Most times, my readership doesn’t read articles that get very political on my blog. A debate of color preference may be provoked, but beyond that, I don’t write hard-hitting exposure pieces.

I’m sure the readership is well aware of our bizarre political climate of late. If a reader comes to my blog for something light and fun, this isn’t the article for that.

This piece is more directed to Illinois natives. . I have to ask, Does anyone have concern about the bloated state budget that was pushed through?  Is anyone else concerned about the new taxes on fuel?

Let’s look at this realistic, our hobby is expensive to budget to begin with. Many of us spend a good amount for logistics already. Rising fuel prices will dictate what tractor events we can participate in. Tractors are only a recreational pursuit, but the new taxes will greatly affect us. Sadly, the legislation is not finished. There is further threat of even further taxation.

There is a proposal to charge a mileage tax on top of the fuel taxes! I, for one, have no wish to pay for extra revenue that no voter in down state will benefit from. If the revenue is needed for the city of Chicago, then tax the city and Cook County. Why is there a need to burden downstate with the city’s problems?

Our representatives in the state house are in a minority for our best interests. The mass majority shows  signs of greed and corruption. What’s the solution? Quite simple, we need to vote the corruption out.

The 2024 presidential election is glaring proof that every single vote counts. If it’s possible nationally, we can create the same momentum in Illinois.

Let’s all stand together and make Illinois great again.

Three years ago, The Ladage Tractor Drive started because of a bridge.

The family history can be traced clear back to Abraham Lincoln’s time. That is a pretty good indication that the Ladage family is well established in central Illinois. Their ancestral linage also has ties with other families. No matter how, there is the off chance of a relationship somehow.

This essay  primarily focuses on four brothers and a sister. Wayne, the oldest, followed in age by fraternal twins Kim.and Kay, Next in line is Keith, who is married to the infamous Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl blogger and author Cindy Ladage The youngest is Craig . Wayne recently retired from farming. Keith is still farming, possibly to legitimize Cindy’s farm girl title?. Kay married farmer Bob Hogan. Kim and Craig decided to get jobs in town. Kim retired from qCoca-Cola, and Craig is a contractor. Don’t think Kim and Craig have lost interest in being  on a tractor, though.

To tie this story together, let’s discuss the bridge. Sangamon County names roads after residents that live on them. 

Ladage Road that passes over a bridge dedicated to William Ladage. Logan Ladage’s farmstead is just north of the bridge. I’ve introduced a small part of the Ladage clan, and William happened to be their great grandfather.

Wayne and Keith decided they needed pictures taken of family significant  tractors on the Ladage bridge. This was an idea to pay tribute to their Uncle Logan. Needless to say, after hearing the novel idea, several in the family went along for the drive and picture session.

The following year, the scheduled drive was open to even more family and invited friends. ~  The statement “I’m not a Ladage” is a lame excuse. They will adopt,

I had foolishly declined my invitation for year two. However, this year.I was invited again and contracted as a correspondent.

The drive began with a prayer for safe travel

This year has been rough on Wayne. He recently lost his grandson Sgt Austin Rhodes. Memorial magnets and the American colors were proudly displayed on the tractors in Sgt Rhodes’ honor. The drive route directed past the cemetery to pay tribute.

Despite the recent loss, the annual drive is also a celebration of family. More than tractor drivers were participating. The day was a  Ladage reunion. Family came from across the state, and as far as TX.. The patriarch Roger Ladage was oldest, and Brody Ladage was youngest.

We planned a little surprise for Wayne this year. One of his  recent  tractors sold during his retirement auction found its way back for the day. Thank you, Ben Boesdorfer.

The drive wasn’t long, even though the memories will be ever lasting. There were too  many of us to take photographs on the  bridge, but Logan’s farmstead worked just as well. 

The drive ended in the Village of Thayer. This was an opportunity for food and more fellowship.

Photo credit goes primarily to Cindy Ladage. More can be read about the day on her blog Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl. It was my great honor to report this drive.

Buchheit store manager in Jacksonville, IL Eric Michuson, had a great success for public relations when he managed a store in KY. His KY store hosted an antique tractor drive-in. It’s not hard to imagine he had corporate blessing. Kenny Buchheit,a second-generation owner of the company, is also the founding curator of the American Tractor Museum. The Buchheit family loves antique tractors.

