"The Septic Man Cometh......"

I figured that our septic tank should be looked at to see if it needed pumping out, once again not knowing when the last maintenance had been done on it.  I called Walt Steuer Pumping Service from Traverse City (http://www.waltsteuer.com) and he was out here last thursday to find the tank, check its condition, and add a "riser", to bring the tank cap up to ground level.  Thankfully, the tank is in excellent condition and has no need of being pumped out.  As you can see in the photo, the Pussy Willow bush/tree had been planted extremely close to the septic tanks opening, and it was suggested we move the bush so it roots would not become a problem in the future.

Another view of the Pussy Willow and tank opening.  I really wasn't invested in having the Pussy Willow there, or anywhere else for that matter, so when the riser was installed the following day to bring the tank opening level with the ground, Levi, who installed the riser, with the help of his sister , Lily, dug the bush out and took it home to their Mother.  I was very pleased for them to remove it, and was happy that the bush was going to a home where it would be fully appreciated.

Here is what the area looks like now.  I have since potted up some Chives and set the pot on top of the septic tank lid, but I'm not sure if it will stay there or not.  Decisions, decisions, eh?  ;)

Here is a view of the area from further away.  It was amazing to me how much larger the open area became without the Pussy Willow next to the deck.  By the way, we plan on having the hot tub removed, too.  The pipes had frozen and it would need to be renovated.  We'd gotten rid of our hot tub in Madison because we didn't use it enough, so we're not going to bother with the expense of fixing this one up.