Last week while the Internet service was down, the rest of country living continued onward.  We have had enough rain to keep the grass growing which means mowing continues weekly. 

Mowing is a form of therapy for me.  It is a methodical routine.  When I listen to the mower, the rest of the world is blocked out.  I can think, or not think.  When I am done and look at the fresh-cut grass, I have a sense of pride of a job well done.  I feel good.

My mowing routine consists of push mowing around all obstacles, including the house, which are difficult to maneuver the riding mower.  The rest of the two-acre lawn is cut with a Husqvarna mower with a 46-inch cutting deck, fondly referred to as “The Husky”.  It is not the biggest or fastest mower out there, but it handles the job nicely.

The Husky was in need of some attention. The belt on the mowing deck needed changed. As the mowing blades were engaged, the belt would slip off.  Hubby was concerned the old belt was just worn out.  I found one on Amazon, it was delivered, and Hubby took on the task of changing the belt.  He had no issue getting the old one off, and new one on.  He did, however, encounter a small problem after the change.

The blades would not engage.

Hmmm.

We checked the specifications on the belt compared to the service manual.  Yes, we had the proper belt.

Hmmm.

Time to call the Wizard.

My father-in-law had a job for many years and knows many people with many skills.  One of those people is a genius when it comes to small engine repair.  He came out to our place last fall to help with the Husky.  That is where he earned his nickname.

The Wizard.

This man diagnoses an issue with a machine like a skilled physician would diagnose a cough or pain.  He looks, listens, and feels his way through the various parts of the machine, checking for anything that is not quite right.  He ponders.  He sifts through the many tools in the box, and consistently pulls the EXACT size tool needed.  He tightens this or loosens that.  There is always an “ah HA!” moment when he figures out what is causing the problem.

Last week, on the day I was waiting for the Internet people, Father-In-Law brought The Wizard out for a house call.

He came with his green box of tools, and a yoga mat. 

Yoga mat?

He unrolled the mat and put it on the concrete floor, got on his hands and knees, and started inspecting the mower deck.  He was practically on his head looking into the belt issue, reaching in and pulling on the belt, watching the pulleys as he did.

I should tell you… The Wizard is 82 years old, with some serious health issues.

He crawled around that mower like a man half his age.  He worked with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, always quick with a story or a joke.  Within about 30 minutes, he had diagnosed the problem as a loose pulley (which he tightened), and a broken belt hanger guide (which was why the old belt would fall off).  He instructed me on ordering the part, and showed me where it would need installed.

I found the part.  It would take a week to 10 days to ship.  That meant the two acres of grass would need mowed “on foot”. 

Good thing I like to mow grass.

It was a LONG therapy session.  Thankfully, Hubby helped out.

Earlier this week, the part arrived, which is very fortunate as the grass was high.  I was hoping for most of my therapy occurring in the sitting position!  I finished the push mowing and headed to the barn to see if I could replace the part as instructed by The Wizard.

The hanger was located on the outside of the frame, making it easy to reach.  I needed to remove the retaining bolt that held the old hanger.  Christmas this past year, Santa brought me a Craftsman tool chest equipped with the necessary hand tools to work on Dixie.  I knew I had a socket wrench that would do the job.

I am not The Wizard.

It took me three trips back and forth to the tool chest to find the correct wrench. 

Correct wrench in hand, the new hanger went on with no problem.  I started the mower and engaged the mowing blades.

That worked.

I then moved the lever to disengage the mowing blades, hoping the belt would remain in place.

That worked, although I could not see where the belt was sitting from my vantage point.

I re-engaged the blades with anticipation.

Success!

The Husky and I set off to mow the grass.  The mower performed to all expectations without a hiccup... thanks to The Wizard.

What a great world we live in.  I am so privileged to encounter people with talents they are willing to share.  People like The Wizard inspire me to learn and grow.  I am inspired to share the talents I have, and hope it helps someone.

I am thankful for the wizards.

I will continue to hone my own skills in hopes that I can be a wizard too!