Paradise Perks
Life in the RV park had its own Walmart (not the real one), but a recycling corner where residents left behind treasures: books, patio chairs, even working appliances. There was also our little “shopping channel” on Facebook just for the park. Best of all, it was free.
So when a nine-foot gazebo showed up? Mine!
Father’s Day Fiasco
The catch: it had to be moved on Father’s Day at 1:30 p.m. sharp. No prep, no men available, just three women (me, a friend, a stranger and the owner) staring down this monster structure. Curtains still hung, roof intact, woodpiles and planters stacked like barricades all around.
The owner’s plan: take off two legs, tilt it, and squeeze it out the gate.
My plan: take off all the legs and make it easier.
Result: we did it her way.
Woman Power, Wobbling
We pulled the curtains, unbolted two legs, and dropped the roof onto pallets. Then along came Wendy, a stranger with a 2×4 and a willingness (?) to join the madness. Perfect timing.
3 of us hoisted the roof onto our shoulders (while the owner barked orders), we staggered through the yard like a tipsy parade. Every two feet, something blocked us (grasses, tables, woodpiles), forcing us to freeze mid-lift while clutter got shuffled again. Pivot, shuffle, swear. Repeat.
The Fence Finale
At last, the six-foot fence loomed. My plan: balance the gazebo roof on top, slide it over, then drop it onto a dolly. It almost worked… until Wendy’s hand got squished between fence and roof. Quick reflexes saved her fingers, and with one final shove, over it went.
I wedged a dolly underneath, steering blind from inside while the others pushed gleefully from outside. Every dip in the road threatened to dump it, but somehow it held for the one block parade.
Victory (Sort Of)
Four sweaty, blistered, cursing women rolled that beast down the street and into my yard. Legs reattached, roof settled, gazebo standing. Four hours for a “free” treasure.
Lesson learned: sometimes free costs more than money.