Homebodies - Adventures with friends
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- Published on Sunday, September 27, 2015
By Rita Friesen
The Neepawa Banner
These past few days have been the perfect fall days to get things done. I am deeply appreciative of the wonderful support network that surrounds me.
This fall, as she has done for the past five falls, my friend from the Victoria area joined me. We have entertained numerous projects, some fun, some dangerous and some productive! Neither of us are likely to forget the fall we decided to lop the branch off the leaning maple tree. I was up a step ladder managing the chain saw, and my faithful friend was steps behind me, watching, and probably praying! As it would happen, the huge branch twisted, swung back at me, and the ladder and I collapsed. My friend caught me mid fall, chain saw still writhing happily along. I choose to hide the mangled ladder. Last year I wanted to be in the house with Ed more than I wanted to be outside. The project was re-shingling the roof that connects the home to the single car garage. My friend completed the task with minimum supervision. It is leak proof.
This fall the project seemed to me as a massive one. The slab boards on the lower third on the east side of the shed have deteriorated. Badly. The goal was to remove the wood and replace it with metal cladding. Twenty some feet on the north side of the door, and close to forty feet on the south end. The taking off of said boards wasn’t too difficult. But the framing boards behind them also needed replacing. Thinking that through was interesting. Then it was expedient to add some insulation and wrap. The plan was to loosen the bottom of the sheeting that covers the top portion of the shed and simply insert the new ones beneath them. Metal cladding is not overly flexible! Our logic was solid. The plan worked. The shed looks infinitely better. And I will not have to paint it – ever again!
What I do have to say is that ‘we’ appreciate the support of the local businesses. The two of us, working women, were treated with respect and given sound advice and encouragement. In the lumber department and the hardware store. I appreciate that. Just as I appreciate the consideration offered when I take something as simple as a wheel barrow wheel to a tire shop and receive courteous and prompt service.
I am ever grateful that I was raised as ‘the outside girl’. I love the challenge of working with a chainsaw, and wheelbarrow, or saws and measuring tape. Enjoy it much more than cooking, baking or cleaning, although I am moderately proficient at that work as well. I am ever grateful that Ed encouraged me to tackle whatever project I wanted, too often needing his help! And I am ever grateful for a friend who courageously walks with me on these adventures.
