Pole 1

We started the fence yesterday, and we are optimistic, so far, that the fence is within our power to finish.  As with all things, we have to learn a routine to accomplish what we want to do each day.  Yesterday was our first attempt and a learning day with our cement mixer, so we expect to get better and more efficient as we continue.

We learned a number of valuable lessons in our first attempt at putting in a corner post. The first hole was very easy to dig.  Rick encountered few roots, and the ground was almost all sand.  We dug the hole too large, so we ended up using five bags of cement for the single post!  We'll get better with that routine.  I hope that we can put in a post with only two bags of cement.

Although the pole looks crooked, it is perfectly
plumb.  The fences behind it are not as straight.

The cement itself was no problem.  We learned that with this cement mixer, we need to put in lots of water at first to thoroughly mix the first half bag of cement.  Once that is well mixed at the back of the mixer, we can add more water and the rest of two 60 pound bags of cement.  The mixer is quiet and does a good job.  The best thing about the mixer is that it is easily maneuverable, so we can wheel it right to the hole and dump it without having to shovel it out.  Sweet!

We never would be able to physically do this job if we did not have the mixer.  With it, though, we feel we can save our energy for digging the holes and carting around the dirt and the stones.  The cement mixes itself as we put in stone and position the poles.  We feel the mixer has already paid for itself in saving our backs and our health.

We awoke this morning determined to put in our first panel and perhaps to put in two more poles.  No such luck.  It is pouring rain right now, so we are on hold until we see how the day progresses.  Even the best plans are dependent on a higher power.