We need a WHAT???!

A tractor. Not one of those pansy suburban-macho riding mowers, but a full-size tractor, is apparently required to mow our almost newly required 4-acres. (http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductCatalog/HO/servlet/com.deere.u90785.cce.productcatalog.view.servlets.ProdCatProduct?pNbr=0140LV&tM=HO)

According to the John Deere literature, we are "estate owners". Does that mean I need to name the property? Do I need barbed wire fence? Should my husband wear knickers?

Anyway, the purchase of a tractor is a little daunting, just based on price alone. This is the ultimate guy's toy, though. It even has ACCESSORIES, ladies, and they cost MUCH more than a new purse! Apprently the accessory of envy is the front-loader attachment. And you're right, it's on the shopping list of my city-living spouse. Now mind you, in our current neighborhood, our neighbors mow their lawn with one of those retro-fashion push mowers. They could use scissors, for pete's sake, but I suppose that's not as fashionable. At this point, it seems like a tractor would be larger than our house! But, we do have an official tractor shed and then there's the barn. . .But, I really hope that doesn't mean we have to have animals or something to go with it. At least those aren't offered by John Deere.