While we visited, our host told us a story which deserves retelling. One day Viktor-bacsi was in the market and found 5 Russian scythe blades of uncommonly high quality for sale (the quality of Russian blades is very changeable and a knowledgeable mower will tap each one with a stone to judge the tool from how it rings). He promptly bought all 5, fitted them with handles and sold three for a profit. One he started using straight away while the last was put away. This would be his scythe for old-age, when he would need the best tool he could get and would have the skill and experience to truly appreciate it. That was 35 years ago. Just last summer the now 82 year old Viktor has judged it time to start working with this special tool.
While we visited, our host told us a story which deserves retelling. One day Viktor-bacsi was in the market and found 5 Russian scythe blades of uncommonly high quality for sale (the quality of Russian blades is very changeable and a knowledgeable mower will tap each one with a stone to judge the tool from how it rings). He promptly bought all 5, fitted them with handles and sold three for a profit. One he started using straight away while the last was put away. This would be his scythe for old-age, when he would need the best tool he could get and would have the skill and experience to truly appreciate it. That was 35 years ago. Just last summer the now 82 year old Viktor has judged it time to start working with this special tool.
Comments
Great post, It must be quite a balancing act between holding onto a tool and using it. As we get older we gain experience and wisdom but the body looses its fine control that we once had. I hope Viktor has many years left using his scythe.
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