Let the Demolition Begin!

As promised, on June 1, I began the planning phase of what will become our new deck.

After giving it much consideration, I've decided this is the last deck I want to build! And of course, nothing says "a primo backyard deck" like Redwood lumber! But we live in Florida, and Redwood is not a native species here. Thinking I would have to source this lumber all the way from Pacific Northwest, I reached out to a prominent Redwood dealer in northern California only to find out that I would have to bankrupt my 401K just to get it here! Luckily, I did find a lumber yard right here in Jacksonville that deals in Redwood! Who would have thought? Well, the RFQ has been sent and we'll see if this is going to be doable or not. In the meantime, I have sketched out the plan, and hubby began the demolition on the current deck! Unlike the original deck, this one will be built upon 2 x 6 joists, supported by 4 x 6 support beams, attached to concrete footers - all according to section R507 of the 8th edition of the Florida Building Code! Yee! Yee! That's all for now but stay tuned as the drama continues!

All Because I Wanted a New BBQ Grill!

The day before Memorial Day 2023, I decided that I wanted a new BBQ grill. Ours was about 20 years old and rusted beyond belief. In fact, the rust was so bad, one of the lower doors just fell right off, with no help from me. We needed a new grill, and I was bound and determined to get one. "Not so fast" says the hubby. Where are you going to put it? The deck needs to be replaced first. It makes no sense to go buy a new grill and place in on a deck that is rotting from beneath." So that's where this "New deck" story begins. We decided the only way I was getting my new grill, was to commit to replacing the deck. So, on June 1, let the project begin. Stay

tuned for the real-time updates. Happy building!

Oh, and by the way, I did get that new grill just in time for Memorial Day!

Thank you to all those and their families who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the great American experiment. May your memory live on and may we never forget!