On the one hand, it's good exercise, and after filling the bin the garden looks great. On the other hand, despite being super careful yesterday at the beach and avoiding any sunburn, I wasn't as diligent today and I ended up with a sunburn on the back of my left leg. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

Ouch for the sunburn! - Tamara J.

Photos by Sammy and Sophie. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

It's not too bad, Tam, I'm just mad at myself for not being careful. Aloe time! - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

Entering stream of consciousness mode here: We had set up a play date for noon at my place today, with two kids who live nearby whom Sammy and Sophie hadn't met before. I BBQ'd chicken and zucchini, and made guacamole (sorry D). I knew we were going to play in both the front yard and the back yard, so that's why I had to get the place ready. So many weeds I had let go in the back, it was a thicket after the recent rain. And honestly, I think this is the first time I have mowed a lawn in 20 years. The play date was good: Everyone loved the food, Gina and my kids got along great, and the 5-year-old girl was an angel. However, her friend, a 6-year-old boy, was a bit of a brat: He smashed up Sammy's legos and generally played too rough. But his parents are going through a fresh divorce (his dad is a great guy but going through the bitter phase), so I understand why this kid is acting out. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

Cristo, yeah, usually I've paid for someone to do it (and Kimi used to like gardening). But having a place for the kids to play is essential. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

BTW, my guacamole recipe is similar to yours (http://friendfeed.com/foods...): Start with equal parts mashed avocado and finely chopped tomato, then add lemon juice, fresh garlic, and then red chili powder for kick. Salt to taste. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

I don't mash it much. Just right. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

Stephen has some very shapely legs ;-) - Mary Carmen

Thanks, MC. You should have seen the boy's dad's legs, though: He's a soccer coach and a runner and I couldn't stop staring at how well-muscled they were. Made me resolve to get back into running. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

:-) - Mary Carmen

How I prepare zucchini: Choose decent-sized fresh zucchini, not too big or small. Slice into four pieces horizontally. Marinate in olive oil and salt overnight. BBQ for 4-5 minutes a side. Perfect. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

I should state for equal time records that Gina has amazing legs also. It was actually a topic of conversation. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

See my post from Wednesday night. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo from iPhone

Geez, Cristo, I only post once a day. Click on my name and scroll down three posts. Here: http://friendfeed.com/iphone... - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo from iPhone

I have no idea. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo from iPhone

Good answer. - WoH: Professor MOTHRA

I'm happy for you both. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo from iPhone

I'm not. - WoH: Professor MOTHRA

Good answer. :) - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

I don't know that having to do maintenance on a rental yard you didn't plan is really gardening. So many places put in stuff that's work-intensive, not right for where it's planted, etc. No wonder it's no fun and a lot of drudgery! No-mow lawn, FTW! http://www.flickr.com/photos... - Spidra Webster

Spidra, you're right: What I did wasn't really gardening (in the same way as the dinner I made today wasn't really cooking -- it was just heating and serving the leftovers from the lunch). I'd love to plant that http://www.pacificearth.com/cont... but as you say it's a rental, so... But even if I owned the place and planned every inch, I still suspect I'd view gardening as a never-ending unwinnable war chore. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

Let me clarify and say that I'm not trying to gainsay you when you say you don't like all those chores. - Spidra Webster

Heh, sorry. I automatically heard my dad (who loved to garden) try to convince me that I really liked gardening with him. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

Garden in the morning. Or midnight by candle light :) - Todd Hoff

Todd, this was the morning, I started at 8. I'd be a lobster if I'd started later. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

OK, this house we're renting has two big problems, aside from the tiny single bathroom: It's damn cold when it's cold out, and damn hot when it's hot out. Kids can't sleep, and I don't blame them. Time to get some fans tomorrow. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo