All Decked Out

What do you see through our open front door that is new. If you said snow, you would be correct, with about fives inches in the last few days.  If you said, What is new is the deck, then you are on the right track.
I finished building the deck last week.  I feel very blessed that during the last phase of construction, the weather cooperated so I had joyous times in the sunshine and only one day of cold wind.  It was actually enjoyable.  But then don't we have projects so we can use our time enjoyably?
I was telling a friend of mine, Peggy, about how it was all going.  A week after it was almost done she asked what my next project was.  Let's not rush it.  I am getting caught up on my writing, like this blog, although Carroll and I have started a new project, a delicious one.  But that is for next week.

Construction started back in August when I dug out the grass down about 6 inches covering the 21 foot area in front of the house.  Next I dug six holes.  Actually I dug 9 holes but covered 3 of them in; deciding I didn't need them.  After all, this is an exercise in physical exercise.  Wheelbarrow was handy to carry away the dirt and to mix the concrete in.  Six 8 inch sono tubes filled with concrete about 21 inches deep.  The double outside frame of 2X6 treated lumber is securely nailed and screwed and attached to each of the 6 metal saddles that were secured in the concrete when I poured it.  This should ensure the deck does not move eventhough it is not secured to the house.  I have never built a deck before and didn't know what I was doing.  I am grateful to framer Chris next door; Pieter, best friend cabinet maker; clerks at Home Depot, Home  Hardware; and most of all, Harvey at Trans Canada Lumber who had built his own elaborate deck and had lots of tips and ideas for me. 

I am especially grateful to my friend, Scott, who spent a day with me setting up the construction and brought his chop saw over for me as long as I needed it.  That made me faster and more accurate than my old skill saw.  I also bought a new yellow De Walt drill because my old blue drill didn't have the power to put the 3 inch screws in.

Once I listened to my team of experts, (who didn't always agree by the way, aka the extra holes), I could relax more and enjoy the work.  Carroll was a big help when the 16 foot deck boards needed cutting.  She also helped me keep the angles straight.   

As usual this project took longer than I expected.  I was glad I poured the concrete posts before we left in September for our 3 week trip, because the night temperatures fell to freezing when we came back.  As much as I enjoyed building this deck, once I knew what I was doing, it was good to get up off my knees and pull down all the yellow CAUTION tape I had strung up for so long.  Now we can relax on the front deck

or the back deck; in sun or in shade; but in actual fact we seldom just sit around when outside.  When we bought a smaller home, Carroll wanted room to garden.  Maybe I wanted room to landscape and make projects; as long as I don't have to complete them in too speedy a fashion.  The deck is our answer to the increasing tilt of the sidewalk - cover it over.

The bit of wisdom:  I have discovered that idle time gets me into trouble.  I thought retirement meant I could do pretty much anything I wanted, including watching all the TV I wanted.  No!  I am happier when engaged in something productive - like building a deck.  As I reflect back on the blogs I have posted, most tell of effort, whether it is work or play and many include family.

Happiness in family life is...

Family happiness is fun, fun, fun and good food.  Our family reunion was a great success.  My anxiety beforehand was totally unnecessary (like most anxiety is).  Just like I knew it would be, everyone had fun talking, teasing, tearing off on bikes, and toasting a great family.  The reunion was not without its moments of quiet, tenderness, sharing, singing, and mayhem.  I like what the Proclamation on the Family (1995) says about family:  "The family is ordained of God...Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."  While the last aspect was the most obvious at our reunion, ie recreational activities, I believe the other values underlie the good relationships of our family.  We missed the presence of our youngest son and his wife and daughter.  They are an important part of our family too.  Maybe next time.

Literally thousands of photos were taken.  How do I choose what to display?  I'll pick some just a little different.  We have many hams in the family.  Most of these photos were taken by Rebecca and can be seen in the book I created on line at Blurb.  To see a 78 page book of photos and comments of the family reunion of Michael and Carroll Jensen, click on the link below and see, "The Jensen Family Reunion, July, 2011" or translated, "Happiness in family life..."
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/invited/1887126/f489d995e1cadc0fa12c68c3fef4b13254fc18d3

Click on PREVIEW.  Once you have the book, I recommend you click on the bottom right hand corner box with the arrows going four directions for a full screen view.  Enjoy.  So for a little sample.

Havie loves to take pictures.  She is looking at photos Rebecca took while Isabella and Tali look on.

I was glad to see my new ping pong table was a big hit.  We are also a competitive family.

 Amelia is a wonderful aunt.  Just ask Sianne.

A couple of months ago Esther started gathering materials for the TV game, "Minute to Win It", a bit hit.

The photo/video I most regret not having is of about ten of our family who sang in our church meeting on Sunday.  They sang harmony for the hymn, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" so beautifully it brought tears to my eyes.  Jennie organized that.  Darius and his son gave talks/sermons in sacrament meeting as well.  Others offered prayers.  Later a friend of mine said he has never seen so many members of one family participate in one sacrament meeting.  Always nice to receive compliments for the family.  But Darius in his talk told some lies when he gave the impression his parents were perfect.  However, I am glad he remembers the good times.

  Learning to work will be of great value

Glad daughters and granddaughters volunteered to feed us.  Some unsung heroes are the husbands of our daughters who pitched tents and looked after children and washed dishes.  Love them all.

While most of our children weren't interested in learning piano when their mother taught them, they are more into it now, like Sarah.

I am glad Isabella likes my water feature.  Just as the right height too.

Many quiet moments to share.

Hensie brought her Japanese student to see what a Canadian family looks like.  So our family keeps on expanding, one way or another.  Hopefully our influence is for the good as we try to live the values and principles that bring happiness. 

Final thought:  FAMILY is not easy, it does involve sacrifice; but it is rewarding and it is worth it!