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Bellingham HOA Road Work

More Than a Road Repair: Helping a Bellingham HOA Build a Better Plan

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When an HOA in Bellingham reached out to Ritter Dirt & Asphalt earlier this year, they knew their private roadway needed attention. What they didn’t know was what it actually needed, what it didn’t need, or how they should be maintaining it moving forward.

And that’s where this project became about much more than asphalt.

Starting With a Conversation

We first began working with the HOA in January. Like many associations responsible for maintaining private roads, the board was trying to make the best decisions possible with limited information.

They had previously been presented with recommendations for work and services that weren’t necessarily the right fit for their roadway. Instead of simply giving them another estimate, we took the time to walk through the property with them, look at the condition of the road, and explain what we were seeing.

Our goal was to help them understand what needed to be addressed now, what could wait, and how proper maintenance could help them get the most life possible out of their roadway.

Restoring the Areas That Needed It

After evaluating the roadway and working with the HOA to develop a plan, our crew restored several areas throughout the community that needed repair.

The project was completed in August, but the work that happened between January and August was just as important.

Throughout the process, Jayson and the Ritter Dirt & Asphalt team worked closely with the HOA to answer questions, explain recommendations, and make sure the board understood why certain work was being done.

Rather than selling them on everything that could be done, we focused on what should be done.

Creating a Long-Term Road Maintenance Plan

One of the biggest outcomes of this project wasn’t simply the completed roadway repairs. It was giving the HOA a clear plan for the future.

They now have a better understanding of their road, including how to care for it, what signs of deterioration to watch for, what maintenance should be prioritized, and how to plan ahead instead of waiting until small issues become expensive repairs.

That knowledge gives an HOA something incredibly valuable: the ability to budget and make informed decisions with confidence.

Construction Should Deliver Confidence, Not Chaos

At Ritter Dirt & Asphalt, we believe a contractor’s job isn’t simply to show up, complete the work, and send an invoice.

It’s our job to help our customers understand their property and make smart decisions about where their money is being spent.

That’s especially important for HOAs, property managers, and commercial property owners who are responsible for maintaining infrastructure on behalf of an entire community.

Our Final First Approach™ means looking beyond today’s repair and considering how the decisions being made now affect the property years down the road.

For this Bellingham HOA, that meant restoring the areas of roadway that needed attention today while creating a maintenance plan they can use moving forward.

Better information. Better planning. Better roads.

If your HOA or private community has roads, parking areas, drainage, or other site work that needs attention, Ritter Dirt & Asphalt can help you understand what you’re working with and develop a plan that makes sense for your property and your budget.

Don’t be bitter… just call Ritter.
Ritter Dirt & Asphalt

Skagit Valley College Asphalt

Skagit Valley College Project: Managing the Whole Picture from Start to Finish

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At Ritter Dirt & Asphalt, some projects are about much more than what you see on the surface.

Our recent project at Skagit Valley College is a great example. Ritter Dirt & Asphalt served as the General Contractor, managing the project from start to finish while coordinating multiple subcontractors, navigating existing infrastructure, improving accessibility, and keeping safety and scheduling at the forefront every step of the way.

Creating Safer, ADA-Compliant Walkways

One of the primary components of the project was removing the college’s existing paver walkways and replacing them with new concrete walkways designed to bring the area into ADA compliance.

That meant looking beyond simply removing one surface and installing another. Grades, transitions, accessibility, drainage, surrounding infrastructure, and the finished usability of the space all had to work together.

It’s exactly why we believe in looking at the whole picture before the work begins.

Going Approximately 12 Feet Underground

While the new concrete is what students, staff, and visitors will see every day, some of the most complex work happened well below the surface.

Ritter worked directly with the electrical contractor to coordinate the installation of conduit through the existing utilidor approximately 12 feet underground.

Working at that depth and around existing infrastructure requires careful planning, communication, and an unwavering focus on safety. Our team helped coordinate the work so each phase could move forward efficiently while the different contractors involved had what they needed, when they needed it.

