As we stand yet again in front of an array of (inexpensive) (relatively speaking) windows at Menards, having just done the same at Home Depot, Ed says, without much zip – this is going to be quite the project.
I think it’s a statement more about our age than the project itself. We each, independently, have put together huge things before in our lives and they have been far more challenging than a Writer’s Shed. Still, as we check off items and then reconsider them, we’re thinking – damn, we haven’t even cleared the ground of the old shed yet.
We purchase three bargain windows at Menards and wait for inspiration to strike us for the remaining ones.
the Market!
Surely a turning point. The major outdoor markets of Madison begin their season today. I make it to the Westside Community Market just across the street where I live.
And it feels so happy to be there – like you woke up to an extra strong bloody mary and it gave you a dizzy push into the day. I mention bloody marys because I see a “farm stand” with very fresh and honest bloody mary mixes (in addition to tomato soups and salsas); so tempting, but for the fact that my bloody mary days died decades ago, along with huge brunch fests and other forms of Sunday morning indulgence.
The other farm stands are full of baked goods, cheeses, plants and the remaining roots of a Midwest winter.
Still, I am reassured that we have left the impossible days behind. My windows are wide open. Windows. Yes, I know a lot about (inexpensive) (relatively) windows. Uff, let me not think about that.
the ride
The bike has been getting a workout. And here's how I know we really are in a good place, season-wise. I no longer record the siting of a bird, or a leaf. And I almost didn't even pause to photograph this. It's just one of many. Too many to stop for. And that's a good thing.
Oh, you're replacing HIS shed. That explains his interest in YOUR design.
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bb: yes and no: we are knocking down one shed (a useless, falling down structure) and putting up this in its place. Separately, Ed uses a "sheep shed" which he built on the site of an old sheep shed next to the barn. It's one farm, with many sheds.
ReplyDeleteNina,
ReplyDeleteAre you by chance familiar with the white-washing scene from Twain's Tom Sawyer? I had a chuckle or two when I read the first post on this latest project, but now I'm wondering if no one gave you this basic advice somewhere along the line: Writers... write. Sure, they read an awful lot too. And travel. But designing where their bed will go and helping the "landlord" pick out windows and meet with his buddies to discuss the building plans? Time you could be spending... writing.
Unless, of course, the story to come is that of a middle-aged professor finding love and new life amidst a farm renovation project that concludes with her helping him redesign and renovate his property, including said "Writer's Shed."
If you're not already familiar with the Tom Sawyer scene though, you might want to check it out...
Hope your writing work is going well,
Mary
I understood it's not the 'sheep shed'. You are doing a very good deed to help clean out the land. Hope you'll get a chance to use the new shed.
ReplyDeletebb