Why am I tired? Why are my joints sore? Moving rocks and digging dirt will do it. I realize it doesn't look like much but I have a greater appreciation for castle builders and those who constructed the pyramids. These rocks are heavy! On the west side, there was a huge pile dumped and they sat for 4 years with weeds and vines covering them. What an eyesore. The west side is now a two-rock-high wall and the pile is smaller and the weeds are almost cleared out. While Tomo visited this summer, he got the project started and laid the foundation for the basic wall structure. I don't know how he did it!
I used the two-wheeled box dolly to move one rock at a time and position them in the front of the house. This gives us a clearer property line and will make it easier to control the weeds along the roadside. We had to dig back the slope so the rocks would fit but I did get some help. I was working on the west side and dreaming of a backhoe when suddenly one appeared. The new house a couple doors down needed a ditch so they hired construction workers and it was their last job of the day. I got my smallest shovel and began digging away at the dirt pile to back fill our wall. I looked pretty pathetic. The elderly backhoe driver gave me this look of pity and drove his equipment over, and in three careful scoops, took care of the whole mountain of dirt! So we asked him if he could spare a few more minutes and he went to the front and in 10 minutes, scooped away enough of the slope for my rocks! 
It would have taken me 10 hours because that slope is such hard-packed clay. We gave him some money for beer - he was so happy. The whole work crew thought we were nuts to be doing this by hand but they were very supportive and kind. I guess, all you have to do sometimes, is ask!
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