Eric was looking to recreate the magic again at the Jacksonville store. He asked Doug Edwards of Edwards Tractor Restoration if he could help. Doug mentioned he might know a few people with tractors and that he’d make a few calls.

June 7th was the date set. 45 tractors surrounded the parking lot. A lot of sizes, ages, and brands were represented. There were tractors built in the 30s and ranged to more recent builds of the 70s. Jerry Rawlings  had his one of a kind build on display. The year of manufacture has never been determined. Doug Edwards managed to steal a ride on the tractor. During his joy ride, he acquired an ac unknown acomplice to the shenanigans

Roger Johnson represented Aumann Vintage Power and Ron Cowman of Cowman Auctions were on-site with merchandise and information concerning their business.

Eric, with assistance from store employee Kamryn Rowland, were  very accommodating hosts. Participants were gifted a goody bucket and lunch on the grill. Public involvement was promoted by voting for a people’s choice award  Jim Edwards received the award for his John Deere 6030

Nine tractors that have been restored by Edwards Tractor Restoration were displayed. Dick Stiltz had a Ford 8N, Ron Cowman brought an Oliver 88 Desiel, Jason Edwards had a Farmall 300 missing a front wheel, two Shaw Du-alls were in the line, Nick Johnson completed the list with Olivers. Doug has worked his magic on a 77 Desiel, 770, 70, and Super 77.

Despite a quick mid afternoon scramble to load and beat the incoming rain, a great time was had by all involved.

Special mention to Darrel Hebert, although he didn’t display a tractor. It may have been a little logistically difficult since he traveled from Louisiana.

I met Andy Hinrichs several years ago. Unfortunately, I’ve never had a conversation longer than a few minutes with him. Until the Saturday after his 16th successful Garden Tractor Jamboree. Andy would personally attest to the fact that it’s very difficult to have a meaningful visit during the event. He’s just too busy.

Andy and his wife Lisa are northern Illinois natives. They lived in several apartments around Rockford before settling on their property outside Oregon. There was plenty of land for outbuildings, besides the house. The house was first, and that was over twenty years ago. So far, that’s the only house their son AJ has lived in, and he’s twenty now.

Andy’s collection isn’t limited to lawn tractors. There are a few farm tractors. He has a 60 that once belonged to his father. AJ got a toy tractor when he was born. It just happened to be the real thing. His toy is a John Deere A.

There is also a mass collection of hit and miss engines housed in the barns. Andy doesn’t collect the extraordinary. He likes the common ones. He told me they are easier to fix because parts aren’t so hard to obtain.

Andy likes the lawn and garden. The prices are a little easier to budget. Storage and logistics are also easier to manage. Basically, his view sees L&G as a good place to start for young people. Andy wisely sees the future of historical agricultural collecting in the hands of our youth.

The inspiration for Andy to start the Jamboree actually has roots to Dyersville. IA. There was a show held ironically neighboring where the Feild of Dreams diamond was built. After looking around that show, Andy told himself, “I can do this.”

16 successful years have passed, proving that he can. The first year had 155 tractors on display, and the show has grown there after. Andy claims 2019 was one of the better years.

The show administration is completely in Andy’s control. The staff is completed with family,neighbors, and volunteers. Other than the gate fee, Andy absorbs a majority of the show costs. There is no sponsorship, and Andy has no plans to change that. The local 4H is the only benefactor of the annual auction. Andy’s quote. “This show is for the collector participants.

Participants seem to follow a progression in their attendance. Generally, the first year will be the year of discovery,just being a spectator. From that point, they’re hooked! AJ’S isn’t exactly a local event either. Collectors come from the surrounding  states, even as far as Ohio, Tennessee,  and Kansas. Andy sees his show as an early year chance for everyone to reunite and show off what’s new.

It’s amazing how successful one family can single handedly host a show on their own property. Andy has purchased the ground to the north of him. Future plans are for AJ to build. Could this also be potential for show expansion?

Thanks, Andy, Lisa, AJ, and family for your continued hospitality.

Editor’s note~ With one exception, photo credit goes to Andy, and whoever took the pictures I found on Facebook

Another garden tractor jamboree has passed.  Like the 15 predecessors, a great time was had by one, and all Andy Hinrichs hosts a great show.

