So on the Zoom call today I mentioned that I did not do too much PD research last summer as I was busy building new stairs/deck, and people wanted to see it. I have included a picture and here is the video tour: youtube.com/watch?v=l_ULQGn...
If anybody is not joining the Zoom calls MBAnderson is so nice to host, you might want to consider joining. Lots of nice people. You will be welcomed.
Thank you! yes, lots and lots of stairs and wood. Funny thing, I did not start out to replace the old stairs and porch. I was just going to replace a few boards but once I started pulling up boards and seeing what a garbage job the original steps were, I had to tear it all down and start over. Thanks.
Well done Bolt_Upright, great job and very well done. So well made and beautiful that you could say it is a work of art.
Real!
I'll let ChatGPT AI tell you better:
“A beatiful and well-done craft work can it be called a work of art?
Yes, a beautifully crafted and well-done piece can certainly be considered a work of art. Art is subjective, and it encompasses a wide range of creative expressions, including crafts.
If a craftwork exhibits exceptional skill, creativity, and aesthetic appeal, it can be appreciated and recognized as a work of art”.
Thanks but I'm not as authoritative as you say and I wouldn't want to be.
it is a work of art by definition above.
That definition of a work of art is real and accepted and this great work of yours is a work of art, and given the comments even more so.
In this way you can make your life a beautiful and interesting work of art, but like this work of art of yours it requires a lot of skillful work and a lot of creativity.
But ask chatGPT:
Q: ”How can you live your life as if it were a work of art, beautiful and interesting?”
A: “Living life as if it were a work of art requires a mindset that values creativity, curiosity, and embracing the beauty in everyday experiences. Here are a few suggestions to help you cultivate this approach:
1. Embrace curiosity: Approach each day with a sense of wonder and curiosity, seeking out new experiences and perspectives. Ask questions, explore different interests, and never stop learning.
2. Find inspiration: Surround yourself with things that inspire you, whether it's art, music, nature, or literature. Seek out beauty in the small details of life and let them spark your creativity.
3. Cultivate mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment and fully engage with your surroundings. Take time to appreciate the simple pleasures, like a beautiful sunset or a delicious meal, and savor them fully.
4. Express yourself: Find ways to express your unique voice and creativity. Whether it's through art, writing, music, or any other form of self-expression, let your passions guide you and allow yourself to be vulnerable in sharing your creations with others.
5. Embrace imperfections: Just like in art, life is full of imperfections. Embrace them as part of the beauty and uniqueness of your journey. Learn from your mistakes, grow from challenges, and see them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Remember, living life as a work of art is a personal journey, and what matters most is finding joy, fulfillment, and meaning in your own unique way.”
I wish I had a picture of the janky old steps and porch I replaced. Horrible and badly built. I was determined that every inch of these would be solid, neat, and strong. Thanks!
That was dumb luck on my part. I discovered Menards has what they call Cedar Toned wood. It is treated pine, but they color it when they treat it! It costs just a little more than regular treated: AC2® CedarTone pressure treated lumber uses #1 grade southern yellow pine to provide optimum strength and appearance on any outdoor project left exposed to the elements. Treated lumber is a renewable building product that's safe for use in any application, including those around pets, playsets, and vegetable gardens. AC2® CedarTone lumber is infused with a rich color, similar to coastal western cedar, which provides pleasing aesthetic performance for the first two years following completion of the outdoor project. After several weeks of outdoor exposure, the product will change to a lighter, more natural color. AC2® CedarTone Premium treated wood products will maintain this cedar-like color when natural cedar wood has faded to a gray color.
Did concentrating on the job and doing all that planning and heavy work make any difference to your symptoms, for better or worse?
There was that guy who improved his symptoms carving a chess set, and the book I just read that was recommended “landlines” where they just walk 1000 miles and symptoms were greatly reduced. I wondered if stair building had any effect?
Thanks. I should mention more often that I have not been diagnosed with PD. I was diagnosed with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder back in April 2021 and had some other symptoms like a sore left shoulder, arm, and leg and sore neck, and orthostatic hypotension and some involuntary muscle movement. Also some mild balance issues.
I have improved over the last 2.5 years. Less RBD, less pain, less involuntary muscle movement, and no orthostatic hypotension or balance issues. I don't know why I seem better. It may just be the normal waxing and waning of things.
That looks like a lot of work and it looks good! If you want to extend the life of those handrails, you might put a Trex cap on them. What happens in a sandwiched handrail like that is when it rains, water seeps into those two open joints on top and does not dry for days, allowing the wood to rot prematurely. A Trex cap or similar will greatly minimize or stop any water penetration into those two joints and allow the handrail to last many years longer. The cap should be at least as wide as the rail or a little more. This will allow water to just run down the Trex and Trex doesn't splinter or rot and wears like iron.
The 4x4 post that you showed attached to the concrete via a metal flange with a single bolt, will also last many more years if you cut cut the thickness of a piece of Trex off the bottom of it and slip a similar size scrap of Trex in place of the piece you cut off. The Trex will act as a non rotting moisture barrier and termite barrier.
For the post, there is no modifying that now. I could not get that metal flange off if I wanted to.
For the railing, the cap is an interesting idea. It is a little better now as my wife got a splinter from the railing so I painted them with a really good urethane paint. It's kind of cool that the sandwich lends itself to stripes
When it warms up I will paint the ends too. Thanks!
Thanks Bolt. Yeah my drink intake is down about 80%. A few years before PD diagnosis I took a week off work to build a small deck with spindle rail (no steps-much simpler than yours).
I was still doing it after work, 6 weeks later! It was very therapeutic though. I don't think id attempt the same out the back of my house now.
Looks good Bolt! Very solid!! We have two decks one facing east the other west and enjoy them so much during good weather. Currently under snow, and have not left house for days. But come spring that is where you will find us at 4PM - Deck Time!!
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