Lots of running yesterday afternoon, including the trip over to the little converted ancient gas station (you know the look - the small concrete building with bay doors, a covered portico where the pumps once stood, situated on a convenient corner) where my guy who repairs mowers, trimmers, and probably other small engines has his business. I had printouts with me, and asked if he could tell me what were the manufacturers he liked best, when he sees them come through his shop. He was pleased to answer questions and see the consumer reviews - when you ask someone about the thing they do and the work they love, it isn't an imposition. He had a couple of customers come in while we were talking and I stepped aside and announced "you have a real customer" so the newcomer wouldn't feel like they had to wait for me to finish. It was very helpful, and he walked me out to the shop where various models are stored and showed me things he things one should look for (does the handle part attached to the mower and platform part wobble when you try to lift one side and then the other? Front wheel vs rear wheel drive (he likes rear wheel drive better)? Steel or plastic platform? Surprisingly, the Honda plastic is very durable (more than 20 years) and makes less noise than a steel casing.)

Good to know!

I think, when I do finally get the new mower, that I'll take the old mower over to him. I'm willing to bet he occasionally has moms come in looking for a mower they can afford - he sells used machines, he sold one while I was talking to him. He's one of those christian folks who isn't obnoxious about it but seems to have a charitable streak a mile wide that he ties to his religious beliefs. So if he has a mower that works and he will tune up and offer for a small amount for that kind of customer, he'll do it. I'm willing to support that kind of enterprise. If I take it to Goodwill it might be a problem because of the fumes if it's indoors.

Kitchen cleaned last night, a load of laundry done, and a bonus (discovered when the laundry was put into the dryer - "clonk!" "Clonk!") my pocketknife got washed. It's now drying completely on my dresser top.