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!
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!
Hope the rain holds off until the concrete is ready for a little water…
I thought you watered it so that it’d get bigger. You pour a small patio, water it, and end up with a bigger patio.
I crack myself up. LOL
And why no pictures???
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.
Hope your patio turns out beautifully, and I definitely hope the weather doesn’t wreck it. You’ll be able to enjoy it soon.
This is the BEST news I’ve heard all day!! YES. I’m especially loving the “pressing of a pattern” aspect. Please include pics sometime. LOVE IT.
That’s awful–the rain we got last night just seemed so bizarre, I guess because it hasn’t rained in so long.
you know this is all useless without pictures! Let us see 😉
Praying for no rain for you, but rain for us. We could use it.
LURVES my new exposed aggregate patio. LURVES IT!
KEEP BELIEVING
That will look lovely. And you can still make it white-trashy with plastic furniture and a burn barrel.
Yes, we need pictures. And remind to send you my review copy of the funny new book White Trash Mom (by the blogger of the same name). I haven’t received my copy yet, so it will be a few weeks, but nudge me in Sept. if you want it.