Ballard Street by Jerry Van Amerongen for April 30, 2021

I do silly things like putting Stabil in the gas tank, recharging the battery, and using starter fluid in the carburetor. That’s a lot less fun than Brian’s mower voodoo.

Water Brian…last year you did all the mumbo jumbo stuff, but YOU FORGOT TO WATER! Sheesh….

Change the oil and clean the spark plug and air filter.

Don’t mind the naysayers, Brian. It can’t hurt.

Once a year drop it off at the shop. Like your car.

Is he sacrificing his wife’s pearl necklace? He may be the one mowed…down!

We do that every year… right after fresh gas, a new spark plug and a cleaned carb.

Works every time.

Brian is looking up, beseeching the sky gods.

Meanwhile, at his feet… that lighted incense is sitting sooo close to the gas engine, and to his pendulous ceremonial sleeves.

If he doesn’t look down, one little kick, one teeny misstep during his wailing pleas,

just might give the mowing season, and/or Brian, himself, a much more powerful start than he dreams.

Reminds me the movie, THE PROPOSAL! Dancing in the woods…LOL

I just hire a lawn service!

Yes, ever since Brian won that community gardener’s award for the best lawn on Ballard Street, keeping up with the competition takes special devotion.

The ritual should include anointing the tools with oil and sharpening blades.

Poor Brian.. that is the incantation to infest your enemy with fleas. Read the manual.. it clearly states two bracelets on the left arm, one on the right.. and no beads for the lawnmower cantation.

It just so happens that not long before, Brian did some self-anointing with his own “essential oil”…

Ah, the Life of Brian! :>)

Brian may try smoking grass. It may help.