Going green?

Our lawnmower was on its last legs in 2011. It finally died the LAST day I mowed for the year. It just wouldn't start. The decision was made then to get a new mower. I mulled the idea of getting a push mower. Not the kind with an engine the kind powered by me.

While out walking I saw someone on our street using one. After talking with him I decided not to get an electric or gas mower. I would get a Flint powered mower.

Home Hardware had a nice one, a Fiskars StaySharp Plus, on sale 2 weeks ago. It included a $30 rebate if you bring in an old electric or gas mower or weed whacker. The weather sucked after buying it. When it wasn't raining it was damn cold and windy. One day hit -8 in the morning.

The weather started changing this week and yesterday was the perfect day to assemble and use the new mower. It was pretty easy to assemble. The main body with the blades was already together. all I had to do was assemble the handle and attach it along with the smaller set of wheels.

Then came the test. How would it cut? After all the rain we had the grass was green and pretty thick in some parts of the yard.

It was not what I expected at all. It cut through the grass like a hot knife through butter. It took me maybe 5 minutes longer to cut the front yard than when I used the old gas mower. However, there wasn't the vibration, noise, and smell of the gas mower.

All in all, it did a fantastic job. I highly recommend using one of these instead of a gas or electric mower. As a bonus I can store it in the basement. Something I couldn't do with the gas mower.

Backyard

One of my brothers has the GREATEST backyard I have ever been in. Mostly in part due to his wife, my sister-in-law, but don't tell him that. She is fantastic. My brother had their backyard leveled and she took care of setting it up and decorating.

I was lucky enough to house sit for them and got to spend a few days enjoying their backyard. Mom gave them some awesome solar powered lights They really enhanced their yard at night.

My ... our ... backyard needs a lot of work. A lot. I have done some. Jill, my sister-in-law helped me out a bit today. She brought some hastas (sp?) and helped transplant them. I got some solar powered lights. The yard is starting to look good. And at night with the lights on ... damn. Nice.

If I stay home I will be doing a lot of work in the back yard. If I don't I still will because I want it there when I come back. :)

After a hot sunny day there is nothing quite like relaxing in your back yard with a cool drink. Often accompanied by a cigar.