Projects and Plans, Autumn 2019 through Spring 2020

We are closing a very busy year in which new and larger mowing equipment was purchased to more efficiently mow turf, as well as the addition of excavation equipment for future projects. 

We have rip rap now in supply to serve as an addition to rip rapped shore lines in both the lake and pond. Wave action on the lake has necessitated the addition of an extra 2-3 ft of rip rap and erosion cloth for stabilization of the shore.  We hope to complete this project by mid spring, 2020.

We are also patching cracks in the asphalt walking trails with plans to apply a coat of sealer next spring. A grass renovation project has currently begun with compromised areas of turf being seeded now. This project will be finished in about a week. We have begun our last trimming of grass around electrical boxes, street posts, lamp posts etc. for winter, and our hope is one more mowing of the turf will leave the grass in perfect condition for winter. 

We just completed painting bridges and the gazebo an attractive brick red. All these structures appear very sound and ready for winter. Out pearly white fences have been treated with Wet and Forget to clean stubborn algae, mildew, and moss. It's working! We have made additions to our holiday banners for a little different effect at Christmas, and check out our holiday lighting this year.  Hope you like color!  This week we plan to begin replacing some Autumn Brilliance Service Berry trees that just failed in aesthetics as well as shade. They are coming out and Sugar Maples are going in.  Also, we have a few Norway Spruce  to be planted to replace several old Serbian Spruce trees that were also a major disappointment in their fragility at Lake Raymond.  Next spring we will be planting Russian Sage and Lavender at our entrance on Jim Bob Ave to replace our traditional wild flowers which are a whole lot of work.  We tested the Sage and Lavender at our home this summer and we like the look and think it will be a little more refined. 

A major project, now under way, is the replacement of all our incandescent hiking trail lights with new, lower cost, LED lights.  Z&Z Electric is our contractor on this project, and after installing one sample light, we have determined to order all the rest, and our mutual goal with Kent Zbinden is to have the project complete by cold weather. 

Having reported on all that, new premium display homes anyone???

Enjoy these beautiful Autumn months. We live for this!