The double-edged swords of positive and negative are that our 50s-60s weather continues, but at least it's not over 90 or 100; happily/sadly, that forecast means perfect weather for outside toil work. John is ambitious about projects at my house whereas I would rather hire them done and go for a bike ride or hike. However, he's such a thoughtful and helpful person that I go along with his plans. That means that I've learned to pressure wash (a plus?) but that my arms are terrifically sore today.
It's been at least a decade since the sidewalk and driveway have been done.
John wanted to show me how much dirt was there and what the concrete should look like. Wowsa.
He tried to instruct me on proper technique and I did finally get it after a while. But first I had to get a couple face fulls of dirty water. I'm still much more abstract random than he is though which I'm sure drove him crazy. :)
Don't worry, we cleaned up the street also. John is fussy which is also a good/bad thing. He went over the driveway a second time, in case yours truly had missed any spots (highly likely). He made sure to clean off the house too. So many times the gunk is simply transferred someplace else like the time I had my gutters cleaned out. I'm still mad about the mess they made.
Not perfect but much improved. Did I mention that John insisted on edging too? It was SO hard because the grass and sod had overgrown the pavement by several inches. I'm thankful that he didn't allow me to touch his edger. Last time I tried to use my weed whacker to neaten the edges, it looked like a drunk person had gone berserk on my lawn. ;)
There is a definite feeling of accomplishment and I've even offered to help him pressure wash his own driveway. Unfortunately, he has the Great White Whale (huge pick up) and the camper sitting on top of it--problematic to get the whole driveway done the way he wants.
My favorite Monin's Dark Chocolate sauce has risen in price from $24 for 6 bottles to over $40, so I'm on the hunt for a cheaper alternative. I've tried Hershey's Special Dark which doesn't have the rich flavor like I'm used to. I'm trying this Sundae dream although the first ingredient of it is "High Fructose Corn Syrup." :( Monin's has none of that. It's a dilemma but a relatively easy decision. I have the money and am worthy of a delicious morning mocha. This morning brought me some other good but unbloggable news. I love having something to look forward to! :)
Unreal--we are in the 90s here in Pittsburgh! Margaret, I have to say 2 things:
1) You have a lovely neighborhood and a beautiful home
2) You can never, ever let John go. This fellow is worth his weight in gold!
Anyway, nice job with the pressure wash and that chocolatey drink sure sounds tasty! :^)~
Posted by: DougM | June 15, 2022 at 11:57 AM
I'll take your weather, the power washer machine, and John. I didn't know concrete could get so discolored over time. (Under your initials on the pavement, you should have put a heart and John's initials! You could do that on his driveway, eh?) You must not march in a straight line if you can mangle edging the lawn. Not your top talent, eh? I'll check on plane flights from there to K.C. since John needs to remove some spattered paint on my bricks. Have you tried just melting any of the varieties of dark chocolate bars? Some of the ritzy ones have a variety of fat percentage in them. I can handle the taste of 70% all chocolate, but not 80%. Cheers, Linda in Kansas (103 degrees.)
Posted by: DrumMajor Linda in Kansas | June 15, 2022 at 02:01 PM
Remind me not to go to Kansas in June! I think we crept up to 68 here today, which was getting slightly toasty in the sun for a weedy Scot. Glad to hear about the good news - intriguing...
Posted by: Pam | June 15, 2022 at 02:57 PM
I love an edged sidewalk, drive way, etc. I once was gifted an edger, a foot to step on with a blade under it. I showed Laura how to use it. Uncle Tom was real curious about it, and Laura "Tom Sawyered" him into doing the entire sidewalk.
Posted by: Joanne Noragon | June 15, 2022 at 05:19 PM
Your initials really made the point. Really looking good now and he is an awesome edger. Real curb appeal going there.
Posted by: Arkansas Patti | June 15, 2022 at 06:26 PM
Your driveway looks great newly power washed and the neatly edged lawn looks beautifully groomed. John did a very nice power wash on A's walkway too. Power washers have lots of force and I do not like using them either. I tried once and then left that job for someone else. If I were you, I'd happily let John do heavy duty jobs while you prepare a nice coffee and desert or a light meal for both of you. This seems like a good balance of skill and jobs. It will probably take a day or two for your sore arms to feel better. I'm glad to hear you have something nice in the works to look forward to. It is in the high 70's in MA and no humidity. A lovely day.
Posted by: Susan | June 15, 2022 at 07:34 PM
Oh! It all looks beautiful! There is LOTS of "stuff" that needs to happen around here, but it ain't happening. Grrr. I'm a bit envious. ;o)
I love good news!!
Posted by: Tonya Watkins | June 15, 2022 at 11:32 PM
I have never power washed my driveway nor do I have plans to ever do so. To me it is every bit as vain as dying my hair. I would however continue to buy Monin chocolate sauce it that tripped my trigger.
Posted by: Ed | June 16, 2022 at 04:06 AM
Moanin’ over Monins?
Posted by: AC | June 16, 2022 at 04:46 AM
Go for the Monin Chocolate Sauce! Small pleasures are important. It is still cheaper than a trip to Starbs!!! You deserve the homemade treat!
Posted by: Kaye | June 16, 2022 at 05:56 AM
Since you have the money, you should get what you want.
Posted by: Donna W | June 16, 2022 at 06:29 AM
This spring has been so crazy weather-wise. We are getting another nice few days but then another yo-yo where we will go from 90 today and the 60s on Sunday. Ugghhh. Trying to be positive but my mental health is taking a beating. Anyway, you definitely need to treat yourself to the chocolate sauce. You definitely earned it, especially after all of that pressure washing. Take care and glad you got some good news.
Posted by: Matt Shifley | June 16, 2022 at 09:00 AM
Well, I've been waffling about buying a pressure washer, and your post sent me over the edge. Really, I just have been painting trim and noticed how much paint came off with the regular hose. With my brick walks and stone wall, it just makes sense to have one since renting one is such a pain. Your place looks beautiful and hopefully mine will too!
Posted by: Maureen | June 16, 2022 at 03:04 PM
My daughter is visiting with her family right now from Chicago which is why I'm out of commission as far as checking on my blog family.
Chicago weather right now is SUPER HOT! They're very glad they're here.
Your John is amazing! He is such a homecare genius!
Posted by: Musings | June 16, 2022 at 07:05 PM
Get the Monin syrup. You deserve it. Z-D recently power-washed our front stoop, but not the sidewalk which is to be replace later this summer. Anyhoo, he made a smiley face on the old stuff instead of cleaning it. It's goofy fun... for a while.
Posted by: Ally Bean | June 17, 2022 at 07:50 AM
Wow! That pressure wash is like night and day. Your driveway and sidewalks looks great! :D I can only understand how sore your muscles are.
Posted by: Jenni Elyse | June 17, 2022 at 11:57 AM
You are worth the good chocolate. Power washing seems kind of fun. At least it has lovely results! Gratz on the good news! I love good news!
Posted by: Zazzy | June 19, 2022 at 05:17 PM