a new fort

We used to have a trampoline in our backyard.  But as you can see from this photo, it has seen better days. This particular trampoline is what would currently be charmingly classified as "vintage". Though it might more accurately be referred to as a "death trap." My Dad installed it in our backyard when I was but a wee girl, and had the brilliant and literally groundbreaking idea of digging a hole and making it flush with the lawn. The better for us not to injure ourselves on it my dear. And it was a very good idea. There were no falling off the trampoline accidents in our back yard thankyouverymuch! This was all in the olden days mind you, before the advent of fancy net-surrounded, spring-free trampolines. Ah yes, we were the last generation that was free to take the exhilarating risk of injuring ourselves while at play. The good old days.... But sadly (or not) those days are no more. And we thought about refurbishing our in-ground trampoline. It was an excellent back yard amusement. Cheaper than a pool, (and possibly safer, even with the exposed springs and metal edges) and just a fun. But upon considering the considerable expense of replacing the springs, the matt and buying safety pads to go around it, we decided that perhaps it was time to pack in the trampoline. It had a good 30 year run, and it was time to move on... ...to an in-ground fort!

Hubs, being both handy and thrifty, has masterminded this project. The materials were salvaged from some industrial crates he found in a nearby parking lot last year. Those triangular cut-outs were already there, and are proving to be the most popular feature of the fort so far, as they make it climb-able. 

And who doesn't like to climb?

Those leaves will eventually be raked out of there, and there is talk of flooring and a small stove (!) so that it can be a winter fort. But for now there is much jumping into leaves. And then much picking slugs off your jacket. Ah, nature. 

While Hubs and the boys were working on this, Grandpa was busy bombing around the valley in his skid steer, doing a little last bit of landscaping before the frost really sets in. 

The Little Guy called him away from his work to show him the fort, and then called him away from the fort to inspect the machinery. 

L.D. and Hubs were still hard at work. Its not done yet, but there is talk of tarps and wind-proofing. I'll keep you posted. And perhaps someday we'll be able to sit in our cozy underground fort enjoying hot cocoa while the wind and snow blow outside.