To further mask the hideous concrete retaining blocks out back, the plan is to stucco the front-side to create a uniform finish. First step is to attach metal lathing. Applying stucco to concrete is a bit non-traditional--probably because it's a pain in the arse. So far I've put about 150 tapcon screws into the concrete to secure that lath. Not much fun.
The plan is to start actually applying the stucco this week...we'll see how that goes...
Hook up Google Reader and 
i've got some concrete work i need done. when can you come over?