Things are starting to happen

Last week the materials were delivered. I was happy to finally see something  tangible. I took a check to the builder (Troyer Post Buildings) for the materials and discussed a few details about the amount of work they will do  and what will be left for me. I confirmed the door layout so the posts can be placed correctly.  It's nice to be dealing with a local company, we paid for the materials upon delivery and the labor when they're done. No up front costs.

I was not able to get much done on the French drain due to all the rain we had last week. Today was the first time back in the ditches. Connected another 30 feet or so and made a T-connection for draining another small area adjacent to the neighbor. It's not critical to have this project completed by any specific time frame. I will continue to work on it for a few hours each day or so.

If, you'll remember a few weeks ago I took a late night trip to the Emergency Room. Nothing of concern was discovered other then an over-medication related to my weight loss. To be safe my Primary Care Doc ordered a stress test. The result came in this week and happily there is no sign of any cardio-vascular disease. However, the Cardiologist mentioned I was "Below average exercise capacity for patient's age". Yeah, no S**t. I guess I have to start training for running marathons.

Donna published some conceptual drawings I made for the building. This is my ideas of what I want the building to look like as well as the interior set up. The workshop area will certainly evolve over time as I use it. I will have to commit to the bathroom area prior to concrete in order get all the connections in the right place. Once the walls are up and I stand inside and get a feel for the space, I'll be able to firm up the layout.

See ya, I'm gonna find an Aleve.

Stay Tuned!

Conceptual Drawings

Stay Tuned!

When 6 inches is not 6 Inches

No this isn't about the difference in how Men and Women measure things, but I did get your attention. When ordering my materials for the french drain, I ordered 6 inch perforated plastic drain pipe. (300 feet of it), as well as the filter fabric sock that prevents dirt from seeping in over time and clogging the system. Rent a 6" trencher and all should be well. Right?

This is where assuming something creates problems. The inside diameter is 6 inches, the outside is close to 8". Hmmm, doesn't fit. Well, it's plastic and flexible, so maybe if I apply force. Then the ground should move some. Right?

First try was standing on it. Very little success.

Run over it with the garden tractor. Not much better.

Go get the truck! That did it, pushed that pipe right into the hole. This is when the neighbor comes over and states the obvious. "Looks like your stuck".  Yeah, with all the rain we've had recently, the 2 wheel drive, open differential Ford was spinning wheels. WE got it out with the help of my neighbors truck and life moves forward.

Donna's Note: I looked out the window just in time to see this or there would be no photographic proof! LOL!

That was yesterday. Not going to repeat the performance. I just widened the trench by hand and the pipe fell in easily.

Post trenching, pre-enlarging

Enlarging with the shovel

Gravel layer first, once widened

Wrapped pipe put in on top of gravel

Gravel in the right places and cover it up. Today was much easier.

I intend to work on this project every other day. Need a day off to let the seldom-used muscles recover. I have about 85' completed and around 200' to go. Needless to say, I will be glad when it is done.

Drain from left side of garage (facing towards back of property)

Drain from right side of garage (facing towards back of property)

Stay Tuned!