Saturday I was a spectator. Today I’ve been ‘promoted’ to day laborer, with a crash course in the use of a nail gun after choosing that power tool over the chop saw. The Fence is not yet done.
I’ve always enjoyed power tools and working with my hands. It’s what motivated me to change my own oil and transmission fluid in my old Camaro back in the day. I even replaced the valve cover gasket on the 350 Chevy engine in the old green machine. I don’t mind getting my hands dirty and my nails broken if I can see progress and the end result.
Of course I wasn’t supposed to have to do this job, but time runs out, there are delays due to equipment malfunction and trips to the hardware store for more materials. My husband loves to DIY also, and between Google and YouTube we are pretty much able to do just about anything.
He brings the fence boards into the back yard and mans the chop saw to get them exactly the right height. I put them up, aligning them with the string across the top, then nail them in. Two nails in the top section, two in the bottom. Grab the gun, push the nozzle against the board, and squeeze the trigger letting up very quickly so only one nail goes in at a time. It is satisfying work, this fence building. But only because I’m at my house, I’m in the shade, and I know at any time I can clock out. Day labor has its advantages.
At some point the fence will be done, certainly within the next 4 – 6 weeks. That’s when we expect the new pup. I still can’t believe I am so supportive and engaged in this puppy preparation process. But the excitement in my husband’s demeanor is contagious, so I try not to think about what all is ahead and just shoot nails. Point, press and shoot. For now, it’s as simple as that.
Kim Robinson is an author living in Austin, TX. She and her husband have six children and fourteen grandchildren and enjoy spending time with family. Passionate about parenting, she writes and speaks about a variety of issues facing parents and professionals dealing with teenagers in crisis. She enjoys speaking at retreats and to various organizations.
Kim's debut novel, Chased by Grace - A Story of Survival, is available now.