One thing I don’t do now that I’m older is mow the lawn. It’s not that I can’t. I just don’t want to.
I used to mow my lawn. Lots. In fact, when I was in my late 40’s, I bought an eco-friendly lawnmower – the old kind without a motor that has two wheels, rotary blades, and a push handle. Of course, it wasn’t really the old kind – those were made of wood. This one was made of metal and plastic.
Rotary Mower
I would push that thing all over the yard knowing that I was helping to keep myself, and the environment, in good shape. It was cheaper than gas or electric powered mowers, I didn’t have to buy or store gasoline, I didn’t have to worry about running over an electrical cord, and the rotary mower worked great! Of course, I had to make sure that I didn’t let the grass and weeds get too tall before mowing. And it did take a little longer – okay – a lot longer sometimes – but using sweat to water the grass saved a huge amount on my water bill.
One day my parents came from out of town to visit, and my father saw me pushing the rotary mower around the yard. He was mortified that I had not told him I couldn’t afford to buy a proper mower. I explained that this one was better for the environment and it was healthy for me – and I could save up for a proper mower. He could not be pacified – which was rather surprising to me since I could remember him using a mower just like it (the wooden kind) when I was a child. He went out and bought me a gas powered mower.
I couldn’t exactly refuse such a thoughtful gift. And it did make the job go faster and easier. My efforts at saving the environment and being healthy went right out the door – at least regarding lawn mowing.
It’s just so easy to be bought. (Sigh. . .)
But now I hire a very competent, responsible teenager to mow and edge my lawn. That works out much better for me at this stage in my life. (I know – sometimes “responsible teenager” is an oxymoron. Not this time, though.)
He came over a couple of weeks ago to mow for the first time after the long winter, and it was a disaster! This past winter, we had more snow storms and more snow than we’ve had before. Then when it started getting warmer, we had quite a bit of rain. With all of that going on, the yard was like a swamp, the weeds grew like crazy, and it looked like no one had lived in the house for years.
Responsible Teenager managed to mow the front yard, but he couldn’t get the mower through the side and back yards – partly because the weeds were so dense and partly because the ground was still so soft from moisture. So he did what any good R.T. would do – he used his weed eater. He ended up having to weed eat the entire side and back yards. Poor thing.
The lawn is now under control – Hurray! And the R.T. even used spray stuff to get rid of some of the weeds.
I can look forward to enjoying a green and groomed lawn again without having to mow it myself.
Hmmm. . . maybe I wouldn’t mind mowing if there were a real riding mower like this one – and I had it. (Note the mower blade cover under the body of the car.)
Design model of a possible Rolls Royce riding lawn mower
We have resorted to a weedeater twice a year when my gardener goes home to Zimbabwe for a month or so, because when he comes back the grass is halfway up my shins. When I say ‘we’ I don’t exactly mean ‘him/he’ and ‘I/me’ – I mean he only, lol. I used to do it when he was away, but now don’t have the ability or inclination. 🙂
I’m glad to hear that ‘we’ (actually ‘he’) weren’t the only ones who have had to resort to a weedeater. 🙂
The mower the merrier?
Those hand-operated ones with a drum are still the best for a manicured lawn (here speaketh a qualified Garden Judge).
I still do our lawns. We have a petrol (er, that would be gas?) mower and two electric ones.
I had a ride-on when we lived in a farming area for a while. SUCH fun! It would double as a runabout with three gears and an amazing turn of speed. Would have loved the Rolls, though…
Ah, colonialist, there’s one of those puns you spoke of. Good one!
Three mowers? You must be very merry. HeeHeeHee
You are right…I can be bought for next to nothing!
I have such a small garden that one small sheep could keep it under control.
I am not sure how Jasmine would react.
Isn’t it sad, granny, that we can be bought? Ah, well. 🙂
A sheep in the garden might make Jasmine just a little nervous. The bleeting could be a distraction for you.
trouble is…..with the RR mower…..is bigger than your yard! LOL
You know – I think you may be right. Oh, well!
I’m considering getting a herd of cows to keep our grass under control. When I told my father of this brilliant plan – he said that I should then take my sister and start!
Nasty man!
So teenagers are good for something? I’m too scared to give either of our Teenagers access to sharp objects… 😦
Oh, my! Not nice! The thing is – cows would leave other stuff that wouldn’t look so good on lawn. And you couldn’t walk on it. 🙂
Watch out for those sharp object!
I’m going to be very disappointed when RT gets older and decides he doesn’t want to take care of lawns anymore. 😦
I know! If I had a mower-buggy like this, I would sell my regular car and use this.
Good thinking on the part of RT.
Snazzy little mower-buggy, I’d do the whole town if I had one!