What a day yesterday!
Once the gravel was delivered and there were four huge piles of it on the driveway, we looked at each other and gulped. We started in with our shovels and outlined the parking area and we worked hard, but it soon became evident that, though we still think we’re about thirty, we’re not. So Don called a guy who had been recommended to us and he said he’d come by between 2 and 3.
We came in the house and took a break for a couple of hours but, as it was a day where we were stuck at the cottage (our cars were parked across the street at our neighbors and we had to wait for Emilio) we went back out and did some more shoveling. Finally, Emilio arrived and he and Don worked for about 3 hours. By that time, my back was complaining, as was my right hand, so I came inside. Emilio was great and we tipped him generously. He saved our butts.
Because of the uphill nature of our driveway, along with the catalpa tree right next to it, it is impossible for large trucks to get in there and slowly release the gravel as they would on a standard flat driveway. The truck driver could only back up to the top of the driveway and release a big pile of gravel and then slowly drive down, releasing a few more piles. He mentioned something about the downward slope and the danger of the truck tipping over. Yikes!
That means we have to do the work. The last time we did this was about 12 or 13 years ago, not long after we moved in. We were younger then! Hopefully, we won’t have to do it again for a long time.
We also couldn’t afford to have someone roll it down, so we have to tamp it down ourselves, partly by driving up and down repeatedly and also by good, old-fashioned stomping (courtesy of me.) It’s never simple around here.
As you can see, we’ve redefined the parking area. It’s much more like it was when we first moved in, maybe even a bit bigger, but time and erosion wore away the gravel and grass grew and it became much less defined. We also covered the area near to the corral where there were ruts and built up the side nearest the big garden bed so that we have better water drainage in the winter. Fingers crossed.
Don was very achy at the end of the day (he did way too much, but he said he couldn’t let Emilio do everything by himself.) I was actually a bit worried about him. But he’s much better this morning and aside from cleaning out the gutters one more time before we leave, that’s the last of the physical labor. Oh, and I have to mow the front lawn towards the end of the week. I mowed the back forty and the corral over the weekend.
All day long we kept saying, “A week from today we’ll be in Paris!”
The rose as it looked yesterday. So beautiful!
Our big maple and its yellow leaves. It is full-on Autumn here and leaves are everywhere. I wanted to get the gravel done now before a freeze hit, causing the catalpa to dump all of its giant leaves on the driveway, which would have been a major hassle.
I was on a roll yesterday. Even with all the work on the driveway, I cleaned both bathrooms and did two loads of laundry!
Today: things around the house that need to be attended to, lists, and rest.
Happy Tuesday.
Carolyn Marie says
I am so excited for your trip to Europe!
Claudia says
Thank you, Carolyn Marie!
kathy in iowa says
what a job … ugh! glad you could get some help with all that gravel. it looks good … and having it now done must be a big relief for you … yay!
hope you both (and emilio, too) can take it easy today!
so excited for you and don to soon be in paris! and london! and edinburgh!
kathy in iowa
Claudia says
I’m too tired at the moment to be excited, but I will be!
Siobhan says
Bon voyage
Claudia says
Thank you, Siobhan!
Linda @ A La Carte says
My back hurts just looking at all that gravel. So happy you had some help but even then you both worked really hard. But…one week and you will be in Paris! That rose is lovely, a parting gift before you leave. One of my Aunts is in the hospital again and my Mom is so worried. It’s hard to have aging parents and my cousin who cares for her Mom is exhausted. We just pray she will be ok. My Mom is the oldest and has lost two sisters so far out of her six siblings. The sun is out the temps are mild and I’m going to think happy thoughts today!! Hugs!
Claudia says
I’m sorry about your aunt, Linda. Your mom must be beside herself with worry. Sending positive thoughts to your family. xo
Judy Ainsworth says
The Drive/Yard Look “SPECTACULAR’
Judy A-
Claudia says
Thanks, Judy.
