Summer of the Deck: Weeks 1 & 2

Once the old deck was torn apart, the backyard work came to a stand still. Summer Spectacular prep work was in full swing which meant long hours at work for JD. After the first week, this is where we were.

The plans were drawn up and submitted for inspection. And after a teeny tweak, they were perfect. If you didn't know before, JD has an architecture background. Plus, he is creative and can see how to make something great out of nothing. He's one talented fellow. Max, at an early age, has already noticed this about his daddy. So he sits and watches so he can help one day.

During the week of SS, he was able to head outside in the evening to mark all the footings. Let me tell you, to get all of them in the right spot is some tedious work. Leveling out land, dropping plumb lines. And when perfection is your middle name, perfect it will be. (For which I am extremely grateful! Who wants to have to do all this again?)

Once all the 'x marks the spot' were painted out, JD called up some buddies and rented the auger and then had his (and their) bodies beaten senseless. But by then end of the night, the holes were dug, concrete forms in place, and inspection was ready to be done.

Unfortunately, before inspection there came a down pour. A two day down pour to be exact. And lots of water plus clay soil equals holes filled up with water and paper forms that are too soft to be used. Now thankful for the shop vac, the water was sucked out, a new form put in and just waiting on the inspector to arrive.