In 2004, shortly after we purchased our Yarrow property we planned and began construction of a ‘mountain’ that would hide the horse barn in the backyard. The plan was to let Janis’ pet pigmy goats climb up the slopes as they loved to do. We welded up a sturdy steel structure to form the bones of the barn. That winter we prefabricated the top portion of the mountain, complete with a beautifully twisted tree. The idea was that we would bring in a big crane to lift the completed portion to the top of the mountain structure and then finish fabricating the lower slopes around it. Over the next year or two we began building the lower sections that also incorporated a goat house as well. But those were busy years in our shop and we never found the time to complete the mountain. The finished mountain top languished by the side of the driveway waiting. Eventually, the barn mountain idea was abandoned. It was decided that a smaller mountain would instead be built to house our commercial garbage bin. A concrete pad was poured and a sturdy structural frame was fabricated over the five cubic yard dumpster. Around this time we got serious about our new house plans and over the next two years, all of our efforts went into the dream house. On completion of the house and as we laid out the final layout of the driveway it was decided to relocate the garbage bin mountain nearer to the property line. The crane was called to bring the mountain top down once again and then lift it back atop the dumpster on the far side of the driveway. The frame was enlarged significantly to include a parking spot for the riding lawn mower and other garden tools. Each summer, after all of our customer deadlines were met we would do a little work on the mountain before the winter weather set in. Two summers ago the lower planters were finally ready to be filled with soil and plants. Today, I decided the upper planters could wait no longer. We had giant bags of lightweight potting soil at the ready. Amazingly it took ten cubic yards of soil to fill the upper reaches of the mountain. At quitting time today Becke took delivery of the shrubbery that would soon be planted at the summit. We’ll soon have a finished mountain that has been twenty years in the making!
Blue roof
The roof section for NEB’s Fun World entry is looking very blue these days. Tomorrow the painting crew will finish the blended base and maybe even do the first glaze. As always, it is looking very bright at this stage. Stay tuned for much more…
Back in the saddle
It has been a whole year since I rode my bike regularly. Last fall, after recuperating from my heart surgery I briefly got back on my wheels but then a bulged disc in my neck stopped my comeback in an instant. Thankfully, over the last months, things have improved greatly and with the warmer weather, I am itching to get back mobile once again. Today, I dusted off the bike and pumped up the tires. Then I went to town and got a new lightweight helmet to lessen the chance of setting back the healing in my neck. Janis & Becke reminded me of my advanced age, and medical conditions and gave me a strong lecture about taking it easy, I listened intently and then I was off. My first ride was only a couple of kilometres but all is well. The weatherman is promising some great riding weather all week. It is great to be back in the saddle once again!
