Mar 20, 2026

In the spirit of yesterday's post...

While this isn't troubleshooting,
it's worth thinking about.

How much of your life's satisfactions do you outsource... because you lost the skills, or someone said it was below your pay grade?

I used to be a biker.
Leather jacket, chain.

Triumph Bonneville T140D,
black with gold pinstripes,
modified exhaust to match
the Norton Commando.

Sweet ride - thanks for asking.

I serviced and maintained the motorcycle - myself.
Self taught - a bit like those self appointed AI gurus now.

And that work, looking after the mechanics.
It was a pleasure every time.

The smell of WD40 and Solvol Autosol still send me into raptures.

But work pressures and company cars did away with all that.
And the enjoyment of accomplishing something 'real' disappeared too.

And that happened for lots of life's small pleasures.

Example: I outsourced both lawn cutting and mower maintenance.
Too busy. Too important 🤷‍♂️

Until recently. I have a ride-on mower now. I already enjoyed cutting the lawns myself - it's oddly relaxing. So, sensing an opportunity, this week I decide to do the annual service.

Oil.
Oil filter.
Air filter.
Fuel filter.
Spark plugs.
Grease joints.
Check belts.

All done in under an hour.

Not as thrilling as the Bonnie that's for sure.
But a big smile on my face having done something physically and tangibly useful.

I just need a few dry days,
so I can cut the lawns.

Now, where's that leather jacket?