The Recession is Ending! I have proof!!

So my rickety achy breaky back now requires me to do a little less standing and walking without assistance.  

To enhance my home's curb appeal and relax my back I bought one of those nice looking park benches.  I thank my friend Michael, who kindly fetched the "some assembly required" box of wrought iron ends, oak seat slats and the little bag of bolts, nuts, washers, and wood screws.  Oh yes, let's not forget the one-page of assembly instructions.  Big eye roll.

The top third of the page was an itemized list of the components allegedly contained in the box. Cast iron and wood back, pre-assembled....1 (check), cast iron bench frames....2 (check), wood slats....etc.  There were also 27 bitsy hardware pieces to put everything together.  I counted and there were more than 27.  Oh boy.

I would have to follow directions VERY carefully.  Too many widgets.  Not a good sign.

Step by step, piece by piece the assembly began and went on and on and on.  This was not the manufacturer's fault I must admit.  Only mine.  Now lets think this through, friends.  Bad back. DIY project.  Yeah.  'Nother big eye roll.  My methods were odd, but I got the job done slowly but surely.  

Twenty-one nuts, bolts, washers and wood screws were used.  Yep--21.  Leaving six miscellaneous leftovers.  Six:  2 wood screws, 1 washer, 2 bolts (1 long, 1 short), and 1 nut that would fit either.  

What was the manufacturer thinking?  Don't they know they can't afford to waste widgets?  I ask you....

The recession is over.  I have proof!