Last week we started pressure washing the patio by the pool. We didn't get very far on this chore last year so we were anxious to finish it up and apply the sealer, so the job won't be so time-consuming in years to come. Dan and I each spent 1- 2 hours a day each day last week pressure washing the patio and it's still not done, so you can see why we are motivated to get it all sealed this year.
We also pressure washed the metal patio furniture in preparation for painting it...we're giving the patio set a makeover and you can see the results on my Paper Caper's blog.
Going, Going, Gone!
Yesterday Dan cut down the fir tree in the back that has been shading the pool beginning around 4 pm on. To cut the tree or leave the tree was something up for debate even when Dan's parents lived here. Although I liked the tree, I had to agree, it was really limiting the amount of time we could swim in the pool...what sold it for me was my hope that eventually we can put a little covered area like a gazebo or something back there in it's place!
The process of cutting a tree of this size down was no doubt stressful. Add to that, using a chainsaw that didn't want to cooperate, then borrowing another one from the neighbor, plus the fact that it stared to lean the wrong way...it was an exciting time at Ernstopia. Dan called his Dad up who came over to assess the situation. All that was really needed was a wedge and soon the tree was down. I saw it fall from inside the house and didn't even have time to get my camera rolling again...but was relieved to see the tree come down with only minimal damage...Now I can plant my raspberries!!! So Dad, can we borrow your wood chipper?
Here is our first burn from the burn pile back in June. After 2 years worth of yard debris had collected, it was getting heaped up pretty high. The other photo is of Dan showing off his amazing Bass collection. Dan isn't normally a fisherman, doesn't even have his own pole, but thanks to his brother Dylan who loaned him his pole, Dan caught somewhere in the neighborhood of 13 fish on his rafting trip down the John Day river last month...more than the guys who invited him along!
