It's also in my backyard!! I am embarrassed to admit how run down I allowed our backyard to get. But, I have an excuse - I have been a little busy with the pandemic, the elders, and getting the inside of the house all spiffed up. Once the innards were complete, I turned to the mess outside.
There were a lot of issues. Let's digest.
This drain has been clogged for some time.
This planter was crumbled by my palm trees, which I want to keep.
This wall, although sound, was ugly and pee stained.
The steps were decrepit, and the patio was stained.
This planter was icky.
This concrete slab was raised by the roots of my fig tree, which I want to keep.
The full on yucky view.
I had been getting estimates. The highest one was a paver company called Treeium. She wanted 37K - I kid you not. So I kept looking. Unfortunately, hardscape companies are very busy these days - the houses in HB have skyrocketed in value and people are fixing them up. That's a good thing, but also a bad thing, since companies charge a premium. They also don't call you back to even give estimates.
So I hired Prevail Hardscapes. They charged me $5500 for the work. It turns out that the planters and wall were extremely well constructed with rebar and were still sound. So they recommended covering them with concrete and then white stucco.
The crew, led by Isaul Lopez, started on August 2nd. That day, there were a bunch of workers. Each one had a specialty, and worked on their own piece.
By the end of day 1, the drain was working, the wall was cemented, and the crumbled planter was removed.
They also trimmed back the crazy rose bushes and removed the lifted slab.
By Friday, August 5th, the walls had been stuccoed, as well as all the planters.
The missing tiles in the pool had been replaced.
The concrete walkway was fixed.
The flock of wild green parrots did a fly-by to acknowledge the beauty of my new yard.
This is the view toward the She Shed.
It looks lovely.
The security forces approve also.
The last step was power washing all the dirty and stained concrete.
Then it was my turn. I repainted the steps, since I still had some of the paint.
We have a farmer's market over by Golden West College. They have great prices on pots and plants. I made two potted arrangements to flank the gate to the dog run.
They are grass and vinca. Both are easy care and do well in my yard.
I also ordered a five piece conversation set from Amazon. There are two chairs, two ottomans, and a table.
Pretty comfy, if I do say so myself.
This is the current back view of the house, across the pool. I am working on a cover for all the electrical panels - I have a plan and will show you once it is executed.
This is the view toward the She Shed. I will be cleaning up the long planter this weekend.
Kenni approves.
I added a pot with pampas grass to match the blue cushions.
Kenni goes into the She Shed at every opportunity.
Vinni is more polite - he waits for an invite since the sign says "Guys by Invitation Only."
So the only thing left is to put a vinyl lattice on the top of the wall. HB requires that any fence topper be 50% see through. That will happen in a couple of weeks.
Prevail came in $650 under budget!!! I tipped the two main guys $100 each.
Remember the watch I got for Preston as my 15 year anniversary gift from the hospital? He came over and got it on Saturday the 6th. He loved it - his other gold watch has a black face, and this one has a gold face.
Let's check out some outfits. I have been working every day since my coverage is out on leave having a baby.
On July 29th, I wore a knit sundress from Taylor and a leather jacket from Baby Phat.
Lots of turquoise jewelry.
On August 1st, a roomy and cool dress from Bar III.
The deets.
On August 2nd, a pair of very old (like eighties) pleated slacks and an ivory slubby top from JC Penney.
My gold Calvin Klein belt and some costume jewelry spiffed it up.
On August 3rd, a mesh top from INC, some ancient white drawstring pants and a bunch of turquoise.
August 4th, I broke out a skirt from Celine, and the matching Saks Fifth Avenue Black cold shoulder top.
Most of this silver jewelry was my mom's.
On Friday, August 5th, a pretty embellished tank top in a bright coral color. The tan slacks are from Express, and were a game day substitution. The printed challis pants I had out were too big, so I gave them to a friend.
I got his costume necklace in Kansas City.
On Monday, August 8th, I wore a plain white T from WalMart and a satin scarf print skirt from Trixxi.
I wore a belt with a gold buckle and silver jewelry, but no one complained.
On Tuesday, August 9th, once again the white drawstring pants and a white tank from WalMart.
This linen jacket is from Yansi Fugel, an Israeli designer.
The turquoise again.
Today, August 10th, I am wearing a scuba knit skirt from Sharagano, and a white top with a chiffon overlay from One World. My shoes are Ivanka Trump.
I used my convertible pin/pendant to bring out two of the colors in the beautiful skirt.
I got my Ipsy bag yesterday. The print reminds me of the Beverly Hills Hotel wallpaper.
Inside, from top to bootm:
1) Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash - my all time favorite cleanser!!
2) FoxyBae California Dreamin' Leave In Conditioner
3) Pistache Skincare Pistachio Oil Hydrating Eye Cream
4) Yensa Super Serum Silk Foundation
5) Jazmine Mascara - I tried it, but I have to say that Benefit They're Real is still my favorite.
So that's about it for now. but stay tuned, because maybe, just maybe something interesting will happen!!!
