It was time to drain and replace the water and filters in my outdoor Jacuzzi tub so that was the chore this past weekend. I keep the hot tub running year-round, even during the winter, so it is important to keep it in top shape at all times. Nothing like sitting in there and having frosty, icy hair.
Driveway Refurbish
I had a tar-and-chip driveway that was installed over 9 years ago. It was showing its age, and I’ve lost my constant battle with weeds that seem to find a way to grow back in sections every year. So today, I had a new one installed.
It started with the crew from Keystone Tar & Chip Paving first removing all visible vegetation, re-defining the edges along the lawn, leveling and grading the entire length of the driveway, then compacting the graded surface using a 5-ton vibratory combo set of rollers. They then applied a vegetation preventative on the compacted surface, and proceeded with the main job: two individual layers of chip seal consisting of first, hot liquid asphalt (or tar) at the rate of 1/2 gallon per square yard, followed by crushed limestone gravel (or chips) at the rate of 1 ton per 500 square feet. After each coating, the 5-ton vibratory combo rollers went over the newly applied layer for further compaction while workers manually fine-raked and brushed for an even surface. All these in about 5 hours.
They also gave me tips on what herbicides to use to prevent weed growth, and further enjoy the new driveway for at least the next decade.
Mindless Task Calms the Mind
With a podcast on the AirPods, bucket hat and sunglasses on, and lots of sunblock, mowing the yard (all two and a half acres of it), can take over two hours of a mindless task. But it can also be calming, and the time outside in the sun is always time well spent.
More House Projects
Several other outdoor housekeeping projects were completed this month, in addition to the rock bed replenishment and re-leveling earlier in the spring. Early in July, I started re-staining the cedar canopies over the front doors, as well as the side garage door. In mid-July, I hired a company to do a professional wash and clean of all glass window and door exteriors, something that I used to do myself once a year. I was so pleased with their work that I will continue to hire them every year from now on.
I also solicited quotes for a pressure wash cleaning of all the ground concrete surfaces: front walkway, driveway pad, and the courtyard perimeter walkways. But the quotes came in so high that I decided to just buy a gas-powered pressure washer and do it myself. I completed this project over a few days in mid-August.
Memorial Day Outing
[29 May, 2023]
Lunch at 5 Guys and sugary treats at Dragon Donuts.
A Wintry Walk
[26 January, 2023]
This morning’s 5K walk was a bit … snowy. Definitely chilly. Snowilly?
Reflectorized Driveway Markers
[10 December, 2022]
An annual undertaking: putting up my reflectorized driveway markers for the snowiest of those winter days. Winter is coming, and they say this year is going to be snowy.
The Eagle Has Landed
[22 October, 2022]
After my usual walk this morning, this greeted me as I returned to my car.
Today's 5K Walk
[14 October, 2022]
Fall is definitely now in full force and made yesterday’s walk quite pleasant and colorful.
Walking in the woods at Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Dublin, OH.