You know... mowing the lawn

[UTUSN]

4. Not sure about the "40 years ago" - with the hard push motorless blades?!1

I tried the small (cheap) riding mower for as long as possible, about 2-3 years, but just about every time using it (only about 3x a year), there were problems starting or conking out when halfway done, had to get handy neighbor to do whatever mechanics. The steering column got stiff, gave me a workout on the arms to make turns. No truck with trailer to take it anywhere to be worked on.

The neighbor is a rookie retiree, itching to keep himself busy at whatever, was champing at the bit to take it completely apart. Finally, I donated it to volunteers at a church, who apparently have magical mechanics know-how, and they are happily zipping around their allotted grounds.

So am back to "the mower in front of me," which in running time is longer than when the rider was in running form, but less frustrating. Always had to use the mower anyway to get around the trees and bushes.

The secret? Spending many *more* bucks on a better riding mower.