January 16, 2005—Progress Continues Slowly

Once returned from Phoenix we were able to park on our new slab and Marc proceeded to lay forms for half the patio pour. We plan an extensive patio area so Marc is breaking it into two pours to make it easier to finish. In addition to the concrete areas there will be decorative pavers running throughout and a walkway done in the same pavers.

On a fine Saturday morning, with help from our neighbor Royd and friend Don, concrete was delivered for the pour. The guys quickly got to work in screeting the concrete and then used a variety of finishing tools to make it smooth. Since we had wanted something a little different, Marc finished it off by throwing rock salt on it, which when melted leaves divots in the finished product. This adds interest and character and gives a more rustic look, perfect for this southwest location.

Another Saturday and the final portion of the patio is poured. But first, we had kind neighbors who agreed to split the cost of raising the Mexican block fence to an additional height to provide all of us with more privacy. Previously, the fence was three feet all around. Now the east wall runs two courses of six feet, one of five feet, one of four and then back to the final three closest to the street. The effect is pleasing to look at and does certainly give a greater sense of privacy. Our back fence is now entirely six feet. The west wall is not a concern at this point since that neighbor has never been on his lot so we will wait until we eventually meet them before proceeding with raising it.

February 2, 2005, Second Phase of Patio 

Following on the footsteps of the first installment of the concrete pour, the second pour went much the same, albeit a few weeks later. Yuma’s abnormal amount of rainfall this season caused some delay.

Once the forms were removed, Marc moved on to set the paving brick which is used as accent. After they are totally set, sand will be thrown over them and tamped in which will permanently set the pavers so they don’t move. He ran out of edgers and also needs to rent a wet saw so he can custom cut some to fit, so this project will progress over the next several weeks.

It can’t be all work and no fun and we have had the pleasure recently of several friends’ visits. An old friend from the Bay Area in California was out for a company meeting in Phoenix and decided to spend the weekend with us checking out Yuma. I loaned Mike my bike and he and Marc had a glorious ride through the bombing range desert just to the east of us. Later that evening around cocktails before we all went out to dinner, we also said goodbye to our Oregon friends Paul and Virginia who are headed to Florida for a month. They sold their second home here and plan to return to Oregon permanently. We also welcomed back old fulltime friends Dave and Barb Jenkins. They are off on a caravan into Mexico but plan to return and stay with us for a time so we will plan for some future pictures of our activities once they return.

February 5, 2005—Third Phase of Patio

Work started early this morning with Marc gluing the water line that will run beneath the center section of pavers. This, along with an electric line, will feed the future water feature we are planning at the south end of the patio. Things progressed quickly as he moved to cut the edgers to fit and also fashioned the center diamond out of a contrasting color.

Finally, in early afternoon, all the pavers are set. Sand fill and tampering is still to be done but we get a good idea of the finished project as Marc enjoys the fruits of his labor.