where wildly different is perfectly normal
Buh-bye, white trash patio!
Buh-bye, white trash patio!

Buh-bye, white trash patio!

Guess what I’m watching right now? The dryer, as it spins around in technicolor glory? Nope (oh, and haven’t even started to figure out how in hell I’m getting everything clean). My sons, as they play Indiana Jones vs. Darth Vader? Nope, through the glory that is all-day church camp, they’re outta here until 3 this afternoon.

No, I am watching concrete workers spread rust-colored concrete on my back stoop, to be followed by spreading of rust-colored concrete in my backyard for our patio, ending with spreading of rust-colored concrete onto a newly-built (and much needed; 18 inches is a BIG leap) step. Then there will be pressing of a pattern onto aforementioned concrete.

AND THEN THERE WILL BE MUCH REJOICING.

And then rain.

Because, when you’re in a severe summer drought, what better time to rain than right on top of my freshly poured concrete? Hmmmm???

Sumbitch, I can’t wait for this to be done!

11 Comments

  1. Yay!! And, I don’t think the rain is going to be problem. You’re supposed to “water” fresh concrete after it’s poured, because it helps it to cure. When I had my new driveway/patio/garage slab poured a few years ago, the guy told me to be sure and water it because (and, God, I hope I remembered this right) if the top layer is allowed to dry completely, the cement under it would never dry properly, so you have to keep the top of it wet so the moisture from within can evaporate. I’m sure one of your other readers can correct me if this isn’t exactly it. Just think, by this weekend, you’ll be able to sit and enjoy your new patio! Woo hoo!

  2. Lisa is correct. Fresh concrete must be kept moist, preferably overnight after it is poured. When I worked in bridge construction, and we poured enormous sections or concrete (think four lanes wide!!!) we would cover them with burlap that had been rolled up and saturated with water. We would unroll the nasty wet thing and lay it across the width of the bridge, making sure to not allow any bare spots between the strips of burlap (they were about 24 inches wide). After we had made some progress, one of the guys coming along behind us would power up the sprinkler system (sometimes it was just one of those perforated green garden hose sprinklers) to keep everything damp until morning. Sometimes guys would come after them and spread tarps across as well, covering up hoses and burlap and concrete as well. The next morning we’d come in and have to peel all that wet, nasty stuff up and get it ready for the next week’s pour.

    So, long story short: the rain won’t hurt it.

Whaddya think?

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