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This weekend in Chicagoland was amazingly beautiful.  Highs in the low 70′s, clear and sunny.  A small breeze.

So, what to do on such a wonderful weekend?

Stain the fence, that’s what.  A job I have dreaded since having the fence installed last October.

And, I was right to dread it.  What an awful, boring, painstaking job it is.

Initially, I thought the whole family would be able to help.  I mean, who cares when it’s outside, right?  Well, all the kids wanted to help, but we quickly determined that my original thought on the matter was completely delusional.  Which led to a LOT of tears.  (Can’t wait for the teenage years – then there will be lots of tears because they HAVE to do the job).

Jack, actually, was able to help and did a good job.  He talked CONSTANTLY as he worked, but he was a real trooper and kept at it.  Dan and I, of course, did most of the work.

On Saturday, we bought our supplies and completed the small section of fence between the house and the garage.  On Sunday, we were able to complete all but 6 sections of fence (there are 21 sections).  The completed sections look GREAT (if you don’t get close enough to see the drip marks) and the fence will look sensational once it’s finished.  I conned Dan into working on it this evening by letting him off kid duty.  He’s out there now with Jack.  I’m praying they get a lot done, but I’m not holding my breath.  It’ll be my turn tomorrow.

When it’s finished, I’ll post some before and after pics here.

Now… I’m off to find some Advil for my aching back and to pour Dan a cold one for when he comes in.