Thursday, May 21, 2009

Jungle Weeds and Snake Huntin'

So, as previously mentioned, I am not a gardener. Mowing the lawn is also not my specialty. As a single mom, I am so busy with a full time job, running kids here and there and everywhere on my own, that trying to keep up with the dishes is hard enough, let alone the yard. So, my oldest is supposed to mow the lawn. However, HE has been busy practically every night. So, the front lawn got mowed twice to the frequency of the back. I am ashamed to show you - and I am sure the neighbors were ashamed of me too, but here was my back yard after all that rain we had a few weeks back...

I know, I know. It's awful. But with my bad back, I was putting it off. Finally, one night, I decided it had to be done. We also have an evil monster tree that spews large 4-6' branches ALL.THE.TIME. Anyway - this particular evening, the oldest was at a band rehearsal, my middle one was sick, and my youngest couldn't help as she is highly allergic to grass and would have had to don a snow suit just to be out there. I needed to first clear the sticks so I could mow. I get moving and the next thing I know T, the boy from next door, has hopped the fence and practically BEGS me to let him help.

"Sure," I reply. And I sort of tell him about the stick situation. AS he gathers up sticks, I notice he analyzes each one, every now and again calling out, "This is a nice stick" and leaning it against the tree. I think he was "saving" them for something. Anyway - as he braves through my jungle of a back yard, he says to me at one point, "If you had any snakes in your yard, they would be right.over.here." I am like, "SNAKES??? EXCUSE ME??? DID YOU SAY S-S-SNAKES???"

For those who remember my TWO encounters last year - I don't "do" snakes. Ewww. So I reply to him, "Okay, then. I'll let YOU stay in that area." Agreed. Next thing I know, he looks as if he is HUNTING for snakes; as if he is HOPEFUL to find one.



I got the back yard finished, and as I am sitting here writing this post, realize it is past due again. Dang teenager and his extra curricular activities. I need a Lawn Boy! ( a hot, 20-something one, who might take his shirt off would be grand!) Anyway, I was able to get it done before dark, thanks to T and it looked much better afterwards, though I still had to collect a few more sticks.


16 comments:

Ruthykins said...

your grass is so green.

Green said...

I guess I'm lucky that my hubby is into the lawn for his extra curricular activities :)

Betty said...

Looks awesome and so lush! What I would give for lawn like that!!
Snakes and all.... :)

Our Two Blessings From Above said...

The lawn looks beautiful now. I admire single moms! When my husband is out of town and I have to do everything, it is not an easy task. You are doing such a great job!
Thanks for letting us be a part of your journey. You sure bring many laughs to my life!
Have a nice Memorial Day and try and relax!

TravAndToni said...

I just had a wonderful idea! Your oldest HAS been very busy, which means his best friend has also been very busy as well.... but, I think your oldest and his best friend could work together for an hour or two a week on your lawn. Because that would be the RIGHT thing to do, and it would be super good for your son's best friend.

We'll work out a "permanent" schedule!

okeydokeyifine said...

cut down the tree

The Willeyes said...

You gotta love a snake hunter :)

Ashley said...

I'm glad your hunter didn't run into any snakes this time. Lawn is looking good. I have a feeling a shirtless 20-something boy sharing a glass of lemonade with you after all that manual labor would make it look just that much better. You need to check into that. Haha! :)

Puphigirl said...

I enjoy mowing the lawn. Whenever I'm out doing it and a neighbor passes by, they always make a comment about how I have a husband and two teenage boys who could do that job. What they don't know is that I enjoy it.

I consider it a workout, burning calories. Also, being a little anal retentive, I like to alternate the patterns of mowing. One week it is horizontal, the next vertical, then diagonal, then the opposite diagonal. I do this to prevent mowing ruts in my yard.

Rhonda said...

Wow! What a great kid! Glad you didn't find any snakes though, whew!

By the way, having 3 teenagers myself, everyone thinks they are free all the time to do my bidding. Um yah, I WISH! they are busy being teenagers people!

BlueCastle said...

How did you get a picture of my back yard? Seriously, mine is so bad too. The front is presentable, but the back gets to grow wild. We call it our meadow.

Glad you got help, and I'm glad there were no snakes involved. ewwww

purplehaze said...

Looks great and a 20 something lawn boy would work!! I am still trying to get my husband to roter till our back yard, but it hasn't happened yet!

Tulsi said...

I would totally freak out if I found a snake in our yard!!!! Good thing you have a neighbor boy. We don't have a neighbor boy and my BOY can't help me right now. EEEKKKK

Jennifer Rae said...

I went out and weeded the lawn at my house yesterday. It makes a world of difference.

Anonymous said...

I used to love doing the lawn. Give me a lawn mower instead of a vacuum any day. The problem: much like vacuuming, the lawn didn't get done as often as it should have. Let's just say we've had our own jungle scenarios here!

Anonymous said...

BTW, I don't do snake either. Even lizards give me the creeps.