Patio progress report

It’s been awhile since anyone has seen the progress in the back yard. So here we go.

Last time I shared photos (in November), I had just finished the bottom level and cut blocks to go around the edges. Needed some finishing touches this spring, but it was basically ready to go.

But I wasn’t quite satisfied. Seemed weird that we had a first-class patio, but just a crappy old concrete sidewalk leading up to it.

It needed a set of matching stone steps as an entry way. And while we’re at it, might as well redo the wooden steps down from the deck, which were entirely too steep and narrow.

Get the shovels back out!

Six weeks of occasional work later. It’s getting close. But I always say that.

Planning for two steps. Using stakes for depth measurements.

Broke up the concrete sidewalk with a borrowed sledgehammer. Dug out the area for the new steps. Then remembered another outdoor project we had planned: Run electricity to the garage for lights and a garage-door opener.

So, we dug out a big trench, and ran electrical conduit and wires from the house to the garage. I got to drill a hole in the side of the house! Sweetness.

Rental drill. Giant bit.

My well-dressed helper.

View from the inside. We’re through!

The nearly finished product.

Connecting to the garage.

So now, a simple call to the electrician will give us beautiful lights, power-tool hookups and an easy escape for the vehicle from inclement weather in the garage. Can’t wait.

(Oh man, that’s reminds me of another blog post I forgot to write: We got rid of one of our cars! Stephanie’s working from home a lot more now, so we sold the Jetta to save on gas and insurance. So far, we’re loving it.)

But anyway, back to the patio …

Dammit, I thought I was done having piles of blocks and sand in my driveway!

Filling it up. Rounded corners for added degree of difficulty.

Side view. Also notice that the wooden deck steps are gone. Makes for a dangerous trip to the grill, which is on the patio below.

Top steps finished.

Just gotta add the blocks for the step down onto the patio.

And there’s finally a project deadline. Stephanie’s hosting a bridal shower for Natalie on August 13. Patio will be done. Steps will be done. And we’re hoping the next step of the backyard overhaul is also complete: new fence!

More on that later.