Retaining wall update...

...some recent pics of the wall in it's finished form. 

Dad did some work done to the drain area of the driveway, this driveway contractor came and did a little quick asphalt work for us. Then Gord and I cleaned out the garage and were able to park in it for the first time since May. We still find ourselves wandering outside the front  door, forgetting the truck is in the basement. 

Next spring we'll plant some pretty flowers, add some color to the area, and if Adam has his druthers, we'll replace the old basketball hoop and shoot some hoop down there. 

I wonder if he will always be this timid about jumping off the wall?

Here's the driveway contractor fixing us up.

Power washing away the sand that had collected on the driveway.

In which David gets I.S.S.S.

Dave was called out of the house to help with some of the yard work on Saturday. His task was to pick up rocks and throw them into the little wagon on the quad. He did well until he acquired ISSS (Instant Sick Stomach Syndrome). Actually, I kind of believed him because he had gone to bed on Friday night with a touch of sick tummy. Looking back on these pics tho, he looks very healthy. The picture of health, as they say.

Maura came and helped David for a bit. She wore the perfect rock picking shoes- red shiny flip flops with rainbows on them. She did pick up a few rocks but mostly played on the quad. Thankfully, she did not come down with ISSS.

I know Landon did not hit the dog with the stick, but I cannot speak for his intentions. Nor can I explain why the dog is just sitting there like there isn't a 2 year old rascal with a big stick right next to her. Such a great girl ! (That's what Landon tells her)

Landon told me today that I am a "special gift"

And he told Gordie that he is one too.

Right back at ya, Landon!!

Construction Update the Third

3 stages of the same area:

beginning to backfill:

scary:

Construction Zone

Our yard is undergoing big changes. The ugly "escarpment" is being transformed into what promises to be a beautiful, curving stone wall. This will not only add to the beauty and ambience of our peaceful bucolic setting, but will keep the mud out of the driveway and out of my basement....and out of Adam's "basketball court" :)

On with the pictures! The "before" picture just doesn't do the current wall enough injustice- it's far uglier than these pictures, trust me. In fact, see that row of trees the neighbor planted? Probably a testament to the wall's appalling appearance.

Before:


Joe Kaulback (seen in wedding pictures) is operating the cutest excavator ever.


Those large mounds of dirt will be used to fill in behind the wall, making a gentle slope down to a 4' height.


A view from the other side- at the far end of the wall there will be a set of stairs. I will miss that hike up the boulders while running frantically around the yard looking for Landon.

Here it is completely dug out.
All ready for the crushed gravel layer.


The kids helped Grandpa with the stones.


The quad came in so handy for getting rid of the stones. Landon loved these little trips!

Gordon Sr, Jr. and sporadically; the kids, worked all day Saturday spreading/tamping/leveling the crushed stone. At this point, we are waiting for the wall stone to arrive. History will repeat itself as Joe Camarra (also seen in wedding pictures) returns to lay the stone for this new wall.

I found this next to the dirtpiles....I think I'll keep it!


The kids are loving playing on the piles!

Stay tuned :)