Many of my nostalgic childhood memories have as their backdrop the posts and rails of my grandparents' front porch. Reminiscing about those carefree summer days brings back the subtle fragrance of blooming flowers, the aroma of baking gingersnaps, and the taste of fresh lemonade. A squeaky wicker chair seemed to offer a front-row seat to the rest of the world as it paraded by. The smooth, painted rails were straight and narrow. They provided challenging balance beams that tested the surefootedness of little feet. The sturdy porch posts were off. . .