I finally decided to wait no longer for the S.O.'s promised back yard cleanup, and offered the man who cuts my front lawn a substantial sum to beat back the jungle in my back yard.

Mainly, I wanted to be able to sit out there in the cool evenings and have dinner and read. And also, I'd like to be able to see the cats, instead of having them disappear into the knee-high weedy patches.

The difference is amazing. Let no one talk to me about "lazy Mexicans" ever again. This man and his son worked for three hours nonstop and they did a terrific job. Actually, all I asked for was cleanup and they did that and more.

I kept asking if they'd like to stop and have some ice water or a cold soda, but they said they'd rather keep on and finish. And they hauled away the bigger stuff, after filling four huge trash cans.

I could never have done it myself (not as young as I used to be), and I'm very grateful there are people who have made it their employment to keep our living areas clean and beautiful. Their work was worth every penny I gave them, and I hope they spend it in good health. I earned the money doing what I do best and it seems to me to be an equitable trade to give it to people doing what they do best.

When I said, "Muchas gracias," and told him it looked very very nice I could see the look of pride and pleasure light up his face. The feeling was mutual.

Jasmine, of course, now has all kinds of new smells to explore. The cats are miffed at having their lurking spots removed, but I'm sure they will discover new ones.

Now to do some decorative planting and continue caring for the tomatoes. They are ripening now almost faster than I can eat or give them away.

Life is good.