Alright, alright, here's an update

I know, I know, it has been a while since I have posted an update. If it feels like a long time for you, put yourself in my shoes (they're covered in dirt). The progress got a little slow on my project - I even engaged in a motivational talk to get things moving along. We saw some progress this week and I can really feel the end in sight. The finish coat of stucco has been applied to all of the walls, the stair caps from one level to the next are in place, and the tile in the fountain is about complete. Next is the finish coat of stucco in the fountain (dark interior) and then the decomposed granite will be put in place. The irrigation lines and the low voltage lighting wires are now nearly all in place. Rumor has it that the lumber for the pergola will be delivered on Tuesday morning. I can't wait.

We have concrete

Sorry for the delay in posting... I haven't had a good chance to get out and take pictures. You can see that the patio concrete has been poured - it is looking pretty big. Also you can see the firepit is really taking shape. Notice the trench beneath it for the gas line - you have to go pretty deep when you run the gas line. There is also a shot of the water feature. While the bottom of the "pond" isn't poured, you can see the shape. We are just installing the tile edging at the planned water's edge. It will make more sense and take better shape as it moves forward from here. Next up, the smooth coat on the stucco and the pergola.

Tomorrow we have concrete

Well, the crew has been working on getting the patio ready for the concrete pour. The rebar is in place and the formwork is set up to level the patio. You can also see the fire pit under construction.

Moving Along

Hey, before you know it we'll be pouring concrete. The crew is setting the form work for the patio and is applying sand in prep for the concrete. It is definitely starting to take shape. The holes you see in the right foreground are for the footings where the pergola posts will be set.

We've Got Walls

Alrighty then, it looks like the walls have finally taken shape. The finish you see in these photos is the scratch coat. The smooth coat will be applied to the walls at the end of the job. The next step is pouring the concrete portion of the patio and then we move on to the pergola.

We're Taking Shape

Well, the walls are coming along nicely. The first scratch coat of stucco is on most of the walls and the soil level in the elevated area is almost at the final level. Before you know it we will start to see plants... but don't let me get ahead of myself.

And So It Goes

The wall for the elevated area is coming right along. We are also trenching for the footings for the remaining retaining walls along the back part of the yard and the Area for the spa. Slowly but surely the space is starting to show itself. This next week we should complete the walls and start applying stucco.