8.18.2014

Jim started the day off with a trip to the barn.  Some of the concrete stakes were a little thicker diameter than the hole in the bottom of the bracing.  Since we have to use so many stakes, he didn't want to waste those.  We looked at Lowe's yesterday for a step-bit he could use to make the hole just a tad bigger but they were expensive.  He knew he had a bit that would work in the barn, so he made a trip there.  He found the bit and it worked great to just make the diameter of the whole about 1/16" bigger.

The rest of the day, poor Jim was really working hard.  Each one of these alignment systems has to have multiple stakes pounded into the ground, as well as fastening everything into place and leveling it.   He has the majority of them done - maybe 8 more await him tomorrow.

Planks also fit on top of these systems to allow you to stand and work off them.  So Jim had to find the right planks...

and then fasten them down so that they are secure when you are walking on them.

At the end of the day, our brick rep came with our new sample.  It's very nice - more of a consistent dark gray color.  We'll get both options out tomorrow and really look at them - however, price is also a big factor here since the two company's quotes were pretty far apart.