Toro and Me, a special relationship...

We have owned our Toro lawnmower for many years now and for most people it might be considered past its prime but because the Mr. is diligent about its maintenance schedule it still continues to work like it was new. However, its age shows up in its looks as it has sustained a few patches here and there and last year sported a new gas cap (after I ran over the old). Yesterday was a chilly spring day with lots of sunshine and as I surveyed the yard for any winter damage, I noticed how long the grass was. Could it be that the Toro and I would be soon joined together for another season? And in March? Yes...after checking the oil level and topping it off and adding some new gas, the Toro and I began another season of togetherness! All was well until I noticed a wobbly front wheel which soon came off and rolled into the street, ending up in the neighbors yard! Oh no, I exclaimed! Could this be the beginning of the end? I carefully picked up the wheel and amazingly enough found the nut that attached it to the body of the mower. With tools in hand, I set out to reattach the wheel and make it new again. With a few turns of the wrench, everything seemed fine and I set out to continue mowing. After about 2 passes the wheel came off but this time no sight of the nut and I could not find one that would fit from the well stocked workbench. Dad to the rescue! I called and told him I was heading to his favorite hardware store to get a nut that would fit. He couldn't get here fast enough! A trip to Beechwold Hardware! Are you kidding me, wild horses could not keep him away from that request! About 10 minutes later and less 30 cents from our pockets, we were heading home to get Toro in tip top shape. This special nut did just the trick and before long Toro and I were once again doing our thing! I'm a bit nervous to admit to the Mr. that I started Toro without his pre-season check-up but figured if I waited too much longer I might have to hire a cow or two! So, as I have mentioned before I do get attached to the strangest things! Next up is the story of the TV. It's another love affair!