Here in Quebec we are partial to the Virgin Mary In A Bathtub Shrine. Being an agnostic myself, I don't foresee religious statuary in a bathtub in my future.

However, when my current lawnmower dies I may erect a bathtub shrine for it. Could you please join me in a minute's silence to contemplate the wonder and power of the Briggs & Stratton 3.5 h.p. classic lawn mower engine?

Thank you.

There. Wasn't that refreshing?

This afternoon I went out to my daffodil meadow and judged the daffodil leaves ripened enough that the meadow could be mowed. For those of my three loyal readers who are not rabid gardeners, daffodils gather the strength for each year's flowering through their leaves. When each year's leaves drop to the ground and begin to yellow, usually some time in July, they can be called ripened and cut off.

Well, my daffodil meadow is on some of the best soil on our property. This year the spring was so wet that it's produced some of the highest grass I've ever seen on it. People, we're talking prairie here.

"I think I'd better scythe that grass and rake it before you try to take the mower through it," the spousal unit opined. You can well imagine my shock.

As gently as I could, considering the circumstances, I pshawed the notion. I gave him the "o ye of little faith" sermon on the mighty powers of the Briggs & Stratton 3.5 h.p. classic lawn mower engine. In a voice laced with skepticism, he told me to go ahead and try.

You live over half your life with a man, you bear him a child, and you think you know him. And then ... and then ... and then you realize he doubts the power of the Briggs & Stratton 3.5 h.p. classic lawn mower engine.

Excuse me, I just need a moment to compose myself.

There.

I feel much, much better.

Well, here we are at the halfway point: as you can see, the meadow is well over the top of the handle of the mower:

And here it is, all done:

Yep, at the minimum I think we're talking bathtub shrine here.

I may even get that puppy bronzed, eh.

--Marn

Mileage on the Marnometer: 334.51 miles (538.3 kilometers)
Goal for 2003: 500 miles - 804.5 kilometers