Saturday, June 10, 2017

Finally, We can Cross That One Off

We are getting old. So it stands to reason that many of the people who come to our house are getting old too. 

Old people need to hang on to railings when they walk down steps. I know I do. I never know when my knee will buckle or my hip will spasm. I hang on.

Several years ago a friend suggested that we really needed to put a hand rail on our front walkway steps. We agreed. Then we didn't get to it. 

We make lists. With a yard this big, and a big house too, there is always something that needs attention. As we get tasks done, we cross them off and eventually make new lists. The step rail kept getting carried over to the next list.

But not anymore!
Of course all of the reasons for why it kept getting put off manifested themselves in the process. What to use? We found railing kits at Home Depot, and decided on white to match the house trim. The screws were meant to go into wood decking. It took several consultations at two different stores, and several types of screw anchors to get something that would hold in concrete. 

Tom's drill was not powerful enough when he hit a rock. He finally got the bright idea to borrow a powerful drill from the construction crew next door. It sure helps to have the right tools. 

I checked in, but stayed away from all of the aggravating bumps along the way.  Finally I was needed for the final assembly. There were a few more hitches, but Tom got the job done.

We crossed that one off the list, finally. I guess now it's time for a new list. 

14 comments:

  1. Wonderful. Looks great. I certainly use a rail if one is available.

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  2. I love your new handrail! We need to do something like that on our steps to the lake, and I'm inspired! We don't have to do it in concrete, so it should be easier, but I agree, the proper tools make all the difference! I think that's why both Ron and I are "tool junkies". :)

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  3. That Tom is one amazing fellow. Hope you fed him well that night.

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  4. You are so right. We have to replace our concrete front porch (it's been cracked for years) and we don't have hand rails. We need to add those if the porch ever gets to the top of our endless todo list.

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  5. Good for you, installing the hand rail. I also try to remember that I now need to hang on ( after a few falls that knocked some sense into me).

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  6. for each project you learn something new. I hope that the railing does the job and people are safe.

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  7. We also have a to do list, sadly life takes over and the to do list just gets longer.

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  8. Hi Linda, I saw your comment on Far Side (Connie's blog) and thought I would say "hi." Nice to meet you. Your yard is gorgeous. Good for you and Tom getting the hand rail installed. Much safer now and it looks wonderful. I live in Georgia. Have a blessed day.

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  9. looks great and safety should definitely be first on our to do lists....I added a night light in our bedroom to avoid stumbling about in the dark-it helps lots also I'm slowing down and not trying to hurry around!

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  10. Wonderful new addition and useful, too! :-)

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  11. Wow, that looks great and it has to be a comfort to all who use it. Nice of the construction crew to loan the drill.

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  12. Good for you for crossing one more thing off the list. Tom did a great job and it looks wonderful.

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  13. We even put up handrails on both sides of our stairs at our house which I use all the time. Your handrail looks great and will make it much safe for everybody.

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