Monday, April 21, 2014

Plow Day - Americana

      What else would a geezer skier do on an April Saturday morning but go to a local Plow Day sponsored by the East Homer United Methodist Church?   Held at East Homer, NY this was not a typical display of  the latest tillage tools.   Rather it was a revival of vintage plows and tractors perambulating up and down the field driven by the proud owners of restored and/or original older tractors.   Although the day was grey and cold by normal spring standards, everyone was enjoying the performance.
    Several makes of tractors were on display although the International and John Deere brands dominated.   The unique sound of the two cylinder John Deere's brought back fond childhood and teenage memories of my days on the farm with my parents and brother.   We bought a John Deere B just before WWII.  It was the first "modern" tractor we had on our farm following a steel wheeled Fordson of 1930's vintage.  I learned to operate that tractor and plowed with a trailing two bottom plow.
   It was a pleasure to see several generations of farmers represented at the plow day.   All of them seemed to enjoy observing first hand  a part of our agricultural heritage.   These are durable machines built to last.   A bit of Americana being preserved for future generations.   For anyone wanting to observe vintage tractors, you can visit the Living History Museum of Central New York in Homer, New York.  Over 20 tractors are on display and the display changes yearly to exhibit the entire range of restored vintage tractors.
   Meanwhile, back at the plow day a barbecue, pancake breakfast, bake sale and craft display were a part of the festivities.  The church hopes to raise enough funds to support a softball field in the community.  A visit to the bake sale netted a fresh homemade blueberry muffin and to the delight of my wife, a coconut macaroon pie that was an epitome of the culinary arts.
 
John Deere 720

Smoking Diesel 

John Deere Model G

New Series John Deere -Four Cylinder

Three Generations -Another Farmer to Be?

Farmall Model M

Plowing Down Corn Stubble
  So there we are,  tough old geezers hobnobbing with tough old geezer tractors.  Still chugging along.  Plow on everyone!

Monday, April 7, 2014

Wrapping It Up

    It has been a great ski season for 2013-14.   This winter has thrown all kinds of weather at us but for the most part we have had sustained access to good to excellent skiing.  Our local ski area closed on April 6 after 120 days of operation not because there isn't enough snow, but more because it is not economical to operate with so few paying customers.  Because of the cold and cloudy weather in the start of spring, we had relatively little "Spring" skiing.  That is, corn snow, sunshine and above 50 F temperatures.
    Now is the time say it is done.   Pat Ryan would say, "Put a fork in it, it is done".  So the gear has been transported home and appropriately conditioned for the off season.  Skis waxed, clothes washed or cleaned and boots thoroughly dried.  Need to thoroughly dry the helmet liner, goggles foam and balaclava to prevent any mildew.  Maybe a little Febreze would help too.
   Now the geezers are on to other things.  Many will golf  the summer and fall away.   Others will be fishermen.  Some of us will hit the tennis courts or do some mountain biking.   Whatever the case, we will enjoy the sun and warmth and look forward to another ski season.  Season passes likely purchased too.
Saturday April 5th Start

Final Day - April 6 - Sunshine and Corn Snow