Riding Iten's Acres: May 1, 2011

Riding Iten's Acres

     Yesterday was the first mowing day at the acres.  It was a little later than normal because of the incessant rain of the last month.  But finally the chance came to at least mow some of the grass.  I wasn't able to mow it all.  The front of my property on one side is still under water.  An area between the pond and the house is still too wet as well.  Part of the property next to the house is still covered with walnut tree; the one who is supposed to take it away has been negligent.  (Those parts I'll mow by hand next week.  Thanks again Jason for the muscle mower!)  And part--a small part--of the back didn't get mowed because I ran out of time.  But most of the acres are mowed.  I'll finish the back area on Monday if it doesn't rain too hard.  I prefer not to mow on Sunday.  Oh, I don't believe in a Sabbath restriction, but I find a day of rest marvelous and energizing.  Who came up with that idea to rest one day a week?  It's a good one.
     The first mow comes with some trepidation.  First, will the mower work?  Will it even start after a winter of idleness.  And then will it mow without breaking down?  No offense to those of you who love your Toro but mine has broken down every year that I've owned it--at least once.  Three cheers for warranties or I might have paid more on repairs the last four years than I paid to buy the thing.  Next mower will not be a Toro.  This time it worked fine.  The next trepidation is will I accidentally cut any small trees or shrubs down?  This year for the first time I was not a klutz.  Everything survived!!!  And the grass was really high, but I still managed to not mow any of them down.  Feel free to pat me on the back.  But please wait until I'm done doing so.  The third worry is will the barn swallows be back yet to keep me company on my ride?  Alas, they have not yet returned.  Sad face.
     I do love mowing!  Call me strange if you want, but I look forward to it.  This time of year it has an extra joy--beheading hundreds of dandelions!  Yes!!!  But I also enjoy just being outside in the fresh air.  There's time to think as you mow too.  I have to be careful that I don't zone out and wipe out some shrubs as mentioned before, but the time alone with my thoughts is great.  Horror of horrors, sometimes singing occurs.  And though I wear a hat and have no hair so the wind can't blow through my hair, the breeze feels good.  I even enjoy, after I've finished the mowing, taking a walk and admiring my work.  It just looks better; the paths in the wild area feel brand new; the shrubs and small trees stand out free from the camouflage of the tall grass.  I don't cut any majestic patterns--I don't even cut straight lines--but it still looks beautiful.  Mowing day is a good day.  Riding Iten's Acres is a delight, one of the joys of simple things.  "This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it!"