September 4, 2002
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ROOF REPAIR–PHASE TWO
Yesterday the wind had died down and the sun came out and we were on the roof about six hours before I ran out of steam. The combination of peaches for breakfast, pizza for lunch, and the fumes of the roof sealing goo was nauseating, and I had to stop a few times for a hit of anti-nausea medicine, but we got a bunch done.
Before we could add a third tarp and seal the edges of the second one, I had to cut four holes for vents: bathroom sink, tub, exhaust fan and furnace, and then seal them. I considered posting a pic of my hands, but it’s too disgusting. I was using disposable latex gloves. They stuck to the goo and tore when I tried to disengage, so I ended up with black residue that may be with me a while. It doesn’t wash off, but does occasionally leave smudges in precisely the wrong places if I’m not careful.
Doug and I probably entertained the neighbors. I could hear the sounds of hammering and such, and a few voices now and then. None of them was raised enough to tell what was said, but I think Doug and I yelled loud enough a few times to convey a message to the entire neighborhood. Here’s a sample of the dialog:
Mom: While I spread this goo, you lace the edges of the two tarps together.
(Then follows the old familiar cluster-fuck while he unwraps, unfolds and fiddles with the new tarp. Meanwhile, my task is done and I start the lacing.)
Kid: I thought you wanted me to do that.
Mom: I did, but it wasn’t getting done. Here, go ahead and do it.
Kid: Are you sure you won’t grab it and start doing it yourself?
Mom: I will IF YOU DON’T GET ON IT! Let’s get this job done, PLEASE.
In all fairness, although he was not a lot of help on the roof, he did make seven or so trips up and down the ladder, toting materials and fetching drinks and anti-nausea stuff for me. This meant I only had to make the one trip and could conserve my energy for the work at hand.
By the time I was ready to quit, I was no longer creeping, crawling or duckwalking from point to point as I worked. I was doing it the easy way, lying down and rolling. Today rain is threatening and my muscles are still singing with lactic acid from yesterday. Greyfox is home, so it’s pretty much a day off for all of us.
End of phase two, work about two fifths completed.
Comments (10)
My GAWD! I became tired simply from reading this!
Hey … while you’re up on the roof, can you please tell that El Nino heading your way to bring it’s sweet arse back my way? It was supposed to be MY El Nino winter, not yours. Monster Jock and I need the over time money.
I’ll give ya fifty bucks if it comes back, okay?
Okay. Deal.
sweet lawd..that’s not gotta be fun
Hmmmm…if y’all would like a job, mine could be next.
onward! looking good
*chuckle* Well, it does look good, Susu. I just hope you finish it on time.
As for the goo, try some alcohol, peroxide, or even mineral spirits.One of those *should* work. Take care, and don’t hurt yourself, ok? *HUGS* & pax~Z
Time and wear are taking care of the goo on my hands. Alcohol and peroxide failed–tired them right away. The more volatile solvents will have to wait until the job is finished. They’re toxic and can be absorbed through the skin. I’m SENSITIVE to such things.
Comming along nicely! I’d use some gas on a rag to get tar off my hands, of course I am not one of sensitive persuasion. I hope your endevour pays off. I would be using some strapping and tar along the seams…but hey..to each thier own.
I may try it that way next time. This is OJT for me., learning as I go.
lying down and rolling…hee hee heeeee! you made me laugh…hard…
thanks!
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