Vicki says
I feel completely exhausted just READING your post today! I could NEVER do the kind of physical work you and Don do. One thing about it, you’re in great shape for a walking tour of Paris, London et al.
Claudia says
We’re getting there!
Donnamae says
Hats off to both of you and Emilio for getting that job done! Looks great though…one more thing to cross off your list. That is usually the running joke at our house. We have these long to do lists, and to buy lists, that by the time we are ready to leave…we are worn out and poorer.
I can’t believe that by this time next week you will be in Paris. It’s coming fast. Enjoy your day! ;)
P.S. gorgeous rose! ;)
Claudia says
So much to do before you even leave the house! That’s how I feel!
Wendy T says
Wow! The driveway gravel task is so daunting. Kudos to you and Don for doing that very physical work. Getting you ready to walk the Champ-Elysées!
With reports of rain for today, we cleaned the gutters out yesterday. Never a job my daughter and I relish, but especially her. She’s the one on the ladder and I’m the one raking everything that falls to the ground if she misses the green bin. So, it’s been sprinkling on and off, not the rain we expected, but at least the gutters are clear for the moment.
Taking care of two patients…Bagheera is on the mend but his appetite is not what it was. I think the meds and lack of activity makes him not want to eat so much. Also, he’s probably bored being sequestered on one room. Just 10 more days, buddy! Second patient … my daughter had LASIK vision correction yesterday afternoon. She’s on the mend faster and I only had to watch after her last night. She’s moving around and amazed she can see without contacts or glasses!
Claudia says
I hope both patients feel right as rain very soon!
Chris K in Wisconsin says
WOW!! What a job! Should that help w/ the ice in the winter? Maybe we will have an ice and snow free winter. lol. If all of the rain most of us experienced this summer was snow, I don’t think we would be able to see out the windows. The weather person said last night that on average, an inch of rain is equal to 8-10 inches of snow. We got another 3.75 inches over the weekend.
That trip is coming up quickly. Bet you can’t wait to get out of here. Thinking of staying once you get there???? I think I might. Have a great Tuesday!!
Claudia says
We’re hoping it will help with the ice. A lot of the ice was in spots where the Item 4 had disappeared.
Yes, I have thought of staying! We can’t, but boy, would I love to!
Deb says
As my cousin says, “It’s always something!” The driveway looks nice and fresh. I grew up with a driveway like that and remember the maintenance.
At least you can rest on the plane!
Claudia says
Yes! We’re actually resting right now. We’re tired!
Eve says
Your new driveway looks fantastic and that is one very blue sky.
Happy travels!
Claudia says
Thank you, Eve!
Nancy Blue Moon says
I am glad that your driveway is now in good shape and hopefully it will keep you from slipping and falling this Winter!…The clock is ticking and in one week you will be in Paris!!
Claudia says
Yes, we will!
tammy j says
oh just think. after your fabulous trip you’ll come home to a well kept beautiful little cottage … inside AND out! xo
Claudia says
Except for all the leaves we will have to rake! And the gutters that will be full!
Marilyn says
That Rose is beautiful. I love the color.
Marilyn
Claudia says
Thank you, Marilyn.
Janet in Rochester says
Wow, Claudia! What an energy burst! Kinda like those spurts a pregnant woman experiences just before going into labor. In your case, you’re getting ready to give birth to your European adventure – getting all your ducks in order before you jet off!! And won’t it be nice to come home to a clean house – and that new driveway? Don’t go too crazy though. You don’t want to be all achy and stiff walking around Paris & Edinburgh – take it easy. Peace.
#Resist
#ProtectMueller
Claudia says
We took it easy yesterday, Janet. Thanks!
Kay Nickel says
Wow! That looks nice. You two are so ambitious especially right before a big trip! It is okay to realize your limitations even though I hate to admit it. We recently painted the inside of our old house. I don’t think I will be doing that again. Maybe an accent wall or two in the new house but that’s it.
Claudia says
Painting is exhausting. That may be why only 3 out of the 4 walls in the kitchen have been painted yellow.