Asphalt .... A Beautiful Thing!!

Things tend to happen quickly around here and yesterday was no exception!  We've had our driveway booked for repaving..tentative date was the end of July.  Late yesterday afternoon, the company called and advised they could come within the hour...if that was ok with us.  Uh...yah.

Here's a couple of "before" photos of the driveway...don't judge, k?  It's pretty sad...

 It was long overdue for a make over...

And here come the calvary.....

Such a beautiful sight...

Their first step was to grade and level the driveway...mostly at the end closest to the street.  Over the years, the city has done major upgrades such as water, sewer, larger culverts and sidewalks.  And each time...they would repave where they dug up.  Over the years...it gave quite a slope coming in...a real pain for snow and ice removal in the winter.

Now we have a flat surface...no slopes or dips...

Isn't she beautiful?  She feels like a she...

And just like that...a freshly paved driveway!!  They even paved the other side of the sidewalk...

Mr. Seventies is having topsoil delivered to build up both sides (and will plant grass seed) as recommended by the paving company.  

It will take 2-3 days before we can park in our drive (shout out to our awesome neighbours offering to accommodate our SUV).  

Pool Update

One thing I have learned through this process is it takes a lot more prep work  doing a repair job (and fixing some else's mistakes) that it does to start from scratch!

The cement blocks are now secured under each stanchion (metal beams the pool walls are secured to) and the sand has been levelled properly (using a laser level).  Levelling takes a great deal of time...and would you believe there was a 4" difference in height from one side of the previous pool to the other?  Wow!  They needed to remove quite a bit of sand before setting down, securing and taping the styrofoam base.

Another great surprise...they were able to use the existing pool walls.  Since they are metal...any bumps or dents were banged out with a mallet.  Who knew?  This was the way things looked on Friday evening.

Early Saturday morning they returned, before the sun rose too high and hot...and installed the new liner!  And we started filling the pool.  During the first part of the fill...there was a huge vacuum running secured in where the skimmer basket will be...it was working to keep wrinkles or air bubbles from forming.  Once the water reached a certain level...the vacuum was shut off.   Then when the water reached the second level...it was turned off.  And here is where we are at this morning....

The installers will return today to remove the vacuum, hook up the skimmer, secure the caps where the railings join (four caps required larger openings).   I'm uncertain at what stage the steps go in...but suspect today as well.  There is a shelf on the back side of the steps where a bag of sand  (weighing 20 kg) will sit to weigh the steps down...and Mr. Seventies will secure them to the pool deck with brackets that were included.  Then the water will be turned back on...and the filling will continue.   Once it reaches the proper height, Mr. Seventies can hook up the pump..and we are in business!

There are companies that will fill your pool all at once...since our water is metered with the city...it's half a dozen of one..and six of the other cost wise.  And the installers are required then to wait while the pool fill to a certain level where they can hook up the skimmer.  Filling it ourselves, allows them to leave for other pool jobs and come back here when required.  (they have 5-6 other jobs on the go currently).  Thankfully...Mother Nature has been on our side this whole process...and will continue to be hot and humid the rest of the week!

Since the weather was so great over the weekend...Mr. Seventies took advantage and stained the small deck and dog ramps. (Liesel is enjoying the shade under the table).

The view from the pool deck pedway....

Our daughter and son in law joined us Saturday evening for barbecued pork loin, fresh Island potatoes and spinach from our garden!! Afterwards...we enjoyed our first "pot party (senior style) of the summer in my new fire pit!  It was a gift from them for Mother's Day! Our previous one was rusted and had seen better days!

Mr. Seventies spent yesterday and early evening giving the pool deck walls a fresh coat of stain.  Once the work is done with the pool...then the deck floor and back steps can be done.  

And my slipcovers are being shipped to me today!!  They should arrive later this week...cannot wait! The seamstress reports they are gorgeous!!!

Off to have another fantastic day!!

When Life Gives You Lemons....Make Lemonade!!

What was supposed to be a half day pool repair...has turned into a three day brand new pool install!

I'll back track a bit...we had the pool installed ten years ago.  At that time, there were only a couple of pool companies in business here.  You know that little voice in your head everyone has?  Well...I chose to ignore mine and went with company B.

As it turns out, Company B did not install the pool properly...we were very fortunate to have it last as long as it did.  Firstly....and the most important mistake...no cement blocks were laid down to give the pool wall posts support!!

You can see here...the steel posts are resting directly on the ground!!  And all that back fill of dirt...should not be there...or not that much.  As the ground froze and thawed....the dirt would push against the pool walls....and having nothing for support...they eventually buckled!!

