Gee, and it all started because I drove a forklift at work, lol! I tell Jim that's why he went out with me...figured if I could do that, I could adapt to a tractor ;) Deanne, I'll try to drive anything at least once. I have to admit though, it took 3 years before I'd even attempt to take that stuff down the road from one field to another, and I'm still very slow and cautious about it. Hi, Marian! Up until a couple of years ago, we had a John Deere A, and John Deere B and a four bottom plow hanging around. Just looking at the plow made me tired, thinking about all the acres we cover. Eden, I do love the wide open spaces. Only drawback is that it's hard for me to garden with that as a backdrop. No matter how much stuff I put in, it looks small and empty with all that space around :) You'll see what I mean when I post pics of the stump bed. Michelle, the Versatiles are real work horses. Not sure what year they are, but they plug along all day with very little trouble. There are a lot of Deeres around here, but not many Internationals or Fords. (I think the blue Fords are really pretty!) What's your soil like? Lots of clay? 'bug, I see the MOST gorgeous scenery at harvest time. Not to mention all the wildlife that's hiding in the corn. I feel sorry for the rabbits...think how scary it would be to have that giant combine come roaring up in the middle of your dinner. Tons of deer...gorgeous, desctructive beasts that they are. Chelone, um, yeah...it's like workin' with the Chippendale dancers...HA! There's even MORE stuff to drag around behind a tractor. Rototary (sp) hoe, in case the ground gets a crust on it and the plants can't pop through, anhydrous applicators for putting on nitrogen, chisel plows....they can keep you busy dragging something around for as long as you'll tolerate it, lol! OH, in the bottom of the tractor seat, there's sort of a glove box doo-dad. There's been the same roll of toilet paper in there for the six years we've farmed with these guys. Wouldn't use it on a BET! In my "lunchbox", I carry travel size kleenex, two 16 oz bottles of water, my checkbook-it has my drivers license, cash, etc., Excedrin, Midol, a travel ashtray (yeah, I know, I'm just sayin'...) and a container that's usually full of roasted almonds. I've been left in a field to starve one too many times. And, I still have room to tuck in any emergency necessities I might need. The guys find it endlessly amusing when I offer them a "cigar", LMAO! They embarrass so easily! It doesn't pay to be bashful around these clowns. Plus, they stay outta my lunch box for fear of what they might find ;) As per request, I'll get some shots of the gardens. Hopefully I can get some of the peonies before the rain beats them into the ground...NOT that I'm complaining...we need rain. I usually offer up my gorgeous peonies in return for it. That's also how I got the "stump bed". We were in need of rain really bad one year, and the storm that brought the rain that saved the crops took down the old silver maple tree. I already had a planting area around the base of it, so what the heck, ya roll with the punches, eh? Went from a shade bed to a sun bed pretty quick. Thanks for all the kind words..I tend to forget there are people who DON'T have all this crap parked around on their property :) Brenda

Mostone - that's great your sister and niece are into tending the caterpillars too. Maybe another convert? No "butterfly babysitters" available to me, although I work with a woman who has a side job as a dog sitter. I told her the caterpillars were worse than dogs - when you've got 20 or 40 4th/5th instars going, you have to check them at least 3-4 times a day, they eat so much, including the middle of the night. In fact, during the height of butterfly-rearing season, I get up every night and check the babies. Hence, my post at 3 AM, hee hee.

I understand how you feel, with this economy, I think we are all a little uneasy about our jobs, I know for sure that I am. But have fun with what you are doing in the meantime Prayers that you can find something. bopeep

Vicki I also appreciated your QOTD posts. I must say that I gained some new insight on some answers and learned a few new things along the way. It is hard to come up with questions and must say you thought of things I never thought of... wonderful job you did. The idea of one person who comes up with a question is a goodie and calling it a QUESTION FOR TODAY is a nice title. This is the season most of us begin to do so much outdoor work, and have a tough time getting the necessary sewing projects done. Thanks for your post, and if I think of something I will also add a line or two. Have a great season. hugs around, BARBARA