Early this summer Shelly “declared” we would redo the “patio” and garden space below our deck next year in time for next summer. She meant a total redo to a space I did on my own probably at least 25 years. Some of the space, including a spot for the grill on Belgian blocks became an afterthought when we replaced the deck.

At the July 17 meeting of Gotham Towers, I mentioned to Jan Arden who did the deck (and the windows looking out to it) those plans; and said we would discuss next year. About two weeks ago, Shelly said maybe should accelerate the work to this fall; I said I’ll be seeing Jan at the next Gotham Towers and I’ll have him drop by after our breakfast. I called Jan to make sure he’ll make our breakfast and to calendar time for the drop by.

That was August 21. By late afternoon on August 31, Shelly and I got the patio she wanted and I envisioned when I met Jan here 10 days earlier. The day before Jan’s team from Family Home Improvement removed the old pavers and set the Belgian blocks as borders to two garden spaces and my trees (See pics.). They set the pavers the next day (Friday.) and completed their work by early afternoon; I later put down some mulch in the two garden and tree spaces, and set the left over – Belgian blocks as a “storage” space along side our shed.

You can discuss the project with Jan and the happy client when you attend Gotham’s Annual Picnic and Softball (rain or shine so plan to come not matter what) game next weekend. By the way, Jan and Family Home Improvement are sponsors of this nice event. Another Gotham success story (in so many ways!)!

Just so anyone "tuning in" complains about lack of music.  While adding my finishing touches, I played various songs in my collection with a Chris Hillman hook, from his solo LPs after the (J.D.) Souther-Hillman-(Richie) Furay Band broke up to (Roger) McGuinn (Gene) Clark and Hillman  (I am seeing Chris and Roger performing the iconic 1968 Byrds' "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" in three weeks.).  This song started things off.