There are plenty of activities to participate in. The day begins patriotic by presenting the colors. There is a tractor parade immediately following. Throughout the day, there is an opportunity to plow. In the afternoon, there is a cruise to an old wooden  railroad bridge. The annual 4H auction starts around noon. Andy emcees the slow race in the early afternoon.

I enjoy seeing tractors simply just driving around. That’s a great way to view machinery, running, and in action. For the past two years, I have recruited Leigha and Laci Kersten to exercise a couple of mine during the show. Evan Speicher and Danny Davis took a spin.

The show is well documented with pictures on Facebook. There is a group AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree where people have posted many great  pictures. I enjoy viewing every perspective. There are so many unique insights on what to see

So what’s my insight?

I like the unique, obviously. Considering I collect Shaw Du-all and Gibson, that would be well evident. I carried six of my collections to Oregon. Other than Leigha and Laci”s pictures, I didn’t deem the necessity to take pictures of my stuff. The readership of this blog has seen them.

I’m happy to report there were five Du-alls at the show. Another collector from Champaign brought his R12T to display

Jeff Klewer brought this early model Economy from Wisconsin. It almost could be mistaken for a Gibson D with a steering wheel

I never had the opportunity to visit with the owner of this Bush Hog Javelin.. I’ll be watching and hoping to get an interview sometime.

Dave Carlson, from.Terre Haute, IN, had some really interesting David Bradley items. This little “pedal” tractor would have been a fun toy in the early sixties.

This snow scooter would have also chased away the winter blues. Dave looks like he could have scooted right off if we only had snow

So, that’s only a few of what caught my eye this year. I’m going to wrap this article with a teaser….

There’s cool, and then there’s 49 Haney cool. What’s the story? Stay tuned.

I, like many others, can relate to Joe Diffie’s song celebrating the pick-up truck. I probably had my first truck that young, but I didn’t haul anything for the girl next door. I didn’t have any close neighbors.

I don’t agree with Joe’s fondness for Chevy, however. He and I will just have to agree to disagree. I wouldn’t want a Cadillac. I have had a few cars, but mostly trucks. I shared my truck ownership recent history in an article, Changing Logistics.

Saturday, May 3, found me selling books in partnership with Cindy Ladage. We were in Greenville, IL. This is our second cooperative venture. Since we’re country folk, the outdoor venue suited us. The host allowed us to have my truck right where we set up.

Cindy pointed out that we actually could have set up without the table. We used the truck tailgate as our place to sit instead of the sales surface. Her idea caused me to reflect.

A lot of my life has gone over a tailgate.

I’m a certified SCUBA diver. A good majority of my logged dives were in local “black” water. The dives originated on shore. Any guesses, what serves as a great gear assembly point?

On a busy summer day, a line of pickups and SUVs could be found at lakes that accommodated SCUBA. My book New Perspectives celebrates that style of diving.

Tailgates make great work benches for any number of activities. I’ve used mine as saw horses.

Everyone has been to a tailgate party. Some four-wheel drives are the perfect height for a bar top. I have fond memories of going to the drive-in with friends. We would take several trucks and mill among them. Sometimes, we’d even watch the movie! I’m not much on sports, so I’ve never actually been to a bona-fide tailgate party.

I can only think of one bad experience involving a tailgate. I lost a lawn tractor out the back of a truck. In those days, my dad didn’t have the convenience of a trailer like I do now.

We’d find a handy embankment or a ditch and back the truck so the rear was lower. The tailgate would make a great dock plate or ramp.

My dad put me in charge of loading our JD 110 in the back of the truck. We didn’t believe in straps. Leaving the tractor in gear worked fine, maybe set the brake….

Well, it’s all good on paper. I got into a hurry. It was supper time! I pulled away from the bank, and the tractor decided it didn’t like it in the truck. It rolled out backward and flopped upside down.

My dad didn’t yell too much.  It took a minute to stop laughing at me. I have a greater appreciation for that model of lawn tractor now, but I hope to have some latitude. I was only 12 at the time.

A JD 110 looks pretty sad wheels up. The steering wheel was never the same after the accident.

