New Driveway Gravel

The big thrill of the day is to be the re-graveling of the driveway. Yes, I know--my life is just too exciting, and you are so jealous.

When we first moved here, the driveway was a four-wheeler's obstacle course. Giant ruts, carved by water seeking the lowest level competed with humped hillocks just waiting to grab the undercarriage of an unsuspecting car. As you gunned the engine to gain enough speed to get uphill, you had to steer wildly to make the curves and avoid the road-rally dangers. Passengers were exhorted to grab tight onto a hand-hold and rise out of their seats to avoid being tossed around the interior of the car on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

Shane, (of Shane's Bobcat Service), changed all that. He came and graded courses for water to flow, filled in the dips and leveled the bumps. He poured two big truckloads of gravel over all, and we had a civilized driveway. Now, after almost 2 years, the gravel has been pulverized by tires and pushed into the earth, leaving bare ground in some spots. For once, we're planning ahead--we're putting more gravel down before the surface degrades into ruts and bumps again.

It's not glamourous, but it makes me happy. It's kind of like getting our teeth cleaned twice a year and rotating our tires. We're finally grown-ups, doing the right thing whether we want to or not.