Lawnmowers

I owned this mower in Katherine that was given to me by Uncle Ted (only an uncle in name not in blood). Uncle Ted was in a wheelchair and this mower would only start if it was on a 45 degree angle, coz that's how he could start it from the wheelchair. I was mowing my lawn in Clough Court and only had to do a small strip when the petrol looked like it was going to run out, so I had a real good idea - in flight refueling. Well Id seen dad do it and I thought I could easily do that too. I'm gently pouring the petrol into the hole and wooops, I spilt some. Up in flames it went. I was so scared I ran inside and rang dad about what to do. He just said let it go or if you really want it, go and get a blanket and throw it on the top. I knew I wouldn't be able to find the blanket in time so I just watched out the front door at the flaming mower. My neighbour (Radar was his nickname,wonder why) opposite me was standing on his front lawn laughing. When the flames died down I went out to inspect the molten mass. Two wheels were the only survivors.

But prior to all that, when I was a teenager, dad used to get me out of bed on Sunday mornings by starting the mover right next to my bedroom louvers and point the exhaust so it would fill my room up with that horrible smoke and the noise got too much for me and Id get out of bed. Dad always told that story with pride.