The ups and downs of trying one’s hand at DIY

Creativity is something most of us crave at some stage in our lives. We observe, not without a certain degree of jealousy, what others have accomplished or what they are capable of, and then that urge to be able to achieve the very same becomes literally an uncontrollable desire. But, often, we doubt our own abilities.

Scarcely had we, as a young married couple, achieved the goal of having our own house in the early 70’s, or we started planning more activities. We set ourselves up for achieving higher goals, even though we lacked the finer know-how. We were simply driven by sheer determination and grit, maybe even a good measure of obstinacy.

Money was, as usual, quite tight. The new house lacked a few amenities such as an additional cupboard in the small scullery. Some friends of mine were hands-on guys, and if they could, so could I. But how?

Gradually the cupboard took on shape and I started relaxing, but then the design and fitting of the doors were the final task. That nearly became the last nail in my coffin, but I survived even that, so much so that my shares in my late wife’s eyes skyrocketed. And the sky was the limit. She quickly thought of the next enterprise.


We needed a braai!

The location was determined; I prepared and poured the foundations for the semi-circular wall – manually. Eventually the braai itself, roughly in the shape of a hive with its own chimney, also took shape. The chimney was built with face brick, and it looked quite impressive. My pride in this achievement knew no boundaries.

In the meantime, I also spent time building short brick supports perpendicular to the ring wall. On these supports wooden slats were to be installed as seating. Naturally I had to remember to use a wood primer before a final coat of oil paint. I had a lot to learn... and this was long before Dr Google.

Would it not be great to have our first barbecue in our very own hangout when Christmas comes? At last, the great day arrived. I kindled a fire in the braai with bated breath but also great expectation.

Then disaster struck.
At first the fire burned merrily, but then the smoke came back like a boomerang. I watched the top of the chimney and could see the first plumes of smoke lazily curling upwards, but something was amiss. Most of the smoke was coming out of the mouth of the braai and threatened to smother everyone in close proximity. Tears streamed down my cheeks and I started coughing.

The chimney was too small, and didn’t allow for a proper draught. That Christmas was a very “hazy” one. I still had much to learn.

1982 - and yet another DIY project was tackled.



Nickey van Zyl