The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Ron traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, and the Kentucky Exhibition Center and attended the GIE Garden International Event. It is the biggest lawn/garden show in the United States. He tries to go every year to learn about what is coming out, learn about the different aspects of the new engines, and everything new.

When I asked him what he learned, he smiled as said, "Everything got expensive. People are not spending their money like they were. The distributors wanted to talk to the big dealers. They weren't interested in selling anything to smaller dealers. All the big players were there, Briggs, Honda, Kawasaki. A lot of companies from China very talkative. They wanted the business."

Everything has gotten so expensive, even the lowest price it high. "A company, MTD, Machine Tool, and Dye was there. They own several brands. A simple push mower, out of Cleveland Ohio, retails now for $199.

"The way they design things now only last a small number of hours. This is a throw-away society. I like that throw-away society because I can take that society and rebuild it."

"It's fun." He saw people he has known for years. He likes to listen to everyone talk and learn about all the new engines.

He used to work for Sears so that he can fix washer dryers, stove, and microwaves.

"I do not charge a fee for a 50-mile trip to take a look at it. I try to be reasonable. I can fix most appliances, except air conditioners. Sometimes the parts are too expensive, and it isn't practical to spend the money to fix it." He'll let you know that too.