Different kind of summer

By Joe Rector

This summer has been different. I shouldn't call it summer because so far, we haven't had anything approaching a typical summer day. During this time of year, I've undertaken some major projects. The jury is out on how they will prove successful.

Usually, I spend every afternoon and evening in our pool or sitting in a shaded area close to it. So far, the number of times I've breached the icy cold water can be counted on one hand. For some reason, the ability to just walk right in and let the cold water envelop me isn't so appealing. I'm looking for temperatures that are more around the area of bathwater.

Amy has complained that her office is cold. I used that office for years and agree that the space is usually cooler than any other place in the house. To remedy the problem, I bought rolls of pink insulation, climbed up a ladder and stuffed the pink stuff between the floor joists that also serve as the ceiling for the basement. The little wires that are supposed to hold the insulation in place work fine if they are placed in the right place in the right manner. I dropped fifty of them on the floor, and another large number of them fell from where I'd placed them. I hope that the insulation works after all this work.

Some of the deck boards have rotted or are becoming soggy. I replaced several of them last fall and thought that would be the end of the problem. This year, to my dismay, other boards are giving up the ghost, and I thought about replacing them. Then I made the decision to replace the floor and the nine steps that lead to the pool deck with Trex.

The process of installing composite decking looked simple enough. I've watched half a dozen videos on YouTube and felt comfortable in taking on the project. Although the stuff isn't cheap, it will last for my remaining days on this earth. The spacers cost another fortune, but they help to maintain an even space between each board.

The worst part of the project and the one that has sapped all my energy is the destruction phase. DIY shows always make destroying existing things look so easy. My experience is that removing many of the screws from the boards is impossible. They are rusted so that the heads snap from the bodies, or they strip and make removal impossible. The neighbors have heard grunting and cursing from my backyard as I struggle with this demolition.

During the past week, I've managed to remove about ten boards and set six pieces of Trex. I'm getting better with the destruction part as I learned that taking a skill saw to the boards makes them easier with which to work. My twin brother and son have helped me, and I am optimistic that I can finish the floor this week. I'm not as confident about the steps. I have to cut new risers and treads. We'll see how it goes. Maybe I'll have a nice deck to sit on and watch the leaves fall in autumn.

My brother Jim has said that I need to realize my age and that I can no longer undertake such projects, especially since I don't necessarily know what to do. I agree and have decided this is my last big attempt at them. He also says I might finish the deck but die in the process. If that happens, I hope others will take the time to enjoy the fruits of my labors. Those projects won't be perfect, but the imperfections offer character.

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