Another shot where you can see the posts directly on the ground.  That roll is the old pool wall ready for disposal.

It was a very extensive dismantle...but at day's end the guys packed it up and hauled it off for disposal!  They did a great clean up job.  This photo shows the buckle in the old pool wall (before it was taken down). 

This corner is where we lay a pretty outdoor rug and have a couple of inversion chairs to sit and dry off after getting out of the pool!  Right now...the styrofoam for the floor and walls of the pool await installation.  Company B did not use styrofoam at all...so our pool sat on sand!

And speaking of sand...they will need to remove quite a bit from one side as there is a 2" difference in height from one side to the other!  Quite a slope!!  Now pool companies use laser levels to make certain everything is completely level.  

I'm glad we chose not to stain the decks prior to all this work!  Mr. Seventies will be chomping at the bit to give everything a fresh coat!

That pool ladder will not be used in the new pool...steps will be installed making it easier to get in and out!  Especially for us old folks!

So that was the end of day #1!  While it turned out to be a bit more extensive than planned...we're very happy to be having the work done and will enjoy many more years of swimming and relaxing!   An early 35th wedding anniversary gift to us!!  

Be back Monday with more pics and details...by then we should be up and running!

Pool Repair Update

After weeks of waiting (and hot weather)...the pool company finally arrived!  Only to leave to pick up a sump pump!  (as there is water in the pool...not much...but enough that it needs to be pumped out).

I ordered a set of pool steps online...two days ago...and they arrived this morning as well!  A Canadian pool company that we've ordered from in the past.  Last summer we needed to replace the solar blanket.  Steps will make getting in and out of the pool much easier than the current ladder.
So...doing a happy dance today!

And the fabric for the slip covers arrived at the seamstress establishment!  She's busy working on getting those done now!

And the best news of all?  My peonies have bloomed!!  I wish I could keep them like this forever!!

A Trip To The Country Market

More warm temps in the forecast for today and tomorrow...the weekend weather was pretty warm as well!

Mr. Seventies and I took a short trip to a Country Market/Greenhouse over the weekend...as he had a "bare spot" in one of the flower gardens..and wanted a few annuals to fill the void and add colour.  And since the market was having a 40% off sale...no better time to go!  We went before lunch..in hopes it wouldn't be too busy...and it was a good call.

We browsed the huge greenhouse first...oh the smell of all the beautiful flowers was amazing!!

Nothing I love more than a gazebo...

Beautiful hanging baskets...

I'm not a fan of water fountains...but this was very nice...and huge!

Even a "faux" home exterior...crushing big time on that arch!!

Not to mention...Laurel and Hardy!!  I remember watching them on television as a child!!

Next, we did a quick tour of the market area...so many beautiful items!

A delicious breakfast bar set up where you can purchase delicious coffee, tea & snacks!!

Part of the gift shop area...lots of unique items to choose from...

And an area where garden and cook books are sold...I see a few of which we have already...

And, outside as we were leaving...we had to check out the goats!   Yep....you read right.  Goats!!

Look at this little sweetie...Maisy!!  The have food inside the market you can feed them...there were a couple of cute "kids" giving them snacks!

They are so sweet and gentle...and very friendly!  I'd never been that close to goats before!

This cutie was pretty interested in munching on a bale of straw!

I ended up purchasing a "spray" for the front door!  Not that I don't love the basket arrangement I made earlier...it never quite hung right on the door.  This one is perfect!  And at 60% off...too good to pass up!

And lastly...our Red Prince Weigela is in full bloom!!  Beautiful shrub!!  

Peonies are Blooming!!

First of two peony bushes are a blooming with gorgeous colour!  I just had to pick a fresh bouquet.  Now I'm not the only one who loves peonies....so do ants!!  A trick I use, is once cut I plunge the flowers in a bucket of cold water and leave them for about a half hour or so.  Then rinse them again in fresh cold water...and that takes care of any ants that may be in the blossoms.  

The second peony bush has huge, pink blossoms...they resemble oversize cabbage roses.  Mr. Seventies reports it is ready to bloom any day now.  

We've had some intense heat the last few days...and while I'm not complaining...it's disheartening not to have the pool operational...yet.  I was assured it would be repaired this week...and my calls and emails have gone unanswered.  I'm going to give it until next week...and if the company does not respond...I will go in..request our liner deposit be returned...and advise they have lost a customer.   At this stage, we are losing valuable summer enjoyment...and if they don't intend to show up...we will check with other pool establishments.  Which likely means an even longer wait...but frustration is getting the best of us.  I understand it's a busy time of year, especially for pool companies...but a returned phone call or email...takes mere minutes.  Even after a visit to the pool shop did not seem to accomplish much for us.  

