Weekend with Jim and Delinda (aka. A lot of Hard Work, and a Little Bit of Play

Jim and Delinda were here for the weekend. We had a great time! We worked hard, accomplished a lot and even had some time to enjoy ourselves! Barb and I headed out Friday afternoon for a late lunch/early dinner and then to run some errands before they arrived. Lo and behold, but guess who walks into the restaurant (actually, bowling alley) where we were eating! It was a dreary, cold, rainy evening. Jim successfully navigated the twists/turns of Joe Bald Road; and we enjoyed an evening of catching up and playing cards (of course, being gracious hosts… Jim and Delinda were the big winners!).

We woke up Saturday to the same weather. Scott and Jim proceeded to work on fixing a GFI recepticle and the outside plugs at the back of the house (After Delinda warned me about Jim’s electrical skills..). Long story.. short.. we did get everything working. We still have NO IDEA how the dozen or so outlets in Barb’s “Studio” are wired/controlled.

Around Noon, the weather started to clear. The sun came out, it warmed up a bit and was perfect weather for getting some serious work done! Jim and Scott proceeded to work on clearing out a new section/path for the MULE to get down to the dock; while Delinda and Barb worked on the Invasive Ivy in the front and clearing out the tree/garden bed in the back. Jim manned the chain saw while I supervised and provided some manual labor.

Around 5 pm, Jim and Scott had completed creating “Jim Bald Road”. Here are some pic's/video of the "inaugural trip" with the MULE.

Here's a link to Barb's Facebook set of pictures. (You might need to cut/paste)

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=1571636564

After that we were ready to start working on building the Kiwi Trellis. After about 20 minutes, Jin had one of those “ Ah Ah” moments. We did not want to use Pressure Treated Lumber for the posts, and Cedar was expensive. So, I had purchased Pine. As Jim correctly pointed out, in about 2 to 3 years, the posts would probably rot away at the base where they met the cement. We met as a “committee” and decided we should do it the “right way”, and use Cedar posts. Since all the stores were closed;; we were forced to stop working. We had some evening drinks, a nice steak dinner and got ready to catch us some Catfish!!!!

(Jim had bought the chicken livers and the bells!). So, off we go to the dock… in the dark… on the MULE….(We have video, but it's too large to load. Oh Well).


No catfish were caught, and it was quite chilly! Jim had the honor of catching the first fish on Table Rock Lake from our dock.

Sunday morning.. We call Home Depot at 8 am to see if they have the Cedar posts. They say Yes, so Jim and Scott head out (it’s about 35 minutes – one way – to get there). After a safe trip, we arrive and head on in to the lumber area. We ask where the cedar is and the guy tells us that he was wrong…they don’t carry it! Well,, we did find it. We purchased the lumber (plus some forms for the cement, etc….) and headed back. Arrived Home Base at 10 am. Kiwi Trellis Project officially begins. We did have one “False Start”…

But we reconsidered… adjusted our approach… and went with “Plan 2”..

We ended up with 340 pounds of cement at the base of the posts…. We’ll be VERY SURPRISED if they move at all!!!!

We’re going to let them sit for a few days. On Thursday or next trip down, we’ll put the 8 foot 2 x 2 strips across the top the finish the trellis.


Ended up with about 30 minutes of fishing from the dock. Everyone except Barb caught something (Barb was dog watching). Jim caught the first Bass … and Scott the first Crappie…

All in all... a very productive and enjoyable week-end.  Nothing like working up a good sweat and then rewarding yourself with an "adult beverage" while watching a beautiful sunset!

Thanks again to Jim and Delinda.... All we can say is.... WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!