Hard Work, nice results

This past week, Shelley and I took on an enormous task.  Thank goodness for the iron infusions; this would be impossible without them!  For over a decade, the north side of the rear yard was a wild mess.  The previous rock wall was covered due to erosion.  The grass access path was half covered by aged shrubs, and the other had hardened dirt where no grass would grow.  We tried putting mulch in the hardened soil area to clean it up, but it quickly turned into an eroded mess.

Shelley was unable to have the strength to accomplish much of the task, so she focused on removing all the underbrush up the hill while I dug out the rocks and reformed the wall.  After removing the underbrush, several small buckthorn and other plants were found, requiring significant effort to pull them out at the roots to prevent regrowth.  This was difficult in soil that is filled with rocks and other roots. 

By removing the aged shrubs, we now have a six-foot-wide walkway, gaining 3 feet.  Therefore, there was adequate space to attempt to establish natural turf.  We chose shade sod from Gertens and proceeded to loosen the soil, add new topsoil, and lay the sod.  Besides requiring backbreaking digging and soil modifications, it was also over 90 degrees and very humid all week.  Each day, my shirt was soaked in sweat. Now we hope all the landscaping installed will survive and stay vibrant.  The entire backyard area now looks inviting, as opposed to an unkept area. 

Original mess - rocks buried in the ground	Rocks were removed from the hill and placed
Another view of the rocks and hill clean up	Finished product

 

The new walkway and wall/hill in the background

It was nice to finish on Friday; the Minnesota Amateur Baseball playoffs started,  marking another season in the books.  I really enjoy town ball and attended some games in Prior Lake, which were very enjoyable.  I was also able to review a few more fields.  To date, I have reviewed 14 ballfields, with only about 240 to go!

With the Iron infusions, I am getting better sleep, breathing more easily, and feeling less anxious and edgy!  Nice to feel close to normal.  I wish I could see the hematologist sooner, but I need to wait until November!

Hard to believe I am only 34 days before turning 63!  Time goes faster each year. 

Until next time, carry on my friends, carry on!