2 2x4's, yes.

A-framed into props and toenailed, just like the DIY boys demo on the teevee. Braced all around in nice triangles, to hold till the landlord comes in with proper 4x4's, and then I'll take back our lumber cuz we can allus use it helsewhere.

We didn't go for the full restoration of height, because the beam that is coming down is made of layers not all flexing the same way-- somebuddy is gonna have to get up there-- not on a ladder to puzzle it back into place-- but a scaffold-- it's really a high ceiling out there as those who have been here will recall. Just enough to keep it from coming down any further and falling on me or my stored stuff.

But if and when they 4x4 it, I'll be able to set up a dog-fence out there, too, because it never did have nailing surfaces where the porch meets the soft antique brick of the house. The 4x4 will close one end and if I can't afford a 4x4 then I'll just use these 2x4's for the other end.

~Susan