Covid Project

Thoughts of Michael

In recent months, the term Covid Project has popped up amongst friends, social media and news outlets. People are finding interesting ways to express themselves and try out new things during this challenging time. Whether it’s baking bread, learning how to knit, or trying their hand at an instrument, it all seems like a good idea since many of us have more time on our hands.

It’s been a difficult time for everyone. When we’re lonely, grieving or suffering, we don’t always feel like creating. It can be the last thing on our mind. However, creative projects are like medicine and can lead to healing.

I’ve seen it in my students and in others, and I’ve felt it personally, many times over.

Here is my Covid Project from last summer, my new deck. Our good friend Vivian was an enormous help with this project. I’m excited to actually spend a full summer enjoying the deck this season, instead of walking over floor joists, ripping rusty nails out and falling into a pit of despair.

I’m thankful I tackled this last summer as the price of lumber has recently almost tripled in price.

This is before….

We were always annoyed with the ugly patch down in front of the deck. The deck boards were also an eyesore.

More of the ugly ‘before’….

…and a third ugly ‘before’ picture.

My very technologically advanced and well-measured sketch. I did a ton of these as I figured it out. Notice my wavy boards!

I had to rip out joists to frame in the hot tub. The particle board is there so my feet don’t get muddy. It was uuuuggly work underneath.

Had to put road base and then pavers for a solid foundation for hot tub. Level level level, tamp tamp tamp.

Ta da! Done! (Not yet…)I wouldn’t want to move these beasts all day.

Ripping off the ugly old railing.

Framing and more framing so we could have more and more deck. Wait, where did the yard go?

I love cedar when it rains, it gets rich in colour. The smell is phenomenal as well

A wonky wide angle.

(looks like a broken link, but isn’t)

I thought it would be fun to create a tree pattern cut into sheets of steel for the railing. Fun to watch the plasma cutter from behind protective eye wear.

A night shot.

Then I needed a small round table. I had these old alder wood boards in my garage I’ve held onto for a few years. Finally made them into something.

I wanted to also put in paving stones to cover an often-muddy path. It was super fun cutting them with a big tile saw. No room for more photos as the email is too long.

(this one should also work)

I hired a gas fitter to put in a natural gas line under the deck so I could hook up my homemade fire table.

After looking all these photos again, I realize this was an insane project. I can’t believe my wife put up with me doing this. It was a ton of work but we now look forward to enjoying a season on the deck.

I would love to feature your Covid Project right here and share a brief description. It can be big or small (or even tiny!)

Simply reply to this email if you are a subscriber, or send to mflorizone@gmail.com. It would be wonderful to share with the world!¹

With Gratitude,

1. Submitting will not guarantee me posting it but I’ll try my best. Thank-you!