Workin' da Courthouse

Took four of my minions to the courthouse today. Nolan and Trevor had instructions to work for thirty minutes and Carolyn and Ethan, ninety.

Quite a bit was accomplished, enough to make things appear respectable, especially if no one looks too closely at the bed northwest of the entrance doors.

Nolan's contribution was a bit dubious, in that his main technique involved sitting on the bench, leaning over and pulling up weeds within an arm's reach.

He perked up, however, when allowed to use the pruning shears to deadhead the salvia.

Nothing like the prospect of effortless and instantaneous destruction to pique a lad's interest.

I noticed he didn't put the clippings into the trash bag, however.

Trevor kept asking me every two minutes, "How many minutes has it been?" since they knew the park awaited their forced labor.

And someone else...he shall remain nameless, had a lot of, "Is this a weed?....is this a weed?....how about this?"

But it looks a fair sight improved. I only wish I'd gotten there earlier than August for my second weeding.


In the fauna department, I found this guy perched on the salvia...

It may be smaller than me, but it's a little unnerving to see that triangular head swivel and stare--right at you.

And lest we forget, the praying mantis has been known to trap and eat hummingbirds, so no, I would not sleep with one on my nightstand.

Far too many books there, anyway.

Nolan called my attention to this beauty, for which he was awestruck.

A Giant Swallowtail! Only the second time in my life I have seen one.

It was all flittery and fast, so I was lucky to get this less than perfect picture of the underside, let alone a good shot from the top.

The older kids had emailed some friends and after their prescribed work was done, they were off to hobnob and play with Emily and Paul Currier.

I believe the young ladies spent the entire time chatting and catching up, while the boys roller bladed and skated on the peaceful side streets of Allison, and later road bikes.

A good time was had by all, after which Ma bought her loyal slaves ice cream treats at the Kwik Star.

Three more hours for my service record. I'm already plenty over my required time for this year, but there is still more weedage to expunge.

Guess I'll be back there, soon enough.
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Sounds as though Loren got Melinda all set up in her dorm room, with registration to follow, tomorrow.

When Derek leaves on Saturday, it'll be just me and the four youngest, until Loren returns some time next week.

It won't be long until our school starts, though I should quite possibly fill out the forms and curriculum sheets, first.

Summer isn't vacation, so much as variations on the work theme.
 

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