Material

Our Nesting platform took two months to build. There was what is known today as a “learning curve”. I’m sure you know what I mean, as you all seem to be computer literate. But the learning curve for the Doctor to master the use of his new tools and construction technique, was a long one.

Assembling the necessary material was easy: stop at ACE hardware on the way home; pick up two 2×6’s, each 8 feet long to be cut in half; one 1×6 8 foot long to be cut in half; a bunch of nails and screws, and four right angle brackets. All stainless steel of course. The guy at the hardware store even cut the boards for him. The 25 foot marine treated 4×6 post was delivered the next day by one of their trucks. How easy can it get.

Tools

Now he needed the tools. The Doctor has no tools. He thinks there is a screwdriver and pair of pliers in the kitchen drawer, and perhaps a hammer in the tool shed, but that is about it. Searching his big nest, he only came up with a pocket knife and a roll of duct tape. There was plenty of fishing line. The hardware store clerk gave him a yard stick. But he needed more! He needed some of the big tools like a saw and a drill.

Another great idea! Where to they come from?

“Not a problem” He suddenly realized.

The Doctor’s grandfather, Mr. Halsey Paul, owned the Paul Motor Company* in Beaufort for 45 years.

Surely there must be some tools in the old garage. And there were.

The Doctor went straight to Front Street and searched the old building. Jack pot! He found just what he needed.

A saw.

A drill.

Some screwdrivers

And this thing, a hanger of some sort.

Finally, he was ready.

So, collecting the material was easy. Obtaining the necessary tools was easy. Can you guess what was not easy?

Construction

Every time he hit a nail it went like this:

Or like this

“Must have gotten some defective nails”, he thought.

But the screws were no better.

Defective screws

Maybe the wood is too hard.

I’ll spare you the rest of the details; it took two months to build.

The learning curve was long. But on March 3, 2013 it was complete, just three weeks before Ozzie’s arrival.  The Doctor was proud.