Exterior Design and the Elements

It’s so much easier to make exterior design decisions in the mild or warm weather. Tonight, to combat the early evening chill, as the dark clouds formed nearly 360 degrees around the city, the wind blew in cold aggressive gusts, and the visible precipitation dangled over the crest in a misty layer of cold grey fuzz, we (outsmarting the elements), sat in the car to commiserate about stucco color options. Brrrrr……. (Hey Amy!)
In extreme contrast, I remember thinking one beastly summer day,”I’m glad I’m not a roofer.” And, as a result, I spent several minutes not only being thankful, but appreciative of those who perform the manual trades in less than desirable conditions – and if you do stop and think about it – there are many!!
Everything in the construction industry – our built environment – the utilities – down to the last detail of the person capably in charge of hand over hand pulling the – ok –screed/squeegee thing across the surface of the freshly poured, malleable, cement in order to create YOUR smooth concrete driveway is practicing a craft that is of great value in our world. Think about it.
Yes, think about it. In a future blog, I will speak the unspoken discussion about the value of “the trades’” because it is a passion about which I firmly believe. Meanwhile, notice your surroundings and how they got to be what there are…appreciate those that made it happen.