It's our front retaining wall. All 30 metres of it! There are five pallets of blocks waiting to be laid, but the earthworks have only just begun. I don't have a picture of where we're up to yet, but as you can imagine - 30 metres of wall done with only a pick and shovel, is going to be quite a feat.
We're sorely tempted to get machinery in - and by sorely I mean, OUCH me back!!
But it's a steep bit of wall which we intend to cut a footpath into. Not even a bobcat would be safe up on the ledge. Thank goodness we only have to do it once!
Christmas was a quiet occasion, but we did have some wonderful meals with family. Nothing like a bit of salad and cold meat to pass the afternoon away. It's amazing what you can knock together if you have a few staples in the pantry.
We also had a wonderful edible centre-piece. Good to look at but you can eat it too! But of course, it wouldn't be Christmas without the ginerbread men. Yes, I made them again this year.
I have a link to the recipe here: Gingerbread men
The only thing I changed on the recipe, was to beef up the butter to 125 grams. They turned out great! I also used raisins for the buttons.
Despite the fact I'm thoroughly looking forward to 2009, I'm also looking forward to seeing what you're all getting up to this year too. Have a safe and happy holiday.
That retaining wall is a staggering project, but seeing the way u2 move, I know you will bowl it over and do it well:)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE gingerbread, we baked it all the time with my grandmother over an amazingly huge old argus stove/oven/warmer. I miss those days still, decades later!
Wow Chris to think I grumped about having to do 10m of wooden retaining wall! I hope your back feels better soon.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Molly you will be posting about finishing the job in next to no time!
Can't wait to see what it is!
Emily
Thanks for the votes of confidence. We'll need it! One thing a mountain of dirt teaches you is...it ain't going anywhere in a hurry!!
ReplyDeleteWe're pacing ourselves and enjoying the physical activity. I should show pictures of where we're up to, but it just looks like dirt at the moment, LOL.
I love the smell of gingerbread molly, no wonder it conjures up happy memories for you too.
10m of retaining wall is still no small feat, Emily. It's a great feeling when you're finished too. You guys did a wonderful job, especially incorporating the herb raised garden bed. A real talking piece.