More Than Dirt & Asphalt

Projects like Skagit Valley College showcase the full scope of what Ritter Dirt & Asphalt can bring to a project.

As the General Contractor, our responsibility extended beyond our own scope of work. We coordinated schedules, managed subcontractors, communicated between trades, addressed challenges as they arose, and kept the project moving from the initial demolition through completion.

Because a successful project isn’t just about doing your portion of the job well. It’s about making sure all the pieces work together.

That’s the thinking behind our Final First Approach™.

We consider the finished project from the beginning, identify what needs to happen along the way, and coordinate the work accordingly. The goal is fewer surprises, better communication, safer jobsites, and a finished product that works the way it should.

Built for the Final Result

From removing existing pavers and constructing new ADA-compliant concrete walkways to coordinating electrical work approximately 12 feet underground, the Skagit Valley College project required planning at every level.

We’re proud of the finished result and proud to have managed a project that will help provide a safer, more accessible space for the Skagit Valley College community.

Planning a commercial, municipal, institutional, or large-scale residential project in Whatcom or Skagit County?

Ritter Dirt & Asphalt brings excavation, asphalt, site work, utilities, drainage, concrete coordination, and project management together with one goal in mind: getting the final result right from the start.

Don’t be bitter… just call Ritter.

ritter paving-35

Asphalt Paving, Patching & Repair: What Property Owners Should Know

A smooth, freshly paved asphalt surface looks great, but what you see on top is only part of the story.

Whether you’re installing a new driveway, repairing a parking lot, or trying to get a few more years out of an existing asphalt surface, the quality of the finished project depends on more than the asphalt itself.

At Ritter Dirt & Asphalt, we look at the whole picture.

From drainage and site preparation to the condition of the base beneath your asphalt, understanding why a surface is failing is one of the most important steps in determining the right way to repair it.

Why Does Asphalt Fail?

Asphalt is durable, but it isn’t indestructible. Over time, weather, traffic, water, ground movement, and normal wear can all take their toll.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, water is one of the biggest concerns.

When water finds its way beneath asphalt, it can weaken the underlying base. Once that foundation begins to move or deteriorate, the asphalt above it may crack, sink, develop potholes, or begin breaking apart.

Some common warning signs include:

  • Cracks that continue to grow or return after being filled
  • Potholes
  • Low or sunken areas
  • Standing water
  • Crumbling edges
  • Uneven surfaces
  • Areas that feel soft or unstable
  • Widespread cracking or “alligator” cracking

The important thing to remember is that the visible damage isn’t always the actual problem.

Sometimes the asphalt is failing because the surface has simply reached the end of its useful life. Other times, the real issue is underneath it.

Asphalt Patching: When a Smaller Repair Makes Sense

Not every damaged asphalt surface needs to be completely replaced.

When deterioration is isolated to a specific area and the surrounding pavement and base are still in good condition, asphalt patching can be an effective and economical solution.

A proper patch may involve removing the damaged asphalt, evaluating and repairing the base as needed, preparing the area, installing new asphalt, and compacting it to create a durable repair.

Patching can be a good solution for isolated potholes, damaged sections of parking lots, utility cuts, localized cracking, or smaller areas where the pavement has failed.

The key is determining why that particular area failed in the first place.

Simply covering a problem without addressing its cause may make it look better temporarily, but it doesn’t necessarily solve it.

When Is It Time for New Asphalt?

There comes a point when continuing to patch an aging or extensively damaged surface no longer makes financial sense.

If cracking and deterioration are widespread, the base has significant problems, drainage needs to be corrected, or repairs are becoming increasingly frequent, a larger asphalt replacement or paving project may provide better long-term value.

This is where experience matters.

The goal shouldn’t be to recommend the biggest project possible. It should be to determine what your property actually needs and help you understand the options.

Sometimes that’s a repair.

Sometimes it’s an overlay.

Sometimes the right answer is removing the existing asphalt, correcting the underlying issues, and starting with a properly prepared foundation.

Great Asphalt Starts Below the Surface

One of the most important parts of an asphalt project happens before the asphalt ever arrives.

Base preparation matters.

