Slightly busy morning

Been having plumbing issues again. I've cleared the pipes twice and had the problem come back again. Seem to have it whipped this time. Got a sewer snake the other day. That wasn't enough, so used drain cleaner a few times. This morning, after using drain cleaner last night, used the sewer snake again. Pulled out a large clump of roots. I think it was a combination of roots, stuff getting stuck behind the roots and the pipes then freezing into a block of ice. Even after using the snake, I ran the hose full power down the pipes, then used more drain cleaner and let it sit for an hour. Happily, it has not been bad enough to back up under the house again. Think I'll just use the drain cleaner once every week or two.

Pulled back the tarps and plastic and treated the section of garden which had not yet been treated. The section which was treated is quite visibly composting faster. Though the tarps aren't retaining moisture as well as the plastic, either.

Got some cheap potting soil during the summer which turned out to be almost all clay. Once dry, it turned into bricks which I couldn't crush with my hands. Saved it and now put it to use. Spread it out in the sandy area and raked it in, along with lots of leaves. Sand, clay and organic material should make a good combination.

Yard doesn't look great at the moment and it may sound crazy to water bare soil in the winter but it is having an effect. Soil is holding moisture better and is much more workable. While watering the covered area, turned the sprayer to power wash, which helped loosen the soil there even more.

Scheduled to work tonight. Not much to do right now. Maybe see if I can nap, then pick up my check before work.