Newspaper Article

Merrily we mow along

Woolf, Sarajane

2003

Overview

Fall came early that year, and though the grass had long been dormant from the drought, I wanted to mow one last time for the season. A fleeting memory of our lawn-mowing trio (and the fact that I wasn't sure if [Matt] and [Bob] were home) prompted me to pull Bob's manual mower out of my shed. As I whirled through the grass I could hear a cardinal singing from an overhead power line, I wasn't enveloped in gas fumes, and I knew I could stop for a break without worrying about getting the mower cranked up again. As Matt and Bob watched with anticipation, I braced myself, gave what I thought was a strong shove, and charged forward until stopped by invisible forces about six inches later. I backed up, and with the momentum gained from remowing the first six inches, gained another six. I backed up again, but Matt and Bob made me stop. \"This is ancient grass,\" Bob said, as though explaining my difficulty. Bob retrieved a third mower from their fleet. With larger wheels and tires that stayed on as he eased over the lawn, this was his favorite. I pushed and agreed it was easier, though this was on a scale with minute distinctions. He pointed to a patch of sparse grass on a slight downward slope. The mower and I moved as one, gliding over the earth. Grabbing the other two mowers, Matt and Bob hacked at tougher grass with renewed zeal. \"We're on a mission here,\" said Bob.

• Publisher: The Christian Science Publishing Society (d/b/a \"The Christian Science Monitor\"), trusteeship under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Subject: Lawn & garden equipment