all decked out

People who know me well (e.g., JFA) were surprised to learn that I am having my deck rebuilt. The workers arrived this morning and I'm pretty excited … although it's a little disturbing to see nothing but joists outside my kitchen door. I usually go out onto the deck 2 or 3 times a day, typically to gauge how hot it is. (I am working on the Mapgirl Scale of Discomfort, something that ranges from Annoying to Excruciating.)

Given that, you might say, why rebuild the deck? Do you really spend that much time out there? (Actually that's exactly what JFA said.) The answer is yes, when it's not blistering hot. I enjoy coming home from work to sit outside and listen to music and read.

The deck was a big selling point for the house, although I must confess it's what it represents as much as how I use it. I envision having people over for drinks, or spending all of a sunny morning out there with a book, surrounded by a lovely container garden. Thanks to my mom, at least the container garden is a reality.

I am looking forward to cooler evenings in October, listening to the World Series, lounging by twinkle lights. Come on by, won't you? Well, let's make sure they finish it. That first step is a doozy …