Update on my slipcovers...I shipped my old ones off last week and they arrived safe and sound at the seamstress'.  Yesterday, I ordered the fabrics (having them shipped directly to her).  There was a change of fabric choices...as the skirting material I chose was a polyester (cotton lined)..and she wasn't sure how the polyester would work with the cotton...once washed. 

Not wanting to risk too much shrinkage with the polyester..I decided to forgo it.   Still going with this fabric for the seat and back cushions...

And this navy twill for the body of the sofa and chair.  The piping on the cushions will be piped in this navy as well.  It's a very durable, heavy cotton twill....perfect for slip covers.

I really wanted to use this fabric for the slipcover skirts...but it states it must be dry cleaned..it's not really conducive to our needs.  

The seamstress is going to pre-shrink all the fabric prior to sewing them.  Depending on when she receives the fabric (shipping stated 5-7 business days)...she will get started on them immediately and they will be finished the middle of the month and shipped.

Much cooler air today...showers in the forecast.  The weekend weather looks great..Mr. Seventies plans to have mulch delivered and spread in the flower gardens!  We've already had spinach from the veggie garden!

Have a great weekend!!

Favourite Finds

Whew!  The heat has finally arrived here....and I'm luvin' it!!  29 glorious degrees...felt like 37 with the humidex.  Could do without the humidy....but unlike other provinces...we don't get weeks or months of hot, humid weather.  So I'll take it when I can get it...and today is going to be another scorcher!

Yesterday I spent running errands, getting my nails done, picking up dog food for Liesel...ran into my favourite decor store for a half hour or so of browsing!

How adorable is this kitchen towel?  Cute long hair dachshund sporting a top hat and bow tie!  I couldn't leave it in the store...so into my cart it went!!

I'm all about "scents"...sprays, candles and tarts are used daily!  I've purchased these pretty bottles of spray in the past...love them!

They had new sprays in stock....picked up a couple...oh my....they are delicious smelling!  And pretty canisters too!

I'm crushing on these mason jar candles...and they smell twice as awesome!  Next visit....I'm picking up one...or two....

The seventies called...and want this light fixture back...macrame is making a comeback I hear!!

I love this farmhouse butter dish...

My old slipcovers arrive at the seamstress' shop today!  So excited she will begin working on whipping up my new ones!  In the meantime....our sofa and chair are covered in throws and blankets!  I was very disappointed with the non-durability of the fabric....for the price of the pieces...the quality of the fabric was just not there!   I'm leaving the love seat slipcovers as is, for now....as it does not get used all that much and the fabric does not get the wear and tear like the other pieces.

Liesel and I are off for an early morning walk...before the heat sets in!!  

Front Steps are Stained

Happy Belated Canada Day!!  We had a low key weekend...content to putter around the house and property and get things done.  Finished the day off yesterday with a bar-b-que and fresh strawberries from Nova Scotia.  Island berries...will be few and far between this year...as a late frost caused a great deal of destruction to berry crops here.

While the rest of the Maritime provinces are enduring a heat wave...it was only 13 degrees here with a cold breeze last evening...and we decided to forgo the celebratory fireworks on the water front.  We could hear them...(and could Liesel and she voiced her displeasure vocally).

Mr. Seventies put two coats of stain on the front steps on Saturday...

I'm still waiting for another solar candle to arrive..in the meantime I added one to another lantern I had on hand..

And my whimsical "ool" sign is secured to the pool deck wall as you enter the pool!  

Mr. Seventies also decided to put a fresh coat of stain on the back deck steps...but will wait and do the rest hopefully once the pool is operational  With hot weather finally forecasted...hoping they do come this week and do the repairs!

I picked up a super comfy pair of casual sandals over the weekend...they are Josef Seibel sandals..I had a hard time choosing between brown or black...and finally decided on a black pair.  The are very easy to slip on and fasten...I'd been need a pair of casual sandals and these fit the bill.

Our potatoes in the vegetable garden are almost ready to blossom....the lettuce and spinach are ready now! (that's peas growing next to the potatoes).

And I marvel at the beauty of my Bridal Wreath spirea this year...simply breath taking!

And on that note, I'll leave you with a few more beautiful plants from the gardens...these blooms were covered with butterflies the other day!

Some hosts are huge!

Mixture of lupins and iris...we planted red lupins...hope they grow!!  Waiting patiently for them to make an appearance!

Have a great day!!