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21 April, 2012

The Columns

The columns. Some folks have asked about them since the only thing that appeared in the blog till now was this photo showing columns at the end of the garden - and no detail. So, here's the story of the columns.
The Column Appears
They started off as plain old concrete columns that were destined to become a stair railing for the garden area. Carlos asked Dianna if she wanted a stone veneer applied just like back in the patio area. Dianna said yes, that it was a good idea and would help to unify everything.

I had wanted some sort of metal railing for the stairs. We had this piece of pipe left over from some project or other, so Carlos quickly incorporated it into the columns.
Hand Rail From the Side
I'm not sure that leaving the upper end exposed was the coolest thought we had about the project, especially since getting a cap for it seems to be somewhat problematical, but, it does give it that little original flair (sounds better than saying that we screwed up, right?).
Hand Rail - Back View
From looking up at the columns and rail, here's the next one looking down on the thing. Still need to find a cap for the end. I'll locate one sooner or later. It's not really a problem, just slowly solved, that's all.
Hand Rail - Looking Down
Of course, from this angle, we could call it a deck gun... "Swab out that barrel sailor! Load it and make sure your slow-match is burning brightly. On the up-roll... FIRE!"
Works As A Cannon Too

9 comments:

David said...

And I was just complimenting you on your penchant for producing drawings of your project before commencing. Betcha didn't on this one. You might want to cover or stuff the open end before it fills with water and bugs. I know you wouldn't want to have to suck on the end of a cannon.

Best
David

Dave Rider said...

Hi David,

You're right on both counts. No drawing on this (one of the few without it). I'm thinking of covering the opening with plastic and tape till I find a cap. Not only for bugs but rust.

Cheer,
Dave

JRinSC said...

It was the extended open end that threw me.

Still I think it looks fine.


Julian

Dave Rider said...

Hi Julian,

It kind of threw me too, but I'll get it taken care of soon (notice the confidence in that statement).

Cheers,
Dave

Lion Lady said...

April(a.k.Hi-Five) is a cutie and will rule the roost with your dogs and you too. If she plays with your hair at night, just don't move your feet to fast (under the blankets) or she'll really pounce. I knew you guys would end up w/ a kitty sooner or later. Animals are such a comfort !

Vivien said...

I do like the stone columns. I think that the railing looks like someone tried to kill the column, vampire style. Stake through the heart, kinda. I bet Dianna is thrilled.
I can send you some caps if you can't find them.

Dave Rider said...

Hi LL,

We saw Secret actually crouch down yesterday to play with April, so it won't be long and all four of them will be running us ragged.

Cheers,
Dave

Hi Vivien,

Vampire columns - hadn't thought of that. I'll find the caps here, just haven't checked at the right hardware store yet.

Cheers,
Dave

JRinSC said...

Hey Dave,

No reason why you can finish the railing off as a potato cannon. It has the right angle to get a spud to the canal and all you'd have to do is drill a little hole at the bottom to add an ingnitor. Might put a hole through the screen first though. Oh well... it would have been fun!!

Dave Rider said...

Hi Julian,

Dianna's old boss in Portland, Oregon, had a deck gun (actually, a saluting gun), mounted on a wheeled carriage, that was on his deck, complete with a gun port. He frequently blasted all the surrounding trees with potatoes. Quite the character. Used to host these magnificent black turkey parties too.

Cheers,
Dave