Weather: 104°F for the high (tie for second-hottest day this year); fortunately humidity is relatively low — only 30-40% for the bulk of the day. This is only our 14th day over 100 this year. By this date last year, we were at 41 days and counting. So yes, we’re counting our lucky stars at the comparatively cool weather. ;-)
I mowed the back yard this morning. The last three evenings, I’d mowed one section of the front/sides each evening. I’ve almost decided to keep doing it that way; it only takes 5-10 minutes to mow a small section, and then a few minutes to sweep up afterward.
I’m also considering buying a non-powered reel mower, for several reasons. One, the noise. I don’t like wearing earplugs if I can help it, but regular powered lawnmowers are awfully loud, especially if you’re standing right behind them. There’s also have a newborn living next door, and we’re about to have one on the other side too. If they’re anything like Rebecca was, a lawnmower right outside their window will make their naps shorter. Two, the vibrations. After about half an hour of mowing with a powered mower, your arms start to feel jiggly from the constant vibration. Three, the gas. Lawnmower engines don’t use a lot of gas, compared to cars, but it’s still something dangerous that I have to keep around and occasionally go buy more of. Rebecca likes to play in the garage. (And the EPA estimates that 17 million gallons of gas are spilled in the U.S. each year while refueling lawn equipment — more than the Exxon Valdez lost.) Four, the exhaust — why pump more nasty gas into the atmosphere when I don’t have to?
Five, and probably most important — reel mowers are supposed to be much better for maintaining a healthy lawn, actually cutting the grass blades instead of ripping them to shreds.
In the afternoon, I saw “The Watch” and enjoyed it, while my wife and Rebecca baked cookies.
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You forgot to mention the great workout you’ll get by using the reel mower.
Sharon:
:-) A little more effort is required, that’s for sure. :-)