April 1st we finally got our sewer line repaired. The break between the clay and the cast iron sewer line was right up by our foundation and this machine dug an eight foot trench three feet wide and about five feed long. We had to dig up two of my boxwood shrubs and many of the hyacinth and crocus bulbs to allow a place for the plywood that was to hold the dirt until it was time to fill up the hole. I have since re-planted everything. I still have a large mound of dirt that will need to be compacted. One way suggested by the plumber is to force water down into the dirt. You can see in the second picture the hose connected to a long pipe - it was provided by the plumber. After this, I hope we NEVER EVER have another sewer back up in the basement.
Another outside project has been to create a raised vegetable garden bed in the backyard. We decided to go with cinderblock since it will never rot. They are so heavy, though, that it took three trips to Menards to fetch them home in our Element.
On Friday, Steve and I volunteered at the bi-annual clean-up at the Concordia Cemetery across the street. I picked up trash along the entire north perimeter fence and Steve collected large fallen branches that would hamper a mower. Because this event was on Friday afternoon, I taught Southerland music lessons on Thursday instead. We fed one set of missionaries Tuesday evening on our deck since they still cannot accept indoor dinner appointments. Both Steve and helped out with missionary lessons (by phone and in person) throughout the week. I had a string quartet rehearsal Friday morning.
The best part of last week was when Elise arrived Thursday afternoon to spend a few days, including General Conference, with us. Melanie joined us on Saturday. Elise and Melanie just traded places in the guest room since Elise drove back to Columbia Saturday evening so she could sing in the Memorial Baptist Easter Sunday service. Saturday evening we celebrated Beckie's birthday a few days late (She spent her actual birthday with Kyle and Micah in New Orleans). We had a good crowd in our backyard - Beckie, Kyle, Micah, Emily, Joe, Noah, Lucy, Quinn, Larkin, Elise, Melanie. We enjoyed grilled porksteaks, baked potatoes, corn salad, coleslaw, guacamole and chips, and strawberry shortcake. The weather was just perfect!
my daffodils have been gorgeous! And, I had a pleasant surprise when I discovered a patch of daffodils planted by a previous owner along the east fence.
Easter Sunday was lovely and peaceful. General Conference was just wonderful. Sally and Linus LOVED hanging out with Melanie on the couch as we watched.
We had a quiet Easter dinner that evening with Melanie and Fred, our blind neighbor. We ate ham, potatoes supreme, asparagus, fresh pineapple, and I decorated a little gluten free cake.
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