Archive: Opinions

Our lawn is green. It is the color of green that makes you think about tuning up the lawn mower. It signals that first warning that you better get the mower to your mechanic before the grass suddenly grows three inches over night leaving you with a machine that will not turn over no matter how many times you pull the cord.

For those who always meet deadlines a week before the due date, your lawn mowing equipment has already been tuned up, oil changed, air filter replaced and new gas ready to go into the clean tank. In fact, your type had planned for this day months in advance with pre-advanced, advanced, one week, and 24 hour notices on your iPads, iPhones and other electronic devices preparing you for the big day.

Like many, I have some good intentions when it comes to spring. As usual, I took the weather proof cover off my mower and brushed off the thin layer of dust. I checked the inside of the tank, and it was empty and clear of any debris. The spark plug appeared to be in good shape. I unhooked the connecting wire and blew a quip puff of air around the terminal just for good measure. Then I smiled and said to myself, "It looks just fine."

I am still debating whether I truly need to take it to the shop. This debate takes place in my mind every year. I hesitate to bring it to my mechanic. Whenever I do take it in, the mechanic looks at my machine, then at me, and grumbles a few words like, "Why didn't you wait until May 1st to bring it in." He reminds me of my Dad when he talks in that way.

As usual, I will glance around the shop and see numerous mowers neatly arranged and tagged each one patiently waiting for a tune up. I will do some quick math and calculate that my mower will be ready in five weeks. By that time, the grass will be high enough for deer to feel safe in.

Since I uncovered the mower, it has snowed, rained, turned cold and then reached the mid-60's. During this entire time, the grass continues to get greener, and I am not sure how or why. I am still debating the need for a lawn mower check-up. But I do know one thing; I am going to wake up one morning, look out the window and exclaim in complete wonder, "How did the grass suddenly grow three inches overnight?" And that is to the point.

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