Several summers ago, Janelle and I saw a roof-like structure that we felt would be a perfect addition to our newly remade (after the septic system replacement) fire pit. Unfortunately, by the time that we decided that we would get it from Freddy's, it was already sold out. For the past couple of years, we have tried to get it, but due to the low numbers shipped to Alaska (let alone our store), we kept missing out. Thus, this year, the day that Janelle saw that Feddy's was getting them we made sure to get in on the purchase right away despite there still being a good deal of snow on the ground. Thankfully, we have friends with a truck large enough to bring it and who were willing to help us move the 450 pound package under our carport--where it has sat for months.
Today, we finally had a beautiful day without a drop of rain (even if it was--at a high of 76 degrees) a little too warm for me). Better yet, Connor was available all day to help--which has been a rarity this summer with football training and his summer job. And so, Connor, Rowen, and I spent the afternoon (from about 1:30 until about 5:30 with water breaks nearly every forty-five minutes) putting the structure together. It's called a gazebo on the box, but it does not fit my mind's version of a gazebo (which, to me, should include a raised platform and railings) and seems to resemble more of a pavilion. However, its roof structure, although not curved up at the ends, reminds me a bit of a mini Japanese pagoda--which is what I've taken to calling it.
The process was difficult even with the tremendous help given by the boys--especially Connor, whose long reach was able to get some difficult to access parts attached with relative ease. I have a mild burn on my arms and face as well as no fewer than seven black fly bites on my arms and legs. Thankfully, they didn't go for my head this time. Still, I feel that the effort was well worth it. I deeply enjoyed sitting in it for a while after completing it--especially since the netting was quite effective at keeping the bugs away.
We plan on cooking hotdogs and s'mores over its inaugural campfire tomorrow for dinner.
Today, we finally had a beautiful day without a drop of rain (even if it was--at a high of 76 degrees) a little too warm for me). Better yet, Connor was available all day to help--which has been a rarity this summer with football training and his summer job. And so, Connor, Rowen, and I spent the afternoon (from about 1:30 until about 5:30 with water breaks nearly every forty-five minutes) putting the structure together. It's called a gazebo on the box, but it does not fit my mind's version of a gazebo (which, to me, should include a raised platform and railings) and seems to resemble more of a pavilion. However, its roof structure, although not curved up at the ends, reminds me a bit of a mini Japanese pagoda--which is what I've taken to calling it.
The process was difficult even with the tremendous help given by the boys--especially Connor, whose long reach was able to get some difficult to access parts attached with relative ease. I have a mild burn on my arms and face as well as no fewer than seven black fly bites on my arms and legs. Thankfully, they didn't go for my head this time. Still, I feel that the effort was well worth it. I deeply enjoyed sitting in it for a while after completing it--especially since the netting was quite effective at keeping the bugs away.
We plan on cooking hotdogs and s'mores over its inaugural campfire tomorrow for dinner.
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