Hands are bruised from breakin’ rocks all day…

So, um, yeah. That’s my Happy Feet, up there. They aren’t so happy now. This is because my stupid-ass dogs got to them. This, and a host of other chewed up shoes and toys and books and magazines and coffee tables, is the reason why we spent the greater part of the weekend building a dog run. It’s not completely done, as you can see in the photostream bellow, but it will be done by next weekend.

Yesterday was post-hole digging day. My dad came by to help and we spent the entire day digging all but three of the total post-holes I was going to need. We had a gas powered auger, but thanks to the Virginia clay all around my property, and the shortage of rainfall we’ve had lately, it was like drilling through concrete. We had to start the holes, then fill them with water and let them soak through while we started the next hole. After things cooled off and my dad went home, Corrie Ann and I set the corner posts with concrete. It was long, grueling work and at the end of the day I showered and collapsed in bed. I slept for thirteen hours and got up to do it all over again.

Today I finished the last three holes, which took all morning, and put the corner post supports in place. Corrie Ann and I then set all the rest of the posts after she helped me secure the braces. The biggest pain was setting the one gate post we set today. I’d miscalculated on the space I needed and ended up having to widen the hole. I honestly think we managed to pick the rockiest part of our property for this dog run; all of the posts are set, though, minus the final gate post.

My hands are incredibly sore and every major muscle group aches. Last night I felt the same way I did after my first full day of drills at coaches college; my muscles actually felt like they were giving off heat. I’ll be doping up on ibuprofen tonight. Mmm, anti-inflamatories.