Ron spent a good part of yesterday taking care of the lawn here, which is starting to show new grass only ten days after seeding. I went to New Bedford but only for a short time, figured traffic would be bad with the long weekend. There was a half-mile backup at the Bourne around 4:30. Stopped by to visit a colleague’s startup in Centerville.

Candidates I like: Patrick Ellis (state rep); Sheila Lyons and Eric Steinhilber (commissioner); Christopher Sheldon (House of Representatives).

We enjoyed another beautiful lunch at Canalside, then off to Edgewater to aerate, seed and fertilize. Hoping for rain tonight.

Brought the snow blower back to Edgewater. Watering and more cleanup at Dixon; cut down the Hibiscus. Spread Joe Pye weed seeds near the new sprinkler.

I’ve been very unhappy with the yard here and finally figured out why: the wild blooming vine made climbing over the deck railings made everything look messy and unkempt. It was too much and too hideous, probably due to the dry summer.

I ripped it all out today and wrapped it in a tarp, to be taken to the transfer station later this week.

We got our flu shots today.

I also cleaned up the gone-by tomato plants; picked up the lawnmower from Botello; and mowed the back yard at Edgewater. Stopped for produce and some groceries, made supper, watched the second Warren/Brown debate with David Gregory as moderator.

I think David Gregory won.

Bungeed up the big grasses.

Did laundry and changed sheets. Made the transfer station run. Emme called to see if she could visit. She made a cheesecake and the marinade for grilled fish. We picked up a very good condition used Hoyle’s at the bookstore in Cotuit. All in all, a nice day.

Raining this morning. It’s put a crimp in work plans, but welcome anyway, since we had only about half an inch the night before.

Went to a gathering of the user group today and enjoyed seeing old friends and coworkers. Also stopped at the Harvest Fest and picked up some Highland cattle burgers from a farm in Dennis. Got my hair cut. Made greens and tapioca. Ron’s ridiculous childhood pronunciation of the latter made me laugh so hard, I had to change my clothes.

Ron tied the ramps to the truck so we could pick up the lawn mower and snow blower at Edgewater. I mowed the front lawn. We brought the machines to Botello for tune-ups.

We had a nice lunch at Panera.

I ordered more materials for Robert’s senior project and dropped off the MHA paperwork that came in the mail today.

We cancelled the cookout planned for tomorrow. The long-promised rain started a little while ago and is expected to continue off and on throughout the weekend. One of the UG members wanted to get together anyway, so the group is meeting at the Sandwich BBC instead. Good!

Right now, it’s cool and damp, and I am thrilled that my work week ended yesterday at 5:30. Did a load of laundry. Ron made his special spaghetti and seafood sauce for supper and we watched “The Prince and the Showgirl” afterwards. Fluffles ate very well today.

After thatching

After raking; ready for seed, fertilizer and water

Ron and I have been working since 10:30 this morning on the front lawn. It’s now almost 8 hours later, and he’s just finishing up.

We rented a power rake and while I went hunting for starter fertilizer, Ron thatched the front and side yards and the “town” grass in front of the fence.

We filled up the truck 1 1/3 times with the thatch and made two runs to the transfer station. Came back to seed, fertilize and water. We hope for rain tonight.