depolorization

About a week ago, a good friend sent me a text with a picture of some 1970’s Birkenstock sandals. They belonged to Steve Jobs, one of the founders of Apple Computer. The sandals had been auctioned off for $218K. That is just crazy!

However, I do understand the ‘lure’ of a good pair of Birkenstocks. I’ve had my Birkenstock clogs or Birkies, as I call them, for nearly 42 years. I purchased them in 1981, while living in San Diego.

It has become a passion of mine to keep them going until my final days. Why would this be so? What is the point in keeping these shoes alive?

For me, they are a portal to my past. Each time I slip them on, I am transported to another time in my life. A time filled with dreams of possibly working with zoo animals and living at the beach. A time filled with dreams of the future.

And… I know it’s hard to believe, but some individuals do not like my clogs. It was even suggested to use them as planters on the patio wall. Really! These are priceless and need to live on. Perhaps they are even an extension of my soul (sole)?

So, if the individual who purchased Steve Jobs’ Birkies wants to know… they can easily be resoled and recorked. You can keep your investment alive forever! Wear them, travel back in time to the ‘Home Brew Computer Club,’ and tell “The Woz” hello for me.

Enjoy your Birkenstocks – your feet will thank you!

A Dahlia is a tuberous plant that produces incredible flowers. They are in the same family as the sunflower, daisy, and chrysanthemum.

Dahlias do like full sun, however, not “hellish-like” sun that we sometimes experience. Last summer we decided to put up a temporary lattice cover over the plants. That really made a difference in the flower’s longevity. In other words, it kept them from ‘spontaneous combustion.’

The lattice worked so well, I thought I’d design a more permanent set up. I came up with this idea using two 4′ x 6″ high poles, with a lattice-hinged top. The hinges allow you to rotate the lattice upward, and out of your way, for work on the dahlias.

I began by cutting the lattice to size and framing it. See my post Privacy Fence Toppers for tips on framing lattice. I learned a lot on that project.

I attached a piece of 2″ x 3″ lumber (the length of the lattice) on the backside. This will sit on top of the two poles, and the hinges will be attached to it as well.

There was already an exiting post on the left side, so I only had to dig one post hole (oh what fun!). The poles will not support much weight, so I dug down 15 inches.

I leveled the post to make sure it was straight, and then secured it. I bought some ‘quick dry’ concrete to set it in position.

Tip: Do not cut your poles to the desired height until set in concrete. Once set, then cut them. Post holes are often dug to different depths. If you precut the poles, and then set them in concrete, you will likely find that your poles are all at different heights. This will make you very unhappy.