New deck is finally finished

This is the new deck that is finally finished. It took me over 2 months to do it, and I should have been able to do it in a weekend, but was unable to do so because of constant headaches. In front of the deck we were going to put a step down, but we discovered -- thanks to all the heavy rains that we have received this "summer" -- that the water pools in this area. So instead of a step, we built up the area in front of the deck with sand and Freda put down some flagstone, and then sloped the extra dirt to blend the new, higher area into the lawn. We hope this will help the water run off and no longer pool in this area.

By the way, the black recycled rubber square tiles aren't going to stay on the dirt, they are only there temporarily to keep Tawny off the dirt and she loves laying and rolling in sand and dirt. We are going to get a few strips of sod to put on top of the dirt, so we don't have to deal with Tawny laying on and rolling in the dirt, especially after she's been swimming.


This angle shows the vertical wood fence boards that follow the level of the rock across the deck.


Taz is getting a bit agitated as he doesn't like getting his photo taken. Tawny, on the other hand, absolutely loves laying in dirt and sand, as you know already...


Freda's brother Mike was visiting for about 10 days, and has now returned home. The dogs wouldn't behave for a group shot - this is not for lack of trying!