I built a wall today.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
I built a wall today.
15
Wed, 06-04-2003 - 2:10am
Now that sounds kind of off-putting and unfriendly, but it's not really. The house next to me is a little lower than mine and the hill between us is covered in ivy, salal, salmonberries, blackberries, etc. It's a mess. I've cleaned off part of it and planted a couple of rhodies but it is so hard to take care of them since the water just heads down the rest of the hill and grass and stuff is always growing up around them from my neighbor's side. So today I hauled 30 (30!) cement blocks home and started a little retaining wall down there. The hardest part of the is the first row because it has to be evenly lined up and level along the top. Once the first row is done, the rest just stack on. They are the kind of blocks with two holes going through them so I will want to plant something that will drape over the wall in each of the holes. It was also hard digging all that grass and stuff out to make room for the blocks, but I got it done. It just goes along the first 10' or so...as far as I've got the ivy, etc. cleared out, but it's a good start. I've piled bark dust around the two plants now and it actually looks tidy. The neighbors are happy...they can see it from their yard whereas I shall just have to enjoy it when I drive up the street. I'm kind of hoping they offer to pay for half of it but no offers so far. I can't believe how sore I am. I think I am way too old for this! I need a massage!

Kat

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Wed, 06-04-2003 - 2:27am
Well, if you didn't get a massage maybe you at least got a hot bath to sooth your aching muscles. The wall sounds nice, you have so much energy!! Hugs, Gabby

       


 


                              &n

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 06-04-2003 - 3:14am
Kat, you work so hard outside...hope you got your

massage! HUGS cin.

~*~ Aloha to all .... ~*~

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 06-04-2003 - 7:23am
Sounds like it is going to be really pretty. And yep! I read "30 blocks" and my shoulders ached for ya girl! I hope hot bathes and Advil or Tylenol do it for you! Our big project this summer is going to be 2 tons of slate for walks that I hope to plant curly thyme between. Should last into the fall, huh? I though we could do with just one ton but dh remembers my scurrying around to find extra blocks last year to finish my flower bed and doesn't want to take a chance. He also figures we have lots of places we can put it and I guess he's right. I just wonder how many months we'll have slate in our drive. lol Gentle Ben Gay hugs, BB
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 06-04-2003 - 11:49am
Kat you work way to hard girl. I bet it looks great and when you get it done how nice it will be. I think the neighbors should offer to help pay for it but I would not count on it that is for sure.

Love ya

Mary

                          &n
Avatar for cl_campmum_of3
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 06-04-2003 - 1:10pm
Wow Kat I bet you dio need a massage after that! you deserve at the very least a nice long soak in a jetted tub if not a massage.

Bet it looks great!

Hugs, Lor

     

 

          

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-1998
Wed, 06-04-2003 - 3:19pm
Good grief, Kat! That's a lot of hard work!! You could have kind of meted it out, not do it all at once, couldn't you? You're like my Dad always was. Never quit til stuff was all done, even if it took all day and night. Of course, he expected all of us not to either. So I know how drug out you must be feeling!

Betcha it really looks nice, though!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 06-04-2003 - 3:44pm
I agree Kat, you work way too hard. Where DO you find the energy. I sure would like to see you place some time, you put so much work into it. Now go soak in that tub. Charlie
Avatar for capwo
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 06-04-2003 - 4:38pm
Sounds like the hard work will pay off in beauty Kat. Let us know what you decide to plant in those blocks! Cappy

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 06-04-2003 - 5:59pm
Kat when I had to build a small retaining wall I used an ice chopper to dig into the ground. It made a really neat edge and the dirt came away easily. English Ivy in the top blocks will cover the blocks nicely...in fact it will spread so much you will never know there are any bricks there at all. Since you are so sore remember to take Arnica. It is a miracle worker for sore muscles.

It was great seeing you again and your sister is the nicest person...must be genetic:) When I told Mac you were the person who went to New Guinea he was sorry he didn't get to speak with you about it. He and I are fascinated with other cultures and love learning about them. We are History, Discovery and The Learning Channel fanatics:) Hope to see you again soon. Love, Bern
Hugs, Bernie
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 06-04-2003 - 10:52pm
Kat:

You are one remarkable lady...always doing something...love you idea..

Jackie

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