Home maintenance

I recall replacing a board on the middle deck one year. Now I have two to replace. Aster helped me once during a Gramma Camp, we took turns screwing it in. Our deck, despite the lack of rain this summer, is in bad shape in spots. 

Staining the decks

I have stained it (in 2020), but that has worn off. Winter is harsh.

I'm trying to wrap my head around it: 

1. clear the decks, as much as possible (can't lift the BBQ, plants indoors, furniture moved)
2. use a power washer, wash the mold off
3. buy my stain ✓ (done Sunday),
4. watch the weather, it requires temperatures above 10 ℃ for 24 hours during drying time.

All I have to do is find someone to do this↑! One board is deteriorating and needs both replacing and staining. I repaired the lower deck with Aster in 2016. Then, we replaced it in 2018.

This deck needs replacing. 

🐁 I was cleaning up some of the ivy that is taking over the area near the shed. I started the lawn tractor inside the shed, and a mouse ran across my sight line, then ran across the lip of the doorway while I was backing up. When I back up, there was a snake. I told mousie not to run towards the snake!

She was peeking up through the discarded fronds.

The last of the flowers are in bloom. 

I love these orchid spiders. They changed colour.

I may have a few more cucumbers this season. Maybe.

The cherry tomatoes are doing a second fruiting! 

🐀 I think Fred has gone to her winter burrow. Last sighting: Aug. 15.📹  Last year she disappeared Aug. 14th, when the cooler nights began. Soon, many birds will flock and migrate.

The good news is it looks like we've rain on the way.