On the last day of five, with no rain, I worked a bit on directing water away from the shop. I started with a shallow swale near the parking area and end of the driveway that deepened into a ditch further away from the shop. The entire two-acre clearing drains to the south edge, funnels into the forest, and eventually connects to the previously established drainage system. There are vegetation-filled ditches throughout the property that all funnel into the creek.

I also took a stab at draining the muddy area next to the shop. Still too muddy to make major progress, but it’s a good start. At least some of the trapped water was draining as I was working. Much more work to do in this area to keep the mud at bay.

Finally, as the sun set, I had more time than expected to smooth the concrete washout from the last video. This washout is absolutely fantastic in areas where water cannot stand. However, I still need better drainage in one area between the shop and the driveway. That area will drain into the driveway ditches, opposite of where I worked in this video.

Affiliates/coupons:

Mint Mobile: Regularly $30/month for unlimited talk, text, and data. 50% off right now, so $15/month for unlimited talk, text, and data. I'm currently using the service and recommend it. Especially if you can lock in several months for just $15/month. Here's my affiliate link. Your cost doesn't change but if you use my link I get a commission when you sign up. 

https://trymintmobile.com/bpo3

JK Boots:

Hands down, without question, the best outdoor working boot that I have ever tried. They aren't cheap and they aren't inexpensive. The break-in period was brutal for me. But after some boot oil and a few working days for them to conform to my feet, I've never worked in anything as form fitting and comfortable. I wore mine all summer and immediately realized how comfortable they are after being forced to switch to a mud boot when the wet season hit. Once we get the extreme mud under control the rubber boots will get the boot and I'll be back to good foot comfort in my JK's. I have the O.T. Bison - Canyon. Yes, the JKs can handle mud, but excessive full submersion in mud is unnecessary They have a good sizing system and you can order different sizes for each foot if necessary. JKs are an investment, for sure, so I wanted to wait until I had 6 months of experience before I promoted them. THUMBS UP. Here's my affiliate link. Your cost doesn't change but if you use my link I get a commission when you purchase. USE THE CODE jaybates TO GET 10% OFF!

https://www.jkboots.com/products/o-t-bison-rust-roughout-smooth?bg_ref=BwlWA71DVt

BRUNT Workwear:

I have two recommendations from BRUNT, both are summer time work clothes that I've been wearing year-round. The Costello Pant are light weight and durable. A bit stretchy where it matters most. And, if you have big thighs like I do, they don't make you look like you're wearing skinny jeans. The McKenna Tech Long Sleeve Sun Shirt saved me from being lifted away by mosquitos this past summer. It handled chainsaw chips being thrown at me. I felt more comfortable wearing this long sleeve shirt in the summer than I did being covered in bug bites, poison ivy, and woodchips. Now that winter has set in, I'm finding it to be my go-to extra layer. When a coat is too hot but a regular shirt is not enough, slap this long sleeve on and get to work. Here's my affiliate link. Your cost doesn't change but if you use my link I get a commission when you purchase. 

BRUNT - BPo3 AFFILIATE LINK

xTool Laser:

I have three lasers from xTool that our entire family enjoys. We have the P2 - 55W Co2 laser that is our go-to for larger engravings and cuts. We prefer using this one for any wood or acrylic that we need to cut all the way through or engrave. And we have both the F1 and F1 Ultra. The F1 is a super portable engraver. You can literally take the base of it off and hold the engraver up to a wall and engrave the wall if needed. Or simply set it on the corner of your cutting board to engrave a logo. The F1 Ultra is a bit less portable but still smaller in size. It has twice the engraving area and both a diode and a fiber laser. The fiber laser is great for engraving on metal, such as stainless steel. All three have been great to use with zero reliability issues.  

xTool AFFILIATE LINK

P.S. You got hit by a rental car? Yeah it Hertz.