A properly prepared base helps distribute loads, provides stability, supports drainage, and gives the asphalt above it a solid foundation.

If the base is soft, poorly compacted, improperly graded, or continually exposed to water, even quality asphalt can eventually fail.

That’s why our dirt and excavation experience is such an important part of the asphalt work we do at Ritter.

We aren’t only looking at the pavement.

We’re looking at the ground underneath it, how the site is graded, where the water goes, how the area is being used, and what needs to happen to give the finished project the best chance of performing well for years to come.

Don’t Ignore Drainage

Around Bellingham and throughout Whatcom and Skagit Counties, drainage isn’t an afterthought.

It’s part of the project.

Standing water on pavement can be an obvious problem, but water moving underneath the surface can cause even more damage. Poor grading, inadequate drainage, saturated base material, and runoff flowing toward paved areas can all contribute to premature asphalt failure.

Before investing in a major repair or paving project, it’s worth asking:

Why did the old asphalt fail?

If water contributed to the problem, putting new asphalt over the same conditions may eventually produce the same result.

As we like to say at Ritter:

Water tells the truth.

Residential & Commercial Asphalt Solutions

Asphalt serves a wide variety of properties, and every project has different requirements.

Ritter Dirt & Asphalt works with homeowners, businesses, property managers, contractors, and commercial property owners on projects including:

  • Driveways
  • Parking lots
  • Private roads and access areas
  • Asphalt repairs and patching
  • Pothole repairs
  • Asphalt overlays
  • New asphalt paving
  • Site preparation and grading
  • Drainage corrections associated with paved areas

Whether it’s a small repair or a larger paving project, our approach is the same: understand the site first and recommend a solution based on what we find.

Repair It Before a Small Problem Becomes a Bigger One

Asphalt problems rarely improve on their own.

A small crack can allow water to reach the base. A small pothole can continue expanding. A drainage issue can gradually undermine a much larger section of pavement.

Addressing problems early can often give you more repair options and help protect the investment you’ve already made in your property.

If your driveway, parking lot, or paved surface is showing signs of wear, don’t just ask what it will cost to cover the damage.

Find out why it’s happening.

At Ritter Dirt & Asphalt, we bring decades of experience in excavation, site preparation, drainage, and asphalt together to help our customers see the whole picture.

From asphalt paving and overlays to patching and repair, we’ll take a look at what’s happening above and below the surface and help you determine the right next step for your property.

Don’t Be Bitter… Just Call Ritter.

📞 360-739-3700

Whatcom County asphalt paving

Whatcom County asphalt paving: Plan Spring projects early

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Spring brings longer days and a short window to get outdoor work done. For property owners and managers in Whatcom County, planning early with a reliable asphalt paving contractor can save time and limit delays. Ritter Dirt and Asphalt is here to remind people to book spring projects now to secure schedules for asphalt paving, excavation and site prep.

Whatcom County’s weather plays a big role in paving and earthwork. Asphalt needs dry conditions and consistent temperatures to perform well. Excavation and grading depend on soil that has drained after months of winter rain. Areas like Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and Blaine often see different soil and drainage conditions, which makes local experience important when planning spring work.

Once the weather improves, demand increases fast. Driveways, parking lots, access roads and farm or industrial yards all compete for the same crews and equipment. If planning waits until late spring, new projects often have to fit around others already on the schedule. That can mean longer lead times or limited flexibility. When a project is booked early, it goes on the calendar first. Other work is scheduled around it. This gives property owners more control over start dates and overall scope. Early planning also allows Ritter crews to plan work around weather patterns instead of rushing once demand spikes.

Whatcom County asphalt paving

Spring is also a practical time to address damage from winter use. Cracks, drainage issues and uneven surfaces can show up after heavy rain and freeze cycles. Catching these issues early can prevent larger repairs later in the year. Local knowledge matters during this process. Soil types vary across the county, from heavier clay areas to well-draining gravel zones. Drainage patterns also differ depending on elevation and proximity to water. Ritter Dirt and Asphalt uses this local experience to plan excavation and paving for each site.

