- So the suburban, DIY lifestyle that Margaret's parents were so excited about lasts right up to the moment when Margaret's dad mangles his hand in their brand new deluxe power lawn mower. Moose Freed it is.
- On Labor Day, the last day before school starts, there's a surprise visitor to the Simon household, and the legendary Grandma Sylvia Simon makes her first appearance in the book. Turns out that dirty trains and taxis in a strange town aren't enough to keep her away from "her Margaret," and she's come prepared with a bag full of deli food. (There's simply no deli like a New York deli—if you've never been to one, add it to your bucket list. We promise you won't regret it.)
- Margaret's parents are slightly less thrilled than Margaret about Sylvia's arrival, but they all have a nice visit together.
- Before Grandma Sylvia leaves, she and Margaret make a nightly phone date.