Thursday Night Mowing League: Drought Conditions Settle In Across The Country

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TNML Commissioner’s Report:

Let me start by saying I completely apologize for not posting last week’s reports. That was my first miss of the year, but it came due to a completely swamped Friday combined with last-minute preparations for the Put-In-Bay Two-Club Invitational.

We’re still swamped this week, but it’s time to power through and get those reports posted for the incredibly loyal TNML members who are battling through even though the typical July drought conditions are settling in across 50% of the United States. Last year at this time, 46.5% of the U.S. was under drought conditions.

Here in northwestern Ohio and southeastern Michigan, the mowers were running last night as we’ve actually had a slightly above normal amount of rain that has kept the turf green and growing.

This is how things are looking as we get ready for a huge stretch of highs in the 90s with high humidity.

One of my big regrets this year is not putting down mulch in May. That’s on the top of my list heading into the 2023 season. I need to be way more proactive just knocking it out all at once around Memorial Day.

Now I’m left piecing together mulch nights and that’s not very TNML-like.

Like a guy batting .295 100 games into a baseball season, I’m looking to get better all the time. I want to hit .320 with 40 doubles, 20 home runs and 85 RBI. Is that going to win MVP awards? It would put me in the discussion. That’s all I can ask for in the TNML.

Email: joekinsey@gmail.com    

• Mark W. in Franklin, TN writes:

No pictures, but a TNML story nevertheless.

Yesterday, my wife was talking about doing some non-essential stuff together after I got home from work when she paused and said, “It’s Thursday, you have got to mow.” I can’t begin to tell you how proud that made me feel. The influence of TNML is spreading far and wide.
 
Keep up the great work

Here’s something that makes me very proud…go to the comments!

New TNML products….BUY! BUY! BUY!

Thursday Night Mowing League T-Shirt

TNML Camelbak 20 oz. Insulated Tumbler

Thursday Night Mowing League Re-Useable Solo Cups

TNML Reports:

• Adam W. in Sidney, NE writes:

Hi Commish of the TNML.  I finished my league mow at 1030 AM today.  It was already getting hotter outside than the rumor mill in Mrs. Wilson’s neighborhood.

I am recommending TNML helmet stickers for our school district’s grounds crew.   100 percent effort from those guys.

• Ryan S. in NW Ohio writes:

Dead, all I can say is dead. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve been able to mow on Thursday for several reasons: work, swim meets, it happens to all of us. But, what is really happening to all of us is no water and dead grass. Yes, I know it rained Wednesday and we’re expecting more, but for the most part the grass is dead, as evident by my one picture. So, sorry, no sweet eye popping stripes tonight.

The only shining light for me after finishing this mow tonight, is my weekend is clear and I get to enjoy this delicious ROGUE by Dead Guy Ale in honor of the dead grass.

Enjoy the weekend everyone.

• Jim L. in Indy checks in:

The drought here in the 317 continues.  We had a nice rain shower Wednesday evening, right after Laura L and I finished patio margaritas and a cigar, but it was just a tease.  I haven’t had to mow in more than two weeks and could have easily sat out today.  The lawns are suffering here. 

I would have skipped today’s mow except for the TNML sticker that came in the mail last week.  We were off visiting the grandkids in Boston, so the sticker was a nice welcome home present and inspired me to get out there today and mow!  Glad I did.  The slightly scruffy yard cleaned up nicely. 
 
The photo was taken on the only remaining lush, green portion of the yard.  It’s well shaded and I haven’t had to water there yet.  I’m not looking forward to my next water bill but it’s life support for the rest of the yard right now!  Note the sprinkler running in the background…

• Indy Daryl is dealing with the drought:

I thought last week we were on the mend with some rain. Welp, I sure was wrong. We have only had the one mild storm and my yard looks like the infield of a little league baseball diamond, brown with more brown. Not wanting to destroy my budget by watering the entire lawn, we have focused on the wife’s garden and oh man is it a delight. Hope these pictures bring a good start to Friday!

Have a great day and weekend all!

• Sean C. in Granger, IN writes:

I’m sure this is old news by now, but did I miss a TNML report last week?  I knew there were issues with the iOS, but upon looking back, I didn’t see anything. I know the Put-in-Bay thing was last weekend. I figured that was the reason.

I worked on a criss-cross pattern tonight. Trying to get a little creative. And just changed the blade on my edger so I got a nice, deep, clean edge this evening.

So on my way home into the neighborhood and while I was outside, I noticed no less than 10 neighbors also mowing on Thursday. I might need to hand out some fliers to get the rest of the neighborhood on board. But we’re on our way! 

Thursday Night Mowing League

Written by Joe Kinsey

Joe Kinsey is the Senior Director of Content of OutKick and the editor of the Morning Screencaps column that examines a variety of stories taking place in real America.

Kinsey is also the founder of OutKick’s Thursday Night Mowing League, America’s largest virtual mowing league.

Kinsey graduated from University of Toledo.

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