If you bury the siding, it will rot and insects will begin to enter. That is a bad idea. Based on the wider shot, I would try removing the stone (retaining) wall. A line drawn from the current soil line at the foundation to the base of the maple tree shows a downward slope. Not a large slope, but a sloping away none the less.

If you cannot slope it directly towards the right of the picture, you might get more slope by also grading to a low point between the walkway and the stone wall, and sloping just that section more steeply and away from the house.

It looks like a lot of dirt to move around. I would suggest a stack of grade stakes, a laser level, and renting a small excavator.

Well, how long do you want it to last? Supposedly, drywall compound and plaster don't mix and will eventually separate. I have the feeling that it will last decades.

When I started repairing plaster I'd have secured it and mixed a new finish coat of plaster of Paris. Now I'd pick up some general purpose drywall mud for the finish coat after securing it.

I picked up an Anderson from the orange borg and installed it. It made a big difference in heating and cooling over the old aluminum door and I like the interior blinds.

I'm confused. It says that it must be out by "this weekend" but it was posted 25 days ago.

Hitachi 8.5 slider plug in model is 31lbs. No battery to wear down.

You do beautiful work, Isaac. But I've got to say, the closed handles with lamb's tongues are out of this world.

Are the holes too large for regular toggle bolts? Or WingIts anchors?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/WingIts-World..._-202727991-_-N

http://www.homedepot.com/p/WingIts-World..._-202552914-_-N

Awesome. Love the tie and smock.

There is a wealth of information at this site. I have done 2 shower pans using this information from these video's and the site.

http://www.tileshop.com/category/diy+vid...wer+pan.do

I used all of their recommended products and would not consider using anything else. There is too much of an investment and risk to not be using the best products available. I highly recommend you install the liner. I don't understand why would you consider skipping this critically important step? I did use tar paper behind the concrete board but that is basically overkill if everything else was done properly. Cheap insurance I guess.

If you buy another Nova chuck, it will come with 50 mm jaws. I have 4 G3s to avoid having to change jaws.