Fred, are you saying there is lake access in the x-spot, or just a good viewpoint? I can't make out the light green shrub/tree area. Could that be trimmed back or replaced with something that uses less space but still provides a screen from the neighbors? Then there is more room to get to the back. With your lot I would probably work with a landscape architect, especially if you have slope challenges where the x is. In my head I keep seeing the x area as a seating area that has a lattice or other nice wood work toward the neighbors and allows you to sit viewing the lake. If you need shade there, nice overhead beams and climbing plants on that? You could have a gate by the neighbor with the white fence? Make it wide enough so that landscapers or contractors can go thru with machinery if you ever have the need for that (arborist, septic repair, etc) Though saddened by the tone in which the opinion is expressed, I agree with Holly that a flat surface path might be nice for handicapped access or elderly people. Based on the house design, I suspect though that a wheelchair bound person might not look at a two story house unless a master suite is on the 1st floor. Realtor friends and a landscape architect should be able to advise better than we can. And full disclosure, I ripped out my own circular driveway, but my lot is smaller plus the garage side exit point was shared with the neighbor so we had a sea of asphalt in front of our houses. The previous owner Is still in shock....just give me time to landscape :-)

Stamped asphalt and stamped concrete would be the least costly out of the decorative options. As a general price comparison stamped asphalt is about half the price of real brick pavers, and is about 1/3 less than stamped concrete. You mentioned you are located in the DC metro area that experiences freeze/thaw cycles. A good benefit of stamped asphalt as compared to stamped concrete for example; is that stamped asphalt flexes during these cycles. So unlike concrete there is no cracking. You are also able to put de-icing chemicals and salts directly on the driveway (which is not recommended on concrete because it will deteriorate). Also, depending on which company/product is used for the stamped asphalt you will not have to recoat the driveway every couple of years. Once you have it done once you are done. And as mentioned already above, unlike real pavers there is no weed/moss growth that grows in between the bricks. Just a few benefits. My recommendation for your location and what you are looking for would be stamped asphalt; depending on the type of coatings used. Here is a link that might be useful: Driveway Impressions Decorative Asphalt

Gayle, that has to be the most bizarre Christmas story ever! What a movie it would make, lol. Purely sentimental here! We never had kids, but that didn't stop us from having a young-at-heart tree. The fresh tree has always had an eclectic mix of handmade and store bought ornaments ... crocheted snowflakes and angels, stuffed Kliban cats, Spanish moss wreaths that dh made almost 30 years ago (still use 'em), terra cotta, metal, resin, straw, wood, brass, etc. Some ornaments have been retired, but I can't bring myself to toss 'em. I keep them in a separate storage bin along with the photo cards from years past. Never owned a ball ornament until last year when I bought a dozen mercury glass balls from Restoration Hardware. They're beautiful, but very heavy. This year I added glass icicles. Wish I had a couple dozen more of those in the shorter lengths. In years past I've strung popcorn and cranberries for garland. Switched to freshly harvested Spanish moss for a few years. Didn't have any garland the past couple years. This year added some beechwood cranberry garland. I love colored lights on the tree. Tried white lights for a couple years, but switched back. The 4' artificial tree in the dining room is pre-strung with white lights. I guess that tree has a nature theme with a lot of birds, fish, acorns, a few bears and a moose. After Christmas I glitz it up with Mardi Gras lights and beads until Fat Tuesday.

I have not read any of the other posts...I didn't want to be a copycat. :) Name 10 Random things About You: 1) I just got two tattoos this last week, from my cousin. 2) I have two boys, whom I adore. 3) I want to live in Montana when we retire. 4) I own a beautiful Toyota Tacoma, that is a driveway decoration. 5) My sister Audry is my best friend. 6) My sister Audry understands me more than anyone. 7) My MIL lives with us--how fun! Not...and I am not alone in this one. 8) My oldest son and I are very close. 9) I am very free with my money for my family. My Aunt Ruby is my favorite aunt and always has been. Nine Ways to Win Your Heart: 1) Surprise me with something I have wanted, but wouldn't do or buy for myself. 2) Honesty is the key. 3) Don't take advantage of me or my DH. 4) Keep my secrets. 5) Be my rock when I need one. 6) Accept that I am always right...because that is just the way Virgos think. LOL 7) Treat my family well. 8) Don't break my boy's hearts or take advantage of them. 9) Give my sister the key to love and happiness for always. Eight things you want to do before you die: 1) Move to Montana 2) See my oldest son reach his goal of becoming a police officer. 3) See my youngest son find his direction in life. 4) Go to Alaska 5) Take my sister Audry, on a well deserved vacation. 6) See a cure for all cancers. 7) Open an antique store. (This won't happen, as I wouldn't want to part with them.) 8) Retire and enjoy doing nothing. Seven things you believe in: 1) Good work ethics. 2) Ghosts. 3) Being in love. 4) Karma. 5) Miracles 6) Strong morals. 7) Family. Six that make you mad, frustrated or annoyed: (only 6?? lol) 1) Late people 2) Lazy people 3) People wanting others to take care of their responsibilities. 4) Child abuse. 5) Spousal abuse. 6) Road rage. Five things you are afraid of: 1) My children passing away before me. 2) Basements. 3) Dying a painful death 4) "Boogedy man rooms" (any room that is enclosed, with pipes, furnaces, odds and ends, etc.) 5) That someday, coffee will be illegal. Four favorite things in your home: 1) My antiques 2) My laptop 3) My camera 4) Our bed Three things you do every day: 1) Tell my DH I love him. 2) Tell my sons I love them. 3) Hope my sister knows I love her...even though it is not always spoken. Two things you need to do right now: 1) Get showered, so we can check out. 2) Get rid of my headache. One person you want to see right now: 1) My oldest son, as his heart is breaking and we are in Montana.