The Cool of the Fall

 #3137 of 3137

Be careful what you wish for, the old saying. But we will have moderate conditions for about 5 days.

The deck is the project, however, I cannot find a big crowbar around the house or garage < cottage for some reason  ? >. I do have a splitting head for logs < a twisty wedge and maybe ???? >

This job is the bane of all professionals. Trying to retrofit or replace a couple of boards. I know that they would rather go in and tear down. It can be fiddly work trying not to damage adjacent pieces < like the rest of the deck > This deck is 23 ? y.o and looks not too bad. 

the real test is when I get the boards up. if the cross pieces are sound underneath - thats good

In basketball, there is a saying ' no blood , no foul '. Well, there was no blood this morning. A hatchet fell on my arm twice < hatchet was a wedge to pry boards >. The method was hammer in a splitting wedge < used to split logs etc > to get the boards lifted a bit. I used hatchets to pry further along the deck board at the next cross piece. 
Trial and error showed that a hatchet dropping from above hurts. Thus, I refined my technique and dropped the hatchet on the ground.
Overall, the wood of the cross pieces looked not too bad but I am making scabs < extra wood plates >to reinforce some cross members.
I celebrated w/ a beer.

Afghanistan And Our Election

 Ooops ! You don't plan for barn burners. But get them anyway. " Canada has abandoned interpreters and local aides " reads the headlines

A rainy day is shaping up < at least it poured overnight - thunder etc >

Gray conditions out there w/ sun starting to peep through.
I began the process of replacing deck boards. The deck is approx 23 yrs old now. I've replaced two rails and 2 deck boards. This damaged area is where there is no overhang from the roof and I guess takes a beating. This next stage is 5 deck boards. Hoping, of course, that the frame members are still solid.

Okay. Step 1 - accomplished for $ 50. Boy, 16 ft is long - the one board overhung the tailgate by almost 3 ft.

I reconnoitered the deck situation and practiced by taking out a short deck board. I'm mentally calculating how to repalce the 5 boards. Obviously, different lengths and how to save cuts etc. BTW, I was sweating jsut doing the small board piece.

Closing Out the Season

 ... of course, its been a different kind of summer. 

A very tentative start fraught w/ doubt and worry. Expanding opportunities came along w/ more openings and we finish out w/ rising CV 19 # s and kids going back to school. Meaning ??????? Dunno

Last afternoon, we sat out w/ the neighbours and bemoaned our fates. They have kids, thus it can be very interesting. The daughter was off to SkyZone for trampoline and other activities. Son had a dinner party at a pub. < the gang doesn't drink - they're approx 26 y.o >

A bright day and still winds mostly. A quiet day ahead ???

" Stuck in the Middle w/ You

 lyrics from 

B/c a coolish yesterday is giving way to H / H back again for 4 days. The air really was drier w/ warmth and a breeze. We have rain threatening today.

CV 19 is the ' Never Ending Story '. Covid is mounting a miltary operation coming in waves [ ashore ]. Our Ontario # s are up well over 600  a day - and school starts in 2 weeks, sending a million unvacinated victims into classrooms which cannot handle the heat let alone a virus.

BTW, re: CV 19 # s. We were down to 100 + a bit at our lowest. Thus, we have a resurgence.
The day is mainly overcast and the ehat hasn't built in. We hosted a backdeck get together w/ next door people and now get a return invite to their place - snacks and drinks.

Twice in a Week

 A friend E. had the week off and we went fishing. First. HOT and sticky. However, a little breeze kept kicking up. Morning was slow and then we found a deep - er spot < maybe 8 ft > that was holding fish. This event occured after fishing weed patches and stumps for an hour.

Logic says ' fish the cover '. On occassion logic sucks, big time

 We moved and went to a dock that has rocks in front. Yep, bass were out there away from cover and hungry. I needed help w/ the first largemouth as he dove for the weeds. The bass came to the boat wrapped in 4 # of weeds.
Finally, we headed back to the dock. The trolley had balked going down the ramp in the morning thus we greased the wheels. I soaked my shirt just doing that

Then we did what is always a bonus when up there. We ate in an A/C restaurant 3 miles form the cottage. Old Railroad restuarant was open. Really tasty food and tremendous service. AND cool.
So, back the furnace and a nap.

We did inside clean up watching ' Captain Marvel ' and went out at 6 P. Still smoking hot out there. One fish but a 3 lb smallmouth. OK home and a bite to eat. Shower and hit the road.

Oh, did I say it was hot and humid. I did. Well, it was hot and humid 

Today, recovery. Re - hydrate and rest.

Supposedly

 its a tranquil day. No big plans.
We shall see said the Zen Master

Follow up. The Duet keyboard < or spill victim > is dried out and working. And it is a tad uncomfortable. Thus, I'm glad that I obtained the larger keyboard < of course, I'd say that - I bought the thing 

The hot and sticky day was spent inside - A/C rules. However, the kitchen got a surface clean - counters, floor and mats shook out < debirs from the window install was everywhere >. I washed the truck windows of bug dirt in all its glory. I managed to reinforce a typing slide out board under the computer table top that was getting used as a support for M as she stands . The legs needed bracing to ensure that the legs stay upright and not kicking out to the side.

a Fishing Day

 and a whole lot more ( Aug 23 yesterday )

First, great breeze out on the river.

Some cloud cover

Then the sun came out -eek ! Plus one of the guys gets a request for a 5 person conference call re: a possible breach of contract < building sales >. One and 1/2 h. 

We < 2 > went out and fished close to home barely beating the downpour. Lunch

Some days are devoted to a specific task. Tuesday was ' oli change ' day. Wow ! just that ?
I guess that you expected something more - so did we. BUT
Oil change it was. Scene 1. We drive 20 min and drop off my truck. Drive home. And 1 hr later, yep - go pick it up. $90
Scene 2. Drive 12 min and pull into the bay at " Oil Changers < franchise >. Watch as he changes the oil and filter, lubes the doors, checks all fluid levels and the air filter. Plus the car wash is free. Yepper. $ 90
< P.S.  we were sheduled for an appointment at the young guy s place but had to cancel >

I'm trying to build a rapport w/ a mechanic that we can trust. Young and personable. Worth the drive ?
Dunno. That was our day AND it is a smoker out there H/H like it was Toronto

Chores were on tap < yes, in the full sun >. I was sweating, standing and holding the drill. Finally, we got out together for some evening fishing
But success. Some largemouth and rock bass were eager 

Still H / H out there today