Enough of all this destruction! This weekend Matt and Dawn -- from H's side of the family -- came over and Matt spent most of the time constructing our new deck. I have to say, it was nice to have someone who actually knows what they are doing work on the house.

And have no doubts, I didn't help in the least. Matt does this for a living, and the last thing that he needed was someone like me --

little usable skills and high degree of enthusiasm -- to be constantly getting in his way.

We decided on the composite decking (similar to Trex but AZEK) to save on the upkeep and to have a lighter color not dependent on paint. Matt did the designing and the building -- and in both the craftsmanship is impeccable.

The final design has stairs running along the outside. He will return shortly to finish it up, at which time I'll pass on the pretty pictures to you.