Meanwhile, at the LA front yard project. . .

Randy's front yard makeover continues in Los Angeles, but news came this morning that he is way over budget. It's the flagstones. His contractor apparently misunderestimated the cost of all those beauties being laid out in the front. But it's been resolved. Here, let Randy explain.
He writes:

". . . Anyway, after the bad news, I repaired to my office. And an hour later emerged with a 'budget deal,' which included raising the debt ceiling, but not without some spending cuts, and riders, etc. Both sides, I told Dave, had to give on this one. The key element was me coming up with a list of 'extras,' which Dave has to do for half price to reduce the deficit over the upcoming weeks. When he completes a batch of 'extras,' that triggers a payment on the deficit.

"He looked at the Grand Bargain.

"And it passed, both sides of the aisle agreeing within five minutes."