Mitchell likes to tell of a day - about 20 years ago - when he came home from work and I announced that I had purchased a tool. He was thinking screwdriver or wrench.
I was thinking Mantis tiller!
Having watched too many infomercials i decided it was exactly what i wanted. You know ... he was always willing to dig me a hole, but often not really available when I needed it dug. And, little projects just pop up unexpectedly when one would like to move a little dirt.... and a girl needs a small tiller.
Best purchase I ever made! Light, easy to start and maintain. Perfect for me! [Mantis has in no way paid me to say these nice things - i really do love my Mantis!]
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| Main back "garden" pre-tilling. Bird bath has not moved. 2002 |
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| Bird bath is just to the right of the statue. 2014 |
She - this is such a hard working tiller that she is clearly female - dug beds at our old house for several years, and then moved here with us more than 14 years ago. She dug all my beds, except the cutting garden.
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| Side of back yard. Same bird bath. 2002 |
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| The beds continue on to the right. 2014 |
About three years ago I couldn't start her. Just couldn't. When I finished up whatever I was doing, I put her in the shed and ... well, forgot about her. This summer I really wanted to re-do a bed and really needed the tiller, so I finally took her in for a bit of TLC and she returned to me last week with a brand new carburetor and all ready to tackle whatever I could throw at her.
We'll share the results in a couple of days, but it's nice to have my partner back. She's raring to go turn over the cutting garden. I think next weekend ...
They are marvelous tools, I quite agree. Here she tills horse manure into my garden beds. Easy to maneuver in small spaces. I must admit though that here she is Dan's helper (it is the only garden/landscape job he does).
ReplyDeleteany way that you can get help in the yard - even using Mantis as a bribe - is fair! Glad you have one, too. You need it even more than i do!
ReplyDeleteYour gardens are beautiful, Webb, and oh! those lush greeeeeeeeeeen East
ReplyDeleteCoast lawns. How goes the countdown to retirement ?
Cheers and a shout out to Anneke, i loved the roadrunner post & photos,
Diane in Denver
Seven months and two+ weeks to go, but who's counting! I find myself constantly saying, "well, that's the last time I have to do that!" it's empowering! Thanks so much for asking.
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