Saturday, October 4, 2014

An Old Friend Returns to Work

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!]
Main back "garden" pre-tilling.  Bird bath has not moved.  2002
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. 
Side of back yard.  Same bird bath.  2002
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 ...

4 comments:

  1. 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).

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  2. any 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!

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  3. Your gardens are beautiful, Webb, and oh! those lush greeeeeeeeeeen East
    Coast lawns. How goes the countdown to retirement ?
    Cheers and a shout out to Anneke, i loved the roadrunner post & photos,
    Diane in Denver

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    Replies
    1. 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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