Concrete Jungle, Part II
We were already aware that there was a lot of concrete used to construct various features in the backyard (patio stones, borders, walls, etc.). We had no idea how MUCH concrete was used in the backyard, until we started smashing and digging...
Here is what we are dealing with:
The Old Clothesline Posts
Initially it looked like we had two concrete pads per one existing clothesline post (an old one with a rotted post stump, and a new one with the current post). Then we started digging, and found out that the new and old posts were connected. What to do? When you can't break it into smaller parts, dig a big hole and bury it.
The Front Patio Walls
We started dismantling the walls of the patio closest to the house last fall. We are now down to the foundations, which literally are concrete foundations poured deep into the ground:
WHY?!?!?!?! Only the dearly departed Mr. McCaskey knows. What to do? Smash 'em into smaller pieces with sledgehammers!!
The Back Patio Walls
We've affectionately referred to these as the gingerbread house walls. But no gingerbread house in the world is reinforced like these babies!
Wow. Metal bars and heavy-duty wire mesh. And I thought it was fun to study concrete in school. I had no idea what we'd be dealing with years later. What to do? Smash it with sledgehammers!! Then use a wirecutters and sawzall to help dismantle (thanks Reyners!).
Mystery Concrete
While digging out the clothesline post near the garage, we discovered a solid concrete pad buried 3-4 feet down which is partly on our property and partly on our neighbors' property:
WHAT THE ...? Resting place of Jimmy Hoffa? Bomb shelter? Who knows. What to do? Re-bury it!!
Initially it looked like we had two concrete pads per one existing clothesline post (an old one with a rotted post stump, and a new one with the current post). Then we started digging, and found out that the new and old posts were connected. What to do? When you can't break it into smaller parts, dig a big hole and bury it.
The Front Patio Walls
We started dismantling the walls of the patio closest to the house last fall. We are now down to the foundations, which literally are concrete foundations poured deep into the ground:
WHY?!?!?!?! Only the dearly departed Mr. McCaskey knows. What to do? Smash 'em into smaller pieces with sledgehammers!!
The Back Patio Walls
We've affectionately referred to these as the gingerbread house walls. But no gingerbread house in the world is reinforced like these babies!
Wow. Metal bars and heavy-duty wire mesh. And I thought it was fun to study concrete in school. I had no idea what we'd be dealing with years later. What to do? Smash it with sledgehammers!! Then use a wirecutters and sawzall to help dismantle (thanks Reyners!).
Mystery Concrete
While digging out the clothesline post near the garage, we discovered a solid concrete pad buried 3-4 feet down which is partly on our property and partly on our neighbors' property:
WHAT THE ...? Resting place of Jimmy Hoffa? Bomb shelter? Who knows. What to do? Re-bury it!!
The Last of the Jungle Plant
Finally, the removal of the stump of the infamous jungle plant...
Thanks to all our family and friends who came over for a solid day of demolition on 4/23... you all rock.
Witness the destruction:
We have to finish dismantling one more area of buried concrete wall foundation at the planting bed near the house, and the small part of remaining gingerbread house wall. Then it's dumpster time!!
posted by Alicia and James Smith | 2:00 PM
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