Now that THAT's done:

It's time to move on to the next stage of the project, which is the construction of our patio.  After putting the yard back together at the conclusion of the sewer part of the project, I spent a good part of today taking the patio area back apart.  My excavation revealed the presence of lots of big roots from our beautiful elm right at the surface in several places where we planned to put pavers. But the Plan B I drew out today looks like it may not only work around the roots but also provide us with more useable paved areas, and it could be simpler to put together.

Tomorrow is commitment day, when I place the order for base gravel, sand, edging and the concrete slabs.

Here are some photos of the most recent work.

Here is some dirt that I have been removing

Here is some dirt that needs to move....tomorrow's project

My trusty wheelbarrow.  In red of course.

The dirt pile.  I must have about 2 cubic yards here.