Digging Holes and Painting Fences

With such a catchy title, this post is sure to get a lot of hits. We're getting into the un-sexy part of the yard chores, but it's a perfect time to dig things up and make messes while heavy construction is underway. And at this point in the project and budget, it's time to find all of the low-skilled DIY projects that I can tackle while the experts toil away on the house. Drain pipes and fences are getting a makeover here. Enjoy the sexy stuff below...tho I did leave one inspiration pic (legitimately sexy, in terms of exterior design) at the end of the post with some bigger dreams about cool elements to include in the back yard. 

Extracting cracked and clogged drain pipes

Finished the first leg...the next one awaits. (Another day)

Digging trenches is humbling...happy to return to my desk job tomorrow. 

Just for kicks, a picture of the back yard area before demo. The drain pipe runs under the wobbly flagstone patio pictured here. 

Amid trench digging, testing a cedar colored stain for the fence (see right side of pic). More fence updates to come.

I came across this picture of the Miller House--one of the greatest examples of mid-century modern architecture in the country, in (unlikely) Columbus, Indiana, designed by Eero Saarinen (of Dulles Airport and St. Louis Arch fame). I didn't realize there was a cool little reflecting pond along one glass wall of the house. I might need to do a site visit to the property to get first-hand inspiration...


How about a rectangular reflecting pond along the back of the master bedroom sitting area picture window, extending toward the courtyard patio? With a bubbling fountain that could be heard in the master bedroom and possibly patio and great room. I had better save some energy for digging that hole. :)