I don’t care what those oil pigs charge us for gasoline (oink, oink) I will not go back to a motorless lawn mower, especially now that I’m forever hooked on my new Lawnboy. Yes, Lawnboy. No, not that kind of lawnboy. My Lawnboy! Here he is, standing in the bright, hot California sunshine:
Here’s how he came to be part of the gardening family. You might recall that Bunny Guiness’s book inspired me. I went into Home Depot knowing I really needed a new lawn mower. Frankly they all look about the same to me. Either you are standing up or sitting down. Fortunately I have a small enough lawn and I wanted a standup version. And I liked the green one, particularly as it was originally quite pricey, but for some reason had been returned, and substantially marked down. It looked fine to me. I took the chance and brought it home. Uh-oh. Not working. Went back and talked to a young man who actually had the following converation with me:
Young man: I’m off this weekend. I could come over to your house and see what’s wrong with it.
Moi: You would do that? That’s awfully nice of you!
Young man, dead serious: Yes, m’am. That’s all right. I like helping the elderly.
(GASP!)
Now I ask you…
Photo of Kathryn taken one week ago at Nickel Creek Nursery
See? What was he thinking? Maybe they all die really young in his family. I don’t know. But anyway, after I gave him a teeny piece of my mind, laughing the whole time, I gave him my address, and God bless his heart, he did show up and he not only fixed the Lawnboy, he noticed I was not given a bag, and ordered the bag for me from the company and it came along by UPS. How’s about that for a deal?
Still one problem. One morning I could once again not get it to start. Took it next door to Dave, my neighbor, whom you might recall, and Dave pulled the cord and pulled up a second handle I had not noticed before. And that’s how Dave and I learned about Self Propelled Lawnmowers! Because at that moment the lawnmower seemed to have a mind of its own and dug up a big line of grass in Dave’s perfect lawn and took off with poor Dave across the lawn, oh, dear. I yelled, “Let go of that handle, Dave!” And he did, thank heavens!
So now I have a self propelled lawnmower and, boy, does that make a difference! I obviously didn’t even know there was such a thing!
What else didn’t I know? I noticed Bunny used a very wide rake, so I bought this big blue one:
That makes a huge difference in impact with a single stroke. What a gift.
Then I ordered a hula hoe, which Dave had introduced me to last year, but I never saw any in any stores, ever. Got it from Seeds of Change. Oh, it makes weeding so much easier, I can barely believe it. That blade is very sharp. The hula hoe will make my gardening much more efficient. Hallelujah!
(I have a Dutch hoe on back order, as Bunny said it was the best.)
Then I got this tree pruner that has its cords inside, so I don’t find it intimidating. I can finally prune the old lilac trees that must be sixty years old, but way too tall to deadhead. Yippee.
And, oh, my goodness! Have you ever seen an edging iron like this? It’s amazing! You press that sharp blade down along the grassy edge, and place your boot on that little ledge and push down. Whack! I can now edge the front lawn so much more effectively. I love it!
And to round things out, Ruby and Conner got a new purple pool today! My lovely garden is totally transformed with new tools and playthings! Ruby, who loves to “swim” ran circles in that pool for a good fifteen minutes she was so delighted! Every photo I took of her was just a doggie blur. Fortunately, good boy Conner just stands in it when he gets hot.
What could be better?
Love and gardening blessings,
Kathryn xox
Posted on June 20th, 2008 by Kathryn
Filed under: People at Work
What a lovely assortment of new tools! I’m pea green with envy. 🙂 Conner seems to really be enjoying his new pool as well!
Hi, Nancy! (Thanks for the pick!) I think the tool investment might have been overdue. 🙂 But as Werner Erhard used to say, “How do you know that you don’t know what you don’t know?” LOL! I guess in this case you read Bunny Guiness! Kathryn xox
LOL You are too funny, mom! Love your new tools!
And, you’ve inspired me to purchase a doggie pool as well! 🙂
Happy Summer Solstice!!!
