Part V - The Final Push

Last weekend I had all the guys out for the final big push...at that point it was only one week to go until the open house and I was feeling the crunch. So much to do and the math wasn't adding up to successful completion by the pending deadline. No matter, we had to push on regardless.

Keith got started by finishing the landscape tie retaining wall under the deck stairs...




Then moved on the the sump pump installation




The outlet pipe had to run beneath the driveway to the front boulevard




All roads lead to one li'l bucket...luckily I had purchased a sump pump that could clear the bilge of a freighter...




It was time to finish the front and pour the big corner block...




Connor inhaled a little too much concrete dust...







It was a "manual pour" which translates to a crazy amount of wheel-barrowing and shovelling




Ran out of landscape ties but a rock retaining was was assembled quickly and turned out to be the best choice in the end...




Time to install the new kitchen counter and sink...out with the old and in with the new...













Somehow at the end of a long night Connor and I found some time to jam, he is an awesome guitarist and I do OK on the keyboard. It was late at night when we finally called it quits...

Part IV - Turf Time

Some of the turf was starting to decompose because it had sat a day too long...we really had to get it down. Matt put it into overdrive and somehow we managed to get the whole job done.

While he got started I had to take down the chimney so the roofers could come and torch on a patch...






The roof provided a great vantage point for the turf laying...I got down to help but jumped up every couple of hours to document the progress...














Matt passed out on the lawn...said it was the nicest lawn he has ever passed out on...!




The brothers get it done again...

Landscaping - Part III

I begged Matt to come over for another round of punishment...the work was just getting overwhelming and the deadlines looming. I also asked my friend Pam to again help. Luckily the both of them were ready and willing to assist...it's times like these I truly see the importance of having family and good friends.

The house was looking good with the brown accent...






More planting...




Matt putting the finishing touches on the wall








The turf arrives!



The yard has to be perfectly levelled for the turf...




Got too late that day...Matt figured he saw a UFO. Hey, as long as they can pick up a shovel come on down!!

Landscaping - Part II (And Tofino)

The next day it was up to Matt to take over the retaining wall and he did so with NASA-like precision...damn fine job!!








I worked on the side retaining wall and the perimeter drain...




Had to do some funky stuff to get it below grade




Pam came to help with planting...



...and Tash painted the belly-band




Unfortunately all too soon it was time to take Matt back to the plane. I dropped him off on my way to Tofino for two overtime shifts




On the winding road to the west coast a bear presented himself. He had no problems with me being only 15 feet away...




OK, maybe NOW he as a problem...




The beach in front of my hotel...








On the way back I ran into another bear...it is that time of year!




Just another reason it would be difficult to leave the west coast

Landscaping - Part I

It was time to push forward on the landscaping and I had numerous people working on it to get things rolling. My brother Matt flew over to help...family is always there when you need them most!


A blank slate...






The beginnings of the slate fireplace...






The fumes were obviously getting to Connor...




Retaining wall time




Levelling and pruning...




At the end of the day a much needed steak BBQ!