The Older Ones

The older ones on Stauffer Avenue have quite the Saturday under their belts.

Working with the deck this last week, I realized the area around the deck needed some tidy tidy with a rake.  Pine cones and bits of dried weeds.  I took a five gallon pail and a small shovel to rake them into for their final destination . . . away from the deck.

That pail was then taken to our round burning ring in the backyard.  Dennis got a fire going for the cones and other bits and pieces of wood that had been collected for a burn. 

Dennis went on to give his bench a coat of the black stain while being safe in the car garage.  With a brand new clipper from Amazon, it was going to be used to tackle my next task.  A maple tree and an elm tree had gotten a pretty good start right next to the foundation on the east side of the house  It was time to clean up that entire area with stalks of faded blooms.  The stalks of the day lilies that were done in the area next to our new service door was next to be clipped.  That raked stuff went right into the garbage bin.

Dennis’ grandson AJ stopped by to visit his grandpa and help watch the fire in the backyard.  By that time, Dennis had finished the first coat on the bench and he and AJ chatted to no end.  AJ asked, and I answered . . . yes, I had a job for him.  In short order the bathroom window was washed complete with a wipe of vinegar to finish it off.  AJ announced he had never heard of the vinegar tip.  He commented he would be using the vinegar as well for windows.  By then, AJ was on his way to check on his parents up the street.  It’s always welcoming for Dennis have him stop in.

It may have been pushing it but the bench felt dry to the touch and it got its second coat right there on the spot.  Hey . . . it’s a much used bench made up of 2x4s for the back rest as well as the seat.  The ends of formed plastic for the 2x4s to slide into were purchased at a time in New Ulm at a “Do It Center” by Hy-Vee.  It has been in service ever since by our back door.

Brush washing commenced and the day was called successful.  It feels so good to get a few things done that won’t need to be repeated perhaps until next year at this time.

With that I will take my leave. ♥