Monday

It was damn cold when I woke up Monday morning. It was just 34 degrees here in Redford, with a freeze warning in effect until 8:00 AM. This is why I don't put plants in my vegetable garden until after May 15. I got cleaned up and dressed and threw the empty gas can (for the mowers) into the trunk.

At lunch, I stopped by the repair place. Not sure if I mentioned this, but old Sam called on Saturday and left a message. Seems he forgot to put the dipstick back in the car after all the repairs. So, I got that put back in (it's kinda important, I'm thinking).

Then I went to Meijer's and did some grocery shopping. Mostly staples (toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, bleach, etc.) Nothing really good to eat...

I stopped at the gas station and filled up the mower gas can.

I got home and treated the rather impatient cats. Then I made a sandwich for my lunch.

Back at work, I was still thinking about that damn trellis (when I probably should have been thinking about work stuff). But, it finally dawned on me! I was trying to visually line up the outside 2x4, the inside 2x4 leg and the other side 2x4 (where the nut was). That worked once, but the next one was a disaster.

So, tonight, after work, I quickly changed clothes and headed out back, carrying my Dad's awl. This is an old awl (not like a modern, blunt, nail set) and more like an ice-pick. So, I lined up the first hole with the awl and wiggled the second hole until it worked. It took a while (hell, a long while) but I finally got all of the screws in.

So, with the legs all set, I put it into place. I took a can of spray paint to mark where the holes needed to be dug. I moved it back and then I dug four holes about eight inches around and 10 inches deep.

I attached the four metal stakes to the trellis. Then I added about three inches of gravel to the holes (left over from the last year's reflecting pool). Next I put half a bag of redi-mix concrete into the wheelbarrow and using my hoe and some water, mixed it up.

I distributed this evenly between the four holes. Then I picked up the trellis (this really is a 2-person job) and placed the stakes (with nails inserted in the lower holes) into the concrete. I used 3/4-inch wood on top of the dirt to hold it out of the concrete.

Then I leveled it. I used three long wire-ties on either side, hooked to the fence, to hold it into place. When the concrete sets up (probably tomorrow), I'll mix up the rest of the bag and top the holes off.

I hosed off the hoe, the transfer shovel and the wheelbarrow and went inside. It was 7:45 PM. Back inside, I changed out the kitty litter and gathered up the rest of the garbage. I set it all out by the road (it's supposed to rain overnight and for the next few days).

My arms and back were killing me, so I just ate leftovers for dinner. I'm beat, but content. I watched one taped show and then went to bed.