Hold up @linda_murphy, is it really that big of a deal? I mean, I just hit my mower blades with a file every couple months and they're fine. Maybe I'm lazy but I don't think a slightly cleaner cut is gonna save you that much time on sharpening.

Man, that sucks. Pocket holes are one of those things everyone swears by but I've had the same trouble with them stripping out. Idk if it's the cheap screws or what, but wood movement seems to mess with them over time too. Dowels and glue are old school for a reason, they just lock in way better. Maybe it's just me but I feel like pocket screws are more for quick furniture builds than something that needs to hold up years later.

Wait, you were touching shutter curtains with your fingers before this? That's terrifying, I feel sick just thinking about it.

Did you end up wearing anything ridiculous in the meantime, @emmashah? I had the same thing happen in Chicago last year and ended up in a $60 hoodie from a gift shop just to have something clean.

Forest Park's concrete has held up fine for years though.