I've bought and sold on ebay, with mixed results. Look for something local so you can avoid shipping, because that's a terrible thing to have to deal with on mowers. For your purposes, make sure you're buying a non-self-propelled mower. Lawnboys are going to lighter than any Snapper or Toro, I think. If you find a decent one, it would be a good bet for you. As far as other wheeled mowers, look for one with either a flathead engine (i.e., not overhead valves[OHV]), or a Honda GCV160 (which has overhead _cams_ [OHC]). These are the lighter 4-cycle mower engines still being used. They are all around 25-27lbs (engine only!), which is about 10lbs less than the big OHV engines. Actually, a staggered-deck Lawnboy with the Tecumseh flathead might still be pretty light and might survive a few seasons on that hill. If there is a non-self-propelled Honda with the Xenoy (plastic) deck, maybe it would be pretty light. I don't know of any light big-wheel mowers, but I agree that for push-only mowers the large back wheels make sense. The problem with almost all 4-cycle engines is that as they tilt too far on a slope, their oil sumps don't keep oil near the pick-up or splasher and their bearings can run dry; and/or they can get oil sloshed up to the top end of the engine which siphons into the carb or hydrolocks the engine. So there's always a chance of low engine life. Looking at Eastman Industries, it appears they sell their 19" hover mowers with either the Suzuki 2-cycle or the Honda 4-cycle. This version of the Honda is supposed to be optimized for hillside use of up to 45 degrees according to Eastman. I was asking about this engine earlier, but nobody knows anything about it. I'd take them at their word, I guess. Anyway, the Honda has more power and only weighs 3lbs more than the Suzuki (37lbs vs 40lbs), so I think either would be a good solution for you, ann13820. If I had your constraints on mowing, I'd call them and find out if any dealers are anywhere near you. I'd also ask them how one moves the mower into a garage or shed, as discussed above. It would be a pain to have to do that with it running, but maybe you could use a low platform on casters, like a rolling platform for big potted houseplants, and just "park" the mower on that outside and then roll it inside. Here is a link that might be useful: Eastman Industries mower site

As you would imagine, not all sources are in exact agreement on the numbers, but all of them I found agree that 25 % body fat is just fine for a woman of 40. One source showed it as the upper end of normal, another showed it in the middle, and so on. Thirty-five pounds of fat may sound like a lot, but I guess it's not so much. for Annette and Libby. My sympathies to you women for all you have to deal with throughout life. DW has always said that we men have it so much easier in life, and I'm sure you all would agree. TM

My ex DH was married to someone who sounds a lot like that. She had two children of her own and she so obviously favored them and they were horrible, mean kids. It came to the point where DS and DD weren't going to go there anymore. Their stepmom was so mean to them and treated them horribly and so did her kids. There were times I just wanted to smack her and ask her what the h#ll her problem was. My DD would come home crying hysterically. Finally I told ex DH (we have a good relationship) that if this was how she was going to come home, she wasn't going to come over anymore. He finally stepped up the plate and took charge somewhat. He was always at work too so the kids were home stuck with her. They went to their grandparents house a lot or stayed with me just so they wouldn't have to be there with her. She, to put it simply, was extremely jealous of my kids and me for that matter because ex and I get a long for the kids sake and she just could not stand it. I am happily married and was no threat to her. If I wanted to be with him, I wouldn't have divorced him. We have remained friends for the sake of the kids. Thank god they are divorced now or in the process of divorce. She is dragging it out as long as possible. Now on the other hand, I have three step children and I couldn't imagine treating them like that. Two are older and have never lived with us but my DSD who is now 18 lived with us all through high school. There are times that I think I treated her more favorably than my own kids. We all get along so well and my kids and DH's kids love each other to death. We have been so fortunate in that department. I feel bad for your daughter. I can't remember how old she is now but it doesn't sound like your ex is doing her any favors by being the "nice" parent.

NY Post I love quirky people like her. They make the world a lot more interesting...