Imprisoned

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

That’s my puppy, Chase, in prison. He’s in a standalone kennel with high fencing and concrete flooring; escaping is nearly impossible. This fellow’s determined jumping and digging skills instantly become triggered whenever my car leaves home. I’ve learned, and nowadays, he waits safely imprisoned for my return home.

A new riding mower, assembled and ready to roll, sits outside. Yesterday, I studied its instruction book, tried repeatedly to start the machine, and never got it fired. Yes, oil and gas are in it, so a lack of those isn’t the problem. Maybe its transmission is set in a neutral position for pushing and rolling, which is how the delivery guys moved it. That might require attention wherever such a switch may be found. Today, I’ll reread the instruction book and try to start that motor more.

It is so different from my trusty old 2006 Poulan Riding Mower, which has chopped dependably for years and, in the beginning, was a simple get-in-and-go machine. A week or so ago, Poulan’s underside hit a rock that made its engine instantly fail. After it wouldn’t start again, I debated having it repaired versus ordering a new machine and decided to do both. Repairing would take too long to mow aggressive weeds and grasses adequately. Besides, having a backup mower to carry on in future rock-caused stoppages can’t hurt.

Occasionally, I wish for another brain, particularly when reading and comprehending a modern instruction manual. Whether the manual covers a tool or some heavy equipment, its stuff is complicated and I find its schematics squeezed, undecipherable, and maddening.

Dear Friends: In learning, unique brain-wiring leads to our successes and failures. Diana