Redneck Garden, Part IV
The last couple Sundays I've had to pop a combination of Claritin and Tylenol just to get through the first half of the day. Rolling boulders around the yard and breathing in a toxic measure of pollen can really do a number on this ol' boy anymore.
Saturday's main project was to build another raised flowerbed on the north side of the house, and to level an older bed that had been robbed of it's radiance by an army of ants. I started first thing in the morning (and by "morning", I mean noon) attempting to build a small internal wall against the porch to keep the fill dirt in place. This would have been the easiest of tasks had I found just one piece of treated lumber exceeding eight feet in length laying in the yard or stacked in the basement. Because I did not, this small portion of the project took just over three full hours. Most of it spent in frustration and considerate thought.
After a brief intermission forced on me by a temporary wind and rain storm, I finished the entire thing before dusk. I never would have thought it could turn out so perfect. I should do this shit for a living. Seriously, I'm that good. The outer retaining wall, although not planned to be anything more than stone, is now part stone, part wood, and part 'farm equipment'. I suppose a picture would help the visualization, but I haven't taken one yet.
I should probably call it good for the season and just kick back and watch the [potential] grass grow. I've already accomplished a lot more than I expected to get done even by the end of summer. Of course, I'm sure I can find more to do, and it's very much like me to push myself to a breaking point, so we'll just have to see what I come up with next.
All that said, work is insane right now. I'm simultaneously quoting several large projects, and even members of management have had to step up and fill the role of "part time Estimator" in order for me to meet everyone's deadlines. Things should start to ease up a bit over the next couple days though... hence the [long awaited?] entry.
Oh, and I'm blond. They're highlights, actually. You know, in the same way a chicken sandwich is a cheeseburger, they're highlights. I suppose a picture would help the visualization, but I haven't taken one yet.
Looking forward to a pleasant Memorial weekend. Meeting up with thesadpunk and wanton_bliss in Grand Rapids Saturday night for some UFC and buffalo wings, and possibly a couple irish pubs and some dueling pianos. We'll be heading back to the house on Sunday for some porch drinking and American Idol gossip.
Seriously though, no... we'll be talking about YOU.