Been Doing Some Tweaking....

Scott F. · « **on:** 14 Jun 2010, 02:42 am »

.....and I think it turned out pretty OK.

Well, I've sorta dropped off the radar here of late, and now you'll know why. I'm sure you'll remember what our old back patio looked like from all the bashes we've had out here over the years. We just completed the final tweaks to our new back patio. The stamped concrete extends from the end of the parking spaces all the way to the far end of the house. 22 cubic yards in all. We also installed over 180' of VersaLok wall that surrounds the driveway from the front five parking spaces to the far end of the house.

Well, this was long overdue. Laura and I dove in head first into redoing the back yard. We're pretty much finished, complete with (of course) a dedicated system. It's a Jolida 301 hybrid, a pair of the newly released Aperion Audio outdoor speakers and a Bolder modified SB. Gotta say, it sounds pretty darned good. At some point I'll probably add a pergola in the seating area to the inside corner of the house but that will likely happen later this year. Right now, I need a break from construction, landscaping and lighting.

This is a shot looking from the parking spaces.

...and from the opposite direction

This is what will greet you when you come up the driveway.

...party anyone?

Hebrew Hammer · « **Reply #1 on:** 14 Jun 2010, 02:48 am »

I've seen it on person and it's beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DeadFish · « **Reply #2 on:** 14 Jun 2010, 03:14 am »

That looks really GREAT Scott and Laura!!
Those pictures represent a *lot* of work, and I don't envy you that.
Well done, and when are we supposed to show up?

Best Regards,
Bill

Scott F. · « **Reply #3 on:** 14 Jun 2010, 03:12 pm »

Quote from: DeadFish on 14 Jun 2010, 03:14 am

Well done, and when are we supposed to show up?

Well, I'm not sure. I was thinking about doing something fairly soon actually....maybe in about 2-3 weeks. Not looking to do a major blowout like the Christmas party but wanted to host something 'informal' where the girls could all come too.

I'd given thought to the 4th of July but it seems many have plans already. Since the 4th is on a Sunday this year, what would everybody think about Saturday the 3rd?

That or I am open to suggestions.

thunderbrick · « **Reply #4 on:** 14 Jun 2010, 03:43 pm »

Looks FABULOUS!

I can't make the weekend of the 4th. Working Lions Club carnival down in Rolla.

I still have to find time to bring my TT to you, Scott. Been on the road a LOT lately.

bpape · « **Reply #5 on:** 14 Jun 2010, 04:01 pm »

EDIT: Can see the pics now and have spoken to the social coordinator.

Very nice job Scott. That looks like a really nice place to sit and hang.

The 3rd sounds like a winner to us.

Bryan

Sarmck · « **Reply #6 on:** 14 Jun 2010, 08:43 pm »

Scott,

You and the Mrs. did a LOT of tweaking. Looks verrrrry nice. Can't wait to see/hear it in person. Where are the subterranean woofers located or is that a future project?

To quote Will Smith from the movie Hancock "Good job".

Ron

wedweb · « **Reply #7 on:** 14 Jun 2010, 11:29 pm »

That looks great Scott...alot of hard work, sweat and effort....now you can sit back and enjoy it. Being a civil engineer I have to ask if you put in anything to collect or divert the water that is coming down the slope to the back of the wall? Usually a drain behind the wall and divert it via drain pipes to the side.....

Bo

electricbear · « **Reply #8 on:** 14 Jun 2010, 11:38 pm »

Great job, can't wait to see it in the flesh so to speak.
The 3rd sounds fine, I'll be working until 5 then I'll head on over.

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #9 on:** 15 Jun 2010, 12:50 am »

Wow Scott, that's stunning!

Very envious!
Is the concrete dyed? Looks to be?

Nice photo's too, I can appreciate that.

Bob

steve k · « **Reply #10 on:** 15 Jun 2010, 01:28 am »

Way cool Scott! Was wondering if those were rock speakers?? I like the flaming masonry torches. Would make a great location for a small band. Hint hint.

