October 6, 2025
With more blocks and gravel, and much appreciated help from Joseph, Tyrel, and Slothy (seen in-block), we leveled the trench for the long wall, and laid the first courses of blocks. In the process we uncovered slabs and terrace walls from a 1920s garden that had been covered with rocky fill. This required use of pick and sledge hammer to bring below the level of the wall. Among the rocks was an undamaged embossed glass bottle of Hines Honey and Almond Cream of 20s vintage. Ingredients beeswax, borax, alcohol, and oil of bitter almond!
Rooting continues at a rapid clip. Little rain forecast in the next week.
October 1, 2025
Another batch of blocks and the front corner is turned! Also we dug the trench to the back corner and moisture conditioned the clay, giving it a good soaking to reduce later expansion due to rain after the wall is finished.
