Saturday Slight

18 degrees!

The thump thump of horse hooves racing over the barnyard ground was louder than usual this morning.

The ground is hard and cold. 

A film of ice crystals covers the Subaru. 

Yes, it's cold outside.

That said, today should be beautiful, just like yesterday and like tomorrow. 

Although it takes four or five layers of clothing and some really active time outside to warm up, I really like days like today a whole lot more than the 95-degree variety. 

Besides the need to stay warm, there's also much more enjoyment and a lot less perspiration in completing outside activities. 

So, bring it on!

In other news, yesterday marked the end of an era for a piece of family farm equipment. 

The old Ford tractor left the Lovestead, bound for a new home with our friend and equipment repair wizard Tony. 

I told Tony the other day that the tractor was an heirloom and so was he. 

Having had him fix our garden and farm machinery for more than 20 years, we have always appreciated Tony and have marveled at the work he does. I know we are not alone. 

Tony knows the importance of the tractor in our family history.  

My dad Harold used it around the North Boyer farm and in the hay fields for a couple of decades. 

Then, sometime in the late '70s, Bill purchased the tractor from Harold. It allowed us to keep our driveway clear in the winters---at least when it didn't drift completely shut.

Later, the tractor came with us to the Lovestead, and served in several capacities, including brush hogging the fields. 

Eventually, some major parts quit working, and others needed replacing. The tractor has sat in our shed for a few years because of its need for a new gas tank. 

Tony can do whatever's necessary to get it up and running again. 

One of the old Ford's major contributions to family history came in 2001 when Willie and Debbie were married at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Sandpoint.  

We rented a flat-bed trailer for the bridal party and cleaned up the tractor.   My brother Kevin drove it and pulled the trailer through town from the church to The Forum in downtown Sandpoint where the reception was held. 

Kevin was sure to pass by Arby's where Denise, the owner, had posted on the marquee "Polar Swirl Girl Marries Arby Melt Boy."  

Willie had worked at Arby's during high school, so it was a nice recognition of the big day in his life. 

The tractor has now finished its duty for our family, and we wish Tony the best as he enjoys tinkering with it and getting it to run like new.  

 

I enjoyed watching the action in the photo below.

  Tony and his son-in-law Lawson collaborated with Bill and our Kubota tractor, using a wooden post to push the tractor up on to the trailer. 

Twas a slick and easy way to get that job done. 

Another upstairs bathroom window scene with the horses and snow-covered Schweitzer.  

Some of my marigolds are hanging on, defying the cold. 

Neighbor Jim Taylor on his tractor yesterday.