Growing up my dad mowed the grass. The yard was big, it would have taken days to mow with a push mower…my dad used his tractor with a mowing deck, and even then it took several hours to do it right. He enjoyed it, riding along hearing nothing but white noise; I imagine that he did a lot of thinking. Maybe meditation is a better word, if it were me I know that my mind would go where it wanted. Maybe he was able to block out all the fears, worries, and stressors that come with being husband and father of six. My little brother JT likes mowing too. When JT lived at home he would race to mow the grass before my dad could do it. Though not a father, I am sure JT appreciated the white noise too.
At my house, the yard is not big, but steep. Not just a little steep either, it is a lot steep. Last year, we bought a reel-mower. I thought I would be a good idea for the following reasons: better for the environment, quieter (so I could still hear the boys), and easier for me to handle.
It is better for the environment, sure. Now the other two? I was ever so wrong…..
The reel-mower is heavy. Remember that our yard is steep….so mowing down the steep hill was no problem. It was the up part. I have one of two choices: pull it up behind me and the grass does not get cut, or push it up and risk losing my strength and consequently a toe. I didn’t like being downhill of the whirling blades of terror. I can’t tell you how many times I slipped, pulling that stupid thing up behind me. It was because of this, that it was also not quieter…because I was doing a lot of complaining and cursing.
This year we have an electric mower. I mowed the grass a couple of days ago. The really unfortunate part about our yard is that the steepest and most difficult part of the yard is in the front, not in the back, where I would be hidden from the neighbors and passers-by. My sister-in-law recommended setting up a concession stand for the spectators next time.
I was constantly battling the cord. As I whipped the cord to move it, I whipped it right across the bridge of my nose. I held it together, I didn’t cry or curse. When I was pushing the mower across the steep part (not down or up), I rolled it. I immediately let go of the handle and it turned off, but not before dragging me half way down the hill with it. The mower was still in working condition, and nothing was damaged except my pride (which I had very little to begin with). After sitting for some time, I righted the mower and myself and finished the yard. My nose is bruised and my muscles are sore, and the yard looks
This was nothing like meditation, this was lawn-mower wrestling. Perhaps it will become the latest rage in Extreme Suburban Housewifery? Maybe the local Redi-Med will sponsor me?
2 comments:
I've never liked mowing the grass much either. I grew up mowing an acre or more with a push mower. I've thought about getting a reel one, now that I've read your post I think I'll pass. There's a reason men are better at this mowing stuff. Good thing your hubby will be home soon to take it over. Keep your head up, and your pride! lots of women in your situation would have just hired someone.
I hate mowing too! It was my job (with a push mower) as a kid and I avoid it like the plague now. Wondering if you could just plant some sort of creeping vine in the steep area. It might even flower ;D
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