If you fill it with water, they will come...

The waiting is over. Our spa has arrived. True, the project cost me some of my back's effective life, but it is nice to have something that adults can enjoy in the backyard. (The swing set and slide were fun, but we're ready to move on.) We will be able to go in the turbulent water for the first time tonight. I've added the chemicals and the water is at its optimal temperature. Stay tuned for the daily spa report.

The night before spa delivery...

Here is another view of the spa location (for anyone that might have been slighly disoriented from my previous post). It is centered right outside our kitchen window. This will allow us to keep an eye on spa guests for any safety or conduct issues. The gazebo from the earlier backyard photo should fit perfectly over the top of the spa. This will afford guests a fair amount of privacy, while still allowing a clear view from the yard. If the heater is all that it is cracked up to be, I hope to be able to get in the spa tomorrow night for the first time.

Preparation for our new Spa...

Here is a preliminary view of our backyard, awaiting delivery of our new spa. As you can see, I chose to put together a "pad" of flat paver stones. Yes, it was hard work. Yes, I was sore afterwards for a few days. And yes, I had to do the job twice; due to my inexperience in laying paver stones. I will take this time to recommend to any future "pave-meisters" that they invest the $10 to buy some knee pads prior to the installation. Apparently knees were not anatomically designed to be a weight bearing part of the body. Live and learn, as they say.