With the mud drying out a little we were able to catch a landscaping contractor before he gets too busy this summer.  The first task is to start the fence.  The fence also acts partly as a retaining wall to allow us to adjust the grades according to our city approved grade slip. We need to adjust the grades at the rear of the site to ensure drainage.  After 50 years it seems like the old houses on this street have either sunk or the alley has lifted.   

The black line is where we need to raise our grades to allow water to drain toward the alley.  

And the neighbouring dog decided to bark all day at the crew.