The summer of the deck

Sometimes, after a while, a month or a season or a year gets associated with major events in our lives. There was the summer that Jameson was born; there was the summer I left the Air Force and we took a big trip; there was the winter that Stefan had incredible back pain; and now there's the summer that we built the deck.



The irony is that we weren't even planning on building a deck this soon. The house came with a deck--albeit more of a trampoline than a deck (it was very bouncy). Plus, it sagged a good 6-8 inches from the edges to the middle. But decks are expensive and cash is--as always--a treasured commodity, doled out only for very planned and particular items. (Like new windows, to replace our old, drafty ones)




But then we realized that it would be nice to have a wheelchair ramp, so that Jim could be in our house as well as his own. (don't get me started on the cruelty of ALS... it has been a rough week across the street!) And then there's our builder, Dan, who is a parent of one of Jameson's friends. Times are rough for builders, too, and he was willing to give us a discount if Stefan provided much of the labor.






So, we decided to go with a more frugal approach to our big, planned expense--new windows--and jump into this project as well. (rather than jump on our old deck, where one's life was at risk!)




Right after the Fourth of July, Stefan started destruction of our old deck. It was thrilling to see the old ugly deck come down. The next day, Dan and his crew helped finish off the task. Next they dug holes and built the foundation; bit by bit, new pieces and parts were added to it. Our dinners were quick during those early, sweaty weeks in July. Stefan would rush back out to help, and the boys and I would watch the progress. Our house was dirty, from workers coming in and out in their boots. The atmosphere was excited, and hopeful. There was progress every day, and I never knew what changes I'd come home to at the end of the day.

Alex even got in on the action, and helped out for several days. We are thankful that Gustie spent many hours taking care of Jameson, so that Stefan and Alex could contribute to the project.

It was nearly finished when we took the trip to the lake, and was 99% finished by the time our August visitors arrived. (our new patio door--bought at a big discount from a local supplier--was put in the very day they arrived!)

Now that our new deck is a reality, we spend many hours out on it. We eat many meals there, and we have gatherings with friends and family. We play Legos, we play with our scooters and skate boards. We are thrilled that Jim can motor up on his wheelchair, or push his way up on the walker. By mid-afternoon it is shady and comfortable, a perfect place to play.

Sometimes I sit outside with a cup of tea and my laptop, catching up on work and sneaking in a few precious moments to blog.

Oh, and there was that night we installed the hammock; its been getting lots of use since then!

All in all, I think this was one fantastic investment in family space, an extra dining room, and a focal point to our fair-weather gatherings.

When we look back on this summer, it will definitely be referred to fondly as "the one where we built the deck".