Best Laid Plans

So work was due to commence on clearing the old pond and site last weekend. There's quite a bit to do so that we have a blank canvas with which to start the new pond build. Firstly we need to remove the soil and then the hardcore from the pond borders (we've actually managed to take up all but  theplants), then we need to remove the sleepers and store them away from the area of the site as we'll be re-using these to "front" the new pond. We also need to remove all the gravel from the area which we were hoping to simply move and use elsewhere, however we're not in a position to do this yet so again we need to find a place to store it until we're ready.

The reason for the post title then .... because we were unable to start the above work because the fence between our property and next door blew down! We're still at a loss as to how 4 inch posts managed to rot so easily and quickly, however i think it's fair to say that the sewage flood we were subjected to on two occasions late last year certainly contributed considerably. It meant that we spent Friday afternoon with the help of Tracy & John from Wolds Home & Garden Services digging out the old posts and concrete to make way for the new. A task made extremely difficult apparently by my concrete mixing skills, resulting in the use of a concrete breaker having to be seriously abused! Saturday morning we managed to get a number of posts cemented in before having to bob out, with the remainder of the posts being concreted in on Sunday. The rails were then screwed on during the week ready for boarding, which was due to be started Friday when home from work and finished off Saturday morning so that we could spend the rest of the weekend tidying up the old pond and area.

Best laid plans - take two!

Friday saw Wifey seriously ill with the latest stomach bug prompting many a visit to the loo ..... with bucket! It seemed to hit her with extreme prejudice knocking her completely off her feet (apart from the running to the bathroom). Needless to say that come tea time on Friday i was beginning to feel a bit queasy and by the time 9.00 pm came, was in full illness mode. I must admit that i've been no way near as bad as Wifey, but still wouldn't wish what i experienced on anyone.

Both of us were feeling more human this morning and so we've managed to position the landscape fabric and pin it down, board one side of the fence so there's at least a garden divide again which should keep next door's cat out and prevent our dog from eating said cat. We also managed to gravel one side also. Not a great deal achieved really, but in the scheme of things and the way we're still feeling it was quite a monumental effort really.

So here's to next weekend when we can finally start clearing the old pond site ready to begin work on the new.