Jack’s Wednesday guest post makes it on time again – –

Per Ardua Ad Astra (through struggle to the stars)

It may seem strange to be constructing a covered pergola on our back deck when we’re still in lock-down and there’s no end in sight. One reason is that we already had planned to do this and another is that we have the time right now. Finally, it encourages us to look forward to entertaining friends once things eventually settle down.

One advantage of the current situation is that most stores are doing home deliveries just now, so I’m very glad that the very heavy large and awkward box was carried by the driver and his helper right to where it was needed.

We got an Allen and Roth 12′ x 10′ gazebo from Lowes – it is well designed and sturdy. The instructions are mostly clear and where they aren’t it’s not hard to work out what to do. I would recommend this if you’re looking for something similar. It took us three days of leisurely work – maybe 8 hours total and needs at least 3 people.

It was delivered last Friday and I began the assembling of the various sections of frame on Saturday. Then on Sunday four neighbors and myself bolted together all those sections including the roof frame. After a break on Monday when I screwed the four corner posts to the deck and made sure all the bolts were tight, some of the friends returned Tuesday and we got the roof fabric and side curtains on.

The most enjoyable part of the whole exercise for me was how friends we’ve made since moving here were so willing to set aside their own priorities to come and help. Not just muscle power but strategizing and instruction interpretation as well!

With our three tables and chairs there’s room to accommodate a group of six folk while socially distancing, so it may not be so long before we can share our new space