Now that my children are beyond the age of almost dutifully playing badminton every night after dinner with their Mom down in the lower field, I have had to make adjustments to my summer evening outdoor activities. Last year we bought an outdoor ping pong table. I am looking forward to enjoying that this year when I can grab one of them for a quick game on the patio.

This year I realized that I needed more exercise. I also have been reviewing my expenses. Put the two together and my latest brainstorm is to mow my own lawn! Not that I would mow anyone else’s lawn but what I mean is perhaps I can cancel the swat team of gardeners that hit the five acres. I have already cut them down to twice a month and now I was looking forward to saying “See You in September!” Or actually October - but I do not know a song for that month!

I used to do it while in high school to help my parents out - “doing chores” in 1960s speak. Also, there was a cute boy next door, so wearing one of my cute Villager “scooter skirts” as the uniform had its payoff with at least a Coke (or that new Tab) break and a fun chat. Yes, “Gidget Cuts the Grass.”

So, I bought a 20” Scotts Classic (PUSH - AS IN MANUAL) Mower. I had to assemble the handle - no big deal, I have “helped Santa” with Christmas. My plan - just like any other big project in my life - divide and conquer! Rather than thinking of it as 5 acres, I have decided to think of it as “sections” - perhaps 5 or 6. Plus none of that noise pollution with those gas guzzling lawn care machines!

The BEST part - I had the right HAT for it! Yes, I am known for my hats that I wear year round but what a coup to already have a “Planter’s Hat” from Kelloggs and Lawrence in Katonah- one stop shopping for the mower as well.

I set out this past Saturday morning with conviction. What I had forgotten was that you cannot cut wet grass. Sunday I ventured out again and it was cutting but my sections got much smaller - perhaps 20 x 30 ft. I forgot about the bumps you hit, the grass that merely bends over and requires a second go over….

I am heading out again after writing this even if it is just for the exercise and being out in the sun. The resistance part of mowing is intense - not the lack of ambition to do it but pushing the mower! Now I expect a big laugh from my gardeners when they see my new toy on the front porch.

Now rather than Gidget I feel more like Marie Antoinette playing shepherdess at Versailles. I must have a hat for that!

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom