Monday, October 14, 2013

Stucco Thoughts

It cooled off a bit this weekend - temps in the mid-eighties instead of high eighties to nineties. Saturday was actually very nice. And the wind was not howling. It was perfect for doing some much needed stucco on the house. Summers are just too hot for doing stucco - cement dries way too fast for us slowpokes. So, we have waited for cooler weather. With Toby's mom needing more care and company, we have not been able to do as much as we have wanted - weekends being the best time for us to work and the best time for both of us to go to WF. But this weekend we stayed home, and Toby and I got after it. With just the two of us mixing and spreading, it was slow going, but very peaceful. We were in no big hurry. 

I had several thoughts while I was wielding my trowel. One: I love construction work. It gives me a sense of accomplishment.  Seeing your work come together in a concrete (pardon the pun) way is awesome. I feel good that I can do the work - that I know what I am doing - that I can be a help to Toby. It is a busy work that keeps me moving. I've always thought that construction was one of the jobs that I would love to do on a regular basis (the other job I love is teaching).

Two: I've often wondered if my love for construction work came from my dad and maybe his dad. Years ago looking at a 1910 census, I saw that my great-grandfather was a carpenter. I know my dad loved to build things, and we built many things together. Those times were special - memories that I hold in my heart - that I cannot find words to express the joy of working with my dad. Now times are shared with Toby and often my children. I love working construction with family and friends.

There were other thoughts that accompanied these, but were basically spinoffs of those two thoughts. Getting things done on the house is always good. Toby and I are not getting any younger, but we have some good years left.  We were worn out Saturday night. Our fingers and hands were scraped and worn, and our bodies tired, but it was okay. We are able - still. It would be cool to build a house for my kids someday.  We have done lots of work on Bo and Sara's house. But someday, maybe they will want to build. I know Jesse would love to build her own house - and she is pretty capable of doing so.  She will make someone a fine homemaker :) 

Toby and I do more and more with just the two of us - empty-nesters.  The kids are busy with their own lives. They help out when they can, but it seems less and less. I asked Toby if he liked it being just me and him. He said he did like it. I do too. Not that I wouldn't mind the company of family and friends.  Yet, it seems to be a different season. It is a good season.

On a different note, it is raining today - yeha. It has not really cooled off that much, but the rain is very welcome.

8 comments:

Buck said...

I think you're blessed with the skills and ability... not to mention the desire... to do construction work. That's something I wish I had, but I don't... so I'll just live with it.

I think you and Toby just might be in the best part of your lives. The point you're at is something I looked forward to in the past. (sigh -- let's not go THERE)

Stefan said...

That was actually an inspiring post. When I was a teen, I used to roto-till for a man near the neighborhood who grew hot peppers. He would get them started in a green house and then transplant hem into the field. My best friend and I would take turns on rows, and the man paid us $5 an hour which was good money then.

The funny thing was I really enjoyed the job, and found it relaxing, although it did wear you out after a day.

The thing is, that now I can't seem to get into it. I stare at the farm equipment, play with the oil dipstick, etc, and then I give up. I know if I start I might enjoy it, but I can't seem to get the strength anymore.

I think I need to find a couple of teen boys from the nearby neighborhood :-) Although I have no doubt that $5 an hour would be anywhere near enough.

Jo Castillo said...

Sounds like you two are enjoying life. That is great. Lots of work to get to the enjoyment part!

Bag Blog said...

Maybe you should look for someone to share this time of life with you. I did say maybe. Being able to do what you want when you want has its perks too.

Bag Blog said...

I'm not big on rototilling. Too much dust! In fact, farming does not have a big appeal for me. Going around in circles in a tractor all day stirring up dust is not my thang. Although, I may have to do some brush-hogging if my allergies clear up.

Bag Blog said...

You and Gene are a good example of living and enjoying life.

Alison said...

Rats - I remembered that we haven't cleaned out the garage yet... We've been putting it off until fall... it's nice when you have someone to get the work done with. Especially if you work well together. :)

Bag Blog said...

Toby and I do work well together, but we have had our moments. In my first year of blogging, we were building our original house. I blogged some stories where Toby and I did not work well together.