Deck work

I made a plan to start work on the deck as it started to cool down a bit outside. Too bad the weekend got really hot and I was trying to work on the deck in 95 degree temps. Luckily I got the digging and concrete work done in the morning when it wasn't so hot, but I still got pretty fried.
My initial plan was to create a deck with a circular corner to fancy things up a bit. Determining how to do that was definitely challenging, and after blue stakes marked all the utility lines, I had to tweak my plans as to where to put the new concrete support.

Well, thanks Century Link, you're off by at least a foot...

Moved the concrete support back to avoid the phone line.

Cutting notches into posts for more solid support when bolted.

Possibly excessive hardware on the joints, but it'll definitely be solid.

Frame all done (second attempt). Was all out of level on first attempt.

Luckily, I didn't damage the telephone line when digging right into it. After creating the frame I had a bit of a spark of imagination too, and I think instead of the circular corner, I'm going to create a step down in the corner. As it is, the deck is still fairly high off the ground, so a small step will be helpful and I think create a nice transition down to the eventual patio.

Another nice thing is that I was able to reuse all the 2x6 pressure treated wood from the previous deck structure. I was also able to reuse the existing metal hardware, although I did have to buy some additional bolts and metal hardware.

Conquer?

Well, I've gotten fat and unmotivated, and something has to change. My exercise room has really languished and is being ignored. I never finished up the decor when I completed the gym, so I'm trying to do that to make it a more approachable and inspiring place. So, here's the first step. Add some Arnold. I've still got to find some mirrors (those seems required in a gym), and I've got some more artwork to add. Hopefully it will help make the space feel less empty and more inspiring.

Was a real pain in the butt lining up everything...

Update: The next few weeks I added in the rest of the decor and a mirror. I'm not sure if I'll add another mirror. I've still got to remove the pull-up bar as it just takes up too much space and is too close to the ceiling to be very useful. 

Appropriate clock and new tv with shelf readjusted.

Some artwork added and the mirror.

Garden update

While keeping up with watering the garden, and after finally completing painting the back of the garage wall, I've discovered even if I plant it, doesn't mean it's going to like me. Things overall are growing well, but as I started late in the season, they seem to be growing slowly, and to some extent, aren't going to produce anything at all. The zucchini I planted is getting huge, but the only flowers that are blooming are male. So, at least so far, I ain't getting any zucchini to eat. After watching some youtube videos as to how to self-pollinate, I discovered I had nothing but male flowers. Well.. poo.
After finishing up painting the garage back wall with a second coat, I tended to the other side of the flower bed, and planted some sugar snap peas. We'll see how those go...

Sugar snap peas planted to the right of the hops...

Giant male dominated zucchini.

Roma tomatoes growing... Please survive.!

Garage wall completion

Well, I woke up early enough, and more importantly, had the motivation to complete the rest of the paint stripping on the garage wall. I had to take the gutter downspout off, which made it fun as a freak thunderstorm hit in between the work, and I had to rush to screw it back on while I was pelted with sideways rain.

I've only got one coat done, but it certainly looks a lot better. I can at least now finish up the rest of the bed now without worrying about pain shavings landing in it.

Hops look a little sad as they were almost killed off by box-elder bugs.