Housework

We always seem to be doing housework around here .... well, that is not totally true. I admit that the scrubbing, mopping, dusting, and vacuuming are left to our faithful and trusty housekeepers, Dioselina and Lady. I am thankful that we can afford that luxury in life. Getting the house cleaned every two weeks is some of the best money we (as busy working parents) can spend. Plus, it leaves us time to do the real house-work that we like to do.

This summer, we will complete the front-yard project. Last summer, we replaced the stairs and railing on the front of the house. We added a concrete walkway and a large concrete planter box. This summer, we are landscaping the front yard. I took a residential landscape design class early this spring, and have a lot of knowledge about what types of plants and trees can sustain the hot afternoon sun that plagues our front yard. I also came up with a plan that requires us to remove all of the grass and level the yard a bit with a large concrete retaining wall. Here are some pictures of our progress so far. For the past couple of weeks, Steve has been building the forms for the retaining wall. Yesterday, the concrete truck came.

A little bit of planting has begun, but I will keep updating with more photos as the project starts to come together. Here is the concrete planter box. It is filled with cacti and succulents. They are tiny little pin cushions right now, but hopefully it will fill out in a few years. Our goal is to make the yard look nice and give the house a bit of curb appeal, but to be draught-tolerant and waterwise. The sun and heat in our front yard is fierce.

If I did not have such a handy and hardworking husband, I would never be able to afford all of the brainstorms I have for this house. I love my husband, because he is a good guy, but also because he is a hard worker and takes such pride in his work and our home. Thank you Steve.

UPDATE: Steve is taking off the front side of the wall mold right now (to check that it is setting correctly). It looks awesome. I am so excited. I will post new pictures next week, when hopefully all of the forms will be off and the yard is cleaned up a bit.