Dig and Dig and Dig

A great miracle has occurred and we have finished laying the last of cement and planted grass in the front yard!  It only took FOREVER, but 6 days ago the grass was planted and we have about 2 days to see it start to grow.  It is agony waiting, especially since we have thrown a few swear words out watching some of the seed run down some over-watered slopes.  Still, planting was the right option because now we have just enough cash left to finish the planters.  Here's the breakdown of every night for the last several months:

Q had to kill waist-high weeds and level the front after we got the irrigation system working.  He must have leveled it a hundred passes before we got it close enough to plant.  Never mind the fact that he may have driven over a few precious sprinklers before all was said and done.  Annie would have been content to ride shot gun with him all day.  This is one of 3 tractors we used. [3/10/2012]

We bought tons of gravel to get our front planters started and Q planted the beginnings of what will be a hedge to cover the foundation in a few years.  We also brought in some big rocks and this one is perfect for sitting and watching people drive by. [3/11/2012]

Annie asks to go outside relentlessly.  We sit on the front steps or bring out lawn chairs and watch Q work tell well after dark while we eat popsicles or blow bubbles. It's the same every night:  I get home from work and Annie and I head outside to watch Q dig and dig and dig all evening.  When it gets chilly after the sun goes down, we bring out a blanket and cuddle until Q is too tired to dig anymore. [4/3/2012]

It's a good thing we've had outside weather since February.  For some reason, now that it is warm, Annie is obsessed with wearing her cowboy boots.  Silly girl. [4/4/2012]

All of us get so excited every time a new section of cement is finished.  This is before even the curb for the planters was down.  The day each new section is dry, Annie and I dress up and go out and dance on the new sidewalk. Notice, once again, Annie's choice of footwear. [4/6/2012]

 

 Finally, after much wailing a gnashing of teeth, the last of the sidewalk in the front was finished!  Q and I came to terms with moving the bike trail a bit and it turned out better than our original plans.  Now we won't have to prune the male pistachio tree back from the grass.  Sometimes we go outside and walk on our new sidewalk just for kicks.  It is the perfect belated birthday present. Hopefully the city doesn't find out we didn't follow their regulations.  [4/24/2012]

And the best day all spring- only a few weeks behind schedule -last Thursday we panted the grass.  [5/2/2012]

"Let's hear it for the boy!"  He has already moved on to the back (this morning he woke up early to plant my fruit trees before work) but Annie and I are content to sit and watch the grass grow... literally.

Please work.  Please work.  Please work.