It's the most wonderful time of the year. And no, I'm not talking about Christmas. It's October baby, and that means so much more than Pumpkin Latte's from Starbucks (yuck!). It means crisp mornings and post season baseball (go Red Sox!) and armfuls of freshly picked apples (Honeycrisp please!). Its the time of year when... Continue Reading →
So we've been here in rural Iowa for over three months now, and I've had some time to reflect on our experience so far. I'm sure if given a year, or even five more, I'd have much more insight to share, so take my perspective with a grain of salt, or perhaps with a... Continue Reading →
In 1953, Ford celebrated their 50th anniversary by launching a new tractor line called the Ford NAA. It was dubbed the Golden Jubilee. Slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor, the Ford 8N, the Jubilee featured a 134 cu inch 4 cylinder gasoline engine boasting 32hp. Production actually began on this little gem in late... Continue Reading →
Autumn has been knocking on the door. The midwest summer heat has been trying to linger, and with it the incredible thunderstorms, but there is a sudden coolness to each morning that is certainly welcome. This is my favorite time of year. But with autumn there also comes a certain awareness that soon the weather... Continue Reading →
We've had cooler weather lately, and so its been a good time to start ripping out the walls in the detached garage I'm converting into a wood shop. After three years of no human activity on the property, the animals have taken over. Remember the war on nature I posted about earlier? I've been able... Continue Reading →
Up until the late fifties, and maybe early sixties, corncribs were widely used to dry and store corn still on the cob. They were often wooden buildings with slatted walls for ventilation. Some had elevators that allowed corn to be delivered and stored in upstairs bins, and some stored grain there as well. Some were... Continue Reading →
Operation removal and restore has begun today. Our property has been so neglected over the past couple years and nature has had its way. Trees, bushes and rodents. Yes, we're in the country now so mice are the real deal! One of my passions is woodworking, and since I left behind a 5 stall shop... Continue Reading →