We have gas.

Not like that! Well, maybe like that, but that's not what I'm talking about. Geez, people...

Now that the well is done, the patio project has begun. I know you're thinking "what more would you need in your yard once you have a bright blue Tardis portapotty water tank" and I would be inclined to agree. But there is still a lot of dirt yard not covered.

So it begins.

The gas guy was out to put in the lines for the grill, fire pit and two fire bowls. Surprise, surprise, surprise!

They are all a few feet from where we thought they would be. The grill area is closer to the house, basically moved forward toward the gate, more lined up with the patio, and the firepit follows.

The fire bowls will be on the columns at the top of the stairs going down to the rest of the yard. The stairs were supposed to be lined up with the back door but they appear to be lined up with two of the patio columns.

Our project guy apparently used the design he got from our landscape designer instead of the one he got from my husband Mick. Mick was upset. And immediately on the phone with his dad (who was at the house today supervising). After they were done, I walked through it with him and the plans that were submitted for permits to see if it was acceptable.

Although the grill area is closer to what will be our basketball court, it will also be nearer our outdoor dining table (we don't have yet). The paver area will be bigger on that side and smaller on the firepit side, giving more area for the walking path and maybe some plants in front of the wall they will be building to separate the top and lower areas.

At the neighborhood progressive pool party last month, we realized our current pool design would not have enough shade so we've discussed putting the ramada on the other end; instead of being nearer the wall (on the right if you are looking at the yard from the house) it would be near my garden, kind of the middle of the yard.

Prior to that revelation, we thought you would come out the back door and have a view all the way to the back of the yard, a view of the grass and trees. But having the ramada there has changed the vision. So the accidental moving of the stairs to the right will actually lessen the view of the ramada, a little more of the pool area.

I think it will work out fine. So it continues...