A Gate To Remember
The Big Man had a honey-do list with surprisingly only three things listed. The last one on the list: install a gate to the chicken run.
Wheat harvest is quickly approaching, so there is a lot to prepare for on the farm. This means longer hours for the Big Man, and less free time for getting projects done. I thought if I could just get a majority of the gate-making process done for him, he would just have to install it. So I headed to the local lumberyard for some supplies.
I showed the manager my well drawn-out gate plans and basically told him “This is what I want to make, get me whatever I need.” I was nice about it though, of course. Since there wasn’t enough room in my vehicle, they delivered out the 2x4’s, 4x4’s, screws, and hinges.
Here goes nothing.
Now, I don’t know a whole lot about woodworking, but I know enough to get a job done. I wanted to use a circular saw to cut my pieces. However, when I held it up asking my mom if she knew how to use it, she replied with, “Well first off, you have to plug it in.” Thanks mom, hand saw it is.
I wasn’t about to go all fancy, making the gate frame with miter joints. I was cutting the wood with a handsaw after all! So to make things easier for myself, I went with a butt joint. Side note: I had to look up the name for that joint. I will say that is a very fitting name indeed!
After I made my appropriate cuts and aligned everything in place, I found out quickly why miter joints are popular. The lumberyard did not give me screws long enough to connect boards in a butt joint fashion.
Fortunately, I can problem solve on the fly. I took the power-drill (one of the few power tools I do know how to operate) and drilled holes at an angle into the two boards. Screw in the screws, and we’re good to go! (Or at least until I buy something like a gusset plate for reinforcement.)
With the gate built, all I had left to do was to dig the holes for the 4x4 posts. Good thing we have an old fashioned post hole digger for that!
The hard parts were done! Now, it was the Big Man’s turn to finish up the project and cross it off the list!
First, cut the 4x4’s to approximate length (and even out later) and stick them into the holes. Fill the remainder with dirt to set the posts in place.
All that was left was to attach the gate door to the post and attach the latch.
Then disaster struck!
Feeling a need to hurry and get done, I ran towards the shop to get the gate latch.
SNAP
I let out a yell as I rolled to the ground...I rolled my ankle. The pain didn’t quite hit yet, and looking up at my ankle held in the air, it didn’t look too swollen yet. But what on earth was that distinct snap? I started to yell for the Big Man. What was taking him so long?
Finally, he shows up with Baby Girl in arms. First instinct told him maybe my scream was from seeing her hurt, so he went to her first. Obviously I wasn’t there, so he grabbed her and came looking for me.
I told him what happened, and he peeked at my ankle. It was looking pretty bad by now. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he whisked me back to the house in a princely fashion. My hero!
As he came back into the house with kids, he told me he knew what caused the snap. My eldest was playing with hand-crank egg beater and left it on the ground. Needless to say, it’s now broken. I’m thankful it wasn’t anything in my leg!
So I am now out of commission until the swelling goes down.
Back to the gate!
I couldn’t tell you much about the door hanging process after all that, other than I’m told it now functions. It still needs a couple finishing touches, but I’m glad it’s now one less thing to think about!
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Hey there @hebrewhousewife You have won one of my Black Raspberry body butters from @dreemsteems giveaway - Can you please contact me in discord so that I can get your address :) You can check out my post here
Hey graceless do we need to put you into a bubble room? ;-)
All joking aside that is not a bad looking gate you made!
I think so! I have bad ankles. This is at least the third time this one has been sprained.
And thank you! It feels great to make something myself. I’d like to learn how to use some more power tools though.
Mindset, change it!
There is no such thing as a power tool I am scared of, I have a burr that terrifies my hubby because he has seen it take down trees in seconds.
I respect the power of the tools and I don't try to abuse how and what they can do.
Ytube is a great place to start on learning how to use a tool and there are many great channels there for women. I am going to drop a few here for you since you have to keep the leg up ya might as well watch a few. ;-)
Ana White: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8oVoLGDj2spRfZfxgf54tw
April Wilkerson: https://www.youtube.com/user/AprilWilkersonDIY
See Jane drill: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCraGaDLfWec67xl9FEPndtw
That should be enough to get you started!
Haha, my husband has come home to a couple trees down as well! Thanks for the recommendations! I will definitely watch them. Now I have an excuse for sitting on my phone :)
The burr is attached to a dremel so that will give you an idea on how small but deadly it is. Each of the channels have great content and since they are women they give from that perspective. We don't have the strength nor the brawn but we can make up for those in other ways. Yes get those feet up!
"I'm told it now functions" made me laugh! You building the gate alone and unafraid is so much like something I would do, too funny!!
Lol it functions but still needs the finishing touches! Hey, if I’m able, I say why not? Makes it easier for my husband and less nagging on my part.
Sorry about the ankle! Put comfrey on it if you have it, plantain if you don't. Alternate heat and cool, and use an elastic bandage.
Like the gate, good job. Stop falling down, LOL! :'(
This is the second time now I’ve regretted tossing out my leftover comfort (I didn’t know it’s uses, so out it went.) I think it’s gone down some so far.
Thanks! I love building projects!
Get well, you need to chase kids soon anyway! :)
Thank you! It’s coming along. Swelling is down and I can move it more. Still hobbling and crawling places though. My husband has been very helpful. He even kept me company as I slept in the chair and he slept on the couch. What a man.
Glad you are improving! If you have live comfrey (if not, plantain will do) mash a fresh leaf, and poultice your ankle.
Praying for your healing!
:)
Ouch...I have sprained my share of ankles in my "younger" days! Hopefully you will heal quickly and glad to hear it was not your ankle making the SNAP sound!
Although a sprained anything isn’t too serious of an injury, it’s still irritating. “Younger”? I don’t imagine you to be too old lol!
I get that alot (in person)....that will working in my favor as I get even older! hahaha
howdy there @hebrewhousewife! for not knowing what you were doing I thought the end product turned out really well, great job! Now Big Man might start giving you other things to build!
Haha... we’ll see about that! I have to say congratulations to you @janton! Check out this post: https://steemit.com/steemit/@penguinpablo/the-most-active-steem-accounts-in-the-last-7-days-or-july-10-16
You are number #18 with the most comments on your posts of the week. I think this reflects how much you are contributing to the community, and I congratulate you again!
I thought....hum, this could be me.
Homesteading life is full of challenges.
I wish you a speedy recovery!
I am new to Steemit and am loving all the amazing content.
Welcome sugarcreek! It sure is! Never a dull moment is there? And thanks! I’m walking on it now, but slowly. It’s still sore, but at least I can get around. It’s amazing how we take such simple things for granted, until we can’t do them anymore.
There’s such a wide variety of content here. Something for everyone. A tip to any newcomers, just be your genuine self, be social, and have fun!
Thanks for the tip 😉