Everything is so simple in theory....well, maybe not everything, but many a plan is more easily formulated than effected. The interns began installing the hardscape for their design today and were introduced to some of the unpredictable glitches that frustrate the best laid plans. The design seems so simple, so unambiguous; they always do. But then it turns out that the topography of the site affects distances, or the walkway isn't perpendicular to the building, or the road isn't exactly parallel to the building, or any of a seemingly infinite number of unpredictable snags arise to complicate an otherwise straightforward job. One of the things that differentiates us from experienced masons, or craftsman of any ilk, is the fact that they've encountered all these snags many times and learned how to best deal with them.....tricks of the trade. I remember an old friend, who actually was once a mason, but who now designs high-end kitchens telling me that good cabinet installers could earn in the six-figure range. Well maybe not anymore, but you get the point. Kitchens aren't square either!
All's well that ends well; we fought our way through the difficulties we encountered and the project came out perfectly. Nathan mentored, I observed and did some helper stuff, and by the end of the day the interns were setting pavers themselves. An hour of cleanup and backfill will make that site shine. What with the heat and the humidity and working in front of that west-facing wall in the afternoon, none of us were inspired to stay late, but it'll happen. And when they add plants, it'll be special. I'm psyched.
