Reel Exercise

I can't remember if we made a conscious decision to use a push reel mower or if we bought the first one by default since it was cheaper to purchase than a gas mower and easier to transport to Africa. Either way, we've been using a push reel mower for years now with no plans to change.

It's good exercise, you know, pushing a mower through the tender grass. I love the whir of blades slicing against each other as the reel leaves a swath of short grass behind. It's such a soothing sound compared to the roar of our neighbors' modern machines.

This year, though, lawn mowing at our house has reached a new level of aerobic activity. With rain falling every day, the yard grows to the shaggy stage in only a couple of days. The blades can't cut through wet grass. The wheels can't get traction in the mud. The mower (that's me) runs out of steam before the job is done.

Rain, rain, go away.

Please.