2010:365:113 New boys....

Some problems are solved very easily and relatively cheaply.  This wee gadget makes it possible now to take pictures from unusual angles and, if I so desire, with me in them.  It's a Gorilla Pod for little point and shoot cameras.  Here it was on the first outing and posed for the "Worm's Eye View" photograph in today's 365Project theme.  

It isn't nearly as big or as threatening as the first picture might have led you to believe!

The second problem solved today was slightly bigger and a tad more expensive - but again - easily solved.

You'll notice that the grass around Eliot is getting tall and the warmer weather has increased the growth rate. Solution - get a lawn mower that I can actually use!  

So, on the way back from morning visits I dropped into Homebase and found what I was looking for - an electric hover mower that also picks up the cuttings.  "Mow 'n' Vac" is the marketing slogan.

Not a minute too soon - judging by the wonderful crop of dandelions scattered among the grassy tufts.  But it won't do much if it is left in the box!

The grass will simply grow round it.  Ancient proverb: "The grass on the other side of the fence may be greener .... but it still needs to be cut".  

The instructions were basic and printed very small but eventually I worked out which bolt went where and how the various parts linked together.  Hey presto!  A lawnmower!

Problem on the way to being solved...but it was hard work.  The grass was too tall so the job took twice as long as it should and my arms and back now feel the pain!  Bit by bit the front grass was tamed in what was supposed to be my lunch break.  

Eliot wasn't happy about the noise and retreated, after a period of loud barking, to the dining room.  But the blackbirds couldn't wait for me to finish and kept swooping down for some tasty treat that I'd turned up.  It is only a small bit of grass in front of the rectory, and the back area hasn't even been looked at yet, but it is a start ... and will be good exercise!  

Don't you wish that other problems were that easily solved?  I certainly do!  If only....  A hymn and a prayer....

Faithful one, so unchanging;

ageless one, you're my rock of peace.

Lord of all, I depend on you,

I call out to you again and again,

I call out to you again and again.

You are my rock in times of trouble,

you lift me up when I fall down;

all through the storm your love is the anchor - 

my hope is in you alone.  

Church Hymnal Number 2

by Brian Doerksen

Almighty and everlasting God,

by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church

is governed and sanctified:

Hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people,

that in their vocation and ministry

they may serve you in holiness and truth

to the glory of your name;

through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen. 

Book of Common Prayer

Collect of the Fifth Sunday after Trinity