Landscape Garden Ideas About Above Ground Landscaping Ideas

How do we remedy water issues with a ground level door on our house?

My husband and I live in a 1938 1 1/2 story farmhouse that has a back door that is level with the ground. The foundation is cut out about a foot and then the door rests there. When walking in there is a landing/entry way. Upon entering a person can go eight steps down to the basement or two steps up to the main floor. The reason this is configured this way is because if the door would be level with the main floor, you would hit your head on the ceiling because above you, is the landing of the stairs going up to the second floor. The problem with this is, is that more foundation sticks out above the ground than necessary and during the spring water runoff from the fields fills up our yard and threatens to roll right into our back door. Last year we had to sand bag around our whole house to keep water away so we built up the yard except in front of that back door. So this year we STILL have to sandbag in front of that door. This is going to get old really fast. If we could build up the yard all around the house, like we want to, this would not be a problem, but we can't because of that stupid door. Any suggestions other that totally reconfigureing our whole house? Any landscaping ideas? Could we just build up the yard and leave a little cut out entry way where we could step two steps down into the ground? If we did that, how could we eliminate water build up at that spot? Any constructive suggestions would be great.

Plumbing cost question - can you give me an idea what a plumber would charge?

I need to run a residential water line from the meter at the street, about fifteen feet underground, then up to a height of about three feet above ground, where there needs to be a high-quality brass valve to accept a garden hose. Not sure if I need a pressure reduction valve also, but I will assume yes. This will be a watering station for a landscaping / garden area. Any rough idea about what a job like this might cost to have done?

I'm stuck on logos, and logos are stuck on me.(yep,sleep deprived).... I NEED FRESH LOGO IDEAS pls?

I'm starting a new business; "Elevated Photography" - I use special camera/tripod equip that allows me to shoot from a height of 50' above ground, mainly for high-end real estate, commercial advertising. My Logo ideas are: camera on mountain peaks w/landscape view , camera on top of tall "pole" w/view. I just can't seem to convey the concept of this being "elevated photography" without looking cheezy.... Any ideas???? Thanks
My appologies; I should have been more specific w/my request.

I already have my business name and tag line, I'm just needing help w/image design concept.

How can I hide some ugly exterior insulation?

I inherited my parents' home, a lakefront cottage whose foundation is covered in external insulation...sheets of styrofoam-like stuff. In places this is exposed maybe two feet above the ground line. It is extremely ugly, and over the years it's begun to crumble in places. My idea is to mound up landscaping stone -- septic stone -- and hide the exposed insulation. Has anyone else had to deal with this? I don't have a lot of money for home repairs, and I suspect that this is one of the less expensive ways of hiding the foundation. Help me, home gurus!

Help! I have 2 Siberian Huskies and no fence. They keep escaping. Any suggestions?

The community I live in does not allow above ground fencing because it compromises the natural beauty of the landscape. So at least once a month I'm in a 4-hour chase for my dog. I've heard buried electronic fences don't work with this breed. Do electronic collars? Any other ideas?