DIY projects and the people who do them are fascinating. I don’t need to say that there are a lot of DIY websites out there. Their DIY projects are wonderfully planned and executed. They make it look so easy!

I consider myself handy with most tasks but I never considered myself capable of doing the “bigger than usual” DIY projects.

My first “real” DIY project came by chance. The plum trees at the backyard became sickly after a colony of ants decided to call it their home. It had to go.

The backyard lay bare after the trees were gone. There was a sore sight at the very back of the yard and we knew we had to do something about it to make it useful. Building a deck and pergola made our eyes twinkle since we wanted a cozy nook.

“I’ll help!”, I told my wife. “It will save us money if I help instead of hiring another guy”.

Three days of aching back and sore limbs followed. I slept like dead and snored like a thousand chainsaws! The basic structure of a deck and pergola took shape by the end of three days.

The finishing touches are still ongoing. Ideas don’t run out on how to spruce up a deck and pergola. The surrounding area benefit as well. Paver stones, dry creek bed, and landscaping has to match the deck and pergola.

This DIY project gave me some experience and confidence to do more DIY projects. I feel like an apprentice fresh with new skills and ideas. It gave me personal satisfaction for what I achieved and learned.