I've used a reel mower since I bought my first house in 1984. The trick to cutting well is keeping the blades adjusted so they have a good scissors action against the cutting bar. They will never do well with the dandelion seed stalks though.

I keep a bike at the office. Most of my lunchtime errands are on the bike rather than driving.

Can't convince my wife that we should use a clothsline, she likes the softer tumbled in the dryer feel.