Update: the tiller I mentioned above is (we know from the serial number) a 34-year-old Montgomery Ward machine that will be in fine shape once they do a valve job and work on the starter cord mechanism. My mower apparently was the casualty of another hit-and-run yard event that I wasn't aware of, or it took it's time to finally break after hitting something a couple of years ago. The flywheel key (whatever that is) needs to be replaced and they'll tune it and replace the blade. All of this for a very reasonable price. The guy said that these old tillers come in regularly because they're popular--people who have them keep them running because they do such a good job. (He said another tool that people keep bringing in because they were so good are old heavy-duty edgers).

We've had heavy rain this week and I'm looking forward into putting in a new bed once the equipment is returned and the ground dries out a little.

What have some of the rest of you started so far this year? MMario, you're excused from responding to this question until June 15. :)

SRS