What was the takeaway? Set the brakes, leave it in gear, and make sure the tailgate is secure. Maybe a rope as a tie down. The things learned with experience

Logistics ~ the detailed coordination of a complex operation involving people facilities and supplies

During my Nashville adventure, my close friend and travel companion for the trip   Scott announced he was in the market for a new vehicle. I asked if he planned to trade his F-150 for his new ride. He shook his head, and with a sly grin informed me. “Nope! I’m selling the truck to you”

I wasn’t completely shocked about the peer pressure. Scott and I talk about everything. He’s pretty aware of my life. I had been contemplative of the need for new wheels. My logistics are ever changing.

My hobby / passion has an influence on my vehicle. I continued to outgrow my hauling capacity. Short of a semi, which I’m licensed to operate, I found the perfect compromise. I have a heavy enough truck to handle any load and still be a daily driver.

Nothing lasts forever, though. I’m also anticipating the need for fuel economy and travel comfort. If Nashville this year and the Huntsville trip last year are indications, I’m going to travel as an author.

I’ve entertained several ideas. A newer truck? A second vehicle? If a second one, what? I’m not a car guy. That wasn’t an option. Even as a second vehicle. A SUV? I had one as my primary vehicle before. Ironically, the Ford Explorer was a previous purchase from Scott.

I was a fool to part with the Explorer. It was nice! I had convinced myself I needed a pickup, though. Unfortunately, I had outgrown it soon after.

I moved into a full-size truck. Some of my local friends probably remember the truck. I freaked out many thinking I was a cop.

I found my first fifthwheel. The 1/2 ton handled it surprisingly well.

Here’s an idea! How about a cool truck that would be show worthy in itself. Big Red

The plan was great on paper, but. ..well… The old truck was loud, It sounded like a stock car, It was also pretty hot in the cab with no AC. The fuel capacity was lacking, and being comfortable outweighs looking cool.

Edwards’ influence helped me see Chrysler as a great choice. I finally ended up with a heavy hauler, My Ram 2500.  I had two trucks in one, a toy hauler and a daily driver

The problem being the truck was too tall for  the fifthwheel. I replaced that with a newer one

I agonized scenarios. Was it time to downsize? I considered selling the Farmalls and eliminating the need for a heavy hauler.  Sell tractors. eliminate the fifthwheel, I’m not ready to let go, though. The versatility of my trailer setup is perfect for anything I want to haul, 

So, cutting to the chase. I did buy the Fotd F-150 from Scott. My Chrysler comrades need not worry, though. I didn’t completely go back to the Ford dark side. I kept my dependable white tank. It’s just semi retired. I’m going to take care of it and see it to 300,000 miles.

The F-150 is pretty plush. I dare say I’m getting soft with all the creature comforts. I’m getting older, so I think I deserve to be spoiled

With all the traveling, it’s a wonder that Cindy Ladage has any time to write anything other than for her travel blog. Her debut book, published by House of Honor Books, was released at the end of February. Cindy’s book was released just in time. March 1st, she  traveled to Nashville,TN, for a book fair with fellow HoH authors Jack LaFountain, Keshia Willi, Robert Borders, and me.

This isn’t Cindy’s first published book. She had coauthored children’s books with Jane Aumann and recently created an e-book. 

This current release is a work of fiction, however. Instead of reporting the facts in her wonderful journalistic style, she proves herself a creative novelist.

Artistic talent must be hereditary for Cindy. The book cover centers around a painting by her father, Bill Disque. In further tribute, Cindy dedicated the book to him

Cindy “stays in her lane” with this book. This series of short stories she writes about comes from her mind and heart. Readers of Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl won’t need to adjust. They’ll know just what to expect.

Cindy knows Americana. This book is yet another way she shares that. Cindy has the ability to draw a reader in quickly and share a  quick plot.The stories are well written and will leave the reader with thoughtful insight or just simply a warm feeling. This is a book that can be read over and over

Farm Girl Adventures is available on Amazon. For those readers with Kindle Unlimited, the book can be read for free!

Also, check out the link houseofhonorbooks.com

I’m willing to bet that fellow author and good friend Cindy Ladage will cringe when she reads the title to this article. I’d be surprised if she curses under her breath, though. She’s more sophisticated than that.

Yes, Cindy, this will be a tell all. Put down your pen, though. I’m coming clean about me, as well. I came to realize that after our Nashville trip, we  BOTH have a support staff. Mine isn’t as convenient as yours, though, and it might be bigger. I know there are more people in mine since you have one person in several positions. I wonder if we haven’t joined each others staff?

