We broke a sweat, but no bones. The air turned blue a few times, but no red blood was shed. A few black and blues were attained for the old red, white and blue. Most importantly, our relationship is still intact - a Pentecost miracle in and of itself, given all the hot air and "mystical incantations" (read: curse words) that were swirling around the chaos of assembling this succkah.
Now, we have to assemble a large umbrella which will provide much needed shade around the deck chairs. And then, it's off to Home Depot to order window treatment for the three bedrooms and a screen door for the front of the house.
I also want to price a canvas cover for the swing as well as one of those deck storage keepers. I'll wait for them to go on sale in the Fall when we need it to store all the chairs and deck furniture before I actually make those purchases. I mean, what good is getting something on sale if you don't know how much money you've actually saved?
Ah, the joys of home ownership!
Here's the thing about this swing: It was a Christmas present from the kids. Three years ago.
Yup, it's been in storage all that time. We knew we were going to be doing the renovation on the house so we decided to wait before we assembled it.
Note to family: Thank you for the gift. It's lovely. Next time you all want to get together to buy us something, please make sure it's already assembled. The life you save may be one of your parents.
Off I go then, to assemble an umbrella and then to do some shopping.
It's Memorial Day weekend, y'all!
In between whatever it is you're doing, please do remember to shoot a few "arrow prayers" of thanksgiving for those who gave their lives in the line of service to this country.
Pray especially for those "wounded warriors" whose bodies or minds or souls were irreparably damaged by the ravages of war. The courage it takes for them to get up and face a new day of "freedom" makes them some of the bravest s/heros in my book.
Actually, their courage in facing the day-to-day battle of being alive after the hell they've been through makes my complaining about assembling a porch swing look pretty lame.
Bravo! Brava! To all of our veterans - those who are with us and those who now rest in peace.
Please know that some of us are deeply grateful for your sacrifice.
My one question--what does Mr. Theo think of this moving swingy thingy? I suspect he might be rather mistrustful of it...
ReplyDeleteHe pretty much ignores it. For now. Won't take too much time before he jumps up there to sit with me.
ReplyDeleteI no longer buy at companies that do not assemble their products. In my youth I enjoyed the puzzle but no longer. They can freakin' well put their %*$$$&& things together before I buy it! And if they are going to give it to me, they can come put it together. I no longer speak the language of those who write directions. (I am not sure they speak the English I taught)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this reassurance. I was sitting out on the shadeless top deck here in coastal NC a while back, wondering how you were doing with your project. It looks great!
ReplyDeleteMuthah+ Just bought a new table and chairs for the deck. We got the one that came assembled and delivered. I'm getting smarter in my dotage.
ReplyDeleteNan - We have just been busy, busy, busy. Got a lot done. Still a lot more to do but my back has been singing me a very sad song. I'm learning how to pace myself. I don't like it but I'm learning.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the difference between an arrow prayer and ejaculatory prayers? Enjoy the swing and the g&t.
ReplyDeleteMatthew - As I recall from my 6th grade teacher, Sr. Mary Bucky, ejaculatory prayers were prescribed: "Jesus, Mary & Joseph" being the most frequently uttered. Indeed, we had to write JMJ on the top of all of our test papers or get 5 points off immediately. Yes, we had to ejaculate over our test papers. "Arrow prayers", on the other hand, - "sending positive energy" - and not prescribed but have a specific target at a specific time.
ReplyDeleteThat's probably more than you wanted to know, but there it is.
Congrats!
ReplyDeleteWe are so pleased with ourselves. A thunderstorm is predicted for tonight, complete with winds up to 25 mph. We've taken down the awning. Just in case.
ReplyDelete