Deck Transformations

Yesterday brought lower deck cleaning that transformed the hot tub space, a quest for storage containers yielding wooden boxes at Bi-Mart, and a squeezed-in Planet Fitness workout where I caught up with Steve. Brief beer at Suds with yet another new bartender got cut short by a call that canceled, leaving time for Minecraft before yoga. Post-yoga conversation with Cathy about organizational change, while separately noticing Suds now runs two shifts daily—new rhythms, new bartenders, new patterns emerging from what used to be stable.

Spaces and Schedules in Flux

October 10, 2025

Most of yesterday morning belonged to cleaning the lower deck. The hot tub deck is now much nicer—transformed from gray patina-covered surface to actual usable space. With the upper deck clean and the lower deck restored, I can now move the upper deck seat cushions down for winter storage. The outdoor furniture system reorganized for seasonal reality, protecting what needs protection while keeping what can stay exposed.

Went on a quest for storage containers that took me through several stores before landing at Bi-Mart. One stop was Coastal, where the new chicks are available—sent a video to Loni and Sydne, who will probably check them out this weekend. Eventually found wooden boxes at Bi-Mart that will work perfectly. Sometimes the simplest solutions work best—sturdy boxes that will hold what needs holding without requiring complicated shopping decisions or expensive specialty storage systems.

Squeezed in a workout at Planet Fitness. Short session, but movement counts even when time is limited. Ran into Steve there and caught up briefly. Good to see him, those chance encounters at the gym creating social connection without requiring scheduled coordination.

Stopped by Suds to see Michael and Mary. Suds had yet another new bartender—the rotation continues, faces changing faster than I can learn names. One beer quickly because I needed to be home for a scheduled call. Sometimes visits get compressed by logistics rather than desire.

Got home just in time to discover the call had canceled on me. The universe's sense of humor, I suppose. Played Minecraft for a bit, making productive use of unexpectedly freed time, then headed to yoga.

Post-yoga beer with Cathy provided the day's best conversation—discussing organizational change in general, the challenges and opportunities that come with restructuring systems and processes. Separately, I noticed that Suds has shifted to two shifts per day now, restructuring how the bar operates. Brittany was the evening bartender, part of this new organizational model. Changes like this ripple through social spaces, creating different rhythms, different crowds, different energy at different times. Not better or worse necessarily, just different patterns emerging from new structures.

Came home and watched the usual TV shows. The Greatest Controversies explored Judas Iscariot—the ultimate betrayer, or misunderstood figure serving necessary role in salvation narrative? Depends on which sources you trust and how you interpret limited historical record. Hogan's Heroes continues its progression through season three. I later discovered the series ran for six seasons total, so I'm only halfway through. It's interesting how it has evolved even up to this point—the writing more sophisticated, the character dynamics deeper, the plots more confident in their execution. Shows that last develop their own momentum, finding their voice through repetition and refinement.

The day accumulated around the theme of transformation—decks cleaned and reorganized, Suds restructuring operations, even Hogan's Heroes evolving through its middle seasons. Everything shifts, nothing stays exactly as it was. The question is whether you adapt to the changes or resist them. Yesterday mostly felt like adaptation—accepting new bartenders, adjusting to canceled calls, reorganizing deck furniture for different seasons. Small flexibilities that keep life functioning even when the structure underneath keeps evolving.

The next few days will be busy with friends and family visiting. The deck cleaning and organization work yesterday was well-timed preparation for that influx of social connection.

Shot through my window yesterday morning