The plan today was to do the final fallen leaf mowing of 2025. The leaves turned and fell very late this fall, so this facet of lawn maintenance has run deep into November and December. (Note: The garden also had an extended growing season, i.e., I ate the final tomato of the season today on my roast beef sandwich at lunch. That’s never happens.)
However, a cold front (a polar vortex if you listen to the weathermen) moved in, and it’s 20 degrees. Add to that a steady northeast wind and damp, humid air, and it’s not the most pleasant of days to work outside.
I’ve never been a person who shies away from cold weather. Hell, I’m usually in shorts and short-sleeve shirts until the temps consistently fall below the 40s. But as I’m firmly into my sixth decade of life, I don’t nearly enjoy the cold weather like I used to. Old man problems.
So, on this cold, dark, and damp Saturday morning, I began to prep for the task at hand when I stopped to look at the weather app on my phone. 23 degrees with a wind chill of 5. Cold.
Perhaps to delay my trip to the outdoors, I risked a look at the 10-day forecast. Guess what? The weather for next Saturday is partly cloudy and 50 degrees.
Boom!
The decision was quickly made. The Saturday plan rapidly shifted. The coat, the hat, and the gloves were put back into the closet. Those leaves on the ground are probably not going anywhere over the next seven days. Mowing and raking in 50 degree weather sounds much better than mowing and raking in single-digit wind chills.
With age comes wisdom, at least that’s what old men like me want to believe. Wisdom says, “Work smarter, not harder.” But today, I’m going with the wisdom of “Work smarter, not colder.”
Next Saturday, I might even get to wear shorts to mow the leaves. Win!
THE COACH HAYS 