Help Arrives!

Emily and Mike unpacked the gazebo package and laid out the floor on Friday afternoon of last week.  They could not begin any earlier that day because it was raining.  However, we needed Emily's help so work began as soon as the rain let up.  Her spring break was over in only a couple of days.

On Saturday we recruited more help.  Laura left St. Louis early to come and provide a third pair of hands.  However, she was late to arrive because she had to pick up the bribe.  I wanted the bribe to entice both girls to work on the gazebo.  It was a Caramel Apple Walnut Pie from Eckerts.  It was devoured quickly so I think it was an excellent idea for a bribe.  

While waiting for the bribe, Mike and Emily put in the posts and walls of the gazebo.  Then the heavy work began.  The roof.  

The roof was made up of 8 triangular singled pieces with a cupola for the middle.  It took the rest of the afternoon to get the roof in place.  The three Peterson had to carry each piece to the work site and then fasten each one up on the the roof individually.  It took three of them to get each piece on the roof and then two would hold while Mike drilled.  They also used a wood brace stationed in the center of the gazebo to help hold the pieces until all were installed.  

When they got to the last piece, they discovered that the roof was too low.  After much consultation and referring to the instructions, Mike devised a solution.  

Mike added a jack to the wood brace located in the center of the gazebo.  It worked like a charm.  Once the roof was high enough, they fastened it in place.  

It had been a long, physically, mentally and emotionally draining day.  The cupola and finishing touches were going to have to wait till later.