There is a moment at the end of a job when you walk the edge back — following the line where turf meets concrete, checking it the way you would check a hem. That line is most of the pleasure of this work. Around Carterville, on the streets that grew up over the old coal seams and along the rail line east of town, lawns get mowed on their own schedule, trimmed close around every obstacle, and edged until a walk looks like it was poured that morning. The cuttings get cleared off, because a clean cut ought to end with a clean sidewalk. Southern Illinois grass will test your patience all summer, and the answer is only ever to come back on time.