August 15

Ahh, Saturday on the Vineyard… the day of our traditional eat-at-home lobster dinner.  We do this on Saturday to avoid the restaurant crowds.
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This year’s feast was especially yummy because of farmer’s market goodies picked out by Lis and Rachel.

August 11

Kat, Chris, Marie, and I went for a bike ride this morning down to Vineyard Haven.  While Chris could have picked a shadier spot to have a tire blowout, there at least was a decent view to admire while he changed the inner tube.
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August 9

This is the inside of Lis’s garage door opener.  You’ll note the fine white nylon powder all over everything, and the almost-toothless main drive gear that the powder used to be. 
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Fortunately, parts are still available for this model, so I’ll be able to repair it after the Vineyard.

August 8

I took apart and reglazed one of the bedroom windows today, so that the glazing compound can cure while we’re gone and I can paint it upon our return.  Imagine my surprise when I lifted the shade and saw what I at first thought was a hummingbird affixed to the outside of the screen.
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This is some sort of sphinx moth, probably either a five-spotted hawkmoth or a Carolina sphinx.  These species spend their caterpillar lives as a tomato or tobacco hornworms, respectively, and as such are big crop pests.  But it was cool to see this very cooperative adult moth up close.

August 6

Tools of the trade:
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This saw is used by flooring installers to cut the bottom little bit off of trim, like around a door, so they don’t have to scribe & cut the flooring to fit.  It’s little tricks like this that make the pros efficient, while it takes weekend handy guys twice as long.