This phase of outdoor art is bittersweet. Mr. Ralph got it started but all our friends and neighbors got it finished just a week before he departed. When he became too weak to walk around (and boss around) workers and friends, he would sit on the deck and "supervise".
Can you move that rock a little to the right? No, MY right. Can you switch those two plants? Do you think that is enough sand for the base? These men are saints. They asked his "advice" all through the project. They brought him bottled water rather than the other way around.
These friends had only known us a year or two so you can imagine my surprise when they just pitched in and took it over. Bob and Paula did the artistic design, found someone who would bring their leftover concrete to make the stepping stones (with geckos stamped in a few of them), went hither and yon buying meaningful stone art and bringing it by for approval, or not.
I cannot thank everyone enough. They added landscape lights so it's very easy to direct a pizza delivery or guests coming after dark from the airport.
A labor of love. By and for Mr. Ralph.
You're inspiring me to photo documentation of my house as well. Your house and projects are a treasure and now it's easier to enjoy the memories you built there with all the photo queues in one place.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It has been a fun project! But now on to the horrible mean bitchy tenant who FINALLY said today she is moving out on the 3rd of January. You will NOT believe the saga ....
DeleteThis nearly brought me to tears.
ReplyDeleteI thought your tenant was a dear friend of yours. Do tell us the saga please.
We were best of friends! Saw each other at least twice a week. I should have known better than mix business and friendship. After just 2-3 months into her lease .. she asked me if I could lower her rent .....
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