Let’s get something straight, I don’t consider myself to be a very good DIY kind of girl from an artsy crafty perspective. That being said, I’m a total doer. I don’t mind working but if a project involves tedious prep and more than a two-step process, I completely check out! I lose interest fast!
Now, what I do like is proving a point. To be more specific, I enjoy creating or making something that is sure to stun Mr. Chicken Fry and rock his world. Something that he reckons will be a flop. Perhaps it’s the way his voice delivers the words, “honey, you were RIGHT, this was a GREAT idea.” It’s literally music to my ears and puffs up my ego like no other!
We, the Abercrombie trio, were having a lazy family day this past Saturday afternoon. Our little threesome enjoying time with Sean the swan and a little down time in the pool. Out of the blue, I had the most magnificent idea. How cool would it be to have an umbrella in the middle of the pool. I marinated on my bright idea for about another 15 minutes before I mentioned it to Mr. Chicken Fry. He responded just as I presumed but with a bit more mockery than usual. The stage was set perfectly. I was about to be creative and awesome.
I knew we had an extra portable umbrella in the garage. I casually made my way out of the pool to fetch and assemble the umbrella. This took less than 2 minutes to complete. I came back to the pool holding the umbrella.
“That’s just great honey, now what are you going to do? stand there and hold it?” he said.
Man, if only I had a way to weigh it down!?!? Perplexed but not giving up I came across a handy Home Depot bucket! Oh yeah this was so going to work. If my physics were accurate, I could submerge the bucket and fill it with rocks. The rocks would also hold the umbrella upright and Voilà an anchored umbrella in the pool! Nanh nanh nah boo boo!
I did it! Winning!!!
Boy did I gloat…and float! I did a little sun bathing, napping and pool pole dancing while the other two humans shook their heads in spontaneous laughter. Who cares what those two think! My work was done and I was rightfully rewarded with congratulatory bubbly. My cabana boy was eager to serve and participate!!
Yep, I single-handedly crafted a useful inexpensive pool toy! And guess what you can too!
Basically for about $15 bucks (the cost of the umbrella and bucket) and 8 minutes of labor you too can have an umbrella in your pool! I added the conch and sea shells for decoration. I felt such achievement. I’m no Cassie Sugarplum that’s forsure but I saw a need and fulfilled my project. And what’s more, I got my awaited and deserved “atta girl” from Mr. Chicken Fry. He’s so romantic!
The bucket says it all! I did this!
Do you have a summer DIY project going? Share your story!
Angi xo