This one is for the ladder leading up to the platform. The original plan called for something very steep (vertical) which wasn't suitable for our 2-year old. So I changed it and build a ladder/stairs. Works well and it gave me a good reason to finally get a table saw. What can I say, I love power tools.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
In-Between-Jobs-Project, Part 6: Getting crowded ...
OK, here we go, nearing completion. Installed the 12' long 4x6 swing beam which will hold one swing on either side. The swings are ordered and will be installed as soon as I get them.
In-Between-Jobs-Project, Part 5: Every once in a while ...
... it is a good idea to look at the plan again. But so far so good, got hte basic structure up and the slide installed. The boys already did a test run and it works great.
In-Between-Jobs-Project, Part 4: More help ...
After I built the two sides it was time to assemble the basic structure. After that, a bunch of 2x4s needed to be cut. To make hauling wood back and forth easier on my old back I recruited my two boys again. They were very eager to help. And it was much easier to keep them busy this way and away from the tools ...
In-Between-Jobs-Project, Part 3: Almost Done ...
... well, not quite but in the picture you can see the first of two sides. The plan calls for 6 4x4 redwood posts set in concrete. I slightly modified that. INstead of putting them in conrete (which makes the whole thing unmoveable), the whole structure rests on pressure-treated 4x4s. I know, I know, you shouldn't expose kids to pressure treated stuff but no worries, they will be covered. Anyway, that pressure treated 4x4s are then anchored in the ground using big construction stakes (scary looking nails (3/4 " thick and 3 feet long). That thing ain't going anywhere...
In-Between-Jobs-Project, Part 2: Find a site and hire helpers
After we got the pile of wood we now need to figure out where to put it. Oh yeah, and hire help. We recruit from our own family. Even though Jonas doesn't quite know the difference between centimeters and inches, he more than makes up for it by being big and strong (for a 2-year old).
Now that we leveled the site, we can start building the structure. The plan for it I bought on the Web. Makes it much simpler than trying to guess the dimensions from just a picture. Plan was cheap too, only $14 and it gives you the list of things to get (pile of wood, etc.).
Now that we leveled the site, we can start building the structure. The plan for it I bought on the Web. Makes it much simpler than trying to guess the dimensions from just a picture. Plan was cheap too, only $14 and it gives you the list of things to get (pile of wood, etc.).
In-Between-Jobs-Project, Part 1: A pile of wood
You may (or may not) remember that I did a little post-IBM project between my jobs at IBM and Yahoo!. This time I am not redoing a bathroom. before starting to work at Google I decided to do something nice for my two boys. I bought a pile of wood and turned it into a playstructure.
Monday, April 09, 2007
My new job ...
... will be at the best company to work for in 2006, according to Forbes Magazine. Yes, you guessed right, it is Google. I am leaving Yahoo after 16 months and will be heading over to Google in a couple of weeks. I have my last day at Yahoo! on Wednesday, will then take some time off to build a play structure in the backyard for my two boys and then show up at Google towards the end of the month. It was an interesting time at Yahoo! but hasn't quite matched my expectations. I am pretty fired up about joining Google and will let you know how it goes ...
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Go Sharks!
The guy in the picture is my buddy Chris at the Shark Tank, home of the San Jose Sharks. We have been enjoying a 10-game plan and it was the last regular season game. Although it was fan appreciation day and they were handing out prizes left and right, we didn't win anything. The game was pretty exciting, although the Sharks lost in overtime. But the good thing is, they qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Can't wait to go to the next game.
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