Yeah, I used to be so sure you could just measure once and cut... then I built my first cabinet for the curved wall behind the driver's seat. Nothing fit, it was a total mess. Now I make a cardboard template for every single weird angle, no matter how simple it looks. It takes forever but it saves so much wood and headache.

Honestly, the cleanup part is the least of your worries outside. Your dad has a point about oil holding up longer, especially if your deck gets a lot of sun or foot traffic. Water based might be easier to put on, but won't you just have to redo it way sooner? That's more work in the long run.

Honestly, I was right there with Barbara for the longest time, thinking caramelizing onions was way too fussy for a simple gravy. I figured mushroom powder was a fine shortcut. But then I actually tried the slow onion method for a Thanksgiving gravy, and it was a total game changer. That deep, savory-sweet base it creates is something a quick powder just can't match, it makes the whole gravy taste richer and more cooked down. My old quick gravy now tastes kind of thin and one-note in comparison. It's more work, sure, but for a special meal it completely changed my mind.

Honestly though, isn't half the fun getting mad about it with everyone else? Tbh my pillow would just get soggy.