Do It Yourself!

So we have to learn to fix things ourselves right?  The more we can fix, the less it will cost, the more cruising we can do!  Today I was presented with just such an opportunity.  My lawnmower decided it had enough of cutting grass for me.  Now a new lawnmower doesn't fit into my new budget, nor does paying to have it repaired by somebody else.  What to do - well I guess I'll try and figure this thing out myself.   So off to the one source in the world where you can have all your questions answered (yes - the wizard of Google!).  So after looking around for some troubleshooting tips, and then some videos courtesy of YouTube, I decided to try cleaning out the mower's carb.

 Popped the little sucker off, took a couple pieces off, sprayed it out, and put it back together.   Then I crossed my fingers, and hoped (is that the typical cruiser's steps before testing a repair?).  What do you know it actually started.

 Ok, ok - so it isn't a diesel engine in a boat.  But I have to take my little victories where I can.  I like to think that I am channeling the spirit of the liveaboard here, if not the actual skill!  So with that little exercise behind me, I think the idea really should be to get a boat, and just start working on it.  I'll never really get practical skills without getting my hands dirty.  The phrase so often repeated to me keeps coming to mind - smaller, simpler, sooner!   Of course that assumes that after my sailing lessons I'll still be deadset on this life path. Since I"m pretty sure I will be I keep going out to yachtworld, and dream.  So many boats out there that deserve to be mine!

Well, I'm glad we've got that decided!  Now it's off for a home-cooked meal. Remember my new budget has no room for meals out.  So off for some lovely turkey meatloaf (ok - so it's not filet mignon, but it's yummy to me).

 

It does taste better then it looks - I promise.     

Honestly I don't understand how I'm still single - the man fixes lawnmowers, and cooks meatloaf..   I mean seriously, that's pretty impressive :)   So now I'm off to more chores (if they were on water I'd be in bliss).

Good sailing to you and yours!