Sunday Update 001

Plans

I’m bouncing between taking advantage of the nice weather and washing windows, partly in an attempt to reclaim the porch which has fallen into a mess (along with many other things, but you have to start somewhere) and finishing a variety of frames. First, I am making frames that will essentially serve as a storm window once I cover them with plastic. I’m also making frames to block the sun in the summertime. I’ve already made them for the French windows in the living room, and they have been working great. I thought it would be nice to have something that looks decent (as opposed to the raw panel of silver insulation that I’ve been throwing in there on the oppressively hot days). I am also making a frame to weave on for a “special project.” Once I figure it out, I’ll share more. As for the frame, after trying to make it with EMT conduit, I’m taking my dad’s advice and making it with wood. I’m about to finish one frame, which I would already change given a few things I’ve learned. But it will be good enough to make a second prototype (the first being the one I made with the conduit). Hopefully, my third try will be the answer for a strong but light-weight and inexpensive frame. The list of things to do today continues, and I will return to that list, should I manage this first part.

Progress

As I mentioned above, I’m getting close to figuring out a frame that I can weave on for a top-secret project. Other than a cover that I am making for the cat litter box, writing a cook book and finishing a novel, this is the only thing I want to work on, though it is very satisfying to look out of a clean window.

Puzzles

The weaving frame has been the biggest puzzle, though I just encountered another one yesterday. My clothes drying racks kept tipping over on the deck as it was windy and I had sheer curtains on them (to make a sail). In the past, I’ve tied them down or wedged them between patio furniture. But this time, I wondered how I could screw an eye hook on the railing between the deck boards so that I can attach a bungee cord to it and by that means hold down the drying rack. This way, the hooks would be hidden such that one wouldn’t stub a toe on them, but ready to use whenever needed. I only wish that I would’ve thought of this before I put down the deck boards, as there is no way that I know to add them after the fact. On the other hand, maybe adding a hook as I’ve described would defeat the purpose of the gap between the boards (to accommodate wood expansion). But if it were possible one could incorporate many such hooks on a deck, making it (maybe) easy to erect a temporary awning, for example. Maybe I could still put in some hooks on the side of the deck our house so that I can easily secure my clothes drying racks.

Burning Questions

I’ve been thinking about social grace and observing various forms of it or lack of it.

Something Amusing

Brian has been working on painting the trim on the garage and plans to be done with it today. But he took time to use the recently acquired Uprooter to remove a sapling that got away from us. So, happy (again) with how well it works he was compelled to bring the evidence to me where I am working in a very messy dining room.

How it Went

I’ll post “how it went” later. In the meantime, if you have a “Sunday Update” to share, I’d love to read it.