Backyard, Part 3,

We started picking up rocks and leveling out the yard where we wanted the grass to go.  Then we had Eric, the sprinkler guy, bring in a bunch of compost and spread it around. 

We bought the trees and shrubs for future planting also (below, right).

 The compost made the soil look so dark and lush.

Bill tilled the compost into the dirt.  Then we picked up more rocks.

After we got the yard as level as we could, we marked

 the edges of the yard and where the trees and plants would

 go for the sprinker guy.  Then we picked up more rocks.

Bill is marking the apple tree.

 The sprinkers were installed and we picked up more rocks.

Yay!!! Sprinklers!!!

Backyard, Part 2

The next step after laying the pavers was to cut the small pavers to fill the holes and to sweep the sand into the seams.  Then dress up the patio with flowers and a new table with chairs.

The patio from the upstairs deck. 

 We put two of the chairs on the upstairs deck so we can use both outdoor areas.

We also filled the yellow pots with flowers for the front yard.

The tall plant is kale.  This has definitely been a kale summer.

After the fun flower part, it was on to more digging in the backyard (mostly for Bill).

Backyard, Part 1, Pavers

This summer we are working on our backyard, finally.  Getting started and making a plan was the hardest thing (Bill may not agree). 

We've decided to put in a patio, then a small lawn and some bushes. 

Before.

Here's Bill starting work.

First thing to go in is the patio.  There is a lot of work to prepare for a patio. 

First digging down 8" to make the area level and create enough room for the

base materials..

Then leveling and adding the base gravel and packing it down.

Next came the piers for the pergola and the sand. 

Bill had to tamp down the sand next.

Then level the sand...

...unload the brick... 

 

...and lay the first brick.

Once the pavers were all layed, Bill put in the edging to keep them in place.

Ok.  I didn't do any of the digging but I did haul a lot of pavers and I layed a few also,

but Bill did the majority of the work.  And except for a few that needed to be

cut to size, we did the pavers in one day.

Memorial Day at the Cabin

First of all, Bill had to hike up and see if he could ski the chute he usually does on Memorial Day Weekend, or as soon as the road opens up and he can get there.  That chute had a cornice that was way too big so he just skied down the way he went up.  I tried to take a video of him skiing down the mountian but I'm still learning how to use my camera and I don't believe I got a video at all.  Anyway...you can see Bill...and the mountain and imagine him skiing.

Bill is still happy with the boots and skis Tammy gave hime.

 Starting the big climb.

Me, practicing taking photos with the panoramic setting on my camera.

After the ski down.

We then went on to the cabin where we unpacked the groceries and started in on the relaxing.  Bill had to build a campfire, of course.  It was just cool enough for me to want to stay in the cabin, out of the chilly breeze and near the cook stove.

Larry and Joanne made it up just after noon.  We had a nice visit and a wonderfull dinner then Larry and Joanne had to hit the road before the weather deteriorated. 

Everything is so green and pretty.  The aspen leaves are still not out yet.  The photos don't do it justice. 

Looking forward to the next trip up in a couple of weeks when we can spend the whole weekend instead of just a day.

Your Move Claire

Your dad is waiting patiently for you to make your move.

The photos are from your point of view, if you were sitting at the table playing checkers.

A Day on the Mountain

 Look where I got to work last Monday all day!

 

I wish I could have had a few more days doing this, but even just one day there was more than I had expected.