Saturday, May 26, 2007

Off the roof and in one piece!

The clouds are gathering. Dark and ominous out there. It is going to be an exceedingly wet bank holiday.

BUT.....

My shed is re-roofed. There were moments when I was not sure I would be able to get back down again. After hammering in the nails, sitting with my legs bent as though I was riding a horse, they sort of froze and locked in position, and I had visions of being perched up there forever. David managed to yank my foot back to reach the ladder, and I am just thankful that my camera has expired or you might have seen me lying draped over a shed roof clutching a hammer. Give me strength.

I am not sure my roofing skills would stand up to a hurricane type of wind, but as it is summer soon, I am assuming there will be none of that. I did have one mishap when I threw the roll of roofing felt onto the roof and half the window fell out. That was not in the plans. Never fear.... I have cunningly stuck a melamine tray in the hole until I can find out how to reglaze. I am on a rollercoaster of learning experiences it seems. I do not think I was born to do this, though. I should be sitting sipping Pimms or something. Sigh.

And I am not finished yet! I got out the hedgetrimmers Margaret lent me, plugged them in and started on the hedge. Then I got the ladder and had David hold the bottom as I got higher and higher into the trees wielding them above my head. I looked like a tree myself. I was covered with branches and leaves in a most attractive fashion. Mother, bless her, got a chair and a pair of secateurs and started cutting up the debris for the garden bin. Then the loppers and I attacked the apple tree. And anything else that caught my eye. My garden is scalped. The wheely bin is full and I have piles all over the place.

So, after a trip to the DIY shop to get more nails, (as one can never have too many I feel) and industrial strength mouse killer too, (on the premise that if I am going to empty the shed and sort things, I would like to be certain any rodents are ex-rodents first) I downed tools. I have not seen any mice, but there was one last year which I think I dispatched. But my shed could just be their holiday home for the summer, so I am leaving out a welcome pack. I am nice like that.

So, now I am going to batten down the hatches, and sprawl in front of the TV and drink coffee and relax. And do nothing. I may go and look at my new shed roof when the rain starts. And grin.

10 comments:

retha said...

Because of you I do get a good laugh!
Sorry to make use of your place here. Looks live advertisment to me. I am trying to put a few photos of SA incase you wanted to see if all is still standing.

Carole Burant said...

Well I'm glad that you were finally able to get off that shed roof! lol I can just picture it all in my mind! hehe Sounds like you really did a good job on the hedges and anything else that got in your way!! And now...hope you were able to get off the floor after you sprawled on it to watch tv!! LOL

Diana Langdon said...

Its your birthday in New Zealand!!
Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuu
Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuu
Happy Birthday dear Motherrrrrrrrrrrr
Happy Birthday tooooo youuuuuuuu
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a spectacularly wonderful day!!!

someone else said...

You have been a busy girl. I'm afraid I wouldn't know where to begin to reroof a shed. Way to go!!

Am I picking up here that you have a birthday? Happy Birthday, Dear Friend.

Linds said...

Subtle, Diana, Subtle. I had visions of you posting something on my blog. I will settle for this. Thanks. One hour to go till it is Sunday!

Pam said...

Well, happy birthday from Scotland too!

Thanks so much for your comforting comment re my depressed lad. I just loved your post of a few days ago about your strengths - I plan to show it to him when he feels a bit stronger. It has so much wisdom in it.

Sorry you're having such a bad time at school. I know just what you mean about politics... Still, a woman who can reroof a shed is a woman indeed. I'm a bit worried about those poor mice, though...

Have a lovely birthday.

Anonymous said...

I am so very proud of you for these accomplishments!! I keep looking at the one shingle that was blown off our roof during Katrina and it's still not been patched!!

Anonymous said...

Well I thought for sure I had your e-mail in my contacts list but I didn't...and it's not listed in your profile...I wanted to send you an e-card for your birthday ;(.......HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I pray that you spend it drinking your favorite coffee and enjoying your new roof!!! :)

meggie said...

What a nice post! I really enjoy reading of your accomplishments.

meggie said...

What a nice post! I really enjoy reading of your accomplishments.