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| This used to be a 10 inch step, which always surprised our guests. The sidewalk had settled after 15 years, so the 7.5 inch step required by building codes had disappeared. "Come over to our house. Watch that first step." The secret to getting the step to stay is the hole drilled into the stoop, which, being part of the house, has not settled. Rebar has been inserted into both holes and the concrete will stay put for the rest of our lives, or at least until we don't care any more. Did someone say "Do it right the first time?" |
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| Jack and his hammer. |
They're setting a breakneck pace, two bobcats and a crew of six, tearing up (very carefully) the sidewalks and aprons on all eight units.
There are concrete saws, a compactor, sweeper, and even a man with a mall who comes down hard when a sidewalk crack won't come easy. Sort of like breaking a Saltine into two pieces for easier handling.
The chief says they've ordered a load of cement for 1 p.m. today and they will start with our curvy sidewalk, which has already been formed and staked with rebar inserted into holes drilled into our front stoop. The pour will include about four feet of concrete poured into the newly exposed concrete block that holds up the front edge of the garage floor.
It's a beautiful, noisy day and the neighbors are enjoying the spectacle. Birdie not so much.
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| Wes and Shirley and Colby at their morning observation post. |
