pergola finishes and a little gardening

 The last week we were in Alabama, David had to fly back to work but also took on the big project of staining the pergola. He did such a great job and I am so thankful that he took that big job on. I think the finished product looks great. 

The sun can be brutal in our backyard in the afternoon...which is the main reason we decided the pergola would be a great addition. We thought adding some curtains would be a nice solution to add some shade in the late afternoons. We used dropcloths purchased from Home Depot for about 10 dollars a piece. We folded them over until they were the right length and clipped them onto rings (rings with clips from Lowes). We used a pole that runs the entire length of the pergola (actually the pole is one that would go on the top of a chain link fence...so it should work well in the outdoor elements.) 

So glad we decided to make the pole run the entire length and use four panels. 

It really does provide great shade and feels like a room in itself. 

We also have replanted our little raised garden bed with tomatoes, okra, and lots of herbs.

a few potted plants

and our bed out front.

Loving all the bright flowers that summer brings.

building the pergola

David began work on the pergola as soon as this last rotation began. One thing that never ceases to amaze me about David, is his execution of projects. He sets his mind to it, researches, plans his project and executes it efficiently and with precision. I am always amazed.

So here is how it went down in Elizabeth terms: He dug his post holes 2 feet deep...which may have been the hardest part considering our dirt is pretty much rock.

He used quikrete to set the posts...that little red wagon comes in handy for all sorts of things. 

We used 6X6 posts in the four corners. 2X10 boards for the beams. 2X8 boards for the rafters and 1X2 boards for the top of the pergola. 

Note David's nail apron...

We let David upgrade to his own, so Owen could have his back. 

David really built the entire thing by himself. I helped hold a board or two, but the construction was all him. I do think this type of project is partly therapeutic for him.

He carefully cut the design in the 2X8's with his jigsaw.

This is how David felt about using a saw...

and this is how Owen felt about the saw...not a big fan of the sound.

But believe me, he was watching everything his daddy was doing.

God painted us a beautiful sunset one night while we were finishing up.

Texas does have some amazing sunsets.

David screwed 54 boards on top of the pergola

...tedious work, but he was precise.

Owen was right there to lend David a hand when he dropped his spacer.

And when we weren't looking

this is what we found.

Owen practicing a little precision of his own.

He wants to be just like his daddy

and pays attention to every little detail of his daddy's actions.

Then it was time for the final screw.

And there she is...

We do plan to stain it, but that can wait for a couple of weeks. 

It was a fun project for these boys and I know we will really enjoy our new outside space.