I went to my cabin over the weekend to check on things. It is at 7500', and
it had about a foot of snow around it. Everything was fine, save that we
had to walk through the snow for the last 1/8 mile.

I am anxious for spring to begin some repairs and some new work.

My question is about concrete.

I have lived most of my life in the Southern Nevada desert. The biggest
problem we have had with problems is that it dries too fast.

I have noticed in that part of the country that the concrete varies wildly.
Some of it looks great after years, and some of it is flaking off and the
aggregate showing. Some looks good, and some looks like crap.

Part of what I want to do involves some concrete works. Some steps, and
some flat work.

What's the secret to getting concrete that will last through freeze and thaw
cycles? There is no real problem with frost heave in this part of the
country. Is it the mix, the sack content? The aggregate? The working of
the concrete? Is it best to buy delivered concrete, or will doing it
yourself be okay if you do it right?

Or do I just resign myself to the fact that as it ages, it peels off?

I like doing things once, and would like to do the best from the start so it
lasts the longest.

Thanks in advance.

Steve