The thing is that I love and hate mowing my lawn. With the many time constraints in my life, it feels like another time-sucker that exposes me to sun-burns and insect bites without much exercise to show for it (I have a riding lawnmower). That said, it often gets me out of the house, gives me a simple task which allows my mind to go in interesting directions, and sometimes lets me bond with my children who are young enough to ride on my lap.
This year, like the last, both Connor and Rowen have been begging to ride. Unlike previous years, this year I have taken my hands off the wheel--but not off the brake--and let Connor steer, making some rather interesting patterns in the lawn. Rowen also joins in, but he tends to be a bit more erratic with his driving. Once the lawn has been fully clipped, I then disengage the blades and put the tractor into the highest gear. Their giggling and squeals of delight as they frantically drive around our back yard are truly a joy to hear.
As gas prices keep going up, and with my salary going down, I will probably mow even less this year than previous years. It does take time, and I often have to wear a ridiculous straw hat to keep my receding hairline from burning, but I should still take the time to think, to make my neighbors happy, and to make my sons cheer with exhilaration.