A happy win in the race against time

This morning I finished preparing Mr Paterson's Bench for refinishing. (see yesterday's blip) As the forecast last night said thunder and lightning by lunchtime. I found a large bit of black polythene to tuck it up until the weather improves, BUT by elevenses the sun was out so I thought I'd risk the first coat. Each time I looked at the forecast the storm was later in the day. In the end I managed all 3 coats of woodstain and the black Hammerite on the metal. 
The thunder and lightning has now disappeared from the forecast altogether with rain promised overnight. I do hope it arrives as this is the first evening for weeks that I haven't watered all my new plants and seedlings. 
The bench looks marvellous and fit for many more years of chatting. As I was painting I noticed that the vine leaf motif is very similar to the decoration on my much more modern garden chairs, which are a mere 25 years old. They are doing well considering they have spent all that time out of doors all year round in Scotland.