This is so that the top layer seams are offset with the bottom layer. You want each layer of blocks to be different from the one below it. For example, if the wall has straight edges on the ends, the next layer should start with a block that has been cut in half.  Place the blocks onto the foundation before applying the adhesive. See how they look; ask yourself whether you need to make any significant cuts before gluing . Lay out one whole row before moving on to the next step. If you're working with blocks that have flanged tongues, simply line up the female groove of the top block with the male groove of the bottom block. Next, fit the top block overhead. Press down to make sure that each layer is secured tightly against the layer beneath it. Continue until retaining wall is its preferred height. If your wall is over 3 ft (.91 m) in height, you should offset each new row slightly back from the row below it, like very shallow stair steps. This will make your wall more stable and help create a better hold with the soil once you backfill. Look for a perforated pipe and lay it down the length of the retaining wall, covering it up with breathable backfill. Make sure water can drain out of your pipe, either at the ends or through an outlet in the middle of the wall. Topper stones usually come in rectangular shapes, making them more difficult to install in curved retaining walls. If you need to cut topper stones to fit the curve in your retaining wall, follow this trick:  Lay stones #1 and #3 out in their pattern. Lay stone #2 on top of #1 and #3, drawing lines on #1 and #3 where stone #2 overlaps them. Cut stones #1 and #3 along those lines. Line up #1 and #3 into place, snugging #2 in between. Repeat, placing stone #4 on top of stones #3 and #5. Add plants, vines, or flowers as necessary. Your retaining wall is ready to be enjoyed.
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One-sentence summary -- Start your second layer with a staggered pattern. Apply the recommended adhesive to the bottom blocks, once a layer has been provisionally laid out. Add drainage pipes to your retaining wall, if the wall is 2 feet (60 cm) or taller. Add topper stones, if desired. Place topsoil in the basin created by the retaining wall.


Place two popsicle sticks together, one on top of the other.  If you're recycling used popsicle sticks, make sure that they have been washed and dried before using them for this project. Large popsicle sticks work best, but any size can be used. Tightly wrap a small strip of paper around one end of the popsicle sticks and tape the loop together. Repeat this with a second strip and the other end of the sticks.  Each strip of paper should be about 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) wide and 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. You will need to wrap the strip around itself several times. When taping the paper loop together, only tape the paper to itself. Do not tape it to either popsicle stick. Carefully ease out one of the popsicle sticks, working carefully to prevent damaging or disturbing the paper loops.  Set this stick aside for now. The other stick should still be inside the paper loops. Place one large, wide rubber band over the popsicle stick and paper loops. The rubber band should run from end to end. It should be taut, but not so tight that it can snap or fling off. Place the second popsicle stick back on top of the first, sandwiching one side of the rubber band in between the two sticks in the process. The two sticks should line up evenly when viewed from the top, bottom, and sides. Use a small, thin rubber band to fasten the sticks together at one end. Use a second similar rubber band to hold the sticks together at the opposite end. These rubber bands should be placed to the outside edge of the paper bands. The harmonica is done at this point. To play it, blow through the popsicle sticks, focusing your breath so that it is directly completely through the instrument and not around it.
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One-sentence summary -- Overlap two popsicle sticks. Wrap a strip of paper around each end. Slide out one of the sticks. Attach a wide rubber band lengthwise. Slide both sticks back together. Hold the ends in place with additional rubber bands. Play the harmonica.


Layer the onions on top of the chops if you want. Then, enjoy this low-effort dish!
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One-sentence summary -- Transfer the lamb chops to a serving platter.


Use a jeweler's loupe or a standard microscope. If you don't have access to a high-powered magnification tool of your own, consider asking a friend or a local lab. Otherwise, just visit a jeweler. Look for small, microscopic flaws that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. You should see some small imperfections on a real ruby. Fake and lab-created rubies are almost always flawless, as the natural flaws are so tiny that they are extremely hard to replicate.  If you see bubbles of any kind, then you are likely dealing with a fake ruby. Look for flaws other than bubbles. External flaws (blemishes) include scratches, pits, nicks, and small scrapes. Internal flaws (inclusions) are categorized as: cracks (feathers) crystals, negative crystals, silk, fingerprints, halos, cavities, chips, and color zoning. The intricacies of the ruby surface will only be readily visible beneath a 10-power microscope. If the ruby is rounded, rolled, or excessively smooth, then it is probably a fake gem. The stone might be the real deal if the facet is clean, pristine, and sharp-cut.
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One-sentence summary --
Inspect the ruby with a 10-power magnifier. Expect microscopic flaws. Look at the ruby's cuts and facets.