When it comes to those insurmountable summer projects around the house, you just wish you could get some good ol' fashioned help. So we put in the request and up came the best help I could have ever hoped for!

Delivering himself on a BMW touring bike, my father-in-law Rick rode to the rescue. Man was I glad to have someone who knew what they were doing! I mean I knew we needed a back deck, and I knew what I thought it should look like, but ask me how to get it done and you'll get one of those classic dumbfounded looks and an accompanying shoulder shrug!

Rick is just one of those guys who doesn't suffer from paralysis by analysis! Just grab the bull by the horns and get 'er done! We quickly developed a plan, but we were in need of some tools. Turns out Rick didn't bring his. He said something like they wouldn't fit on his bike...excuses, excuses, excuses! Well he has friends in high (northern) places! Trevor Kary loaned us all the necessary tools and allowed us the use of his trucks for hauling wood and such! What a HUGE help it was! Thanks Trevor and everyone else who loaned the odd tool here and there!

With tools in hand and a plan in place we started hammering and constructing away for 5 days! I KNOW...I wasn't sure how I could handle all that time with my father-in-law either (just kidding), but I must say it was one of the most MEMORABLE times I have ever had. Something about working with a man who has the most amazing patience and skills in building. We turned on the classic rock channel and built us a brand new deck with storage underneath. Lets just say we weren't short on good times!

Hey Rick...if you need an excuse to come see your girls up in Canada, I got more projects around the house! We love ya and appreciate your time, skill and help!