The last posting was quite brief, because my operating system was installing updates and then restarted my computer to finish the process. Rather than try to save the posting in the edit form or to interrupt the updating process, I simply finish the posting and let the computer have free rein. It appears that I now have sole control of the computer so that I can pick up where the last posting left off and take whatever time I need.

The lawn remains unshorn. There has not been a decent break in the weather for me to tackle the task. I admit there may have been times during the past four days when I wasn't terribly motivated to move on that job. This evening after supper, we had a quick shower followed by President Obama's oval office speech on the gulf coast oil spill. Those circumstances gave me two reasons to wait for another day. George, the local weatherman, had predicted a dry day tomorrow, which should provide an evening appropriate for mowing the lawn.

I spent a few hours this past weekend watching a couple of world cup soccer games: Nigeria vs Argentina and Britain vs. U.S. This happens, when one has friends who are fans, one gets invited along for the game. It is also helpful to have a knowledgeable person perform additional explanatory commentary for the greenhorn.

The replacement windows have arrived. The carpenter is scheduled to be on site Monday to start the job. I have a week of vacation scheduled to be available. One more reason to hope for a break in the weather. This past weekend I pulled off all of the inside trim. I thought I might clean it up and refinish it. Now that it is off, I am not so sure: lots of nail holes, holes from curtain rods and shades, and paint from the failure to tape the woodwork or to cut-in carefully.