I’ve been spending a lot of time in the countryside these past weeks, trying to finish painting all the roofs in our yard. Working doing proper manual labour is a great contrast, a welcome one at that, to what I do with photography. I’ve kind of missed doing something with my hands, seeing some actual tangible results from what I do. Though I wouldn’t want to be covered in speckles of paint every day, but every once in a while it’s fine.
Luckily I’m not at all afraid of heights and did spend my childhood climbing these roofs, be it summer or winter, so I’m perfect for the job. Though I am more mindful now and wouldn’t do all the same stuff as I did when I was little.
I remember one incident when I was maybe 13-years-old and standing on the very egde of the roof on one leg, just watching the scenery, when an ambulance drove past. They slowed down and almost stopped, both people inside looking up at me and me observing them while keeping my balance. The same thing happened the next day, though now they drove past a little faster, and after that I think they realised I’m not trying to jump or wasn’t in any danger to begin with and they didn’t slow down ever again. It was pretty funny.
The painting project is going well with proper equipment, but it being autumn already, we have to wait for a dry day to finish. I had a lot of fun operating the lift and painting, it was sooooo fast compared to having to move ladders and all that which I had to do in the beginning of the project.
I’m afraid I need to learn some wood work next summer because the work never ends when it comes to repairing old farm buildings and houses.
