Not sure what to name this

I have lots more updates of all the work going on around here. But today we are just resting and hanging out, mostly reflecting and absorbing the new information that my mom is facing chemo for her recently diagnosed lymphoma. It could be the slow kind or the agressive kind - we'll just have to wait and see.

On our second day of paver laying we called in some senior slaves - they started out with much enthusiasm.

By late morning we were working our way around the deck - lots of cutting and measuring but they were quite good at it.

By this time my hands and knees were complaining and I was thinking nap, but ....

Those boys just kept moving forward so I tried to keep up. It is my patio after all.

I did have to downgrade to just leveling sand and leave paving to the big guns.

This sidewalk goes forever before reaching the corner, let me tell you. (BTW, note my lengthy contemplation of paint colors on the side of the house - didn't like any of those)

Daddy Dave did most of the saw work. It was much easier once we got it up on this makeshift table.

We're on the home stretch. Actually "we" didn't include me at this point. I came up with an errand I really had to do.

Finally, the last brick! We had some real bonding time today - and I totally love it!

Opal, the miner's wife

Our Sunday was spent hiking into an old mining town. the sights included a beautiful pool along the creek named after a miner's wife. But I think it could have been named after the color of the deep water.

This is Opal Pool!

Catching you up

Saturday was a big day - since the girls left town it was up to the boys and me to lay the pavers.

After leveling the sand, we had to choose a design and cut edge pieces.

The guys placed the pavers and I hauled them.

The have to lay perfectly flat and straight, which took us a few trys in some cases.

But it is looking great!

Clover comes out to inspect the work.

First the kitty litter and now you're building me a new cat condo?

Only the best for the grandkits

The demolition is quickly followed with new concrete forms and well-packed gravel

including a new walkway to the front entrance

and an improved and enlarged back patio space.

Of course this girl and her sister are quite pleased but puzzled about why we have gone to such great lengths to create an elaborate designer kitty litter just for them??!!

A Concrete Carnage

By now I have learned to recognize this determined look in hubby's eyes.

He means business today, we will not discuss, negotiate or plan this event together.

He will just do it.

And it will be done.

I think it would look better over there.

After 3 days of road sales we were so happy to get back to yard work yesterday. With much anticipation we received a truckload of beautiful accent stone. But placing boulders is hard work, dangerous and very wearing on a relationship.

You never know just how they're going to look until you get them in place.

And then you realize it would have been so much better if you had turned it around first.

But they are incredibly heavy. And have a tendency to roll down a slope.

At some point you just have to embrace the rock, whatever side is exposed. And in the end, it all works out just fine. In fact, a bonus feature is that our lower rock makes a perfect place to take a load off and set for awhile.

Feeling so empowered by our first success, we tried placing more boulders under our newly finished circle drive. This didn't go so well. If there's one thing I've learned in work, marriage and creating masterpieces it is ... knowing when to quit for the day.

So this what we've got so far. To be continued .....

Strange

Travelling through the heartland yesterday, we came upon a town called Wahoo. I suddenly felt the need to check my email.

Pixels with pizzazz

Happiness is (continued):

Happy hemlines and perfect pumps

Balancing boys and blondes with bling

Mom's Prom King

Go Girlfriends!

A Waistline to wish for

Dripping with Drama

Last but not least, a chic chaperone!

I shouldn't be having this much fun

Happiness is a spring formal photo session:



Blue fingernails




Boys in pastels

Pretty black hair that ties in a bow



Windswept hair and giggles


Prom dresses that match rail cars

And those that don't