Splinters are great motivators

July 6, 2008. Smatterings of cousins are enjoying a traditional July 4th gathering. Johanna, a guest from Germany, suggests we take a group picture before parting ways. It is a beautiful sunny day so we decide to group ourselves on the deck for the picture. Mel warns, “put some shoes on or you’ll get splinters”. Clustered and smiling the shot is snapped. Johanna, seated on the deck, stands up and immediately reaches for her backside exclaiming, “Ouch”! No amount of brushing or wiggling brings relief. In the privacy of a bedroom she drops her pants to reveal 8-10 splinters piercing her bottom. Ouch indeed! Donning my magnifying reading glasses and armed with tweezers I went to work extracting the beastly quills. Betsy brought in hydrogen peroxide. Gratefully, we were able to get them all amid nervous laughter mingled with painful squeals.

The deck has been a booby trap of splinters and breaking rails for the last several years. Seldom used because of it, yet inspired by splinters, Mel & Betsy made a call to Tom for collaboration. The family decided to act and reclaim the deck from age and weather.

The following is an account of projects and improvements.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

The Skirt

It was suggested that if the space under the deck could be secured, it sure would make great storage. Dave provided an estimate and the job was assigned.

July 14, 2008
Dave’s crew and Susie came back to the cabin to continue projects. The skirt began by making wall frames on the underpinnings.


Wood sheeting was added to all sections but one.





The skirt walls extend down to the cement pylons. Wire mesh fills the gap between the wall and the ground to keep varmints out.


At the top of the open section Dave hung a door on a sliding track for access. A pad lock can be attached to the secure the hasp.





Stained and sealed it looks great!

Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)