This article celebrates the behind the scenes assistance that makes a writer’s work easier. No matter as a novelist or a journalist assistance is greatly appreciated. I tease Cindy that she has a driver, baggage man, camera man, security guard … you get the idea. We place pretentious titles like keygrip, lighting specialists, and such .Of course, Keith Ladage takes on a higher role in production for Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl.  He fact checks and proof reads.

I’m not as advanced as a journalist. I have unknowingly to them, recruited researchers, and photographers. Actually, the photographers do know. They always get credit for their work in an article. With exception to Steve Farmer, my researchers don’t always know they helped me. If you think you are to whom I refer, you’re probably correct! Thank you for the help! Marvin, Mark, Carl, Digger,Jim, Jason, Nathan, the list is endless….

Being a tractor reporter is all about image. The pristine restored tractors I have are due to a first-class crew.  I doubt my tractors would all run without help.

Most of the beautiful paint seen is because Doug Edwards of Edwards Tractor Restoration has put in time to make them shine.

Jerry Rawlings had a hand in getting ALL my Shaw Du-alls running. Jerry is my go-to fabricator. I need to mention Steve Farmer again. He’s my mechanic, Kevin and Travis Periman have  gotten me out of a bind or two….or five.

I’ll confess that writing a novel isn’t all me. Okay, so I’m the mastermind, but I’ve talked out ideas as I write them. Some writers claim they are only reporting what the voices in their head tell them. Evidently, my voices can talk through other people. Scary!

Judy Snyder originally became my cover artist during the final phase of New Perspectives. We’ve become friends, and she now proofreads  before submitting. One more set of eyes helps. The cover for Can’t go Home was also her design.

As far as my support staff goes, Scott and Kathy Rakes hold multiple roles like Keith does for Cindy. Kathy holds a title as my stylist. She is working hard to get my out of bib overalls. Believe it or not, it was my idea for a tie in Nashville, but she gets credit. I even thought to wear one.

Scott does what he does and keeps me grounded. I can’t imagine where I’d be without the Rakes.

I’ve grown my writing from a Facebook group. I’m grateful for the administrative staff I appointed to govern. That sounds so pretentious! Sorry!

Jessica Basford came on to help moderate. I didn’t ask her willingness, but she became an administrator. After a health scare a few years ago, I let her take over as chief. I’m still on staff, but it ain’t my show no more.

Now for a secret…..

I had my pen name my whole entire life! My aunt gave me my pen name before my birth. I’m well known as Rick, but that’s not my “legal” name. Who’d a thought I’d have my pen name 58 years before it appeared on a book cover?

As Paul Harvey would say, “and now…. you know…..the rest of the story”

Author duties go beyond just writing a book. We also have to do our part in promotion and sales. I began the month of March at the Book Authors and Publishers Fair in Nashville, TN.

Other authors working with House of Honor, besides myself, were in attendance. Jack LaFountain, Keshia Willi, Robert Borders, and I had our tables reserved for several months in advance.

Cindy Ladage had recently signed a contract with HoH. Since table reservations were booked, I volunteered to share mine. Before anyone thinks I was being generous, I had an ulterior motive.

I’m grateful I could share my space. Considering my introversion, it was a blessing to have a close friend I know to help me stay grounded. Thankfully, I managed to stay any anxiety attacks.

The table location was perfect! Cindy and I were placed with Jack to our right and Keshia to our left. Robert was our satellite table, further down the row. I learned the HoH system of sales last year. We work as a team selling everyone’s books. Robert continually sent potential readers our way, and we didn’t forget to reverse that.

There were 50 authors scheduled to attend. Surprisingly, there were a few no-shows. It was sad to see tables without authors behind them.

I sold a few books and had a few promises that they would be back.Some did ,Some didn’t, but I learned from selling farm toys years ago that was how it works.

My profits were reinvested in other authors’ works. The old antage of coming back from the dump with more than I left with comes to my mind. I wasn’t amune. Cindy had done the same thing.

~ Special thanks to Scott Rakes and Keith Ladage for their behind the scenes help. Driving, carrying, and camera duty wouldn’t have been as easy without them

Get well, Kathy Rakes. My stylist who coordinates table covers and advice on what I wear. Kathy couldn’t travel with us as planned.