give the room some design and storage for my many books.

I'll tell you,, the rain has the house feeling damp and chilly but this nice little fireplace is doing a great job.  Did I tell you, "It's on wheels/casters and can be rolled anywhere in the house you need a bit of extra heat!  And one nice extra touch, the heater came with a remote control.. Flame up or down,, heat hi or low.  Very cool!
I'll post more on the next project in my never ending reno of my town house.. it's been a year now and 'room by room'   it will get done!


If you all have any photos or ideas for me,, please send them via the comment box or my email.  I need all the help I can get!

Enjoy your week!

Sandy

x0x0x