Ben's editorial . . .

Mother Nature may have been smiling on us for a few days! My grass is normal length now since I can cut it. I thought I was going to have to get sheep to keep the grass trimmed.

I finally sprayed for weeds in the lawn too. I have mixed feelings about weed spray. I don’t like the chemicals and I know we have to be careful with the dogs and keep my son out of the yard for the allotted time. I also hate when the lawn gets completely lost to weeds. It seems like the only reason you cut it is to knock the tops off of the weeds. If I have to mow, I would prefer to mow grass. I have a section of my lawn that has a Creeping Charlie problem. No, that’s not a problem with under-shorts…It’s a weed. It’s a weed that is hard to kill. I am going to try something different to spray on it this year since I am desperate. I will let you know if it works.

I now know that I work from lists too much. How do I know? I came home after work and decided to drop the dead tree in the front yard and cut it up. My wife rolls in, and asks “What are you doing? That wasn’t on the list for tonight!” I sensed sarcasm. I just revved up the saw and acted like I couldn’t hear her. She knew. They always know.

As busy as I am, I have found some time for the simple pleasures lately. I have been trying to pick up my grandfather on evenings that my wife works late. My son and I take him to McDonalds or Burger King, and I talk with one of the most influential people in my life while my son plays after dinner. It’s hard to find the time, but my son adores grandpa, probably because he knows I do, so we have been making the time. I also know that if I squandered these opportunities to see him, I would regret it forever. I can’t let that happen.

Thanks to all who have been loyal readers and to all of the loyal advertisers. Starting a newspaper from scratch has not been easy and sometimes has not been fun. But the days are more fun than not, and advertising picks up steadily. I’m still learning, but it’s not as hard as it was starting out! Have a great week.

(by Ben Wolf, Guest Columnist)