Shims

I am standing somewhere near tools and lumber and paint and I notice big bags of wooden shims. I am amazed. In my head I hear the droning of male voices saying, over and over, you have to have this and then do that and finally you can't build it without these 42 really critical steps that will cost you a lot and take lots of time.
Hogwash: use shims.
I go outside and I have my piles of reclaimed wood and the saw stand and extension cord ready. I grab a board that I have pulled the nails out of. I set it up next to the post I am screwing it to. I screw in screw No. 1. The board is not level. I grab a shim. I prop up the board. I screw in screw No. 2. It looks beautiful. The more boards I put, in more directions, the stronger this whole thing is looking. The screw-gun is a miracle. The shims allow me to move along quickly, without over thinking the build. There is a deck beginning to show.
I am not sure I can attempt finish-work yet. But a deck can be rough-hewn. It adds character.
I am thoroughly enjoying myself. I asked for help and now I'm really glad no one has replied. I'd hate to hear that you have to build the whole thing to exacting tolerances and feel like I can't manage the details. Hellfire, early pioneers built houses out of stacks of dried mud cut from the bogs. Somehow the human race survived. And, I am also quite certain that I can make it look good later.
So... The deck will be built after all.