Ritter Dirt and Asphalt serves customers across Whatcom and Skagit counties with asphalt paving, excavation and site prep. We work with property owners to create a plan that fits their needs, budget and timeline. Local knowledge helps crews plan around soil conditions, drainage patterns and seasonal weather. Contact us now for a free quote, to discuss your project and to reserve a spot on the schedule. Early planning leads to a timeline that works for you!

asphalt and gravel

Winter maintenance tips for asphalt and gravel in Whatcom County

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Winter in Whatcom County brings steady rain, freezing nights and long stretches of moisture that can wear down asphalt and gravel surfaces. Property owners who prepare early reduce safety risks and lower repair costs in the spring. Below are Ritter’s winter maintenance tips for asphalt and gravel and how we can help you protect your driveways, parking lots and private roads through the wet season.

Start with drainage. Standing water is one of the main causes of asphalt breakdown in winter. Even small pools can seep into cracks. When temperatures drop, that water freezes and expands, which widens the damage. Walk your paved areas after a heavy rain and note where water collects. Clearing clogged drains and removing debris from ditches helps water move away from the surface.

Check for cracks. Asphalt cracks draw in moisture throughout the winter. If left alone, they grow and lead to potholes. Filling cracks during a dry window can slow that process. It also helps maintain a smoother surface for vehicles and reduces the stress placed on nearby pavement.

Grading. A slight crown in the center of a gravel road helps water move to the sides instead of pooling. Regular light grading maintains this shape and keeps ruts from deepening. If your gravel road connects to main roads, keep the entry point clear of mud and debris for better traction.

Lighting. Winter brings longer nights and shorter periods of daylight. Good lighting around pavement and gravel areas helps drivers avoid hazards like soft shoulders, potholes or high edges. Clear fallen branches and windblown debris that may hide problems.

asphalt and gravel

Monitor gravel surfaces after major storms. Heavy winter rain can quickly create ruts and washouts on gravel driveways and private roads. After a storm, walk or drive the road slowly to identify low spots. Adding gravel promptly helps maintain a level surface and improves drainage before issues worsen. If the ground is still soft, hold off on bringing in equipment—working saturated gravel prevents proper compaction and can shorten the life of the road. Waiting for a colder or drier stretch allows the material to set correctly and ensures a longer-lasting result.

Snow and ice are less frequent in Whatcom County than rain, but they create challenges. Use deicer products that are safe for asphalt. Avoid rock salt because it can speed up surface deterioration. If you plow your driveway or parking lot, set the blade high enough to prevent scraping. Direct contact with the pavement can tear away the top layer and leave it more vulnerable to water.

Plan ahead for spring repairs and paving. Keep notes during winter about areas that break down or require frequent gravel additions. These patterns help you and your asphalt paving company decide where to strengthen the base, improve drainage or repave sections when the weather improves.

A consistent approach during the wet season makes spring repairs easier and helps keep traffic areas safe for residents, visitors and customers. And remember, call Ritter at 360-739-3472 for expert paving and gravel solutions.

repaving in Whatcom County

Hiring: Site Prep and Paving Technician, full-time

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Ritter Dirt and Asphalt is hiring a site prep and paving technician who will help shape and finish a variety of surfaces, including paved and gravel.

If hired, you will help Ritter’s crew provide services to residential property owners, land developers and general contractors throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties.

This could be a great opportunity for someone with a strong work ethic and dirt work or landscape construction experience. You’ll do well here if you’re detail-oriented, a problem solver and understand how to shape and grade land for drainage and long-term stability. Asphalt paving experience is a plus, but not required—we’ll train the right person.

Job functions:

  • Operate or assist with small equipment and hand tools.
  • Help set grade and slope, monitor to ensure proper drainage.
  • Prepare road bases, driveways, pads, etc.
  • Distribute asphalt and other materials evenly.
  • Assist in compaction.
  • Work alongside paving machine operators and other crew members.
  • Load and unload trucks, gather tools and set up jobsites.
  • Help ensure high-quality finish work and customer satisfaction.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • One or more years of dirt work, grading or other relevant construction experience.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Clean driving record and valid Washington State driver’s license.
  • Able to pass a drug test.
  • Must have reliable transportation and a cellphone.
  • Physically fit and able to perform manual labor.
  • Able to pick up and move at least 50 pounds.
  • Able to work outside in all weather conditions.
  • Able to stand for extended periods of time.

