I have A/C downstairs that hasn't been turned on in 10 years. My roomie hates A/C. She also doesn't like fans or windows open. My house is hot. (And in the winter it's very cold. I think her personal "thermostat" is broken.)One thing I do to keep the house a good 10 degrees cooler is put awnings up out front.
My brother Henry used to help, but he died about 18 months ago. Last year, Megs was visiting so she and her mom helped. Lydia helped me take them down.
I've been asking for help for a while, but it rains, or they can't come. Today I was sweating my butt off so I pleaded for help on Facebook. Lydia called and said she'd help. She'd even bring the dog to entertain the roomie.
We had some problems getting them up last year, and it was suggested that it's easier with the big poles in. It's not. Trust me. Unless you have the upper body strength of Mercury.
So we began with the big, 10-12 foot front awning. Some of the wing nuts were broken so it necessitated a trip to the neighborhood hardware store. (All project at my house require at least one trip to the hardware store!) Then I climbed up on the banister and Lydia was on the ladder at the other end holding it up. Sharon was holding the middle with a wash prop. It felt like there was 50 pound weights on my shoulders. I couldn't get the first clip to stay in. I did it a half dozen times. My shoulders were aching. I finally had Sharon pull that bottom pole out. So much easier.The first three clips stayed in. The fourth clip was broken, but with the help of a pliers I got it in.
I felt like I ran a marathon. I was sweating like a pig. I went less than 10 feet. It took almost an hour.
Then Lyd hopped on the center banister and we put the roll blind up. It doesn't roll right. It has an issue. I can't figure out what the issue is, but it's up and blocking the sun.
After a short break we tackled the other side. The top went quick. The side poles wouldn't screw in. The "screwing" jokes got out of control. We were quite naughty. Finally it worked.
Will they stay up. I hope so. I know I'll be terrified during the first summer wind storm.
It was a workout. We worked for 2 hours and 15 minutes. I was drenched and stinky. Every muscle in my shoulders and back hurts. (I didn't injure myself. I can still bend and reach.) I'm trying not to take any Advil.
The woman across the street has a service come and put hers up and take them down. She said it's expensive but worth it. I shall call them. I like the idea of awning fairies that come and put them up, take them down, and send you a bill.
