All Decked Out

I'm going to build a deck.

With the meager surplus of funds I'm squirreling away, I'm going to build both a deck and a playground. These two projects give me tremendous release of creativity and tension. I am able to fiddle and fidget and research. I am able to apply myself to something that is sure to be uniquely "me," and at the same time, I'm making something for others to enjoy, too. I get to work outside, with my hands, and I get to make something that will last and add value to my house--all at the same time!

At times deck dreams distract me. I lounge around flipping through deck magazines like some folks do porno. I sometimes get depressed, knowing I'll never have resources for some of those decks; other times I think that even some of the more complicated ones are just not very creative. Again, I am eager to strut my stuff with a deck design that fits my vision.

One plan I have not let go of is to build decking/boardwalk around the windmill tower in our back yard. Talk about a water element! If I can pull that off, maybe with some strategic sunflower plantings around it--well, put me on the garden show list, baby!

Of course, I'd like to build it out of composite material, or better yet cedar, but I just don't know if I'd ever have the cash to finish such a thing. Maybe I will engineer a deck design that can be done in phases, as the money comes in. (?)

I want room for the boys or my friends to come over for a drum circle. I want room for the Clan that lives/visits to have space for parties of any occasion. I'd like to have the deck be a springboard to All-Things-Out-Back. (When I smoked, I always fantasized about kicking back and puffing away on a lounge chair on my deck.) These days, with my new grill, I want to be out back grilling regularly (at least weekly). I'm looking into a fire pit,built in, and maybe even a pseudo sink. Then again, I'd like some kind of pergola or arbor or some structure for honey suckle. Of course, I'd like to have an attached gazebo with hot tub, but that will have to wait so long I'll likely have to be wheeled out to it by some nurse or something.

All these grand ideas--but I could do with a 4x8 chunk of plywood out the back door, even a patio slab. I just am aching to get out back, rather than deal with the annoying road noise and prying eyes of passers-by out in the front yard.

Anyway, as things progress, I'll provide progress reports.