We've been working on a couple home improvement projects, both of which can be seen in this picture -- the stepping stones and the back porch rail.



When I take the garbage out in the evenings I walk through the back yard. The problem is that the area in the corner by the gate is where the puppies like to do their business, so it's sort of like a minefield. After having my shoes wounded in the line of duty one too many times, I decided that I needed to take action. Thus the stepping stones.

The rail is just something to keep Samantha (and Lennie) from accidentally falling of the porch. That and it makes the porch look a little nicer too.

ADDENDUM: I realized that I failed to give proper credit to my father-in-law. I assumed everybody knew by now that when major home improvement projects happen, he is heavily involved. I wouldn't have the slightest clue how to secure a rail to brick on my own.