The joys of creating something without having to rely on anyone else has been a fulfilling experience. (A shout out to my step-son Jeff who has been so supportive with my texts and willingness to answer my silly questions.)

When I was a little girl I used to follow my father around the yard like a small puppy watching him build stuff and chop wood. I clearly remember the conversations I had with him. He passed away when I was only 14 years old. I cherish the life advice he gave me in the conversations we had as I was growing up. I was the youngest child of a family of nine children. My siblings called me the “spoiled” one. Damn right! I was also the luckiest one because I spent more time with my dad then all the rest.

He was very encouraging and supportive of me. When I was a toddler I lost my right index finger in a freak accident. He used to always look me in the eye while squeezing my cheeks and tell me “You can accomplish anything you want. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

I remember his voice would get stern and he would explain if I wanted to accomplish something, all I had to do was work hard. “If you work hard and believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything”. And he was right! There is not a day that goes by I don’t think about my dad and his advice.

Which is why I believe I can do it…by myself!

In the next phase of the project, I installed the brackets, used the skill saw to cut the 2 X 4(s) and used a leveler to keep everything square.

Thank you to John Moore who manufactured the metal cut out from the sketches I sent him.

It’s been interesting to hear the comments from the construction crew working on the house across the street and the sales person at an unnamed large hardware store where I purchased the pavers. Everyone has been very helpful in offering advice. Here are a few questions I fielded:

*That’s a pretty small level you have. Are you sure it will work? Do you want to borrow one of mine?

*Did you actually use concrete to set the post?

*Those are pretty big posts, are you sure you want them that tall?

*Do you know what pavers you really want? Did you actually measure the area you want to pave? Maybe you need to just take pictures, have someone help you, and then come back later. 🤦🏽‍♀️

No, I did not use creative expletives when I replied. I just smiled and continued on with my work.

Next phase…installation of the metal siding I ordered from a local metal fabrication shop. I am proud to say I purchased almost all of my supplies for this project from small family owned local stores in the small rural town I live in, Stay tuned for Part 4.