Love you,
Antonia
I so enjoy your blog! I’ll have to buy some new gardening tools for my husband, honestly, he does most of the gardening. He has the summers off, and doesn’t mind working in the yard.
By the way, you look great in that red hat!
Hi, Antonia! Thanks. 🙂 I’m glad you are buying that big dog a pool. She will love it! It’s hot down there!
Love, Mommie D. xooxox
Welcome, Susan! Thanks for your kind comments! Yes, do indulge in buying your husband new tools! He will be so happy! Love, Kathryn xox
Antonia? Is this your daughter? My name was going to be Antonia and I have no clue why but my mother shortened it to Tonia. Pronounced like the crazy ice skater.
Lovely name, Antonia. 🙂
Anyway, don’t feel too terrible about the comment the boy made at the Home Depot. Funny story…My husband and I are the same age. We took our kids bowling a few years back and the girl working the counter was flirting with my husband! Very obviously, too! Long story short, she thought he was my son!
ACK! Come on now, he looks young but gimme a break. I feel your pain. (and laughter)
Hello to North Carolina! Yep, she’s my girl. 🙂 I thought the Home Depot boy was hilarious! No problema!
Kathryn xoxox
Sigh. Just one more proof that even NICE people like the Home Depot guy were raised by wolves. Where are their parents?!! I hope he says the same thing to them when he helps at their house. Sigh… Speaking of wolves, your Conner is a VERY handsome boy! And mercy, did you ever get some great tools, Kathryn! Now you’ll be so inspired.
Hi, Our Friend Ben! Oh, dear, what have I started? 🙂 Just so this poor boy doesn’t get a completely bad rap on this blog–he was completely sincere. I was surprised, but it truly did tickle my funny bone. Conner says thank you! Kathryn xoxo
Lawn-boy– LOL! Thank you for informing me about all these wonderful tools. I am such a novice.
Hugs,
CurtissAnn
Hi, CurtissAnn! Yes, can’t you just imagine those folks sitting around a corporate table thinking up the name? 🙂 Hey, it worked for me! I’m learning, too, CurtissAnn. All the time! Hugs back, Kathryn, who is on her third CAM book!
That’s it , I’m going shopping. I want your new toys.
I can see you will be very busy enjoying your new tools. Loved this post and your stunning photo… always a joy to visit. Obviously, the young man had no clue regarding your sun bathing schedule! Happy Summer, dear Kathryn.
Hi, Deb! LOL! Yes, go shopping! Highly recommended! Kathryn xox
Welcome, Joey, you funny girl! 🙂 Thanks for the visit! And Happy Solstice to you! Hugs, Kathryn xox
Well seems like you will not be needing a lawn boy – since you have all the tools you need! Some of the desperate housewifes could learn a few things!
Hi, Niels, I distinctly remember that it one day occurred to me that men were doing certain tasks in part because they had TOOLS and I started then in investing in them. I can’t use them all and would not even try, but I’ve empowered myself to some extent buying good and appropriate ones. It definitely makes a difference! Thanks for the visit. Kathryn
I remember while being 17, somebody 25 was old to me :)))
I can’t understand how young minds are working. Life is very simple and you will never get old (30 I mean) 🙂
eee… this is it.
Your new tools are great – working with them will be much more efficient 🙂
cheers,
ewa
Hi, Ewa! I think you are absolutely right. I remember that myself! And, yes, the new tools are a blessing! Thanks for the visit and the reminder! Kathryn xox
I always like new tools, and your story about the young man from Home Depot was very funny.~~Dee
Hi, Dee–Welcome, as always. I’m glad you appreciated the humor! And, yes, the tools are great. I still want that cobra thingie you talked about! Kathryn xoxo
You look stunning! I bet you have a beautiful voice to go along with that youthful appearance too. That lawn mower story is a hoot. I can see you pushing that big heavy mower and not knowing it was self –pushed. Too funny!! Even better when your neighbor got dragged along. This is a grand story indeed. And so many tools for the garden too—-you almost look like a pro;)
Hi, Anna! LOL! Underscore the “almost”! Thanks for the visit! Kathryn xox