There comes a time, on occasion, with each of us that we just flat don’t feel up to a certain task. Penning a regular column ranks fairly high as one of those weekly tasks that sort of drag on you, periodically speaking. Anyhow, If you happen to finish this week’s column and remark that we didn’t have a whole lot to talk about, then I’d probably have to agree with you. Whatever the end product, here goes. Now that I’ve already used up the space for one pretty healthy paragraph, I guess we should try to find a subject of some value. We visited a good bit last week on the yard and garden, pointing out certain problems we encounter this time of the season, as well as some management (cultural) practices that can either help or prevent some of those problems. As far as the lawn turf grass is concerned, mowing & watering may be your best practices for a healthy turf or might turn out as the worst enemy. Mowing is probably the most simple of the two. Cut your grass at regular intervals, either by the calendar or according to the growth rate of the lawn. We haven’t had to mow as often with the hot, sunny days of summer slowing the grass growth. Raise your blade during the hot summer months, so as to avoid sun scald of the exposed roots & stolons, and then lower it again during the cooler months. Keep a sharp blade, as ragged cut grass leaves don’t fare as well as do straight cut. Watering can be easy if one pays attention or it can be damaging if done poorly. Like mowing, you can water regularly if you so choose, or water to the needs of the lawn. Probably some of the better kept lawns are on an irrigation system, regulated by a time, but that can sometimes get you into trouble, if you don’t pay attention. I have to add the we don’t have too many problems with our lawns receiving too much moisture from rainfall, though. Lawns, gardens, and landscape plants probably #1 culprit would be the hiper active gardener with waterhose in hand. Don’t think I have to give you a list of problems that can result from the "piddle" waterer. Not enough and un-even would be the 1st two. Anyhow, there are lots of things we can do for the lawn in the coming 45

days, so we need to leave some of those for the coming weeks.

Son Will, was in from Waco this past weekend, visiting with both Grandparents, Ellis & Harkey. He also takes time to tend to several regular chores at both places when he’s in. He & I traveled over to Lampasas Sat. to

meet a fellow from the Cove and trade for a "new" shotgun. We had made sure we got to Town well ahead of the appointed time in order to partake of some Italian cuisine at Giovanni’s, where Martin’s Café was back in more olden days. It’s still a great place to eat, with good food and friendly service, and the price is what I’d call "moderate." The Ball’s of Cherokee came in just about the time we were finished. Anyhow, Will made the deal on the

shotgun and then we meandered on back to Town via Nix, the Bend, by the Colony and on home. Part of the reason for the shotgun deal, is that he is the proud owner of a brand new German Shorthair Pointer pup that will eventually become a "Gun Dog." Couple that with the advent of bird season being right around the corner, and we’re getting more into it.

Lady Z brought me the new

Hunting & Fishing regulation book put out by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. for the 2010-11 seasons. The Outdoor Annual has all the laws & regulations that pertain to our seasons in Texas, but there may be a supplement to the Migratory bird regs. as the Fed’s publication is usually printed later than ours. Anyhow, it’s time to renew that license prior the the 1st Dove hunting trip or your 1st fishing expedition in Sept. Guess I’d better "git" as I’ve about run out of time & space, with the Mayor & yrs. truly out around Harkeville!!!!