When gardeners are out for a drive they look for flowers. Architects look at buildings and how they are designed. Those with a geology background make note of rock formations. Me, when I see a person mowing a lawn, I look to see what footwear is being worn.
I've seen people using walk-behind mowers wearing flip-flops. I've seen Crocs. I've seen a lot of sneakers.
Think about it. You have a metal blade moving at 3000 revolutions per minute and it's only inches from your feet.
I think I was 12 when I was first permitted to cut the family lawn. I was given a pair of secondhand work boots with steel toes. I was told to always wear the proper footwear.
One day, when my kids were very young, we were returning home after a trip to town. As we drove up the driveway, I noticed a thin line of grass that I had missed while cutting the lawn the previous day. It bugged me that I had missed it, and I decided to address the issue right away.
I could have the job done in less time than it would take me to go down in the basement and put on my work boots. After parking the car I went directly to the garage and pulled out the mower. I was wearing sneakers.
No, this story is not going where you think it is.
I made my way to the front lawn and started the mower. It took me less that 10 seconds to address the issue.
Just as I turned off the mower a neighbour came by. He was someone who had no hesitation expressing his opinion on any issue.
He looked at me. He looked at my footwear. He may eye contact again. He spoke.
"Now what kind of example are you being for your children wearing sneakers while mowing the lawn?"
Sigh.
I wanted to explain that this was the only time ever but, really, what was the point. He had me. He was right. I had no excuse.
Over the years he had driven by a number of times while I've been mowing the lawn. I suspect he still looks to see what I'm wearing on my feet. Perhaps he feels he made a difference that day. I suppose he did.
For those who wear flip-flops while cutting grass, I'm watching.
But I won't say anything.
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