It's near 95 degrees in Mayberry (35C) which is to be expected at this time of year. Humid too for good measure. Recess is over and I'm still piddling around the manse, painting, repairing and pitching, but I'm pacing myself. We've 10 more days to go.
Were I younger, I'd be ashamed of myself as I dodge in and out of the air conditioning while a crew of hard working younger guys work their butts off rebuilding a retaining wall.
Occasionally, I'll mosey over to watch them work, feigning interest in their progress, offering encouragement, water and ice to prod them along.
But my heart really isn't into it. Granddaughter Liz and her family are here and the pool beckons. I'm old. The kids working to beautify our home are professionals. They'd rather I shamelessly kept away.Welcome Summer.
Toad
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11 comments:
You are NOT old.
You have just been young longer than most of the contractors working on the wall have been alive !
You are very wise Toad, to leave the heavy stuff to younger bodies. I have been away from work for almost a week due to trying to contain a bamboo forest that is threating to take over the house. Two dr. visits and Rx for muscle relaxers and pain seem to have addressed the situation. Alas, no alcohol to help and soften the recovery. My physical trainer continues to remind me that my memory of doing it is stronger than my body.
Toad, are those railroad ties or 6x6 treated lumber? How long did they last before you are now having to replace them? We need to install a retaining wall and I want to use treated lumber but keep hearing that stone is the way to go because lumber rots within a few years...is that true? Any regrets for using lumber? Thanks for the advice.
I'm using used rr ties, they better fit our woodland setting than the stone blocks from lowes depot.
I hope to get 10 years or so before replacing the ties. The old wall lasted at least 10 and was a mix of ties and garden timber. The wall failed due to a lack of behind the wall support and treated lumber in critical support areas.
thanks for the insight. how tall was the wall? how long?
The landscaping around your pool looks wonderful. Inspiring. I'm working on mine this summer.
"the pool beckons"
Manoman, does it ever. That's quite a lovely setting you have there. Your trees are so beautiful...
-Flo, older than you
The retaining wall is L shaped. The driveway side (12 feet) tapers from 3.5 feet to 1 tie high. The other side (15 feet) is 4.5 feet high.
I say enjoy your pool and your people and leave the building to the hired hands.
I agree completely. I have never been young enough to attempt a retaining wall. One that would actually retain anything, anyhow.
This, my friend, is why God invented the Gin and Tonic.
ML
mlanesepic.blogspot.com
How could I have forgotten tonic?
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