

During the summer of 2005, I became a "digger". Finding soil covered stone formations throughout the property and beautiful stone floors covered by close to a foot of soil; has kept me digging. I've uncovered a small staircase, a beautiful stone terrace in the lower garden, a tiny stone terrace and addtional steps in front of the Chatette on the road, what looks to be steps in the back archway of the tunnel, and of course...the incredible stone floor in the barn.

One of the things I've learned on this return, is just how quickly everything gets "covered up" again. Eighteen months later, this stone formation in the garden was completely covered over when we returned. The few flowers and yucca that remained pointed the way. The lower terrace is not totally covered up yet, but it is going to take a major effort to return it to it's former self. I find myself taking on the smaller more doable projects first. Yesterday I excavated this flower box. The lower terrace is next. I still have the unfinished tunnel and the next half of the barn stone floor to tackle, but it has to be a step at a time. I find I'm mixing my excavating in with my gardening. I don't know which projects...but I'm sure some will have to be surrendered!
I love being able to feel that my hands have touched and caressed these surfaces of our place. The best part is...the stone speaks!
