Yard Transformation and Bucket List Checkmark

With my folks in town and hydraulic assistance we were able to make major improvements to my side of the duplex in two short weeks. The intent, if not the letter, of my garden sketch on paper came to life. At the same time my kitchen became more like a kitchen and less like camping. See for yourself --

Bob cutting back trees to make the yard sunnier.

Regrading the driveway to make water drain away instead of toward the house.

Peeling turf with the dream machine. I had a blast driving this thing (I have wanted to rent one since I was about 5 years old).

Suzanne works on the resulting mountain.

BRAND NEW STOVE AND HOOD!!! Old oven didn't work so this is a BIG change.

The utility sink that came with the house is now hooked to the hook ups and is working great.

New front stoop and door.

New raised bed near my front windows made with old facia boards from my roof soffit. I put in a few veggies even though it was late in the season.

Cold frame made with old facia boards and a window from the rental side. It has R-10 ridged foam insulation on the bottom and sides.

This is where the mountain was; it has been completely racked and shoveled out (by hand).

The new yard contour/swale that will drain water away from the house. More new raised beds.

Raised bed and overflow drainage pipe to avoid a lake/mosquito breeding ground in my yard.

The swale looks like a river bed.

Tillie being cute :-)