Driveway Project

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.

Owner/Operator, Allen, supervises the delivery of a gravel load.

The Bobcat machine using a bucket attachment ...

... followed by the roller/compactor attachment.

The excavator can change attachments from controls within the cab.

 This intersection was raised about two and a half feet so required a culvert. 

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.

 

My small-scale, two bucket, landscaping equipment.

And of course, outside work is rewarded with the sights and sounds of the natural world.

 

Robins are harvesting the mountain ash berries.

A drink to wash down the berries and a quick dip before more feasting.

A goldfinch enjoys a tranquil moment in the shelter of a shedding cedar.

Starlings are frisking sumac bobs for edibles.

Morning glories busy glorifying a picket fence.