Grinding done. Acid wash done. Showered off an insane amount of grime. Need to scrub down with mineral spirits at some point tonight. Then tomorrow, painting surfaces of splits, clamping and bolting. And then final painting.

And my house needs cleaning and I think maybe I can't. Though painting won't take long. But my hands are pretty shaky now, so I'm not sure how much more they can take.

I counter by telling them that I'm contributing to the local economy.

Excellent point! Plus by wearing nice slacks instead of the jeans I'm permitted to by the revised dress code, I look like a classier employee.

Sara, take a freakin' break!

sarameg, you're a superhero.

Connie, double win!

Loki agrees with you, Connie. He's tucked under my chin. Well, as much tucked as a cat who reaches down my whole torso can be.

Successful Parenting Gambits On A No-Plans Labor Day:

1. Take Matilda with me grocery shopping. Take Muni to enhance adventure element. Let her ride under the shopping car for Indiana Jones stuntman effect.

2. Stop at Out Of The Closet near Safeway and score a big sketchbook with quality drawing paper for only fifty cents.

3. Get two-for-one coupon for Jamba Juice outside Safeway. No line. Smoothie for her, fresh squeezed juice mix Citrus Blast (OJ, Apple, pineapple ginger) for me.

4. Buy chicken tenders at hot counter at Safeway. Lunch for Matilda: hand her chicken tenders.

5. Swing by Davi's house on the way home to see if maybe she or her family are around just dying for a playdate. Find Davi's Dad and brother poking around in the garage. Initiate playdate! Matilda off to play with Davi for the next three hours. Woot!

So.many.mosquito.bites. Ahhhrg.

I've made great progress on my Lynda.com lessons, so I'm taking a break out in the yard, in the shade.

I haven't seen the groundhog of late, but I notice more weeds nibbled down, so I'm guessing he's still around!

msbelle, sorry I haven't been around, been busy cleaning fridges and vaccuming floors and the like. I'll go take a look now. Thanks!

Hard ginger cider and corn on the cob with basil butter. Seems appropriately Labor Dayish.

Also, it's fucking hot. I can't believe I was out in it all day yet only now am cranky about getting sweaty taking the trash out. I mean, I completely soaked the bed sheet I had folded up and belted around my waist (think floor length apron, to protect my legs) and the cloths on my face and head were wringable. Sheet apron was like 8 layers. 1minute and a light sweat is making me whiny?