andamu

Traffic might be moving at a snail's pace, but life is certainly hectic.
I have been given a major assignment with a high level of urgency, and a fast approaching deadline, and I have been running into one obstacle after the other. Some of these are technical, but most are dependancies on other people's completion of tasks.

That should be enough said to create instant understanding of my frustration levels.
::
At home, we mowed the lawn a couple of days ago. (I think the neighbors probably want to collaborate and send us a formal thank you note.)

The previous owners had left a lawnmower here which we were not sure worked. Nini had tried unsuccessfully a couple of times earlier to start it, and found that the weed trimmer was not a good alternative to mowing large areas.
With even the front lawn approaching jungle status, I decided that something needed to be done. The scene rather reminded me of the big bad wolf in the three little pigs: we yanked and we yanked on the string until we had no yankability left.

Our poor neighbor made the mistake of wandering outside during this period, and immediately got roped into a series of questions about gas mowers. He professed general ignorance, and was finally allowed to make his escape when I decided to try a final few times, this time, just for kicks, holding the lever at the handle.
Hey Presto! It worked.

Just a reminder: I am still recovering from surgery and am under doctor's orders not to lift anything exceeding ten pounds.

Blisters and aching muscles, a feeling of pulling stitches, and a lawn that looks mostly decent now.