think pink

I decided today was the day I would buy my tools for the dig. It proved to be rather more of an adventure than expected.

The three main items required are; a trowel, a hand pick and a pair of garden clippers. I assumed that, hand picks and clippers being fairly common items, I could buy those two from Canadian Tire conveniently located a short distance from my house. I learned from the MUNArch facebook group that I could buy the highly recommended Marshalltown trowel at Creative Brick and Tile on O’Leary Ave. (a much greater distance away) Determined to make my purchase, I planned to take the bus to the mall and then trek from there.

So, with a handful of Mini Rolos for breakfast I was ready to go.

First, I made my trip to Canadian Tire. There I found a vast array of clippers. This caused me some dismay because I know little to nothing about what makes a good pair. Surrounded by middle aged men who confidently tested the heft and quality of particular tools, I awkwardly circled the store waiting for inspiration. (hand picks were nowhere to be seen) in my wanderings I did manage to find several pairs of work gloves – clearly my expertise in the garment department surpasses mine in gardening tools. Then, as I was about to select one of the garish orange and black pairs of clippers at random, - a revelation! From underneath a pile of cold stainless steel blades and black rubber grips appeared something I could connect with – florals! In a set of other gardening tools I couldn’t care less about there was perfect set of clippers for me. A plain metal pair whose handle was adorably patterned with pink flowers. I don’t know if their quality is outstanding, but I can tell you they are quite aesthetically pleasing.

Immensely pleased with my purchase I returned home to drop it off before catching the bus to the mall.

By the time I made it to the mall it had begin raining. Not to be discouraged from my quest I decided I would continue despite the inclement weather. Upon finding Creative Bick and Tile I went in and asked about trowels only to be told they no longer had pointing trowels, only margin trowels – the horror!

Still determined I decided that I would make the trek to Kelsey drive in hopes that Home Depot would have the trowel I desired.

The walk was longer than I expected. I arrived at Home Depot looking like a drowned rat.

Again, feeling lost in a hardware store, I wandered hopefully searching for trowels and picks (I’m not the type to ask for help). Tragically, I found Home Depot only offered the same margin trowel that Creative Brick and Tile did. And the only hand pick I could find was terrifyingly large and the prospect of actually fitting it into my luggage was comical as well as probably not the best idea if I wanted my suitcase to actually be let on a plane!

I did pick up a can of bright pink spray paint though looking forward to that time when I actually did find a trowel so I could personalise it and make it match my delightful clippers.

Disappointed, yet still hopeful I decided to begin the walk home. Then, halfway down Kenmount road I noticed a small store called Ornamental Concrete Ltd… And, lo and behold, on their small display of tools was a box of Marshalltown 45’5 pointing trowels .

Cue victory dance! (In reality it was more of a victory wiggle since I’m not sure the two old men selling concrete and paving supplies would have been receptive to my exuberance). Then, with a grin on my face and bounce in my step I returned home and promptly collapsed in exhaustion.

Later, I began the task of sanding and painting my purchase and I think it’s pretty darling don’t you?

Now, to find a hand pick...