Since the beginning of May, when this project began, it's been Water World! Just yesterday, another torrential downpour filled up my latest excavating accomplishment. The footer was dug, level, and dry. Now we have a moat (we are not looking to adopt any alligators.)

Here's a picture that shows the juxtaposition of  modern plumbing and original Roman Aqueduct version.

Just for fun (fun for me, I don't know how fun this is for you) here's a picture of the original septic tank, circa 1950. Notice it's brick! Probably 15 feet deep and about 8-10 feet in diameter. I have long since filled it up with fill dirt, saving a few truck loads in the process.

This photo, although older, shows the most lovely version of the impact of runoff. My only regret is that a neighbor who was walking by said there were ducks swimming here, but I was not able to capture that moment.

Just wrapping up for sake of beating a dead horse, here's more from the beginning. There's still lots of dirt in this shot that has yet to be moved.

The thing about any project is there's a beginning and an end. Many tasks need preparation, so there's a natural order to everything. I mean, you can't build the deck on top of the garage until the garage is built. The garage can't be built without a foundation. The foundation can't be laid until the water and waste water lines have been dug, assembled, and most importantly - inspected.

After finally grading the lot mostly flat and then moving the mountain, there's a moment of serenity... But, you dig trenches like a fury of destruction to an otherwise peaceful scene. Trenches to replace the overhead power lines, for the internet, and for clean water in and grey water out. I think 'trench' should be a four letter word in modern English.

Just getting the correct information can be Rocket Science. The Regional Building Department will tell you "bury your water line 60 inches deep" and they mark your plans accordingly. Call for the inspection and the Inspector says, "We don't inspect outside lines, you need to call the Utility company." Then the Utility Company tells you "bury your water line 72 inches deep." REALLY? I just dug a 12 inch wide 60 inch deep trench, and now I'm supposed to dig it 12 inches deeper? I don't even fit in the trench. Digging an extra 12 inches deep with the excavator would have taken 15 more minutes, tops. How deep do you have to go before the frostline (30") is safely observed? I make a stand and won't dig deeper. Fortunately, there's a difference between being a contractor and a homeowner. I win - with much pleading and bended knee time.

Look at the maze!

Then there's the fresh water lines (blue pipe) and waste lines (big white pipe.) Something new for me; both lines need tracer wires for future location and identification. 

Fortunately, I have company. My son, Dane, is making some hourly cash (though not as reliable as a rental diesel product) and helping when possible. He's doing great, as the more he works the better he performs. Love that guy!

Cheers!

Lots of work being done and it's exhausting. I could use a day off.

The good news is there was an SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Autocross at PPIR (Pikes Peak International Raceway). An Autocross is making your way around a parking lot course defined by pylons. Compete against similar cars with 4 runs, each only lasts about a minute, and best time wins. Hit a pylon and you get a 2 second penalty. At best, you'll get up to 50mph. It's more fun than it sounds, and for a car geek like me it's pretty much the best thing ever!

I used to Autocross all the time, back in the day. Now that my daughter Quinn is driving I wanted to take her to see one of these for herself. (BTW, the third date Diane and I ever had was an autocross - I knew she was the one!) Quinn and I spent the day together at PPIR. She preferred to watch Dad drive, but was a passenger for 3 out of my 4 runs. We had a wonderful day, despite the 90 degree temperature.

Used Quinn's car as the Expedition or Land Rover don't Autocross very well and there's no class for SUV's. Back to work today...

At the height of our artistic piles, intended pun, we eventually moved 52 dump truck loads of dirt - technically clay, but a pile of dirt. Yes, 52 loads in one weekend! (I have very kind and tolerant neighbors, thank you very much.) Here is the picture of the pile before it was removed, and another with the biggest rental tool I've ever had. My only concern was "Don't hit the house!"

It was very difficult to schedule the truckers when they have had an equally hard year with the rains affecting their normal routine. So the 52 load weekend began early one Sunday morning with 4 trucks coming and going in 15 minute intervals.

Amazingly, everything was better than I imagined. Our lot was clear, mostly flat, and ready for the next phase. Another rental and this one digs ditches. Do I have a lot of ditches to dig!

The first thing on the massive to do list was removing the aging and obstructive hedge of Lilacs. Cut down in a day and trash bagged the next. Suddenly the back yard was 40 feet deeper, from where the hedge was to the back fence - visible for the first time. It's a nice reminder to look at the picture and see grass.

Aside from bags at the street on trash day, we created our first artistic pile of debris. Asphalt! 'DIY' means rental of all things diesel powered, and at the top of the list is a brilliant invention called "Bobcat." Five dump truck loads were needed to move about 3,000 square feet of crumbling pavement. Here's a picture of the pile from our side.

Starting a Blog on the Birkeness Casa Project! Daily entries to follow with the events and accomplishments de jour. Thing is, this year, in the past 2 1/2 months of the project I've been able to work only 3 weeks. The remainder of time has been watching the rain fall in record measure and waiting for the water to evaporate.
It turns out our lot is comprised of clay, with varying amounts of sandy mix. What that means is the water doesn't go away unless I dig a ditch or use a sump pump. Lovely.

So, here in paradise, we're taking our sweet time and enjoying a springy summery monsoon season.

Here is a rendering of the design...