Old ways

We have an aging vinyl fence in our back yard. Soccer balls or (in this case) an exceptionally strong wind can cause a picket to fall off from time to time. Years ago, when this first started happening, I’d use string or rope to reaffix the pickets until the weather was agreeable for using an adhesive.

At some point, I switched and began making the repairs with long exterior screws. The fix was clean, secure, and not too unsightly.

Needing to make a repair yesterday, I cut a few lengths of string and put on my coat. Then I remembered: I don’t use that method these days. I have another way. A better way.

This kind of thing happens from time to time. We slot into an old habit. We reach for older, inferior tools. We go back to an obsolete strategy — briefly forgetting lessons we’ve learned and new techniques we’ve acquired.

Thankfully, we can catch ourselves and make the necessary adjustments.