Just For Openers Apr 2009 Issue #122
Just For Openers Apr 2009 Issue #122
Just For Openers Apr 2009 Issue #122
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J U S T FOR OPENERS APR <strong>2009</strong> I S S U E <strong>#122</strong><br />
PAGE 5<br />
Spouse’s Corner (continued)<br />
So back to the week-end project. I admit, I often think I can accomplish more than a reasonable person would consider<br />
possible. The plan was to power wash the back yard picket fence Saturday and paint on Sunday. Problem #1, could not<br />
power wash both sides as just spraying dirt back and forth as I was knocking the mulch out from under the pickets so I<br />
could stain the entire boards. Plan B was to do the inside of the fence first, as that side has two cross boards and would<br />
be harder. Power wash of one side completed on Day One. Sunday, started with a sprayer I got to use on the shed, but<br />
could not use as you could not angle 45 degrees. Too broad of a spray area for a picket fence. Started with a brush til<br />
John went out and asked him to get me a bug sprayer like I had seen someone use (on a solid fence, not one of these<br />
work intensive picket deals). Now I know bug sprayers dispense lots and lots of liquid because, you are, after all, trying<br />
to kill bugs. Going through way too much paint. Back to the brush. It was a nice day, so not too bad. But daytime was<br />
going quickly after spending time with those sprayers. Still determined, opened another gallon of stain. After using a<br />
little, I noted that it wasn’t real stable where I had set it down, but I’d be careful not to knock in over. Well, as it was<br />
that day, gravity must of taken over as it rolled down the hill (remember we have a hill that both the shed and the gazebo<br />
are on).<br />
Went inside, looking for a little support. I must have been overcome by paint smells to think that would happen when I<br />
told him about the paint. No, he was not upset about the $25 wasted….but that the dogs would not be able to go out in<br />
the yard ever again…I had contaminated it. So now I have two sprayers and a paint brush to clean, plus have to remove<br />
painted soil and soak it down hoping it will all go away. I called it a day…can you blame me?<br />
Now mother nature is calling for rain Wednesday through Sunday. I would be back to power washing again, so I took<br />
Tuesday off. Being more realistic now, didn’t think I could paint the rest (most) of the inside of the fence in a day.<br />
Thought I would let it warm up some before I started and went after more stain first thing in the a.m. My car thermometer<br />
kept showing the exterior temperature dropping. The last one I saw before I stopped looking was 42 degrees and the<br />
wind was blowing. Okay, I’ve already taken the day off , so I didn’t get ready for work…even a Mary Kay consultant<br />
doesn’t put on makeup to paint…so now it would be lunchtime before I got to work if I backed out. Remembering that I<br />
am a Canadian, I put on a neck warmer, hat and coat and went out into the elements with determination. I kept a positive<br />
outlook until a dumb plumber next door replaced their sump pump and released all the water into our yard. The two<br />
foot wide river flowing under my freshly painted gate became noticeable when the cold ground I was sitting on also became<br />
wet and I had to go change clothes. The good thing is that the adrenaline started flowing too when I went to tell<br />
him how unhappy I was with him and now the dogs couldn’t come out in the yard because of water (didn’t tell him<br />
about the paint).<br />
The good news is I finished the inside of the fence. Hope to do the outside before JFO, but it’s raining again this weekend<br />
and now my first priority is getting ready for JFO!! The souvenir opener is here and the display awards are packed<br />
to go (so Bring a Display). I’ll start making name tags this week-end for the great list of people who have signed up.<br />
John can’t bring as much this year, as there will be two doggie seats in the car with two great little travelers who will be<br />
glad to be coming with us. Think we will leave as soon as the groomer gets them all trimmed up for the trip Monday of<br />
JFO Week. Of course, before we get out of North Carolina, Snazzy will take Jazzy’s bow out, but keep her own in all<br />
week. If both bows are in/out, this is how you tell them apart. Snazzy starts with an “S” as does small and silver which<br />
describes her. Jazzy (much bigger) starts with a “J” as does Jumping and she will be the one we will be yelling at to stay<br />
off of everyone, as she is the one who wants attention the most. She is my shadow at home, always hoping for a little<br />
pat on the head.<br />
Oh my…I may be exceeding my allowable space and after all, most/all of this newsletter should be about openers. So I<br />
will sign off for now since I get to see some of you soon anyways. Looking so forward to this annual event with friends,<br />
having fun.<br />
PS, Bring anything Michigan to Troy.