You know those moments where you are inspired to do something, get half way through the job and want to slap yourself for even starting it, because it was way harder than you thought? That's what I was feeling half way through washing the front deck, and I hadn't even started staining it yet. The deck was pretty rough - we stupidly hadn't done anything to it in ten years, so it was looking pretty messy - grey and weathered in some sections, stained in others, paint peeling in others. I wanted to paint it because the real estate is keen to get some outside pictures soon whilst the gardens are still in flushes of green - heading into summer, things can get quite yellow!

The funny thing is that Jamie's away on camp, as he is every December just before school ends, and EVERY time he goes I tend to do something like this as a suprise - to prove I can, but also take a load of him, who always does the lion's share of DIY. So off I went to Bunnings (Australia's DIY mega store) to pick up some gloves, some deck cleaning fluid, and some paint. I ended up choosing stain as I thought it would even out the colour a little.

I managed to figure out how to use the jet wash - machines like that (like vaccuum cleaners and hoses in general) drive me insane because I get tangled up in hoses and leads. But, I just kept thinking of how Jamie persists with everything even when it's tough, and kept going til I figured it out. A lot of scrubbing with a brush, the deck cleaner and a clean off with the jetwash got it looking not too bad, ready for the stain at least. You can see how uneven and dull the wood is - but believe me it looked a LOT worse than this (dammit, why didn't I take that 'before' shot?)

I wasn't sure about the stain at first and felt a little ill - perhaps I'd painted it in a god awful colour he'd hate? But I think it was just the shock of something different. A deck does take up a huge amount of visual space, so the change felt quite dramatic. But it started to grow on me. I managed to get one coat down before having to go to a memorial, and then had to go into Bunnings for another tin of paint before getting on it again. I forgot I'd have to paint between the cracks as well - in fact, if I had have remembered that I probably wouldn't have even started. I entertained myself listening to 'Dune' on Audible. It's been years since I read it and I didnt get beyond the first book, so I thought I'd give it a crack before the series comes out on telly. I must say I was quite enjoying it - only about 17 hours to go, ahahaha!

After three days, I was done - sure, I had paint on my toes, my hands, and the grass, my back was sore and I was totally exhausted, but it was done. I like it in the end - certainly, it looks more careful, and quite warm I think. I think I'd prefer really good quality timber left to go naturally grey, but failing that, at least I have a well cared for front deck which might last another few years - and hopefully prospective buyers will like! If not, they're free to paint it themselves or replace it.

Finally, the hubs rang from camp - he's been without reception, so couldn't call. I had to tell him about the deck because I wanted him to get used to the colour before he got home just in case he didn't like it! Thank god he did.

To be honest, he probably wasn't that interested, given he's had the most awful time of it. The camp leader forgot her Ritalin and has been talking incessantly from the moment she woke up to the moment they go to bed, and she's been an utter nightmare, disorganised and downright dangerous - leading them down paths that were quite treachourous and frightening, and they even had an incident with a storm and white water rafting which was terrifying, resulting in the kids in the water and Jamie being stuck on a rock and not being able to get to them. He's exhausted and can't wait to come home.

Well, I said, at least you'll have a lovely painted deck to enjoy a beer on, honey - I'll pick you some up! Now,that's a true expression of love.