The Lawnmower Girl

While waiting for Zachary and Alyssa to finish their preparation for school this morning I noticed the condition of our front lawn. It had crossed the threshold of lawn acceptability and would need prompt attention. Left alone for another couple of days our neighbors would most certainly be silently passing judgment upon us.

I’ve given both of my two older kids lessons in proper lawn mowing technique. The lawn, however, remains one of my chores. I’ll have no issue passing the torch of lawn care when the time is right, but they’re just not ready.

While standing by the front door with Alyssa we had the following, a short exchange took place:

Me: “The lawn looks crummy. I’m going to have to mow it tonight when I get home.”
Alyssa: “Yeah, I’m sure not mowing it!”
Me: “Congratulations. You will be mowing the lawn when I get home from work.”
Alyssa looks at her dad in pure disgust, in awe that he would suggest that Princess Pre-Teen should do such a thing.

Shortly after arriving home I made good on our arrangement. I got out the mower (no Allison, it’s not a man-vacuum) and helped Alyssa get started, giving her pointers on negotiating the various obstacles.

Granted, it was her first time flying solo but it was painful to watch. She was all over the place, no straight lines, grass mohawks all over the yard. Mr. T would’ve been proud, but I can’t swing it. Eventually, after covering enough ground to have mowed the lawn seven or eight times, she finished. We were both laughing and having a good time with it.

I plan to do the back yard tomorrow. Maybe I’ll luck out and Zach will get lippy!