Great thanks. I bought a square point shovel today and that helped. However, there still are some areas that are lower (small valleys). I am worried that water will pool in these areas. The grade looks great until I use a 2X4 and see how un-straight the slope is. You're right, this is very hard work, probably spent 20 hours on it now and I still have to do the other 2 sides of the house and build up the back!
As for landscapping I am thinking the following...
Make a walking path out of large natural shaped (wavy cut) pavers. Use the concrete pieces shown in the pic above as my edging and then fill with river rock. Make a area for the wife to plant as well
If I do those walking pavers, do I still need a 4" class 5 paver base and then 2" sand? I will probably use the whole 9' area for this.
On the driveway side of the house (paver patio area) I am thinking about using the same natural cut pieces. Since that is going to be a large area then I know I need the 4" base with 2" sand, I am going to have to move a lot of earth for that!
Thanks
Dan