Thank goodness winter is coming to Washoe Valley. My lawn mowers are getting the best of me.
My lawn mower starts about 40 percent of the time. When it doesn’t, I talk to it using motivational interviewing techniques. I ask my lawn mower how its day is going before I start to tinker with its potential mechanical dysfunctions. I know how to fill up the gas tank. I know how to check the oil level and clean the oil filter. I know how to put in a new spark plug. That’s it.
After those steps, it’s tough love. If three tugs on the starter rope fail to rev up the engine, I yell, “You’re a replaceable dodo!” and stick it behind the garage.
I go to Home Depot and purchase a new lawn mower that looks a lot like my old one. I have a hard time getting it out of the box.
Three tugs later and my new lawn mower does not respond.
I look out at my expansive back yard. The grass is not as tall as I thought it was.
I look up at the sky. Clouds are coming in.
I pray for snow.