Maybe I’m just a sentimental old fool, but lately I’ve been reflecting on friendship and memories. The past few year’s social isolation, due to the pandemic, could be a major contributor as to why I personally cherish my tight bonds. The loss of close friends is also a factor. We make memories everyday, little realizing it may be the last.

People with the tractor passion seem to create very close lasting friendships. Some can be deeper than just mere acquaintances that share a common interest. The closeness in the “tractor” community also is founded from family involvement. The tractor families in central IL. generally number more than one generation.

Central Illinois recently lost, yet another great collector. Russel Miner was well known for his enthusiasm toward the tractor passion. Even in his advanced age, Russel participated in as many club activities and tractor events as his health would allow him.

Russel’s enthusiasm flowed throughout his family. His tractor legacy will not end with his passing. Just like other tractor friends that passed on before him, the community will continue to be blessed with happy memories.

I wish I had known Russel better than I had. The few encounters I shared were wonderful. I could feel the loss felt by the family and my close friends that knew him better than I did.

Central Illinois has developed a unique way to send off and celebrate life now. This wasn’t the first time tractors have been involved in some manner. I reference my blog article The Final Ride in which I shared about Andy Harris’ final journey.

Saturday March 19, 2022 was a dreary chilled morning. Even Mother Nature must have been sad in Russel’s passing. Four of Russel’s favorite tractors stood guard in the church parking lot. Five more were posted in honor of him across the street.

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The melancholy aspect to our tractor community is we added, yet another name to our list of friends that now live in our memories.

I gave hint to a new writing adventure, I’m undertaking, in the article 2022?. I wrote a book. The manuscript submission earned my first contract. Sometime, in the next year, New Perspectives will be available for purchase.

It’s amazing to reach the goal of being a published novelist. This wasn’t an actual goal I set for myself though. When I was an 18 year old high school graduate, I was just glad to be done with school. I should have paid closer attention to what my pretty English teacher was teaching, instead of admiring her.

I still plan to pursue being a journalist. There will still be articles, here, describing tractor adventures, such as shows and pulls. This blog will still celebrate the passion of country life and antique tractors.

Since my horizons are expanding, I want to give this readership the opportunity to enjoy the adventure too. My advancement in writing happened because of the supportive following. Thank you for that support!

I will be introducing new people in this blog. They won’t necessarily be interested in tractors, but our tractor friends may be interested in learning more about them. Our readers can look forward to meeting fellow authors, publishing with House of Honor Publishing.

One of the first people I’ll be introducing is Jack LaFountain. He is not only one of the authors in the House of Honor family, He is the publisher. I’m honored to be working with him.

Jack has several books available. I have listened to two so far using Audible. I plan to share a review in a future article here.

Anyway, that’s what will be happening in 2022. I hope you enjoy the new road I’ll be guiding down. Back to work, My next adventure is half way written! This manuscript isn’t going to take 8 years to complete!

There’s just something about going to auctions. The advertising leading up to the upcoming sale, can create an exciting spectacle. Auctions are a great strategy to buy or sell.

Auctions have been changing in the past few years though. In the recent past, a person could take part in the proceedings without actually being on site. This new method of bidding via a phone call and then later by personal computer started as a convenience to bidders. The recent pandemic made this the new normal due to social distancing.

Now in recent times, auction companies are conducting their sales more like the method Ebay uses. The bidding is taking place online for a certain amount of time, with a set closing date.

This new style opens up buyers in a much larger arena. The larger audience may have its pros and cons though.  If a buyer is the type with need to actually “kick the tires” this new method may not be to their particular liking. Auctioneers do have open houses displaying the for sale items.  The con is travel to the open house. This convenience helps insure the buyers confidence. Otherwise consideration in pictures and videos determine maximum bids. Further con is the travel may double.  Generally there is a date to pick up the items after the sale has closed. Shipping is more the buyer’s concern.

