For Griffin and Alex-
I have added more vines to create a stronger back to the bench. The back of the bench is the metaphor for the strength of their marriage. Curtis has always been there for me and I know Griffin and Alex will always be able to lean on each other.
Supporting the seat and the back of the bench are the legs. If the legs are wobbly and weak, the whole thing will collapse. Respect for each other is what gives our marriage strength. To make this a respectable bench, I am going to add more support to the legs.
There are many ways to strengthen the legs and all are equally good. In our home I do things one way and Curtis often does things another way. What is important is that we both help out, we both try to carry our own weight. With this in mind I will build the support for the right legs and the left legs differently.
right legs
The right front and right back legs have a vine that runs between them for additional support. The leg on the left back will be supported with a branch from the seat and the front left leg will have several vines running down it, making a double leg anchoring it to the seat.
The double left front leg supported by extra vines.
I think that the most important change I added was a branch that reaches across from one side of the back of the bench to the other side of the bench. I suggest throughout your marriage you reach across and hold hands as often as you can.
Curtis testing the leg strength and back stability. He said it was a respectable bench.
I have decide to double up on the front piece of rebar. Above I am tacking it to the first piece of rebar. (Thank you Sage for taking the pic.)
Where should the birds sit? It is always good to consult with your partner. I checked with my whole family and this is the winning location. Alex suggested this spot. I wired it on just to make sure it is the right place. I added a little piece of rebar set back a bit so the birds will not poke anyone in the back.
welding the birds on.
Close up of me welding the birds to the branch.
Wahoo! the bench is structurally sound,
and the love birds are very comfy.
I am always looking ahead and already thinking about the texture of the concrete for this piece.
Here is a chair I did several years ago. The Concrete the lovebird bench will have a similar narliness with a much lighter patina.