When I began planning our long-delayed family reunion earlier this year, I suggested two possible dates: Labor Day weekend or the following. The vote was unanimous: next weekend. Thank god, because the weather would have made a reunion this weekend pretty uncomfortable. Unless you’re the sort who enjoys being outside when it’s hot as blazes.
I am not, which is why Tara and I even bailed on our plan to visit our favorite festival of the year, the Taste of Madison, on Saturday. It was pushing 90º and the idea of wandering around in the heat didn’t sound very appealing.
Plus, I was beat. I’ve been tackling yard work for the past four days – cutting grass, pulling weeds, clearing out overgrown beds, you name it. It’s been dirty, sweaty work, and my muscles have been put to the test. But also, we’ve made some interesting discoveries. When I cleared out the grass and weeds that had grown over the path to our fish pond, for instance, I discovered these cool bricks.
We had no idea they were under there! Grass had also grown over a lot of stones around the ponds, so I peeled that back. Literally: I was able to just roll it up and yank it out. I tell you, long after humans have grown extinct, earth is going to cover up all signs that we were ever here. I find that pretty humbling.
My parents get here on Wednesday, and the rest of the family arrives on Friday. Here’s why choosing next weekend for the reunion was the smart move:
We want our guests to be impressed with Wisconsin, not scared off! Most of them are staying through at least midweek, so it’s a huge relief that the weather will feel more like early autumn than mid-summer. Speaking of, there are already a few signs of the changing season in our yard. Even the cursed poison ivy is putting on a show.
We’re really excited to see what kind of fall colors we get in our yard. There are three maples that we know are going to be showstoppers, and many other trees (like the Juneberry pictured above) that should have some bright foliage. It’ll be a fun discovery, just like those hidden bricks.
That damn poison ivy is all over the place, but I’ve learned to be extremely vigilant wherever I step and have become an expert at spotting it. I even managed to eradicate a couple of smaller plants by very carefully digging them up with a shovel, roots and all, dumping them in a plastic bag inside a paper bag, and throwing the whole thing in the trash. Our goal is to dig it all up this fall, when the weather is cooler. My experiment this weekend proves it’s doable; we’re just going to have to be extremely cautious, ’cause that rash is something I don’t ever want to experience again.
Other than prepping for the reunion and sweating our asses off, there hasn’t been too much excitement in MarTar land as of late. We made a trip to the Janesville Rotary Botanical Garden last weekend, always a lovely spot. They have a big holiday light show every year and are already in the process of decorating.
I couldn’t resist being a smartass when signing their guest log. I kinda feel sorry for Tara, because this is what she has to live with, but at the same time, I do make her laugh.
Here are a couple of random cat pics of Laverne & Shirley.
I’ve got a rough two-day work week, and then I’m off for five days. I haven’t really taken a proper vacation since starting, so I’m looking forward to some well-deserved time off, visiting with family and not writing about scaffolding or third-party logistics or the benefits of plant-based meals for a few days.
Tuesday is my one-year anniversary at TobacCo. My, how time flies! I had to do a self-review last week, so naturally, I gave myself high scores and a 50% raise.
OK, not really. But I do think I’m doing a decent job.
I’ve also been doing freelance work for CenturyCo. They reached out to me last month to see if I’d be interested in a few writing assignments because my replacement is out on maternity leave. How could I say no? I love extra cash, and without a doubt, that job is the thing I miss most about Rapid City. What’s interesting is, CenturyCo is the fourth former employer that has hired me as a contractor after I’ve left. I guess my work speaks for itself, which makes me feel all kinds of good.
Also proof that you should never burn bridges.
Happy Labor Day! What’s shaping up for you in September?
Mark My Words 
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