They are sure enough cutworms.

Rot can come from the bruised roots. I live in Texas and I grow most of my aloes with just more than half day sun. Only a few get the full treatment. Texas sun gets brutal. We have humidity some years where I am. HUmidity is a weird beast. It bring moisture in rain, usually, but it also robs the plants of a much deserved break with cool nights when humidity comes with heat. With coolness, the plants won't get the evaporation it needs. The sun does sound like it is doing the drying. It would be better to get your plants draining. Be wary of sunburn when the heat hits. Here in the brutal summer, with draining soil , I water once a week. Some I back off even further because they go dormant in true summer and stop drinking and rot can set in during the summer then. My Aloe broom iii has given me years of touble trying to figure it out. I put it in shade now in the summer. That one hates summer water and summer sunshineI think (scratching head still). I have the smallest 6 year old aloe.. Some aloes are more tolerant of soggy roots than others. Also, remember , in nature small plants get some shade from larger plants, rocks and other things, even grass coverage. They work into their sun hardiness. This is especially true of cactus. They are not necessarily born tough cookies.

Correct me if im wrong, but I don't believe that floor is pre-finish it could have been at one time, but it looks like its been sanded. Murphy's can leave residue, but from you're first picture, it looks more like poor adhesion of the top coat of finish. The diagonal planks you see in the basement is your subfloor. Your Oak hardwood floors are nailed to it. Refinishing can be messy. this is where you job comes into play and seek out many professional to give bids. No professional worth his weight will charge for a bid. When you do, make sure you ask as many detailed questions as possible, and make sure they are specific about their process...meaning do they hang plastic? what brand of finish of stains and urethanes do they use. How many coats will be applied. Roughly their time frame to complete job. Will they remove baseboards? Shoe moulding? will they replace bad boards? will they address squeeking? Some of those will be a surcharge, but its better to ask and have them at least bid it, so you know going into it what you're getting. Im in the Midwest, so I cant say what east coast prices are. but best way to figure out, is to get those bids.

pesky, I took the liberty of getting out my tarot and did a reading for you regarding work. Since I only know you from gw, it was interesting doing one for someone I don't know in person - I do this as a lark for my family so this not to be taken too seriously! (but yours was interesting!) anyway, here it goes... base of the matter you have cut someone off cold where you are now new avenues are opening up hopes and fears a position of power is in the future along with new determination present and passing you have had an upsetting confrontation but it will be resolved forces for and against you something will happen that is not as planned near future you feel as though you have been plodding along with no reward. something new is coming how the future will unfold an offer is in your future new turn of events practical help is arriving future you have no interest in an offer, but it's ok. new avenues are opening outcome you will impress someone and you will be in demand and popular. (that last one sounded like a fortune cookie) 3 of the 10 cards were sixes. Many sixes indicate adjustments in thoughts, attitudes and conditions and also represent the ability to transcend difficulties. bee and kellyang, I am so sorry for your loss.