If I needed to take my mind of things today, I was in luck, because today we got lots and lots of rocks and pebbles delivered to make our driveway more driveway-like. That had needed to be done, um, a few years.
There was a low area from when we put in the electrical lines, and a few dips that made icky puddles. So, first we borrowed a box blade kind of thing from the neighbors and smoothed out the existing driveway. That also at least slightly annoyed the grass trying to take over.
Then, a guy came in a big dump truck with a bonus dump trailer. The dogs liked that.
The dogs seemed to think they were a vital component to the whole operation.
They were fascinated by the dumping process as well, especially Alfred and Gracie.
After the first load was emptied, we realized Alfred thought the rock was a gift to him. but all the dogs were fascinated.
The second load surprised them all, but then they sniffed some more.
It didn’t take long for all that stuff to be laid down and the area by the cars smoothed out.
A Doggy Diversion
In an hour or two, another load was scheduled. In that time, we went to get diesel and put trash in our dumpster. Yes. That’s how we do trash here. Vlassic jumped in the truck and rode in my lap, cuddling, like he loves to do.
All was well until he jumped out of the truck at the old church and took off. He trotted down Main Street and disappeared into someone’s yard. I called and called. He finally emerged with a big ole sandwich crust in his mouth. I think he thought he’d found a new family. Too bad. I took him home.
Back to Rocking
The second load arrived and got laid out just fine. Then we looked up.
Of COURSE the day you get loads of rock will start out sunny and cloudless, then end up raining like crazy. Thus, frantic rock smoothing ensued.
The tractors were flying like dancers as the rain came down harder and harder. I was really impressed.
Then came a welcome surprise! I got a path from the driveway to the front porch! That’s huge! There are two drains in it to drain rain, which got tested immediately in the rain storm.
I was able to help a little by smoothing the piles down to make a slightly more level pathway. It was fun to work in the rain! And it wasn’t hot! I’m glad I get to help out some.
I hope to border the path with leftover limestone brick from the house, once we get it smooth and the right width. That will be so fun.
Now we have to wait for the new rock to dry, see where there are new low spots, and fine tune it. I’ve waited a LONG time for a safe, smooth path. I know it would have helped my sister when she lived in Cameron.
But That’s Not All
The front-end loader got a lot of work in today. Before all the road base arrived, it had its narrow trench digger attachment put on, and it dug the long trench for the water line to the cattle trough.
And now the trench is full of water. At least all that goes in there is water line!
There are still some fun things coming up for the horse pens, like the structure to support the roof extensions and making custom gates. Oh, and a lot of welding. All those cross bars are only tacked up, I’m told.
Still, all is well. We’re getting close to move-in day. And the driveway is gonna be way better.
The Hermits' Rest 