Deck update...

Hello Everyone!

Well it's time for an update... (which means it rained last night and the wood is wet so I really can't work on it today) LOL...

The upper level is going together nicely, I have only laid the deck boards on so I could walk on it and see what it looked like. The same with the steps to the ground level. Those are not actually the boards that will make the steps, but instead they are the ends I cut off of the floor joist... they work for now.
I have to finish fastening and assembling the new level and then I will finish the work on the steps. Lastly I will put the railings on and then we have only to call the building inspector to get that ever so important stamp of approval. Once we have that we can get it stained, and move the grill and furniture on it.
But, for the rest of today we are going to take Catherine (Jane's sister) into Washington D.C. and see the sights. I know we will not be able to see them all in one day... but, we are going to see what we can and take pictures to share as well.
Enjoy the pictures below and have a GREAT Day!!!!

Thoughts on Memorial Day

I think this day touches me more than most every other holiday that we celebrate. I have served my country for over 32 years and am still going... In that time I have never been put in harms way, or taken up arms against any enemy. For that I must be thankful to God.

On this day I think of the many soldiers who rest at Arlington National Cemetary, The Cemetarys in Normandy, and around the world from all the places they have fought and died to preserve a better way of life for everyone, not just Americans.

I think of My Father, and My Son who have answered the call and gone into whatever was waiting for them and thankfully coming home again... I am humbled by all the soldiers who have gone and fought to preserve freedom, who have not questioned the cost and paid what was required of them.

On this day when I look at my career, and how easy I have had it... I am very grateful and honored to know those who have served in conflict. I proudly stand and salute you all!

For those that have served and given the ultimate price of that service I ask God to give you peace, much honor, and rest... For those who have served and survived. May God give you Blessings unending and watch over you for the rest of your days!

To all who have served... Thank you and God Bless!

Deck update

Well, Hello everyone!

I am taking a break from the deck today, and taking Jane and her sister Catherine to Harper's Ferry and having a look around. I know we have been there before but it is definitely one of those places that you can visit over and over again. Then tomorrow I will be at it again so that I can get it all done. Jane has been taking some "progress pics" so I will put some on here and you can see why I haven't been keeping up the Blog lately. It has been work, and home working on the deck until dark (except for golf lessons on Thursdays - almost done with the first session though!).

I had to dig 9 holes 30 inches deep, 16 X 16. that was tough as the ground here has a LOT of rock and shale in it... some really thick!

It is a 12' X 16' main deck, with a 10' X 6' step up on the down hill side. Most of the main deck is finished, but I am beginning the steps, and the post are set for the step up level as well. Tomorrow will be more of all that...

Well, that's it for today!

I'm building a deck!

Hello everyone,

I haven't been on here lately (like you hadn't noticed). Between work, and the weather, and this deck I have not been on here to do much of anything. So here's the deal. I am just starting the deck. We had to do the planning, the permit and all the hoopla that goes along with that.
I have three of my support holes dug, one a night after work... except that I worked this weekend and ... it's raining still. I have six more holes to dig before I can get inspected and then start setting post in cement. and going like gangbusters to try and have it done, and inspected before Janes sister Catherine gets here for a visit. AAAGGGGGHHHH!!!!! nope, I can do this!
We are doing golf lessons on Thursday nights and so I can't dig holes then. sigh...
Someone just came by and gave me half the money for the Stealth, and I will get the other half on next weekend when they come to get the car. Then, no more car for Tom... just the old Dodge truck... another sigh!
I have dethatched the lawn, and reseeded it and the grass is doing really well in most places. But the two weeks of waiting is over and I need to mow now... only... it's raining! I will manage to squeeze that in between the golf lessons and the deck! oh... and work.
I am going to try and put a pic of the deck on the page here... if it doesn't work? well... I guess you'll have to wait and see the pics of the final product.
I just tried and I couldn't get it to work! Sorry.

That's all for now!

Cheers!