It started out just being a pole to hold a clothesline. Lisa asked for a clothesline so she could hang the quilts out to dry. A mere pole in the ground wasn't suitable of course. And a single post out in the yard would be unsightly. Also a structure of some kind would be a lot more sturdy. I started thinking pergola. So, it was off to Lowe's. I could use 4x4s for the posts, but a 4x6s would be even better! How long of a 4x6 would I need? Well at least 10' but they only came in 8 or 12 feet so I got a 12. I decided to start with just one.
First stop in Lowe's was the garden tools. I needed something more substantial to dig the post holes. Remember the Doggie Doolie "Pit of Horror"? I got a new post-hole digger and post-hole spike. The digger has articulated arms that add leverage and allow you to close them without moving the handles as far apart. This way you can still close your blades without banging against the sides of the hole. Cool invention. Of course all the extra hardware and mechanics makes them weigh twice as much so you're lifting more weight each time but hey, they look really cool! The spike is just a long pole with a sharp blade on one end and a flat tamper on the other. It's solid steel, so yes, it's heavy. Next week I'll get the rest of the posts and the lumber to finish up the pergola.
Satin this morning pre-coffee. Squaring up the corner of the pergola. It will sit in line with the back of the garage and the end of the house.
Lisa called me in to look at a giant bug as I was trying to line up the exact position of the post. I only rolled my eyes breifly as I walked in to look at the big mean bug. Okay, it was a big bug and pretty too. So I took its picture.
It liked the van tire for some reason and didn't move much. Back to measuring. Two lines intersect at what?
My new digger, isn't it beautiful? Ready? DIG! So much easier than the "Pit of Horror".
Yeah, right. For like five seconds. Out with the pick. I got to use it for about 6 inches.
Then came the post-hole spike. Slam, slam, pry, cuss. Slam, slam, pry, cuss.
Clean out the loose dirt for a while then slam, slam, pry, cuss. Put the tape away Jim, it's nowhere near deep enough yet.
Bringing around the post. I got a splinter :(
Fits perfectly! Wait. We need to make the hole bigger. Damn.
There was a thunderstorm coming so we had to go in. It's about 30" deep and 18"x12". We'll probably go another 6 inches so the two bags of concrete will sit well below grade.
A point, but then you knew that.
3 comments:
Gee it looks like you guys are having a lot of fun!!! I find out if I made the volleyball team or not today. I will tell every one about it on my blog.
It is a cool idea. MAybe it didn't like your yard? Oh I got the network won my puter, so i am not borrowing someone elses.
Wow, you two are making all kinds of improvements! Can't wait to see the finished pergola.
P.S. Two lines cross at their point of intersection.
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