I am not a "Handy Andy!"

I do not have a tool chest full of gleaming steel screwdrivers and wrenches that would make Mr. Goodwrench envious. I always rely on car mechanics, air-conditioning technicians, green thumb gardeners and guys with rolled-up sleeves and a thousand keys dangling from their belts to keep my home in working condition. Growing up in an apartment in the Bronx did nothing for my engineering capabilities.

My idea, in short, was "A few pictures of Benjamin Franklin will solve all problems." Last week I broke my own rule.

I stained my own deck!

I could have paid to have it done, but I stained my own deck from start to finish.

A little self-doubt snuck in, but I persevered. I entered the Aboff's Paint Store in Syosset with timidity. The salesman sold me two cans of stain, an aluminum deepwell to hold the stain and a roller with a long pole. All for under $100 (or one picture of that famous Philadelphian Ben Franklin.)

Next, I had to check the weather report to make sure that it would not rain on my parade or on my deck as I was working. This June has been the rainiest June in history so I really had to be careful. Sweeping and blowing the leaves away was the next item.

Working that roller back and forth after dipping it in the aluminum pan gave me a great pride of accomplishment. The stain went on easy and covered a multitude of chips and cracks and marks on the surface of the deck. I was doing it myself and I was also saving a few bucks. Being a retired person anything that uses your free time positively is a great cause.

I was careful not to paint myself into a corner so as not to make use of that famous old adage. Slowly but surely the task was finished. And if I do say so myself, it looked "darn good." It rained the next day but by that time all the stain had dried to a lovely sheen.

I viewed my great accomplishment in the same manner as a general who has adopted a battle plan and everything had fallen into place perfectly.

Where should I go with my newfound skills? Maybe the garage walls and floors could use a touchup!