Project #1 started - pictures later

[December99]

Well, about 8:30 this morning I went out, took 3 blocks at a time and made my plan of where the blocks were going to go by digging in the ground briefly where we would be digging. Got out the ugly thorn bush that was by the air conditioning unit (you won't see it in the pics cause I forgot to take before I took it out). Started digging out the "trench" and my dad finally arrived. About 10 we started digging the trench out and figuring what I wanted along with suggestions from dad as to what he tought I should do. So with his help he began tilling up the sod, we got most of that out and then the fun began. We decided it would be best to put 4 courses in for about a 1/4 of it due to more slopping on the north side of the project than what I thought there was. Then about half way through the first curve we leveled that out and went up to the second course. It was similar to what I had in mind but I couldn't play it out in my head to look right - thank goodness for dad!!!! Got about half way through and had to send dh out for more paving base (and lunch). About 1 while eating lunch and watching the weather we decided we needed to get moving to get this done before the rain hit.

Just as dad was starting to till up one last time, work some peat moss in and finish up the south side of the bricks by the air unit, it started to rain - just sprinkling. We got everything in that I wanted to get in by today but thought would take me two weekends to do. I never imagined dad would stick around and help me do it all!!!! So got the bed totally bricked, pea graveled (I know there are conflicts about that but I did alot of research and it appeared it was going to work for what we were doing), ground worked up rest of way and some moss worked in. On Wednesday night (next open night I have) I will have to moss some more and top soil to work the moss in and down some. Hoping the rain that we are getting tonight will help get the moss down some. Then the next step is planting the flower, laying the weed fabric, and mulching. I hope to have this and possibly Project #2 (south of the air unit to the south end of the house) completed by next weekend.

I am sore but I will try to get pics at least loaded to my website tonight so I can post them either tonight or tomorrow some time. Thanks for all your suggestions and helping with my questions that I asked - it has really helped. I knew what I wanted, wasn't sure how it would look, and it looks and will look awesome!!!! The neighbors sure have been wondering what we're doing. Now I only wish I had a camera out there tomorrow to see how many sneak over to see what we've done so far!!! We have two that I know will.

Oh...and we completed about 3 just as the rain was starting to pick up - couldn't have planned that any better in my opinion!!!

 

[Snowwark]

Chris, you sound like someone well satisfied with their day's labour.

What a great Dad you have, staying to help you right till the end.

You certainly got a lot done, and I'm glad you're pleased with how it's coming together.

Looking forward to your pics, but don't rush, we'll be patient!

....wouldn't a soak in a hottub, and a massage, feel good right about now?

 

[amid chaos]

You must feel GREAT...such satisfaction on getting a job like that going! can't wait to see pictures.

 

[DixieDreamer]

WOW! Busy day for both you and your dad. I love doing projects like this though... you feel like you have accomplished so much when you are done. Even better, your completed project is there to look at for a long time to come. It gives real pleasure!

Looking forward to the pics!

 

[December99]

Well due to some thunderboomers that were hitting our area last night and I was sooooooo tired, I didn't get the pics downloaded but I'll try later this week as on Wednesday I'm hoping to get the rest of it finished and get the plants in.

It is a great sense of accomplishment. And to have the neighbor come up and tell us it looks awesome was great too. I wish I could count how many times I tried looking down out the bedroom window last night to look at it. And then this morning before I left for work I had to go look at it and then when I pulled out of the driveway I had to look at it. The great part is when I was planning this I didn't think we'd be able to see it when we pulled in or out of our driveway but you can and that makes me feel even better!!!!