A few auction houses have started filming the prospective purchases. This helps demonstrate “real time” authenticity. This helps eliminate questions for distant prospective purchasers.

A buyer needs  confidence in the auctioneer. My personal recommendation is dealing with reputable known companies.  The good ones ease the sale burdens by helping arrangement of shipping, answer questions, and address concerns. Sales managers are only a phone call, text or email away.

A new method of extended bidding has been introduced in the online style of auction. The whole sale continues beyond the scheduled closing time. This gives bidders a last minute chance to place a winning bid. I’ve heard conflicting opinions towards this practice.

The times are changing, we all need to embrace this new reality. What will be sad is live on sight auctions becoming a thing of the past. Listening to an auctioneer chant may become a forgotten song in the wind.

I’m sure everyone has been hungry and have no idea what they want to eat. That would be a great analogy of my writing pursuit. Thanksgiving weekend brought me to, yet, another crossroad.

I completed my first manuscript. Where do I go from here in the novelist aspect? Well, I’ll tell you this much. I’ve ventured into uncharted waters and I’m having an interesting adventure. *Note the bold italics. I have already started to pen my next work. Hopefully it won’t take me 8 years to complete.

I haven’t given up on the video aspect of journalism. I’ve admitted, before, that my foremost focus is writing. Still photography holds my stronger interest. I discovered my camera skills lack writing my last article here in the blog. Thankfully, my smartphone saved me yet again. Practice, practice, practice

I’ve ventured off on different tracts throughout the past years. Partnerships formed only to be dissolved later. I won’t apologize that I look out for the best interest of my writing craft. Mistakes are tools to teach. Some pursuing threads have been left purposely for their rightful time in my pursuit.

I’m very thankful for the guidance I’ve received. I’m also very grateful to those that lend me their ears, listening to my ideas.

As 2021 closes, I want to thank everyone of my friends and followers. I wouldn’t be where I am now without all your support. Thank you for continued patience in my irregular content. I still maintain my integrity to produce quality and not flood the audience will quantity. My hope is that you follow my creativity for that reason.

My predictions for 2022….we all share a prosperous new year! As always….let’s enjoy the ride.

Saturday, December 4th was the inaugural Christmas light parade in New Berlin, IL. Although there wasn’t any snow for Santa’s sleigh, the weather was perfect. There was a slight chill, just enough to remind us of the season.

The parade was led off buy our community’s fire department. Sydney Geyston, this year’s Sangamon County Fair Queen presided over the festivities.

Golf carts, cars, trucks and tractors followed along decorated in lights and displayed the joyous holiday season.

Thanks go to Desi King for this novel idea and being our chairperson. She did a great job and the outstanding turn out was a great reward.

I discovered night photography isn’t all that easy. Please forgive me for the pictures

Happy Holidays!

I promised the following of the Facebook group Antique Iron Mafia a little magic fun. I’m going to restore the subject tractor in the header picture in the blink of a camera’s eye!

Okay here we go! Prepare to be amazed. This is a Shaw Du-all R12T, I’ll go more into detail about Shaw manufacturing in another article, but right now let’s have some magical fun.

I found this interesting book tucked away on a dusty shelf not long ago. I can get distracted pretty easy when I research, that may be partly why I take so long. Of course, I try to be very thorough too!

So here goes….

“With incantation and wave,”

“Of a magical hand,”

“The beauty appearance shall save,”

“Grandeur restore this old brand!”

~{{ POOF }}~

And there you have it! Completely restored!

I’ve shared updates to the progress of my attempt at journalism. If you have been following me, or even browse my articles, you can see the accomplishments and set backs I’ve discovered. I’ve discussed my biggest issue is lack of writing discipline. Unfortunately, I still seek that major influence.

