what's your problem?

I'm stressed.

I'm worried.

I have a headache.

I'm frustrated.

I'm hot.

I'm tired.

I need a nap.

Did I mention that:

I'm stressed.

I'm worried.

I have a headache.

I'm frustrated.

I'm hot.

I'm tired.

I need a nap.

Oh, I did?

I feel better now.

(No I don't really feel better, but what do you care?)

L-a-n-d-s-c-a-p-i-n-g

Today I was reminded that the only land that is fun to 'scape is my own.

And since I don't currently have a lawn to call my own... well you get the idea.

This morning I worked for my brother, who owns his own landscaping company. After butchering a large bush at the end of my parent's driveway, I went with him and his buddy to the house of one of his original customers. A had me trim the bushes there, in the front and in the back yard. Not knowing how these people like their bushes, or how A normally does them, I either a) trimmed too much, leaving bare spots or b) didn't trim enough, so that A went back over what I had done.

Once we were finished cleaning up it was 13:30 and time for lunch. A wanted me to trim more bushes for him by myself this afternoon while he and his buddy went to mow some lawns.

I frankly told him that I'd rather not, since I didn't want to ruin someone else's bushes and garner complaints. Plus, when it comes to certain things, I'm a perfectionist and when I can't do them as good as I'd like I get frustrated and (probably) way too critical of myself and my performance.

Raking I can do. Picking up leaves and lawn debris I can do. Spreading mulch - I can do that, too. Cutting a lawn? Well I could handle that with a standard lawn mower and have done so, though I've never used either of his big commercial mowers.

It just doesn't do anything for me to take care of someone else's property. Sure I like the finished product but getting to that point is no fun.

Unless the 'scaping is mine.

Plus, I'm outta shape for a thin guy and my arms are tired...

Rant and whine o-v-e-r.

Penny pinching at the pump

So it's time for my occasional rant about gas prices.

This Memorial Day weekend kicks off the unofficial start to the summer driving season. Gas prices have been on the upswing since January. I recall filling my tank one time in January at a station in Goffstown, New Hampshire for $2.01/gallon. At the time that irked me, because 500 yards down the road there was another station selling at $1.99/gallon. Now prices here are averaging over $3, close to a 50% increase. The last time I filled my tank I paid $2.91.

I understand the ebbs and tides of economics and supply vs. demand but this is crazy. It's sad when you have a fuel efficient vehicle and you still pay close to $30 for a fill-up.

One thing I've learned and always try to do is keep an eye on the gas gauge and never let it get lower than 1/4 of a tank.

A news report I saw on television last night gave a few hints on how to get the most gas mileage per fill.

a) make sure the tires are filled to the proper air pressure level.
b) make sure that you check and change the oil in your engine regularly.

I think there may have been a few more but that's all I can remember right now.

Two stories dealing with the gas price increases are here and here.

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Just thought I'd let you know that my grandfather would have been 98 today, were he still among the living. Still thinking about you, grandpa. See you someday.