Well, it’s happened. I have become a farmer. Or at least in my own mind.
It’s not about land, it’s not about crops, it’s not about animals, it’s all about the toys.
On the farm we have a cherry picker, 2 tractors, 2 utes, a zero-turn-radius mower, a leaf blower, 2 chain saws, a trailer, a mulcher, an air compressor, a generator, oh gosh, the list goes on and on. I’m a city girl (or at least a suburban one) and so the biggest piece of equipment I’ve had to manage in the past was a flymo. Now I’m surrounded by powerful and mildly intimidating pieces of stinky, noisy metal. But it takes more than a pull cord to daunt this little lady. I’ve done it, I’ve put my toe in the water. I lassoed myself a mower and lookee!
Laura and her mower
Freshly mowed lawn
Then I decided it was time to get to mulching. My mower has a convenient little tow bar on the back, perfect for my cute little trailer.
Mower, trailer and mulcher – my farming toys – err, tools
Oh yeah, I’m a farmer alright. If the toys aren’t enough to define me as such, check out my outfit – work gloves, safety glasses, ear protectors, steel-toed boots and a very stylish pair of overalls.
Off to the compost with my load of mulch
Laura Rittenhouse's Gardening Journal 
I am really impressed. Happy to see you are wearing the proper safety gear. I don’t want my little girl getting hurt. I’m thrilled for you with your new adventure.
I don’t want to get hurt or (more) deaf. It’s funny how noisy it can be out here in the middle of nowhere. I now realise that cities are quiet places!
I never wore hearing protection and now even with the best hearing aids money can buy, I still have a big problem hearing.
That’s the problem, it’s one of those injuries that you don’t even notice for decades. Blisters on my hand are easy to spot, owies in my ear are another matter.
Looks as though you are settling in rather well.
Settling in to the work regime but we still haven’t moved in. Our furniture is back in the suburbs. We’re back and forth for the next few weeks, then I can settle.
You have a chipper!!! I have wanted one for a year. Too expensive. I still have to pay to have all of our limbs and twigs hauled off… I’m envious of your tools – not of your outfit….
My farmer sister!!!
We did a lot of research and bought a good chipper, not a cheap one. I never thought to check into having someone come and haul it all away. Out here in the country, I probably would have been laughed out of town. I’m already getting the reputation for being a city slicker for not just burning everything.
I’m envious of all your new toys!! My hubby wants a tractor but so far all I have bought him is a mug with one on!!
I haven’t yet been brave enough to even start the tractor. I’m not sure what I’d do with one. We do have a huge field that once grew oats but I don’t think I’ll be ploughing that. Still, I’m glad I have one!
Wow! Looks like you’re having a lot of fun so far. 🙂
It’s really fun. But when the heat wave of summer hits I might be singing a different tune. I’ll give up on my safety gear and wear a swimming suit on my mower!
I protect my eyes and ears obsessively when the most basic of tools or equipment is used. I can hear and see very well @ 53 and don’t wish to let stupidity or carelessness impair either. I still have plenty of “stupid” and apply in other areas tho….
My grass areas are so tiny that a would spin like a top on one of the ztr mowers. 😉
I’m joining you in a couple of months at that glorious 53 with good (ish) ears and eyes…. well, I do need glasses to see anything within arm’s reach, but otherwise my eyes are perfect and I want to keep them that way.
I hated mowing when I had a garden that would have my ztr spinning like a top, now it’s heaps of fun. Until it becomes just another chore which I hope is months away.
Excellent mower! We have a ride-on lawnmower but being vertically challenged my feet don’t quite meet the accelerator pedal, so no mowing for me 😦
My mower is hand controlled so, unless your arms are really really short, this is what you need!