This years’ big DIY project is a deck off the back of the house. We have lived too long without a back deck/porch area. We are going to love having a deck and steps. Yes, steps! I hate to admit it but we have been using a target block as a “step”. We know that was not a safe “step” to get in and out of our back door but it worked and now it is being replaced. I am jumping for joy at the idea of being able to walk out the door onto a beautiful deck. Nothing fancy. Just functional and large enough for a table, chairs and some lounge chairs. Oh this will be nice. Olivia has requested a lounge so she can soak up some rays. We are all looking forward to this deck!
Do you see the "step"?
This is what the back of the house looks like. Plain. Empty. Bare. Nothing is there. We use the door but it is not convenient and it is messy. Mud gets tracked inside as well as wiped on the lower half of the door as Ruddie “knocks” on it to say “Hey, I am back, let me in.”
Saturday the holes were dug and all but three of the framing posts were cemented in. The supplies are delivered Friday morning and the guy trucked them up to the yard so the guys have the materials near the construction site. We are using the same company that we worked with on our kitchen. For the most part, their service is great and the people are easy to work with.
Elliott was so excited about the construction and the post hole digger. When it wasn’t in use, he climbed into it to rest. Friday, he was outside the whole day with the guys. He kept the drill clean and shoveled dirt and stones into his red wagon, that was later replaced by his wheel barrow (until it broke). He hauled load after load of dirt and stones away. He was exhausted Friday night; even too tired to talk in his sleep. He woke with sore chest muscles but it didn’t seem to bother him much.
It looks like he wants to doze off!
Saturday he worked with them as well but yesterday, Monday, he was inside most of the day. He would check on the progress and make comments like “they aren’t getting much done” or “it looks good”. It was extremely windy all day so he opted to stay inside until late afternoon. Then he went out and played in the dirt. He made lots of piles. I handed him a small backhoe toy to play with but I don’t think he used it. He was having fun playing so I let him play.
I was inside tending to Olivia. She was in bed with a “bug”. I was up early shampooing her carpet and cleaning. It was a short night for me and details not worth writing about. She is feeling better today so we are happy!
Yesterday, it was windy but the guys worked for 8 hours. It’s looking great!
I can’t wait to go home to see what they accomplish today. This is the last day my cousin will be working with John so I hope they get a lot done. They put in long, hard hours and I know they both are sore and tired.
I fed them when I was home. Baked extra cookies and made lunches for them. It’s the least I can do!
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