Some things you just cannot fight

On the farm there are just some things you cannot fight. Some might describe it as a lesson in the natural order of things, a lesson in humility, or simply a reminder that as humans we are unable to control absolutely everything. I like it; it creates a mandate for flexibility and the proverbial backup plan or plans as the plural is more often the case.

Fortunately, I headed out early this morning and was able to complete a large amount of the field-mowing tasks before the right front tire went flat, again. It is the same tire as last week and just as flat- that would be not a little, but like a pancake.

I jacked up the tractor, with the front end loader- a cool trick I learned only a couple of years ago, oh, well better late than never. Once the lugs were off and the tire a free agent with considerable effort the tire was hoisted into the back of the car and rushed to the tractor-tire-fixit-place. Sad for me, the specialist in tractor tires was away on a road call; I would have to leave the tire and move on to another project.

I ran by the hardware store to pick up some supplies needed to provide band aid surgery for the lawn mower and a repair venture on a friend’s chair. It was looking like rain and both those endeavors could be done under roof.

The lawn mower is an interesting problem involving a short pin that stabilizes the driver’s seat. The pin fell out and I wasn’t too worried. After all, it wasn’t part of the engine or the mower deck. Then it started backfiring and cutting off. At first I thought I was out of gas and then I figured it out. Now that the seat could not be stabilized, pressure could not be maintained on the gizmo that sends a signal to the engine to keep running. I have mowed the entire yard and it’s a big one, sitting in just the right position, slightly forward and definitely starboard. Yesterday was most embarrassing as there were painters here and I know they thought I was an absolute idiot for operating the mower with such a sick sounding engine.

I did seek professional help and was informed that I could not replace the pin, but would have to replace the entire seat frame instead. I did not even ask “how much;” I simply said thank you and left. The service man was a fellow after my own heart and suggested that I drill out the hole and fix it with a bolt. I have the bolt and picked up the proper drill bit. I hopefully will be back in the mowing business by evening.

Anyway, the painters were back today to power wash the roof. They are great guys, after they fixed the leak in the hose and figured out that the tip needed to run the additive through the hose was nonexistent, it began to rain. In hopes that the storm wouldn’t last too long, they sit enjoying the afternoon on the side porch.

As for me, I am onto plan G. Until next week, be well.