First mower I used as a kid was an old reel mower you pushed, not fast but kept sharp and they cut nicely. We used clippers for edging and brooms for cleaning up the mess.
Do you still use them? How old are you? Good luck finding somebody to mow your yard if you have any disabilities. It's hard to believe that we really have this many "I don't like it so you shouldn't either..." and "I did it this way so you should too..." people around here. Makes me wonder where they come from.