A few years ago I took a season
off from scuba diving. My son had gone through some medical
issues that lasted for several months. The daily trips to
Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia took its toll on me. I
didn’t feel up to diving both mentally and physically.
I was looking for something to
do that summer other than fishing and golf; some type of
project that I could devote myself to – unlike anything I’ve
ever done before. It was while I was sitting in a hospital
waiting room that put me on that course.
My project was born right from
the pages of a home magazine. I was reading an article about
a man who built a wood fired brick oven in his back yard.
I’ve been a pizza lover my whole life. I enjoy eating and
making them. I’ve perfected my craft at home to the point
that friends and family look forward to the many pizza
parties I host.
How hard could this be? Dig a
foundation-slap down some concrete – throw up some bricks
and presto, brick oven pizza in a couple of weekends!
“What the hell was I thinking about?”
After some planning the project
began in early June and 6 months later, more than 95%
completed, I surrendered to the incoming winter weather.
Today, the oven is 99.99% done as I’m anxiously awaiting the
spring season so my friend can apply the final and color
coat of stucco and this project will be finished.
I have to say it was an
adventure. I never laid concrete or a brick in my life, but
did some research and asked some advice and embarked on a
project of a lifetime. I took my time and patiently
(sometimes painfully) figured
out each step before moving on. In the end, even I was
impressed with the results.
Looking back .
.
. Maybe I should have just gone
diving.
The fun begins
!
"Winston" -
guarding the project
Perhaps I
should have went diving this summer instead !
First of
several small curing fires.
Awaiting the
final and color layer of stucco.
Oven in
action !
Stay tuned for
more !
