Many homeowners in our St. Paul Macalester Groveland neighborhood use lawn services in the summer. Bob has always cut his own grass and I think he was a little reluctant to let me take on some of the work when I retired four years ago.
However, that first summer he was recovering from knee surgery and he could do only limited mowing. Years ago, I used a rotary mower and I made have made a pass or two with a power mower early in our marriage. Mowing an entire lawn was a totally new experience for me.
I was amazed to find that mowing the lawn is a very satisfying activity. It has a beginning and an end, and the process itself is very soothing in its monotony. An added benefit is that no conversation is possible. I put in my ear plugs and just get the job done. I have no interest in listening to music or the radio. Why add a distraction?
I'm half through my fifth summer now, and we divide up the work to get our property done in about an hour, using two mowers. Bob weed whips most weeks and cleans the sidewalk with a power blower. I sweep the deck and wash the tables, and then we enjoy a big glass of water while we admire our work.
It's a good life.
