Big Red Car here. Ahhh, lots of rain and a bit cooler. Hell, it’s 51F right now but it’s going to 84F this afternoon and the sun is going to shine for a week or so. Ahh, bring the sun to the Big Red Car and let me bask in its glory.
So, through the years I have watched The Boss do his thing. And one of the things The Boss does is pressure washing. [Haha, I know what you’re thinking but this is a serious matter nonetheless. Yes, Old Sport, pressure washing.]
You will be tempted to stop reading right about now — DON’T DO IT!
The Boss spends a fair amount of time on the computer and engaged in affairs that require a bit of focus and attention. It can tire your mind.
So, pressure washing is an outlet to balance that concentration. It is a mindless endeavor but it is……………………….FUN! And The Boss is at his heart a fun guy.
Let me set the stage for you. This is not some small potatoes pressure washing. Oh, no, let’s start with the equipment. Commercial quality, 4000 PSI and with a rotating tip. Yes, this is the big leagues. This is the Beast. Do not cross the Beast as she will take the paint off you. [Pro tip: Do not use the pressure washer to clean the Labrador. She does not like it though it does get her very clean.]
This little jewel is well made and sports a nice little Honda engine but the big thing is the pump which is a water pump which can be rebuilt without taking it off the engine mount. Cheap $600 pressure washers have a pump which is self contained and typically can only be replaced by replacing the entire unit — the replacement pump costs more than the damn pressure washer.
This unit weighs approximately 125 lbs and it is quiet but a monster nonetheless.
So The Boss likes the mindlessness of pressure washing. He has a nice sized pool patio, a fireplace with a seating area, a dining area and an outside grill. They are made of Pennsylvania bluestone. They pick up dirt from the sky and falling leaves. So, from time to time, they need to be cleaned — to deal with basic hygiene issues.
Many a deal has been made by The Boss in this setting. He likes to work the phones, peruse his tablet and even do a bit of laptop work here. This is his current Wisdom of the Campfire corporate headquarters. Don’t tell anyone.
Here’s your pressure washer getting ready to unleash the Beast. The Boss likes a bit of formality in his pressure washing. Who wouldn’t? He may slip into some rubber boots but generally he will wear a spiffy blazer to do his pressure washing.
Here is what the challenge looks like in the BEFORE condition.
And, here is the AFTER. A bit brighter but the sky was dark so it doesn’t really do it justice.
Notice the azalea in the corner blooming its little heart out. These azaleas bloom continuously and are a joy to behold.
So, busy and brilliant CEOs, take heed of this story and find some mindless but relaxing endeavor to divert you from your serious duties and to relax your mind. Have you ever thought about pressure washing? The Boss will instruct you and lend you the Beast.
But, hey, what the Hell do I really know anyway? I’m just a Big Red Car. Be nice to some unsuspecting person this weekend.
I love power-washing too! As you remember, you and I spoke about that earlier in the spring. I must have spent a good 7-8 hours over 3 days doing our front porch (wood) and back patio (flagstones), about 2,500 sqft in total, and I was listening to music on the iphone throughout.
But unlike you, power man, my machine was only 1800 psi, but it did the job 🙂
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I wish you could borrow the Beast. She is really something.
She will take the blue right out of the bluestone. The Boss has one of those rotating tips which really cut the dirt. Almost unfair.
Stay well.
BRC
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Ha. If we were neighbors, I would borrow your chain saw too 🙂
Here’s a song for The Boss:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ciK2n2MebTU
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Van Morrison — better it does not get, eh?
BRC
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It does not. Have a great weekend.
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Haha. this one made me smile JLM. I used to love watering plants and cleaning the area around our previous and long time home.
I guess this takes that activity to the next level. 🙂
I pressure wash companies and steam clean them under the hood.
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Use at least 4000 psi water or at least 212F for the steam.
Never use steam under pressure.
BRC
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And I thought this was going to be a post about how to use pressure packed stressful situations to change your company-and that if you survive them you are better looking and better off for it. Nice blazer and shiny shoes!
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Well, of course, there’s that too, right?
BRC
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Very snazzy jacket!
And so what is BRC’s mindless endeavour to balance out the high quality blogging?
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Late at night when the world is dark and quiet, BRC runs naked with reckless abandon through the Hill Country. He returns panting and winded with a bit of lipstick on his dipstick.
BRC
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