Update
The grass is getting green instead of brown, so that's a good sign. Heck, the dandylions are even popping up!
All the grass on the left is new:
This area was already really thin. I still intend to aerate, then put some seed & compost. That should help it fill in nicely
Ever since we bought the house, Mrs Notfarnow has wanted a pathway going down to the sidewalk. So I dug all the "fill" from the far side of the yard and got 80% of the path cut out. Just need to put down some wood chips and rocks to pretty it up.
Not bad for a weekend's work, but I'm still a bit sore 4 days later.
Thanks again to those who offered advice here and by PM; I got some great tips.