8 Gallons of Glass

Who knew a glass table top would fit so perfectly into an 8 gallon trashcan. (If you did, please don't spoil it for the others.)

So... that might not make sense. It's okay. I'm totally about to out myself and explain it to you.

Remember last 4th of July? (Like... not THIS 4th of July... but LAST 4th of July...) That big huge storm we had? If you weren't here... that big huge storm we had Saturday? If you don't live in Italy... uhm... Irene? Okay. So you get the point.

I wish I could say that this particular instance happened during Irene, or Saturday... or even THIS 4th of July, but alas. It did not. Do the math. My poor patio table has been laying in a pile of amazingly stagnant shards since July 4, 2010. Before you get all freaked out or anything, it's upstairs, on my balcony patio where no one ever goes. Ever. Well, since we no longer had a nice patio table to sit and enjoy the evenings...

Anyhow. I put up a clothesline. (Just wait. It all ties together.) I rigged it to go from my garage to the corner of my balcony patio. (See?) Today I rigged it right (went to Bricofer and bought pullies and the little hook and bolt thingies... hey. I may not know what they're called but I know how to use 'em.). Since I now use this area again (even if it is for function instead of fun...) I thought it might be beneficial to us all to finally get around to cleaning the glass.

Apparently my broom decided it was going to bend all funky sometimes between yesterday and today. (Where's that crazy Morroccan broom guy when you actually need him?) If you've ever tried cleaning up glass, you are aware that it is a time consuming and frustrating process. Add the fact that this is a good 50lbs of glass, spread over a 6x8 foot concrete landing and I'm using a broom that is mocking me at every turn. But wait! That's not all, folks! Since this stuff has been sitting here for 13 months and 3 weeks it has hardened and stuck to every nook and cranny!! Oh YES! What fun!

But half an hour, a strawberry cheesecake Jell-O snack and one blog later I am proud to say that most of the glass (minus what flew into the neighbor's yard and the stragglers imbedded in the soles of my feet) is stored securely in a white plastic 8 gallon household trashcan. Still on the balcony patio. Hey. That's 50lbs of glass plus 2 empty A-1 bottles and the added weight of said trashcan. Think I'll task the carrying downstairs part of the mission to the husband.