Gateway to greater things
My big gate has needed a lot of attention.
The gate is the gateway to so many things. Unloading unwanted furniture, movers loading up my remaining possessions for the move and giving the septic guy access to the system.
A sidenote: I used Evergreen Septic in 2010 when my flatland realtor didn’t know that sellers have to provide services and inspections including having the the septic pumped and inspected.
I had it pumped in December 2010. He came to the door and asked, “So what do you do when you go to the bathroom?”
I confirmed my appointment for August 20 and spoked with the lady who runs Evergreen Septic. She told me what was in the notes from 2010 and I realized it was her husband who pumped my tank and gave me a laugh.
He passed away two years ago.
Fencing for fun and family
The driveway guy has a son who has his own fencing company who can fix gates. It’s all in who you know.
It was a combination of forces that caused gate problems. First was the incompetence by Conifer Gutter that attached a very heavy pipe TO the gate, causing it to sink into the ground, bend the hinges and put strain on the posts.
Second, the new driveway material – road base – raised the level of the driveway for drainage reasons. That means the gate wouldn’t swing open, out into the driveway.
It now swings IN towards the yard. Yah, I know not perfect. Anyone trying to back in a boat or RV is going to curse me for changing the direction.
He put my drainage system back together. It’s weird but it works really well during the recent deluges that previously would have overwhelmed the gutters. I think part of the reason it works is because it isn’t a constant pipe with no ‘air.’ My set-up allows for air to facilitate drainage rather than overwhelm the system.
CG’s first drainage set-up still made the gutters overflow in a storm. Allowing a space and some air into the system makes it work better.
My solution? Get rid of the freakin’ gate. Pull the stainless steel fenceposts and open the area next to the bedrooms. Bring in a few tons of dirt, build a retaining wall and put a garage there. That fenced in area a waste of space. I know I’ve missed things going on down in the Slightly Unenchanted Forest because there’s a fence there. The owner before me had his jet ski parts and pieces scattered around the area and I know he used it to corral his dogs.
Get rid of the gate. Snow removal will be so much easier. Don’t push it up against the gate, with the gate and posts gone, push it over the edge. Makes more room for turning around on the driveway.
But it’s not my call to make.
IF I was going to do anything, I’d put a fence up on the south side of the property. Ever since I had the survey done, he’s backed his various trucks and cars right up against the property line. He’s stacked cut wood in between standing trees and has mile-high piles of slash. He’s got lots of crap behind his garage and his shed. I have theories about people that try to ‘hide’ their stuff where THEY can’t see it. It tells me that they’re liars. On the surface they look like everything is in order. But in corners and behind things, there’s the junk they can’t face and don’t want anyone to see.
Me? Have an old cooler behind the shed. I’m afraid to move it. What’s in it? I have to lift it and put it in the trash. Yikes. That and Peggy’s rug in the shed are the two things that freak me out the most.
At least the gate is fixed and the pooper pumper is coming tomorrow