Skills and traits:

  • Understand site prep, grading and surface finish work.
  • Able to read and follow grade stakes or directions from operators.
  • Attention to detail and pride in work.
  • Follow instructions, including all safety procedures and protocols.
  • Perform detail-oriented work.
  • Troubleshooting, creative thinking.
  • Dependable and on time.
  • Excellent communication, observation and listening skills.

Work schedule:

  • Full-time, 30+ per week.
  • Shifts are typically between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
  • Monday through Friday with occasional weekends and overtime.

Compensation and work perks:

  • $30+ per hour, depending on experience.
  • Home every night with most weekends off.
  • Seven paid holidays per year.
  • Sick pay accrual.
  • Employer funded Premera medical benefits after 90 days.
  • Education reimbursement program.
  • Safety gear provided.

Sound like your kind of work? Send your resume to jasonritter007@gmail.com, or apply through Indeed.com.  https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Ritter-Dirt-and-Asphalt/jobs

This job summary is not intended to be a full list of all responsibilities, skills and work conditions. Its purpose is to be a preview of the job to help applicants make employment decisions. The job duties may change at any time to accommodate Ritter Dirt and Asphalt’s needs.

Ritter Dirt and Asphalt is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Ritter does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

asphalt driveways

What you should know about asphalt driveways

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Homeowners invest in asphalt driveways because they are durable, cost-effective and attractive. But like any surface exposed to the elements, asphalt needs occasional care to stay in good shape. Without proper maintenance, cracks, fading and water damage can shorten its lifespan and lead to repairs.

Here’s what you need to know about asphalt paving maintenance in Whatcom and Skagit counties:

  • Clean the surface. Keeping your asphalt driveway clean is a simple but important step. Dirt, leaves, oil and other debris can hold moisture and break down the surface over time. Sweep or blow the driveway once or twice a month and occasionally rinse it with a hose to remove buildup. For oil or chemical stains, use an asphalt-safe cleaner before they penetrate the surface.
  • Sealcoat every few years. (Ritter Dirt and Asphalt does not do seal coating) Sealcoating is an effective way to protect asphalt paving. It’s a thin protective layer that shields the surface from UV rays, moisture and chemicals. Most driveways should be seal-coated every few years, though heavy traffic or harsh weather may require more frequent application. Not only does sealcoating extend the driveway’s life, but it also restores a smooth, dark finish.
  • Repair cracks early. Small cracks may not look serious, but they allow water to seep beneath the surface. When that water freezes and expands, it can create larger cracks or potholes. Inspect your driveway annually and fill cracks as soon as you notice them. Asphalt patching products can handle minor issues, but larger damage should be repaired by a professional paving company.
  • Prevent standing water. Water infiltration is a threat to asphalt roads and driveways. Pooling water weakens the base layer and can lead to surface damage. Make sure your driveway has proper drainage and keep gutters and downspouts directed away from the pavement. If you notice dips where water is collected, talk to an asphalt paving contractor about leveling or resurfacing options.
  • Limit heavy loads and sharp objects. Asphalt is strong, but it can still be damaged by heavy vehicles or sharp objects. Avoid parking large trucks or storing heavy equipment on the driveway for long periods. Snow removal tools with metal edges can also gouge the surface, so use a plastic shovel or a snow blower with rubber paddles in winter.
  • Schedule professional inspections. Even with regular maintenance, some problems can go unnoticed until they become major. A professional paving contractor like Ritter Dirt and Asphalt can inspect your driveway for early signs of wear, drainage issues or structural damage. Scheduling an inspection every few years can help catch problems before they require expensive repairs.asphalt driveways

