Elf Sternberg

The fence blew down last winter, and Omaha and I decided that it was time to repair it. So after hauling out all the ruins last week, this week it was time to frame it and, maybe tomorrow, put up the backboards.

It wasn't hard at all. After digging holes, putting in drainage, cementing and burying the 4x4 anchors, I had to cut the eight-foot 2x4s down to the six-foot marks, cut the scrap ends into braces and secure them to the posts-- making sure that the braces were level with one another-- and then cut down the posts to the exact fit and screw them all into place. Pretty routine stuff, especially with a power screwdriver and a high-speed circular saw. I've developed a lot of respect for that saw, it looks like it could be hella dangerous if I messed up with it.

Unfortunately, my neighbor's fence is falling in, and it's likely to take mine with it. That edge of the property is unstable and loose, and when it rains it washes out, little by little, slowly eroding away.

It looks as if it might rain for the first time in weeks here, and part of me hopes so-- the blackberries desperately need it-- but part of me hopes not. It'll be impossible to get the 1x6s up tomorrow if it does.