Wow!! What a weekend I had and to say that a LOT got accomplished would be a total UNDER statement! My brother and sister-in-law came down and wanted to know what was on my "to-do" list. They do this often to help me with the things that would need a bit more strength than I have and more than my two hands. Some of the things on my list required more technical knowledge than I have and they're good at that and others were things that a handyman was supposed to be here to do-more than six weeks ago and I was still waiting-and I hadn't heard another word!
Everyone who knows me knows that I am very patient with some things. I am not aggressive and don't like confrontations so I will back off most times and just wait. But, there are some things that do tend to get to me and most of those things are things that I have to look at every day or, things that if they aren't addressed now will take much more to address at a later date.
And that is what lead us to our adventure. We had been talking about hiring their handyman-who WOULD show up-but, since they live an hour away, his fee would have to include travel both ways each time he came. And, that was beginning to sound good to me but we both did a bit of research. The thing that was needed first and foremost was to cut off the remaining fence structures after the removal of the lattice.
I was able to get all of the lattice off although it did not come off as easily as I had expected. I loved the lattice there and the fact that the fence was 8' high but, after so many years, the lattice was becoming a constant source of need for repair and, because of the way it was constructed, there were many more steps involved than just pulling it off and nailing on new. After the fence blew down and so much of the lattice and structure was destroyed, I made the decision to take it off and just go with a 6' fence. But, the 2X4 supports were up there to stay! That fence was worth every penny we spent having it built because it was built to stay and there was NO WAY I could get those things down by myself.
After careful consideration, we headed to Lowes. Since I already have 2 DeWalt batteries and a charger, it seemed like a no-brainer to pick up a reciprocating saw (which was on sale for Father's Day) and have at it ourselves. Would I have rather paid someone else to do it? Maybe. It was definitely a chore and the battery only held a charge long enough to cut two 4X4s at a time but, everything from the gate north is done, I now own a saw that I will use for many other things and, we had some laughs along the way.
My brother and sister-in-law are my heroes! They did it all with me mostly just giving encouragement and picking up the pieces as we went. Luckily, we are able to get behind the fence so that made it just a slight bit easier. They also helped me add an extra piece to the new gate to fill in a HUGE gap left by the fence company.
All of the rest of the lattice going south from the gate will eventually need to be removed as well but that will be a HUGE project as most of that lattice is still pretty much intact. I think for now I will just replace a few sections of that broken farther down and address this project down the road. Most would think that having lattice stop so abruptly would bother me-even I am surprised that it doesn't but, for some reason, stopping at the gate seems to be OK with me-at least for now Lol
Even with all of the work that got done-and there was more than just this-we did get to enjoy a nice dinner out and then a movie back at home that evening.
And so, that brings me to today. My plan had been to go out behind my fence and clear a bit more of the growth encroaching on the back of the fence. I got some done yesterday afternoon and was really proud of myself until I woke up today with lots of itchy welts on my hands and arms. It is not the usual poison oak that I seem to get into but, whatever it is, is driving me crazy so I decided that I would leave that for another day. I did get some of the fence fragments in a can and out for pick-up tomorrow as well as four cans of leaves and trimmings and now I am DONE outside for today. And again, that brings me here.
I thought I would finish up the 4th tour because I think I have found my craft inspiration for the next few weeks. My brother and sister-in-law brought me some more of those fancy frames from $Tree so I think I am going to try to get all of the rest of my hangers made for the holidays yet to come.
On to the the guest bath.
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