Wife and I live in Dighton down in Southeastern Massachusetts on six acres that have pretty much gone back to scrubby woodland. Farming is in the family history on both sides. I do not want to farm, but I do like growing my own vegetables and think it is an important skill to have and hopefully pass along to my own kids - one boy and one girl. 20 and 18. Boy in trade school for HVAC, daughter is pre-vet at URI. My wife teaches science in the local elementary school and I have worked for Ocean Spray Cranberries as an engineer for 26 years.
Bought the '54 (pretty sure) Cub to mow the field that was still clear and plow snow. Influenced by the fact that Dad had one when I was growing up and it was the first vehicle I was ever allowed to start up and drive by myself. Mowed a lot of grass but never plowed too much snow with her. As the field got to be more of a lawn, it became ever easier to deal with. Bought my dad's Simplicity lawn tractor with mower and snowblower and pretty much stopped using the Cub. Got lots that I can do with her, just haven't had the time (see age of kids...). Plus the house itself needed a ton of work and I just about have that down to a half a ton - all interior now, so my attention is fading on that and I'm looking at the land. Only so much sanding, plastering, painting and woodwork one can stand
But I have the tractor, I can do things with it that I would have to pay somebody else to do if I didn't have it, so why not give it a chance and try and fix her up and see what I can get done now that I have a little time?
Other things I do - music is big in our family, so I'm in a couple of choirs including church choir (we're pretty good) and a brass band. My wife and kids are all involved as well. Love stock car racing at our local track. And my real personal passion is motorcycling - ride a Honda GL1800 GoldWing. If I get as hooked on the Cub as I am on the motorsicle, I'll need serious help! I was thinking of getting a project bike - but I have a perfectly good project sitting right there already.
I doubt I'll ever be doing anything more than getting the tractor functional and maybe a nice coat of paint, but it wasn't too hard to convince myself to keep her and give it a shot! And who knows - as with most diseases I am well aware that it progresses! Implements - the double plow; rear wheel weights; grader blade (probably the highly useful piece in the worst shape); disc harrows that I think were home made or assembled from pieces; a carry platform for the back; 54" Wood's mower deck. There's a pile o' miscelllaneous parts I'm not sure what they are. Straight drawbar and I think I have the other one somewhere with the plows. Must have or the plows would be useless...
Ya'll been great - been searching and reading and learning. That is part of what it is all about and I can already see the real family atmosphere that exists. Looking forward to it and I know where I can find help - I ask lots of questions and am never ashamed to admit my ignorance. Pretty good with tools, LOUSY with electrical stuff. Used to be pretty handy with bodywork, but have not tested those skills in a long time - think we're about to.
