Craig, my parents been in there house for... Well, just a bit longer than you. They've redone it a few times, but something always comes up where we have to deal with 'big' stuff.

The most recent are the additions of sewers to the town. That meant, they had to connect a sewer system to EVERY house because everyone was on septic. Now, instead of taking out the 3 tanks, they disconnected them and the plan by THEM was to fill them in with dirt. But my parents said, "Leave it! You'll destroy our yard!" So father and I, a few weekends ago, broke down the concrete risers that held the lids (don't mind that we had to dig down to 'em). We were gonna break the lids they gave us and use the originals (which we KNEW fit the holes). But we used both the originals to seal the crap AND then used the new lids to cover. (we broke down the concrete risers and threw them into the tank with a bottle of bleach in EACH tank)

BUT this summer, there was an irrigation problem. So my parents had a professional company come out, dredge out a ton of stuff and well, the amount of river rock from the original soil... That was the easy part. THe hard part was that Kody and I had to gather all the irrigation and river rock and pile it up for my mother who plans on using it in OTHER places in the yard. What does this all mean? There were parts in the backyard where the water wouldn't flow (due to clay as well...) and it was like a swamp. So wet it was, it choked out some of the plants that LOVE water! Not good.

Before that, I had to help father redux tiles around the patio.

So now? The whole neighborhood is having some trees pulled out and new ones put in. The trees now, they are HORRIBLE for those with allergies. EVEN people without allergies are effected! So father and I dug out 3 rhodis (1 was trashed) and then the heathers. Next weekend, Kody and I get to dig out the old crap dirt around the tree. The tree pepole will plop the new one in and once again, Kody and I will put the new dirt in. Believe me, when in bloom, the yard is terrific.




Now, THIS is all on top of the redux of the 'yard' on their rental property in Seattle. I had a tiny bit to do with that, but they had a professional deal with it. I have yet to see it, honestly. Anyway... I'd love to be a gardener. I have no idea why, but I would...