Craftsman Adjustable Shoulder Strap

Along with a Craftsman edger attachment (previous blog), I purchased an adjustable shoulder strap ($12), model #85936, that should have been lableled "backsaver". The only thing that is missing is a padded piece for added comfort, a feature I saw on one of the more expensive, larger trimmers. My only regret is that I didn't remember I had bought it until my son was already finished edging the lawn. Oh well, at least he had it when he trimmed.

Craftsman Edger Attachment

I just purchased an edger attachment (Model #79240) for my Sear's Craftsman lawntrimmer. My son used it this morning, and did a fantastic job on my lawn! It moves along on a 4-1/4" wheel, with a 7" steel blade, that edges up to 2" DEEP. The great thing about it is that it is so much lighter than the conventional edgers (approx. 5 pounds), and its a snap to remove the trimming attachment, and replace it with this edger. It cost about $80, and also fits quite a few other machine brands, such as Ryobi, Toro, and Troy-Bilt. So, do yourselves a favor, and get one of these time and back savers. If you're the one who brings the cold lemonade out to the mower, buy them one of these for next time. BTW, get them the shoulder strap, too (next blog).

"The End of the Affair" - Movie Review

I've just finished watching "The End of the Affair", starring Ralph Fiennes, Julianne Moore, and Stephen Rea. Yes, it's only 10 in the morning, but you can do that when you're retired.


I picked it up at the Jefferson Parish library (I live in New Orleans, LA and have a reciprocal borrower's card). I was a little bit bewildered that 2 of the titles that I picked out were in a protected area, and had to be accessed only after entering the bar code that "attached" them to your identity. Well, I think it is probably due to the adult subject matter.


I started watching "the End of the Affair" several days ago, but stopped due to time constraints (yes, retired people have other things to do). While having dinner with Karen and Clarence (I think it was dinner - I spent practically the whole day at their house), I told them about the film, and that I had lost interest in it. It appeared to be a study in erotica and, don't get me wrong, I like erotica, but it wasn't even a good representation. Well, several times, I thought to pick up where I had stopped, but because my 11-yr. old granddaughter is visiting, decided against it. Well, this morning, while having breakfast, with DGD gone to camp, and after reading that the film got quite a few Oscar nominations, I decided to finish it. Well, I enjoyed it immensely. I hate to say that, because this is my first movie review, and I don't want to go overboard so soon, but that's my gut reaction. Maybe I'll develop a "5-beans", or "thumbs up", rating system.


Since this is a review, and not a summary, I will leave the summary up to "Movieweb", the only site that does not tell you the whole story, something I abhor. And, if you intend to see the movie, or read the book, please stop at this first summary, and don't look any further, as I want you to go into this story with not too, too much knowledge of the details.


Well, I am currently delving into "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz, and one of the agreements is "Don't make assumptions." Well, I'm glad I went back to the movie, as my assumptions, IMHO, were far off. It is not a poor study in erotica, although the "R" rating is well-founded. What it is, is the epitome of irony, and I love irony. It is the epitome of - well, let's just make a list - timing, love, hate, honesty, infatuation, faith & belief and, even though it is the epitome of predictability, it is also the epitome of good writing and a well-directed movie.


The predicatability that I spoke of may have not been so apparent in the book (I have not read the book), but, I think, could not have been handled any other way, if the story was to be told (note the scene where the detective first actually meets Bendix). At some point in the movie, during a bombing scene, I think to myself, "Aw, why did they have to mess up a good movie with allusions to miracles", which popped up throughout the rest of the movie. But, even when these scenes were playing out, I thought, "Well, there are other explanations," as, even though Im often described as an idealist (veering to optimism), I tend to be pragmatic in these matters. But, you know, I almost don't want there to be any explanations. I did find that some relationships could have been explored, or explained a bit more, like the relationship between Henry and Maurice, later in the movie. Of course, after watching the film, I found the author's comments, and explanations, quite interesting. (Note: I take the risk of putting this link here, because I think it belongs here, but if you don't like to be "told" a movie, watch the movie first).


The actors were well-picked. I read a comment that said,"Fiennes ' performance does not stay true to his previous work, or something like that. Well, isn't that what acting is all about? I dare say that I want the acting to fit the subject, as his surely did. I found no fault in the acting. As a matter of fact, I found the acting superb, even down to Rea's portrayal of Henry, the mostly stoic husband, as well as that of Ian hart, the detective.

Oh my goodness, I'm writing in "English"! Did you notice that I wrote "I dare say"? Also, did you know that Fiennes' given name is pronounce "Raylph" or "Railph", not as we Americans pronounce "Ralph"; no wonder I thought his name was "Ray Fiennes".


I do recommend that your see the film. It's definitely not for children; it's an adult movie, in an "adult concept/theme" sort of way. It's for women, men, believers', and non-believers. Do watch the movie, or read the book. If you already have, please, please let me know what you think. If you get a chance to check it out in the future, please return, and give your thoughts.