The Rural Voice, 1987-12, Page 65NOTEBOOK
Farm machinery proved to be no
more familiar. Since the gear decals had
long been worn off the tractor, I required
a new lesson each time I attempted to
drive it. Although my driving escapades
were infrequent, I got the tractor stuck
on more than one occasion.
Throughout all of this, Jim was very
supportive of my attempts. But even he
had his poke of fun at my naivety. One
particularly windy spring day found us
spreading an enure winter's pile of
manure. Jim used his tractor to load the
spreader that trailed the tractor I was
driving. My job was to drive the tractor
and spread the manure on the adjacent
pasture field. Jim instructed me to start
at the south end of the field and drive
north. Once I reached my starting point,
I pushed in the PTO shaft and the
manure flew. I drove that whole length
of field with the wind at my back and the
manure flying at me. Jim insisted that he
hadn't realized the manure would fly in
my path, but he was smirking suspi-
ciously. When the next load was ready
to go out, we did it my way.
No, my transition to rural living has
not been easy, but it has been complete.
I no longer feel that sense of isolation; it
has long since been replaced by a feeling
of community that I have never before
known. I may not be a natural with
cattle, but I did spend my last birthday in
the barn helping Jim and the vet give 40
cattle rabies vaccinations. 1 know the
joy of the first calf born on the green
spring grass and the sorrow at the dis-
covery of buzzards hovering near the
carcass of a calf that was missing. I plant
a huge garden now, and although I may
not win any prizes for my vegetables at
the fall fair, my sons do. These young
boys plant, grow, and maintain their
owri garden — a considerable feat if you
were to ask me. I'm still no expert when
it comes to farm machinery, but I do
drive the tractor for sq u ' ging,
harrowing fields for spring plaiiung, and
clipping pasture fields.
My city family and friends like to
visit us on our farm. They often ask
questions. And when they hesitate
because they think a question may be too
dumb to ask, I tell them to ask me. I
probably have the answer: I probably
have asked that question myself.0
Deborah Kennish-McCoubrey and
family farm at R. R. 2, Annan.
INFRA RED HEATING
Designed with the farming industry in mind.
Ideally suited for poultry, hogs, & shop buildings.
Available with Natural Gas or Propane
Mid West Infra -Red Mfg. Ltd.
R.R. 1, Wroxeter, Ont.
NOG 2X0
519-335-3583
At this holiday season, it is
time to say Thank You
and to express to our
customers, old and new, `(G
warm Season's Greetings
Merry Christmas
Lynn Hoy Enterprise Ltd.
Hwy. 86 just east of Hwy.4 by Wingham 357-3435
HOURS: MONDAY To FRIDAY 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. SATURDAY 8 a.m.-12
Loads and Loads
'. of Holiday
Wishes to
you
all!
KEN R. CAMPBELL ELEVATORS
R.R. #1 DUBLIN 527-0249
DECEMBER 1987 63