June 2026 Island Trip – Day 8

Being recovered from Monday’s drippy grass eradication, I mowed for 6.5 hours today. Yes I make questionable choices from time to time, and the rider is put away until July. It just had to get fucking done. I need to call our blade guy to both change the mower blades (I think I’m bludgeoning the grass, rather than cutting it) and sharpen the current installed set, or declared them beyond hope… After the marathon mow, I spent time trimming, by hand, around the five fruit trees and a couple of rustic fence posts. One upright, one not 😏.

Two of the four apples have fruit. It’s hard to tell if the big apple has fruit. It’s so tall! And it doesn’t matter, really. One of the Akanes doesn’t seem to have any fruit on it. After last year’s mast harvest, taking a year off is just fine. The plum is looking good.

My neighbor to the north’s car was parked below the barns as I came to mow the last section. I parked, turned around and there she was walking down from between the barns. She said, “I’ve been watching you 👀!” I replied, “Someone needs to!!” We had a sweet visit. She’s doing well after losing her sweetheart of over 50-years. She seems really centered, is looking amazing at 80, and as always is VERY real.

I’ve figured out a new place to move the fire pit to. Closer to the trailer, so maybe we’ll use it 😏. Tomorrow…

Dinner is ‘quick’ roasted portobellos, brussel sprouts and a slice of red onion. Quick means seasoning them rather than basting them… And Trader Joe’s GF battered Cod. Stella smells incredible.