I don't suppose anyone bought a copy of TurboTax (in a box) this year, did you? I picked up a discounted copy of Quicken that looked like the rebate was only for Quicken, but it turns out one needs to buy TurboTax also. I never do, I figure my taxes myself. I need the proof of purchase (barcode only, not the little "proof of purchase" box on the box, go figure). Just a thought. Otherwise, I have a more expensive version of Quicken. I only replace some of this software every few years when I can get a rebate.

The kitchen is clean, a good thing since I won't be here much for a few days and I look forward to walking in at the end of the day to a tidy kitchen where I can fix a quick meal without having to empty the sink first.

I went out early to do a quick mow of the front yard. It's supposed to rain again this afternoon, but since this is my late day at work, I had a little time. No trimming, just taking out the turf grass and weeds. Before starting I ran a flat file over the blades a few times, the "lick and a promise" approach; the best thing is to remove it, clamp in the vise grip, and do a good job. That can come later. I left some taller grass where there are flowers blooming - this year the grape hyacinth seems to have spread drastically. It's lovely out there. I also mowed over the top of my garden plot, knocking down the henbit (a nitrogen fixing legume that has lovely little purple flowers). The cilantro that has spread around the yard also so several times there was a strong smell of cilantro as I went over an errant patch mixed in with weeds. I'll start planting the garden this weekend (I'm very late on that - the potatoes should have gone in weeks ago).

The thing that made this work so much easier is the gate I built in the garage last fall. It completely separates the dog stall and that door into the back yard from the main part of the building and the large door out to the front. I no longer have to round up dogs, open the garage, move the mower out, close the garage and let the dogs out, then reverse the job when I finish. Now the lab stays in the back yard and doesn't race out to greet me and have to be rounded up.

SRS