Renewal

Back on March 20, I started the renovation of the sukashigaki, or "see through fence," which separates the courtyard from the backyard and Dragon's Spine area. Today I finally finished the repairs.

I started in March because we had two days of warm weather which allowed me to dig new post holes and stain. However, very quickly, the weather turned cold and throughout April the weather was never good enough for me to continue. Last week I finally took the time to dismantle the small rails and posts of the panels. Originally, I thought I could just re-stain them, but they were in rough condition, so by taking them apart I could sand them down and the re-stain. 

It took at least three days of sanding, and then two days of staining before I could reassemble them and reinstall each panel.

I'm glad I took the time to do so. They look almost like new, even though the pieces are all ten years old. 

I also took the time to spray paint the brown post protectors at the bottom of each new post. 

The green spray paint matches well with the green stain and helps hide the protectors.

With the original copper caps reinstalled, the sukashigaki is complete. 

With luck, the fence won't need another renovation for another ten years.

Catch the Wind

As part of the garden shed redo project, I wanted to add a Japanese style lantern.

Initially, I purchased a wooden lantern, but quickly realized that it would not survive an extended outdoor exposure to weather.

I looked all over the internet for a possible faux lantern made of cast iron, but discovered only antique type lanterns that were overpriced. Real lanterns from Japan were extremely expensive at $300-$400. However, I recently discovered a small cast iron wind chime that looks like a lantern at Sill Sitting Meditation Supply for $89.

Although small, it is appropriately sized for the location under the shed eve.

Additionally, the prospect of lighting an actual lantern at the shed was not likely to happen, hence the suitability of a faux lantern. 

What I like about this wind chine is its appearance, the cast iron material, and the actual chime. The black color also compliments the nearby vegetable garden fence.

The product is imported from Japan, hence it has a degree of authenticity. I love it and it was well worth the price. All I need now is a warm summer day with a bit of wind.