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All summer long, I heard from friends and clients who recounted enviable trips abroad, long strolls on some distant shore, or another bucket list fulfilment. This summer, I was tethered to home…once again, only this season outdoor chores raised their shaggy heads without end. Once I began one paint/stain project, another surfaced.

gloves of Cinderella

gloves of Cinderella

In my last post, readers saw my newly designed/constructed carport. A long-awaited structure, now nearly complete. It awaits Cinderella and one final coat of paint.

not bad for three guys and a truck and a gal with a vision, heh?

not bad for three guys and a truck and a gal with a vision, heh?

This week I took on the challenge of the lower patio/deck. Retaining walls stand at each end and troubled pressure treated deck boards, alas, needed removal or restoration. Since I spent a pretty penny covering this ugly concrete slab patio back in 2007 (although since troubled by improperly installed boards), I decided not to remove them. With a new deck board product, DECKOVER by Behr, I decided to take one more stab at preservation/restoration.

aging deck boards following a good scrub...and screw down

aging deck boards following a good scrub…and screw down

new product ~ a cure all for ailing decks...I hope.

new product ~ a cure-all for ailing decks…I hope.

following two applications of DECKOVER, voila!

following two applications of DECKOVER, voila!

This application was not without challenges. First, the product was thick as molasses in January. Second, it required application without direct sunlight. Third, I chose a dark hue, and of course a few nudges appeared on the light foundation wall— necessitating a new coat of paint there…eventually.

high retaining wall had two coats of Olympic Solid stain in Oxford Brown. This product is super to work with.

high retaining wall received two coats of Olympic solid stain in Oxford Brown. This product is super to work with.

the only thing holding this ancient railroad tie wall up is paint...

the only thing holding this ancient railroad tie wall up is paint…I keep it because pretty skinks reside here and what a mess to replace!

this old wall also makes a great display area for found items from the Potomac River.

this old wall also makes a great display area for found items from the Potomac River. Let us hope DECKOVER gives new life to this outdoor area

long view of restored patio space ~ I should use is more often...

long view of restored patio space ~ I should use it more often…

As I had much think time while I stroked, rolled, and blotted this summer, it became clear that indeed home ownership leads to a Cinderella complex. While friends vacation and play during the summers, I toil away around my Needy Box (aka home).

When all outdoor projects come full circle, and nary a brush stroke required, perhaps Prince Charming will sweep me away to dreamland. Ya think?

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