Patio, retaining wall & deck footings

We are finally making slight progress in our landscaping. The rain this fall sure isn't helping us meet our goal of having sod before it freezes. The concrete patio was poured on Thursday. The deck contractor has drug out his footings and posts project for 11 days when it was supposed to be done...11 days ago.

Craig and I weren't sure if we could handle putting up a retaining wall for a small flower bed, but after helping the neighbors and some research, we definitely thought it was doable. It's still standing! We planted some shrubs in the front of the house, so I'll have to post those as well.

Here are a few pictures of the workers in action. The pictures aren't that great because I took them through the deck door. One guy's doing the powdered coloring and the other is doing the stamping.