HERE is an ad, article about garden tools designed for women and their different body types. I like the idea, but, that shovel is too short and those handles just get in the way. That plastic handle will also be the first thing to break when you toss it while moving a tree. My shovels are my constant companions in the garden, they are the tool I use almost every day. I use them for way more than digging. I use them for transplanting, moving snakes, edging, removing weeds from cement, chopping a tree root, hell, I even use one for balance some days. The best one I have is metal, metal handle too. Rubber grip. It won't rust, even when left in the rain. It's sharp because I run it across a big flat rock I have for that purpose. It cost $10 bucks from the farm store. (The sharpening rock was free.) The best tools you can buy, usually, come from yard sales. The old ones are made better. That's why they're still around and that new stuff is broken and in the trash. If it says 'made in China', you don't want it in your garden. All that China stuff is disposable and infuriating. Just go to a farm sale and spend nearly nothing and get stuff that you keep forever. Some things are so old and obscure, I'm not even sure what they are, but, I use them for my own purposes. Plus, they look cool. Like my bean hooks. Who uses a bean hook anymore since Monsanto runs the world? I do. I use it to pull vines down and trim them. They have sturdy metal hooks and old worn wood handles. They're a hundred years old and still useful.
Do you have a favorite tool? Do you have things from your dad or grandpa?
6 comments:
I bought myself a short shovel from a similar collection years ago. It was the perfect height and felt so good in my hand. Eventually it got left out one too many times, and the handle bit the dust, I think. The remains may still be around here somewhere, as I probably didn't have it in me to throw away my beloved little shovel. I know the handle could be replaced, but I never found the right height.
I'm taking a few moments here to reply, as the baby is finally sacked out. Oh, my gosh, I had forgotten how wild they are, and how much energy it takes to keep up with them, and keep them out of trouble. Harley is so good with her. When she gets too wild, he takes a toy and dangles it in front of her, or squeaks it, if the dangling isn't enough. He plays with her, and puts her in her place gently, dog-style (pushing down on her with his closed mouth, holding her down with a gently placed leg, lying partially down on her, etc.) I always thought that Mia was the smart one, and that Harley was sweet, but not very intelligent. I was wrong. He just has a different variety of smarts. He is absolutely gold at this stuff, and so very patient. I feel very lucky to have him.
Christina
Harley just looks like he's act that way. You can tell by his big gentle face. Awww.
I have a small shovel bthat I like. I'm looking for another, just in case.
Christina, you know we will have to see pics of the Mia and Harley. Rub her little belly for me.
WTF, another marketing ploy... special lady tools. Guaranteed to break after only a few uses. I had to laugh when you mentioned digging up trees. I don't think the women in the land of lady tools actually dig up trees Pat! I have my fathers complete collection of antique tools, as well as all his paint brushe, acrylic and oil paints, drawing pads, pens, pencils, inks, rulers, set squares, you name it. My dad turned me into a handy man and I use things that he used every day. I was very lucky to have a really wonderful father. He died 8 years ago so it's nice to be using his stuff all the time, it keeps him in my life every day.
An old wooden spade. Its super old, was old when we got it a very long time ago. It sits out all summer so we can grab it when needed. It can dig up anything, one push with my foot and up it comes, whatever you wanted moved. It's my favorite tool. If it dies, there will be a funeral.
Rox
Well, I dig up trees. I dig ditches. I need my post hole digger too. I need man tools. Some wimpy chick tool won't cut it here. I've broken more shovels than that website could sell.
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