I spent some time on Google. The general consensus is that a mixture of 1 gallon vinegar + 1 pound of salt + 2 squirts of dishwashing detergent makes a powerful herbicide that more or less permanently makes the ground unfit for vegetative life. Some naysayers in various online forums argue that the vinegar needs to be fifteen percent acidic rather than the five percent on the shelves in the grocery stores. (My guess this is true if one is attempting to use only vinegar as an herbicide.) Others say that for best results this concoction should be applied after boiling water is dumped on the weeds. Were I less lazy, I would have bought six gallons of vinegar, simmered it until it reduced to two, added the salt, brought the whole thing to a boil and used that. As it is, I just mixed the vinegar, salt and soap in the above proportions. Most of it is going on top of weeds growing through the gravel in a gravel driveway, so it is a place where I never again want to see green.

It took me almost an hour to mix my herbicide together and disperse the full two gallons. By the end of that time, sweat was pouring off of me. It's hot in Ohio. Despite drinking 2L of fluid over the course of only two and half hours of labor, I still felt parched and weak. I started getting a biz dizzy on the drive home. I had taken some measurements and stopped by the friendly neighborhood building supply store to get some prices so I could guestimate how much it would cost little old me to rebuild some retaining walls.

Once home, I soaked in the tub full of hot water and then put dinner on the table. Most of dinner went fine, then my eldest daughter started arguing with me about how much work she does around the house. After strenuously biting my tongue for much of her tirade, I sent her to bed before I blew my stack. Homeless Lass jumped in to to the dishes before I could get started. I helped clear the table.

After dinner, I moped out on the front porch guitar in hand. I need to learn some better moping songs. I think I'll start with Knockin' on Heaven's Door. I wish I had the requisite patience and talent to figure out Love & Rocket's All in My Mind and Rainbird. Both are great moping songs.

The NY Times magazine has an interesting editorial on the ongoing Israeli/Lebanese conflict. Some of the facts assumed by the article are different than what I'm led to be the case, but the analysis is still intriguing. The magazine also has an incredible photo essay of Israelis and Lebanese in their respective bomb shelters.

Tomorrow is my last day of freedom before returning to work. Meh.