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Mudwalk

What is the rule?  Budget 5% more money and time for every project?  At our house, it should be 200% more money and time.  Because things just never go as planned.
Last night, we finally started on our new gravel walkway.
This is the old sidewalk.  It was very uneven, causing water to puddle, and then in the winter, freeze into a wonderful ice skating rink.  And then, part of it was dug up in order to bury an electric line last fall.  So we decided it was time for it to go.
We decided on a gravel walkway for several reasons, but mostly because of the cost and ease of putting it in.  If I had everything I wanted in the world, we would be putting in a sidewalk made of antique, reclaimed brick, but beggars can’t be choosers, right?

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I cannot believe I’m showing the world these pictures.  We did a lot of work on our house by ourselves before we got our first flock of turkeys, but since then, hubby hasn’t had time.  He says, after two more flocks go to market, we should be able to hire someone to side the house.  Thank goodness.
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This picture really shows how uneven the sidewalk was.  Water would pool right here, in front of the door.
We are going to use the brick to line the new walkway, and we may imbed some in the intersection here, just for some interest.
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A small patio (12x14) will be nestled in the shade of the lilac bush.  It will be separated from the driveway by a perennial bed and antique stair railing.
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I am so glad we have the right tools for the job!
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Right about now, we started smelling smoke.  A poor momma birdie had her home burnt down.  But maybe if she hadn’t built her home INSIDE the bobcat, she wouldn’t be rebuilding right now.
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So this is where we’re at right now.  Lots of mud.  Lots of standing around talking about how exactly to grade the yard so we don’t have the same water problem again.
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Remember how I said LOTS of mud.  Well, now there are lots of dark rain clouds, too.
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And they are scheduled to hit just as hubby was planning to do the grading.  So he’s grading this morning and the little turkeys will just have to wait until this afternoon.
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Any bets on what will be next?  Broken water line? Tornado?  We haven’t spent any money yet on this project (except for the load of rock) so maybe it’s our budget that will be taking a blow?  It’s anyone’s guess!

(Linked up to Ms. Green thumb Jean's Bloomin Tuesday.)