So. We had big doins this past weekend at the Oceanside, er, beach.

That's the beginning. The trench and the first course of brick took most of the day. I have to give credit to the MAN, who did the lion's share of the work. Did I mention it was hard digging? In caliche? Did I mention that those stupid bricks had to be level front/back left/right AND level with neighbor bricks? Have I mentioned how the MAN did the hardest work on one of the hottest days this year? Did I mention it was hot out? Way. HOT.





When arthur says it's this hot, it's siesta time.


So the next steps, which pretty much rounded out the first day. Funny how a ton of sand doesn't go quite as far as you might think.



And at last, fountain and plants. And a big red carp. Ceramic, that is.
The boy moved the chair there all on his own. He'd been waiting so long. SOOO long. I made the mistake of purchasing the liners first, some months ago (before it was hellishly hot), and he has been most persistent reminding us about the pond. When he really wants to communicate, which is rare, he'll get right in our face, almost nose to nose, and say his one word or phrase, in this case, "Pond." He must've gotten tired of us saying, "not today" or "later, it's too hot" because he started saying "POND" in a much clearer, louder voice.
Gawd, are we suckers for for a clear loud voice. He did help dig, and haul, and stack, and fill, and most of all, enjoy.
I think he likes it.