~o~
Sunday 7th 43F/6C [7.30] A grey, wet and windy day.
Up at 6.30 after a busy night. I had brought down a winter, down duvet to see if it helped me sleep. It proved to be too heavy and too hot for the living room. Where the temperature at bedtime is close to 70F/21C. Much warmer than when it was used upstairs in the bedroom. So I had to take it off and retrieve the summer weight duvet from upstairs. I was much more comfortable after that.
I have started to wear synthetic long johns and matching, long armed vests again. They used to be the norm every winter. They are warm and comfortable for sleeping and just sitting around. Which means I am not pressed to light the stove at the crack of dawn.
9.40 Back from a short walk. It was misty with very light drizzle and a light, southerly breeze. Being passed by speeding cars with their tire spray and noise was no fun. So I limited myself to a loop of the neighbours' drives. Just to get away from the traffic. I was gone for no more than 20 minutes. At least I got out. The guard dog did not bark today.
I have had a new idea for lifting the carport. I will remove the central polycarbonate sheet. Then lift one side of the carport at a time. Using an A-frame of ladders and the chain hoist. The problem has always been the lack of access to frame members for the lift. The roof covering hides the structural gutters.
Removing the twin-wall polycarbonate panel is a bore but necessary. To expose the sturdy gutter sections. I may be able to get away with freeing only a limited length of the arched, roof panel. Accessing the central section to refit the fixing screws would be very difficult once raised. It was difficult enough while resting on the ground.
The first lift is to allow the first pair of legs to be bolted to the gutter section on one side. Leaving the carport roof resting at an angle. This is only to just above head height.
The second lift is to raise the whole carport. While rotating it upright on the feet of the initial pair of legs. This lift will be heavier and higher. I must avoid bending the first legs. Once upright, the second pair of legs can be attached.
Can I do all this safely while working alone? The chain hoist has plenty of load capacity. Are the ladders tall enough to allow the chain hoist to dangle from their junction at the top? Yes. Should I attach the feet of the first pair to the foundation blocks? To ensure initial location. Rather than having to lift the entire carport bodily and then moving it laterally. Not an easy task on loose gravel. Though there is always scrap plywood to hand.
I have just been outside to erect the ladder A-frame and do some measuring. The other ladders can act as side braces to avoid potential instability. It is miserable out there and feels too cold and wet. To be doing this sort of thing today.
18.30 I have just taken two recycling bins along the drive in the dark. Stove lit. Time to think about making some dinner.
Dinner was beans on toast.
~o~
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