C'mon who doesn't love a good storm??

ME!! Nuff said. This is what we woke up to after last nights amazing storm. I confess, I love a good thunderstorm but this was a bit of ridiculous. I am pretty sure somewhere someone in the neighborhood was building an ark and gathering animals.



When they built the fences in our area of new development about 5 years ago, clearly they didn't have many options for builders. I am going to go out on a limb and say that I think that my niece and nephews could have build a better fence with Leggos or Lincoln Logs. Cheap materials + shotty construction + Texas wind, does not a good fence make. Here is a quick tip for those of you with fences. Look at your posts. Does the dirt touch the wood post or does the concrete plug keep the dirt away?? If you have earth on wood, you will have a problem!! The ground retains moisture and if the post is touching the moist earth, it soaks in moisture constantly and cant ever dry out. This leads to rotting wood, and guess how strong rotten wood is in the Texas wind?? If you have any doubts, refer to the pictures above.

We have had wind damage to the fence every year for the past several years. Fence repair ranks on my "Fun Chart" right below scaling and planing at the dentist. (Google it and then pray it is your only exposure to the words!) Oddly enough, when you get the chance to be closer with your neighbors, a downed fence seems like you are breaking down barriers and working towards a more close knit neighborhood. All it really does is leave you feeling naked and exposed. Like when you woke up in the front yard with no pants on and you have that realization that you don't even know whose yard it is and your cellphone is most likely in your pants. Basically, repairing fences requires 2 to 3 more people than you can have present at any given time and it is the perfect way to figure out just how long it has been since your last workout. Cussing and bleeding are requirements as well so be sure to prepare for that.  Beer seems like a good partner for this sort of work, but it only leads to more cussing and bleeding.

If you want to spend HOURS working with little or no progress to show for it, then do it yourself fence repair is for you. If not, call a professional. This was the route I chose this time as there is too much damage, all the wooden parts are falling apart from rot and I just don't think we should feel like Sisyphus, AGAIN. Yes, he is the push the rock up the hill guy, Google it. Don't you feel like you get some really great exposure to potential trivia questions by reading my blog?? That's how The Mig stays so smart!!

So long story short, I have 2 crews coming to give us estimates in the morning, and I really need good news on replacement options and pricing. Send positive vibes everyone. I'm sure this will provide great fodder for future postings. Until then, goodnight and have a pleasant tomorrow!!!