New Deck with a side of Tetanus

You certainly don't think there would ever be a project done here that didn't involve some type of shenanigans, do you? At least this time, it didn't involve water!
The project du jour was to replace the original decking that came with the house. Our friend/builder here, is standing on the addition, after having taken all the old boards off. But, the excitement of the day, started earlier than this...
Steve went with our friend, to buy and load the boards. When they returned, I was advised that Steve had a splinter in his forearm, that needed "tending to". Please let it be noted: because of the lesson learned (listed in the previous blog post), I did not make fun of him for what appeared to be a slight injury.
As any good wife/mother knows, all good home surgeries take place in the bathroom - simply stocked with supplies of alcohol, peroxide and tweezers. HOLY COW! I was expecting the usual hairlike sliver, not these timbers! After tugging out that second one, Steve told me he wanted to go lay down when I was done - he wasn't feeling good. I know NOW this is code for "I am going to pass out before I hit the door". Oh yeah, right to the floor! Builders outside tearing up the deck, Steve passing out inside! Because I saw a third splinter I couldn't get, I called Mom/Fred to come drive Steve to the Dr and have them do it...with all the trimmings. The Dr didn't pry anymore, but ordered a tetanus shot and said to keep it clean and watch it. Really?! I could have done that! Anyway, here are the splinters compared to a dime and a toothpick. Ouch!
The deck is done, and I thought I would share a couple other new yard shots. This Amish wagon wheel was a birthday present. It sits at an angle to the fence, and has yellow coreopsis and pink dianthus planted around it. There is some purple CatMint at the ends, too. Cant wait to see this in fuller bloom next year.
Finding this huge pile of shelled sunflower seeds, under the deck, probably explains where Mr. Chipmunk hangs out most of the time!
Here is another new planting. Its an ornamental tree/bush called Nine Bark. I planted this bush near a gift plaque that says" In Memory of Pete and Gracie". To the right, are two paw print stepping stones that my cousin made years ago, with their names etched in them. Get it?...the bush is called Nine "Bark". I think later, I might add some chimes here.
This quacker flew into the yard while I was taking pictures, to have a snack under the bird feeder (which was probably missing all the sunflower seeds, right?). He let me get pretty close, and then I stalked him so I could get an "in-flight" picture. Yeah, I am working on it.
Enjoy your weekend...Splinter-free!