Grafton sits where the Illinois River hands itself over to the Mississippi, and on a July evening the light comes off that water and lays itself flat across every yard in town. Braxton's Lawn Care Services works in that light, mowing, trimming and edging the lots along the Great River Road until the lines run as straight as the bluffs standing behind them. There is a particular satisfaction in the last pass, when the grass lies down in even bands and the clippings get blown back off the walk. Summer in this valley is long and humid enough to make a lawn grow twice a week, so the route keeps its own steady rhythm. Every yard finished before dusk is one more piece of Grafton looking like somebody loves it.