Writing isn’t my day job. I can’t honestly admit I’m in pursuit of this as my primary career…..yet. If anything, “wordsmithing” is a talent I feel blessed to receive, even though I still don’t use it to my greatest abilities. I write what I know and understand. My work is also heartfelt. Some ramblings I share aren’t necessarily well researched, just expressed with feelings of passion. My latest article, here, was a release of memories from the passing of my very first employer. Another article that I had published last year didn’t even fit the format of this blog. Depression and the tragic result of suicide isn’t exactly a topic concerning antique tractors. However, I was compelled to share to the audience that follows this blog.

I have to admit trepidation to sharing my influence on media during these times. Could my sharing stories of country life offend someone? Dr. Suess and Mattel toys cause upset in our “new” climate of thought. What’s next? I’d like to think I’m being overly cautious but….

I don’t lack material topics. If anything my shortage is time to prepare the material for enjoyment. Did I mention the necessity of other employment? I still have interest in expanding to video journalism, but I’m still attempting to understand the more complex editing. I tend to be a perfectionist and refuse to put out work not up to expectations of quality.

I’ve been focusing on my professional driving career this winter. My employer purchased five new semi tractors and I was privileged to be assigned one of them. I’ve taken advantage of more hours of earning potential created by driving a newer truck. Working harder isn’t to uncomfortable in a brand new driver friendly truck!

Anyway, let’s hope 2021 is better than 2020. I want to thank all of you that follow my blog and the membership involved in the Antique Iron Mafia on Facebook. Please continue to enjoy the media entertainment.

Antique Iron enthusiasts always have the fond memories of riding on a tractor with a parent. I was fortunate to have more people when I was younger. The farm ground in my neighborhood was tended by a father son dual operation. As a kid, I spent many hours riding along with the son as he preformed tillage.

Keith Brown was only ten years my senior. We had many conversations and developed a bond that lasted many years as I grew into adulthood. I’m not ashamed to admit I learned much, not only about farming, but life in general. Keith took on a role of my big brother.

Keith and family were instrumental in helping me reach my Christian faith. I have always tried to follow the example of ethics the Browns displayed. Our Lord uses any available vessel to do his work. No matter being broken. None of us our perfect.

I realize now the time spent in the tractor cab was my job interview and training. Keith also became my first employer. I started working for the farm as a young teen. My responsibility grew from walking beans, bucking bales and mowing yards to operating the farm tractors. It didn’t take long to understand I wanted to be in front of the baler on the tractor. The tractor seat was where all the action was.

Keith must have seen potential in me. I was expected to work independently and later supervised work in his absence. Keith had his head in the clouds and was also a commercial pilot. Our working relationship was a success. Keith had cultivated a work ethic and skill set in me so that I could be trusted to carry on, in his absence, as if he was there supervising. I look back and like to think we made up a good team back then.

Keith created more opportunities and skill sets during our years working together. He held the office of township road commissioner. I was employed by the township as well. I received experience operating a road grader. My professional driving kicked off at this point. This would be my first opportunity to drive tandem axle dump trucks.

My first taste of driving the big trucks was a C-60 Chevy with a “two stick” transmission. Most people don’t even understand that terminology let alone how to shift through the gears. My dad helped truck one day while I was away. Keith had assigned that old Chevy to him. Dad asked Keith perplexed “How do you shift that thing?” Keith shrugged with a sheepish look. “Honestly I have no clue! You’d have to ask your kid, he’s got it figured out” I can thank Keith for my love of the road.

There are other ways Keith lent a helping hand in seeing me along the road of life. Some were so suttle I little realized he did. When I moved down state, we drifted apart. It’s sad how time has a way of stealing important moments like that. We rush, in a hurry, never stopping to remember. Our paths don’t always merge back and we lose touch

I was sadly informed my mentor and friend passed on. I have deep regret for the lost time we could have shared in this life. His time here was short, but I take comfort Keith has moved on to a better place. It makes me smile to think he is still flying. He just has new wings!

