The forgotten tool
So, you won't believe what I saw people doing today. Raking. Pretty crazy, huh?
I've been pretty sad this fall because I've seen oodles of people blowing leaves everywhere. I haven't seen a soul raking until today, when I saw TWO people doing it.
I realize leaf blowers are faster. They're even kind of fun to use: strap a big pack on your back and watch everything in your path shiver and quake.
But they're so loud. And some could argue they create pollution and make global warming worse. Not to mention how much it costs to fill them up with gas.
But that's not why I've been upset.
I'm scared the rake is destined to end up in museums or antiques stores. No one seems to use them anymore, and that's just a shame.
There's something wonderful and Robert Frost-like about raking. It's just one of those deeply embedded images of autumn.
And compared to leaf blowers, it's a serene activity. It's not adding to the hole in the ozone. It's free (unless you pay the neighbor's kid to do it). It's good exercise. And it's fun. Especially if you have a warm spot and a hot beverage waiting for you inside.