While I'm still on the right side of the grass (i.e., above it), I'm working on my life list.

Jordan may lack the natural resources of its neighbors, but it is home to many natural and cultural splendors. The Dead Sea and Petra (photo, right) are two such wonders.

If you're in the grass business, snow on the ground means its time to take a little vacation and start thinking about the spring season. I'm doing a little of both during a year-end trip. My travels are taking me to Jordan and Egypt this time, and I'm seeing a lot of grass. Construction has been booming in the arab world, fueled by petro-dollars for sure but also by growing, increasingly well-educated populations and liberalizing economies.

The polls may have closed on the U.S. elections, but you can still vote for Pearl's Premium in the British Airways Face the Opportunity Contest

The contest gives small businesses the chance to win free round trip airfare to anywhere in the British Airways network. So, they can see their opportunities face-to-face.

We did it! Pearl’s Premium won a $50,000 cash prize at the MassChallenge international competition for innovative ideas.

Help us find Bob! We get feedback all the time. Most of the time its flattering stuff... "Pearl's Premium is great; it really does grow slowly..." or "Your grass grew in my lawn where nothing has grown before; finally, I have lawn..." or "I gave up the chemicals and I'd all but given up on having a beautiful lawn... until I found Pearl's Premium." Well, you get the idea.

Of course, as with any product, we get a few complaints along the way. Responding to these my job behind the scenes. We always try to respond quickly, often dropping by for homeowners in the area, taking a test soil sample and even offering up a new bag of Pearl's Premium sometimes.... even when the issue was unrelated.

For example, I visited Debra in Natick the other day to see why she was unhappy. It turns out Debra had a grub infestation that had ruined part of her lawn. Pearl's Premium wasn't to blame, but we showed up, and she was grateful we did: "Hi, This is SO above and beyond the call of duty!!! I am thoroughly surprised and appreciative that you took the time to ask Russell's about grubs - in addition to driving over to my house! Thanks again so very much!"