My deepest condolences reach out to family and friends that Keith Brown touched. Our hearts may feel pain, but let’s hold fondly to the good memories.

As long as I can remember, I’ve actually known most of the truth about this dude Santa Claus. There are those that buy into his “magical” aspects, but his methods aren’t near as humanely impossible as anyone would think.

Mr Kringle is a pretty good guy, but I find his tactics questionable. This is probably the biggest reason my name has never been found on the other list. I don’t buy into the brainwashing. I don’t find it okay and look the other way regarding his breaking and entering tendency.

This unorthodox method of coming down a chimney is far fetched. Maybe he did it that way in the past, but some houses don’t even have a big enough chimney! Some houses don’t even have a fireplace. It must come down to being a mixed up burglar, since he doesn’t take anything. He leaves stuff. Maybe some people actually let him in. I have heard rumours of him being permiscuous. He has been seen kissing mommy.

Santa must be a horrible driver. He parks on the roof! Doesn’t he take into consideration the structural damage that heavy sleigh causes? What’s with the livestock? It’s 2020! Hes had to have seen the use of a motor by now. Park in the driveway or on the street like everyone else. Theres going to be less damage if he just parked in the yard. Watch out for little old ladies along the way too! Somebody lost their grandma to this maniac!

I had a break in back on Christmas eve in 2014. This guy even had the tenacity to wake me up and ask where my tree was. After my heart rate eased from the scare, I explained to him I wasn’t having a real great year and had very little Christmas spirit because of that. He didn’t help matters, he left coal. I had to have roof damage repaired and clean manure off my siding. The landlord wasn’t real happy!

There was good out of it all. I got a deer, which was easy shooting. I sure didn’t want the lead one though. There was something terribly wrong with it. The nose was red and it glowed.

The following year I had moved. I didn’t think I’d be dealing with this menace, but I was mistaken. I woke up and found him in my kitchen, rustling in my refrigerator! He realized real quick he had screwed up when I rested a pistol barrel against his cherry red cheek. He went down town and was booked but never went to trial. I didn’t press charges. I’m sure to be permanently on his “naughty” list though.

The was more venison in my freezer and I got a good scrap price on a sleigh. Sleigh? We don’t get enough snow anymore for that. Ever hear of a wheel? He must have seen them if he goes all over the world. The sick deer must have died. He wasn’t part of the team. I’m still looking to get rid of the harness gear. The deer’s name plates were in their positions. Dasher Dancer, etc. All except one place the tag read George. That must have been the replacement from the one I got the year before.

I may be one of the reasons he is changing his methods. I recently had a encounter with St Nick. He may think he was fooling me, but I knew EXACTLY who he was.

Don’t be fooled to think he makes his deliveries all in one night. I learned, at a young age, he has an advance delivery route. I found a few presents under the tree on December 19th from him. My mom explained the deal. He has WAY to many stops and has to do some of them before the big day. That’s logical. North Pole delivery is probably bigger than UPS and Fed Ex combined.

So that brings me back to the present. The other morning while I did my walk around on my work truck, a big red van truck pulled into the elevator. I recognized him, even though he was wearing a UPS type uniform and ball cap. He didn’t have on the felt suit with fur trim on. I guess he did away with the sleigh, it may have been my fault since I scraped it out. Maybe he didn’t have any more reign deer?

It was dark, and he didn’t recognize me, or didn’t act like it if he did. He asked if I’d be around later in the morning and if he could leave a package with me. I didn’t act all snarky like I could have and ask him why he didn’t just break in like he always did any other time. We have enough bad blood between us. I didn’t need to fuel that fire further. I’m willing to bet, he would have if I hadn’t been around.

I’m not sure who the package was for, there is maybe two people that make his special list I work with. The package wasn’t shaped right for coal. Oh well, not my cornfield… not my plow.

For those that read this, don’t act all aghast and think I’m evil. The story is fiction. Its humor people! Smile and most of all….

Merry Christmas!