Feb 16, 2010



The casual observer might be fooled into thinking that this is a photo of our town's dump. In fact, it is our front yard, which is undergoing a transformation into a courtyard.

The work on the perimeter wall was scheduled to start Monday, so I was busy all weekend relocating and renovating our irrigation system.

 
 
Home ownership, among other things, is a slow process of discovering what the builder skimped on. Our contractor was a poster child for forgetting to do stuff and then lying about it.

My latest discovery was that a water line in the front yard that served a hose bib on the side of the house, was only 6 inches deep in places. That put it squarely in conflict with the brick work, so it had to be replaced at an appropriate depth.

These rocks are the reason that the original line was installed incorrectly. Digging in the Arizona soil is no fun. I hand dug about 40 feet to a depth of 18 inches to reinstall the line correctly.


Bright and early yesterday morning, the masonry guys started in earnest. This is them digging the footer for the wall.

By this afternoon, we had about half a wall. It should be done tomorrow and ready for stucco. After the wall is painted, the work on the interior can start.



Things in this blog represented to be fact, may or may not actually be true. The writer is frequently wrong, sometimes just full of it, but always judgmental and cranky

8 comments:

Megan said...

I just read your last five posts. I hope you continue to blog until long after that wall is forgotten...

mouse (aka kimy) said...

wow, you are most ambitious!

there is something so enticing about courtyards - and they are absolutely the best places to play for children with so many ways to fuel the imagination.

look forward to seeing more photos of the process and the finished process - can't wait to see what plants you will be putting in!

Barbara said...

I somehow missed out on why you need a wall. Is it to keep something/one out or in? Are you becoming a gated community? Sounds like a lot of work on your part to get ready for the wall!

The Bug said...

That looks like a lot of work (I'm not all that into "work"). Can't wait to see the finished project!

Perpetual Chocoholic said...

I'm jealous of your lack of snow and cloudiness;-)

Bella Rum said...

Can't wait to see the finished project. Love home improvement projects. Just something about em.

Reya Mellicker said...

I'm glad you'll have your own little courtyard. Hope we see pics of the finished project, yes??

Steve Reed said...

Cool project! You'll have a terrific yard when it's done!