Hey. Started our patio this weekend under cloudy skies and a light rain. We (the boys and I) got about 3/4 done when the rain began to become more consistent and the dirt quickly became mud. Had to stop as to avoid falling on the pick ax when I was sliding around. The boys each did their share with Zachary volunteering a solid effort at about 3 hours. Noah gave us about 2, the first half hour of which consisted of arguing the weight of the shovel and why his was heavier than Zach's. This is funny since Zachary is nearly half his size and he was having no problem with any of the tools. Noah finally settled in to clear a path for the wheelbarrow in the front yard and did a fine job. They each earn $3/hour based on consistent work and a good attitude. I'll let Noah have a pass on the attitude this time, but next week's effort better be solid!
Photos here of the excavated dirt. We figure we transplanted at least a thousand worms and grubs. I am not sure if they are grubs, but whatever they are they are kinda alien looking. Zachary filled a bucket with them and was going to sell them as bait to the local hillbilly fishermen at the lake, but he left the bucket in the rain and the worms were a bit bloated this morning. I gave them a proper burial back into the ground from which the were unearthed so savagely. All in all I figure we moved about 4 yards of dirt around. Most went to the front of the house for a hauler to take away on Monday.
I'll be looking for 5/8- gravel this week to fill the Macia mud flat. It's gonna take quite a bit so I'll probably borrow a truck to haul it home. Once that's in we compact and redraw the boundary lines with string for accurate placement of the paver barriers. I'll have to level it carefully to match the height of the postage stamp sized patio that we got with the house. I am not sure what anyone is thinking when they put in a 10 sq. ft patio. It's currently got a 3 person limit, meaning one of us has to wait to get on when another leaves. Ridiculous.
Hey - Movie tip of the week - Watch Borat if you haven't seen it. It's thought provoking and a bit unnerving at times.
-Will
