Don --

I actually use a 40 year old push mower, and it still works just fine. I don't use one of the canvas grass catchers: the clippings are a good mulch for the grass (or so says my wife and resident gardening expert). If you're down in Portland, I'll be glad to give you a demonstration, or even let you try it yourself. . . And also show off our new (as of June) solar panels -- even here in the PNW, the array is supposed to generate close to 3/4 of our annual electricity needs -- so far, it seems to be on target. It's really a kick to stand in the driveway and watch the meter run backwards.

michael