15th October 2020
I ventured out alone to Menards to buy ground treated timber. I was excited to start the next part of the patio project. It is nothing like some of the Grand Designs we have been watching, mine will be on time and on budget.
It was strange going to the store without Kelli, I was expecting to be in and out in the shortest time possible.
I made my way over to the building materials section. Behind the plexiglass screen was Jason, a large young man, that needed an extra large mask to cover his face.
He grunted an acknowledgment, or clearing his throat, but he was looking at me so I took that he was ready for my order.
I told him what I wanted, two lengths of one by four by twelve foot lone ground contact lumber.
He moved over to a screen and repeated what I had said but in a soft voice, almost inaudible.
I asked him to repeat it, this time he added “we have no stock”
Then what followed was a verbal tennis match trying to establish when new stock will arrive.
I gathered that it might be sometime next week.
That didn’t help me as I wanted to work on it at the week end.
Jason didn’t try to sell me an alternative he just finished what he was saying and then stopped and stared at me.
I was a little annoyed, but just as I was leaving I enquired what the cost of delivering some materials that I plan to order next.
I gave him my address, he tapped away, saying it was five miles away.
“That sounds right” I said.
“ Eighty five dollars “ came the answer
“That’s expensive for five miles” I gasped.
He shrugged his shoulders and continued to stare.
I guess that put an end to that conversation.
On the way out I picked up a cordless blower, it is leaf falling time, and I need to control what is falling on the new grass.
Now I can be just like all the suburban homeowners blowing shit around the place.
Another Lifetime to go 