July 3 sounds good. Keep us posted.
steve

Scott F. · « **Reply #11 on:** 15 Jun 2010, 01:32 am »

Thanks guys!

Well, sounds like the 3rd is the date. I'll get with Laura and update everybody with details.

Bo, yep, got a drain that runs the full length of the wall and dumps out both ends. The patio has one heck of a slope too. The water sheets like crazy. In parts it's a 3%-4% grade, maybe steeper (speaking in civil-ese

). That sure solved some of the water migration issues we've had for years.

Bob, it is dyed concrete (of sorts). What they do is pour regular concrete then trowel in a coating. In our case it was a Buff color. Once troweled, they broadcasted an Adobe colored power over the top of the pour. Then they took the 4x4 stamp and tamped the Adobe color into the curing concrete. After, they just blew off the excess adobe then rolled on a sealer. The finish turned out pretty darned cool. You'll see when you make it over.

Ron, as for the subs, how about the Labhorn with two 12s made out of 1" thick plastic panels.

dwarfed centipede · « **Reply #12 on:** 16 Jun 2010, 05:26 pm »

Scott watch out! I think your trashcans are on fire!

No seriously, it looks great. Can't wait to come by and see it in person. What ever happened to the house addition you were planning?

Scott F. · « **Reply #13 on:** 19 Jun 2010, 08:21 pm »

Hey guys, since this is really a social gathering, lets start this one a little later in the afternoon. I'm thinking somewhere around 4:00. We'll eat somewhere around 6:00 or so. That way we can all hang a little later into the evening and enjoy the back deck after it cools down.

As for food, Laura and I will provide the meat and salad but do you guys want to bring some side dishes?

Do me a favor and let me know what you plan on bringing;

Baked Beans
Veggie Tray (likely need 2)
Potato Salad
Slaw
Desert of some sort.
...oh don't forget, I'm not a beer guy, got loads of everything else though

Speaking of deserts, Laura has been whipping up some fresh fruits on the grille that are topped over shortcake and/or ice cream that seem to go over pretty well so I'm sure she'll be doing that again.

Oh, and don't worry, this isn't a substitute for the 'all hands' Christmas in September

No doubt will have lots of tunes going in all the rooms but this is really more about just hanging out.

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #14 on:** 20 Jun 2010, 12:55 pm »

Can I nominate Mrs. Sturgis for the beans?

I'll talk to Tina about our (my?) dish. Do we want "Musk-i-cho-lee" again? Or is that too "hot" for a summers eve?

Bob

Scott F. · « **Reply #15 on:** 21 Jun 2010, 01:37 am »

Bob,

That should be fine

Haven't heard from Sturgus yet. Hope he and Cynthia can make it.

drummerwill · « **Reply #16 on:** 25 Jun 2010, 02:59 pm »

Oh the Night Lights........ Looks terrific Scott and Laura

Looking forward to seeing the real thing on the 3rd.....I think I've talked Dee into coming too!

See ya soon
Willie

sturgus · « **Reply #17 on:** 25 Jun 2010, 07:40 pm »

Wish I could make it but I gotta work. I hope you guys have a good time. Somebody please have a shot of good Scotch for me.
Sturgus

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #18 on:** 25 Jun 2010, 07:59 pm »

Sorry to hear that Sturg.

Maybe next time.

Scott, I was thinking about bring one of those ice cream cakes from Dairy Queen.
That sound better than a steaming crock pot of "Musk-i-cho-lee"?????????

Bob

Scott F. · « **Reply #19 on:** 26 Jun 2010, 12:57 pm »

Bob,

Laura said The "Musk-i-cho-lee" would be great.

Willie, Glad to see Mrs. Willie can make it

Oh, I forgot to mention Willie is loaning me his latest creation, a 2A3 that's got all kinds of fairy dust sprinkled all over it. It will be here for the party

Willie, I'll give you a buzz about picking up your latest creation and probably grab it Monday after work.