It was 5 solid days worth of work (yeah right ... 300 minutes you say) but it was worth every screaming nerve ending, the blood blisters, the rebuilding the back wall 3 times before we realised that we were not going to be able to follow the instructions in the current amount of wind and all the other mountains we needed to work out way to climb.
I got to spend 7 days with one of the people I love most in the world.. My Dad. He brought half his tool shed down from their home in Narooma NSW. Well not quite, just the 6 cargo boxes he thought he might need in the back of his 60's Series Toyota and patiently worked through 6 days of FREEZING.
This wouldn't be quite so exceptional except Narooma is a coastal town where 15C is considered unusual and cold. For the entirety of his trip we on the hill didn't max anything over 13C and averaged a whole lot closer to 10C. Even for this mountain girl the last place you would have chosen to be for the last week is, outside. At least when we got the majority of the structure up, Day 4, windchill came out of the equation a bit more as you could hide under cover when the bite got too much. Even so handling the metal was an exercise in patience as you quickly lost all feeling and dropped any fine motor skills you thought you had.
Let's just say it was a bonding experience, we both earned the pride we now have that we got it up and now I get to work in it and remember just how much love and support I have received.
**P.S. just to remind Nevyn she isn't the only one that walks around with her brain turned off at times... We put this gorgeous structure up and then realised we needed to remove a tree. Yep a tree that if it fell the wrong way was going to leave me with a mangled mess.. DOH
12 comments:
Having lived through said weather - I commend your braveness. It has been soooo cold!!
But it looks gorgeous - definitely worth all the hard work.
My dad is my one remaining direct ancestor, and I cherish our relationship. Working together to build something is a bonding experience that can't be replicated any other way. Congrats on having a great Dad, and your hothouse/greenhouse. Here's to early tomatoes?!
LOVE IT! Go Dadsy! (Can he withstand Canberra temps? Send him this way!)
Hi Mrs B,
Foolhardy, desperate and slightly insane probably describe the situation better but I like brave better :-)
Hi Anna,
I was definitely spoiled in the Dad stakes I couldn't imagine a better one. There is nothing better than a shared project to bring out the best in a relationship.
Thanks Dixiebelle,
Honestly I don't know Canberra would throw anything at him he didn't survive in the last 8 days.. that said I suspect you would have to be ready for "hazard pay". :-D
Kind Regards
Belinda
It looks good now that it is up, and now there will be somewhere warm to go on cold days (a la Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall)
Ab.sol.lutely,
All this puppy needs is a bit of sun, pretty scarce over here in vic right now but I'm hoping, and the temperature starts climbing nicely. One day after we got the roof on it made it up to 27C in there and it was only a 13C day :-)
Kind Regards
Belinda
**can anyone tell I am a little smitten :-D
Hello Miss Smitten,
That is one flash hothouse. As I was reading your post I had visions of someone testing 'how cold it really is' by sticking their tongue on the metal to see if it sticks. Both you and your Dad did a fantastic job.
I'll have you know that my brain is switched off nearly all the time and only manages to turn itself on every once in a while. For very short periods of time.
Wow! That is just beautiful!
Thanks Nevyn,
Some of those days it might have got close. :-D
Thanks Bev,
I think it's pretty special
Kind Regards
Belinda
i can't quite tell wether this wonderful structure is made of rigid or soft plastic. Where did you get it ? I'd be pretty happy with that one too.
Welcome Chris,
It's made of 3 layer polycarbonate sheeting. I would classify it as semi rigid until it's in the frame.
This one was an ebay purchase. If you want more detail just drop me an email and I am more than happy to discuss the details.
Kind Regards
Belinda
Oh, yes, I do sympathise with you re. the loss of fine motor skills and wind chill! This was us this time, last year, ebay purchase and after the panels had blown away 4 times we decided to get serious. Hubby came up with a nut/bolt/washer set up that secured each and every panel in place and they have since held.It is nice to hear of someone who has been in the same boat. Just think, it's all done now, and let the growing (and fun!) commence! Just in time for some summer crops. Enjoy :)
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