Educators. Students. Community members. Much more unites us than divides us, particularly knowing we all wear multiple hats. Building relationships. Thinking BIG.
Challenging and supporting one another. Developing engaged, empathetic citizens. And foundational working towards racial equity. Please join me in pondering how best to nurture these common ground connections.


Sunday, May 17, 2015

I Mowed The Lawn Today...

...and it was a BLAST! :)

Yes, I'm one of those crazy individuals; I actually enjoy yardwork, not just the gardening part. I love it all!

I'm certain it stems from the endless, fun-filled hours I spent with my dad as a kid. Perhaps this post should wait 'til father's day, but I'm on a yardwork high, so here goes.

It's been a while since I've mowed the lawn because we've had yard service for the past four years. In trying to save money, I gave it up this year. But I really don't know why I ever got it in the first place. Seriously. It's such a feeling of satisfaction when you get the yard cleaned up. And with every pass, I could hear my dad's voice:

  • "What pattern are you gonna leave in the yard this time, Tad?"
  • "Check the oil. Check the gas. Fill it up if you need to. Just don't flood it when you prime it. We don't have time for that. Rain's movin' in quickly!"
  • "Don't bump the tree trunks."
  • "Careful not to nick the blade on the water pipe."
  • "Don't run over the flowers!"
  • "You'd better bag it this time; it's too long to leave."
  • (When the whole gang was out working...) "Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty." Then looks at me, chuckles, "That's not a problem for you now is it, Tad?"
  • "Lift the bag with your legs, not your back."
  • "Sweep up the clippings. And remember to pull the broom as often as you push it. And trade hands so you're sweeping with your weak arm as often as your strong arm. Good training for basketball." :)
  • "I hate the self-propelled mode on the mower. It's a safety hazard. Don't be a wuss; use your muscles and just push the damn thing." (So that's where I get these guns, eh Dad?! Hahaha!)
  • "Clean the mower when you're done. If it doesn't last 20 years, you haven't taken care of it."
  • "Nice job, Tad. Good on ya."
Perhaps a silly post, but feeling nostalgic. LOVE reliving these moments. Think it's time for a visit to Morris! :)

1 comment:

Kristina Cobb said...

It’s nice to know that stuff like mowing the lawn reminds you of your dad. Upon reading about the things your dad taught you about mowing, I actually was able to learn a lot about it too. Anyway, I admire you for actually loving to do these chores, given that very few people are into this kind of task. Thanks for sharing!


Kristina Cobb @ Denny's Lawn & Garden