Routine maintenance can add years to the life of your asphalt driveway and keep it looking its best. Cleaning, sealing, repairing cracks and managing water are all simple steps that make a big difference. If your driveway shows signs of wear or you’re unsure about the right care schedule, contact Jason and Alysha Ritter, owners of Ritter Dirt and Asphalt, proudly serving Whatcom and Skagit Counties since 2015.

repaving in Whatcom County

Signs your parking lot needs repaving in Whatcom County

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Seal coating is like sunscreen; it protects what is already solid, but it won’t fix cracks, sinking, or base problems. While seal coating is a valuable service for maintaining asphalt pavement, we want to be upfront that Ritter Dirt and Asphalt does not offer seal coating. Instead, we provide paving solutions that address the root of the problem — including repaving in Whatcom County for long-lasting, structural improvements.

Whether you own a Whatcom County retail store, manage an office building, or oversee a public facility, the condition of your parking lot impacts visitor experience and safety. Over time, wear and tear from traffic, weather and aging infrastructure can degrade the surface, leading to potential hazards and aesthetic concerns.

repaving in Whatcom County

Here are a few signs that show your parking lot may need repaving:

• Cracks, potholes and uneven surfaces: Cracks allow water to penetrate beneath the surface, leading to further damage, while potholes pose safety risks to vehicles and pedestrians. Over time, the asphalt surface may become uneven due to settling, root growth or poor initial installation.
• Fading and discoloration: Asphalt that has lost its original dark color and appears faded or discolored often indicates aging and surface wear. UV exposure and weather conditions in Whatcom County contribute to this deterioration, making the parking lot look unkempt and potentially reducing the property’s curb appeal.
• Drainage problems: Proper drainage prevents water pooling, which can weaken the pavement and create hazards. Poor drainage may collect as standing water after rain, indicating that the surface is no longer properly sloped or that drainage systems are clogged or inadequate.
• Customer complaints: Listen to feedback from customers and employees. If complaints about the condition of your parking lot are becoming more frequent, it’s a clear sign that repaving may be necessary. A well-maintained parking lot reflects positively on your business and demonstrates your commitment to safety and quality.
• Increased maintenance costs: As pavement deteriorates, maintenance costs can rise. Constant patching and repairs may become cost-prohibitive compared to investing in a repaving project, which offers a longer-term solution.

Addressing signs of asphalt paving deterioration can save you money in the long run and enhance the overall experience for visitors and customers. If you notice any of these signs, consider consulting with a reputable paving contractor like Ritter Dirt and Asphalt to assess the condition of your parking lot and discuss options for repaving.

Our team of precision equipment operators and skilled construction laborers help meet the needs of commercial and residential property owners, land developers and general contractors in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, the Nooksack Valley and throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties. Call 360-739-3472 for a free quote.

Asphalt paved driveway

Custom driveway paving

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In Bellingham, a homeowner’s longtime goal of having custom driveway paving became a reality. Ritter’s experienced paving crew was hired to grade the existing gravel surface and install fresh asphalt for a smooth, clean finish.

This project required extra planning and precision. The new driveway had to tie seamlessly into existing concrete surfaces, which weren’t originally designed to accommodate asphalt. On jobs like this, sloping the asphalt correctly was essential—especially to direct water away from the home and prevent drainage issues.

With thoughtful design and expert grading, Ritter delivered a durable asphalt driveway that looks great and performs well, all while preserving the surrounding hardscapes and landscaping.

Asphalt installed on a steep slope

Asphalt driveway on sloped property

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Nestled on a steep hillside in Bellingham’s South Hill neighborhood, the installation of an asphalt driveway on sloped property required expert planning and execution from the ground up.

Ritter Dirt & Asphalt was hired early in the build to complete site work, including land clearing, foundation preparation and utility trenching for a custom luxury home. Once the structure was complete, we returned to do the final grading and installed a durable asphalt driveway designed to handle the property’s steep slope.

The result? A smooth, long-lasting surface that offers safe, all-season access for years to come.

A message from the builder, Slusher Luxury Homes: The paving on our 40th St project was the finishing touch we needed! It looked beautiful with the driveway finished! Thank you!

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