My driveway was in need of a lift. And so I hired a contractor to regrade it and add a culvert. Two days of construction and ten loads of gravel later, the change was dramatic. Ellie Mae growled and hid. I enjoyed watching the nifty machinery in action.
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Owner/Operator, Allen, supervises the delivery of a gravel load.
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| The Bobcat machine using a bucket attachment ... |
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| ... followed by the roller/compactor attachment. |
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| The excavator can change attachments from controls within the cab. |
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| This intersection was raised about two and a half feet so required a culvert. |
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| Orange and white lane markers will (hopefully) prevent accidents! |
To soften the drive's appearance and to retain the gravel, I'm now landscaping the sides myself. The ground is from a nearby drainage ditch. It's composed mostly of clay so I'm hoping it will hold up. Time will tell. The physical work in fresh October air has a side benefit of a good night's sleep and sweeter dreams.
Florence, it looked like you had something here for everyone today. Enjoyed seeing those pictures with the machine and the gravel, was that terribly expensive? Loved the bird photos too, you really are a talented nature photographer. I was actually thinking of you earlier today, the owners of my apartment building had the outside grass areas completely turned over exposing Earth, and laid down a little ton of horse manure! I'm just wondering why they did it and this time of year too. Okay sorry for the long comment, but you know how much I enjoy your blog hope you're doing good. 🙂
ReplyDeleteTerribly expensive? Expensive, yes. Terribly, no. The only reason I can think of, Doug, for turning over grass and applying manure is to prepare for heavy feeding plants. Perhaps tulips or other bulbs that are planted in the Fall. Now you've got me curious. I'd like to know what develops. Perhaps your community grapevine will reveal all.
DeleteThanks Florence, if I learn anything more about that manure I'll let you know. And I am going to learn something! 👍
DeleteWhat a great job he did. I have seen those bobcats work and a good operator is fun to watch. Poor Ellie Mae. That was an unwelcome monster to her. Smart to landscape the sides to keep the gravel from washing away.
ReplyDeleteHonestly Patti, it was like watching a ballet performed by machines. Live theatre! Now I have perhaps mere weeks before freeze-up to haul and tamp that ground into place. Since I take many work breaks, I'll need every one of those days with the buckets and shovel. Certainly takes care of my exercise needs.
DeleteThat's the same result we had on our driveway: lots of work, really well done. Well worth it for the next number of years.
DeleteOur cats are still nervous when delivery truck appears!
Oh love your Morning Glories...brings back memories of growing them at the farm. Meanwhile, what a big job you had there with the drive. Love your landscape rig up and yes, you can do this. As you say the physical work out in the fresh air is good for the body; I find that with my wood hauling, etc. Good luck with getting it all finished, Florence.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your vote of confidence, Jocelyn! Because the buckets were slopping over and losing too much in the transit, I bought a four wheeled garden cart this morning. Now if only the rain holds off for a week, I should get the landscaping done. Oh how I miss my younger, stronger, body! (sigh)
DeleteSeems like it would be a fun project to watch happen!
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