I never thought I could say that I was excited about cement. But, let me tell you that I'm SO excited about our new sidewalk. Since we moved into our new house in March 2006, we've been using plywood for a sidewalk. We knew we would have to wait until this summer to put in a sidewalk because the ground needed to settle, but I was so anxious. We debated about pavers and almost bought some. But time was of the essence...and it was running out. So, we talked to a local friend that pours cement and he suggested aggregate. What?? Clay had used this at his parents house. So, I ran over to their house to see it and loved it.



For anyone else not familiar with this technique, they pour cement first, then put these very small river rock on top, then wash the sand away after it's dry. Its perfect for our house, which is styled to look like a barn. Today, they will come and take off the forms, cut it, and we'll be ready to walk on it. Yeah! No more plywood. Our guests can now use the front door...well, once the new front step is added to the landing. There's always one more thing, isn't there. In the evenings while Henry is driving his tractor in the yard and the girls are cruising in the wagon, I'll be hauling dirt into my new planting areas...then covering it with mulch (which has been in the driveway since July). I'll try and plant a few bigger bushes yet this fall, but most of the plantings will have to wait for spring.