Our March arrived like a surly lion and is also departing with the same attitude.
But during the month we had a nice mix of sun and thaw with welcome glimpses of Spring.
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| Sunrise across a partially melted field. |
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| Raccoon tracks heading towards our bushlot. |
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| Privacy window courtesy of freezing rain. |
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| Freshly arrived from the south. |
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| Fluffed feathers on a chilly morning. |
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| A clean-up worker scanning from our barn roof. |
In 1991, I bought a second-hand (possibly even a third- or forth-hand) Massey-Ferguson 35 tractor. I used it for hauling a trailer when my brother and I harvested firewood. Also with a snow blower attachment in the winter.
Fast forward to the present. Robert and I no longer cut firewood. My Honda snowblower is quite adequate in clearing my driveway. For the last two years, the MF-35 has sat without being used. Last Fall we couldn't get it to start. Some electrical problem or other. I could have had it repaired but I don't use it anymore and it is too heavy to avoid leaving ruts in the laneway in Spring. It bothered me to see the little tractor abandoned to rust away. Also, I want to use the little tractor shed to store other equipment. I decided to trade it in on a lighter, more 'senior friendly' vehicle.
After investigating RTV models all winter, I decided on a Kabota RTV-520. Aside from the good reviews, there is a dealership only a few miles away. And my neighbour across the road is very pleased with her older model.
I was surprised to get a generous trade-in on the little Massey. It will be restored and sold on. I'm so pleased that it will be maintained and have a useful future.
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| The new contraption arrives. |
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| Kabota guy, Jordon, parking it in my backyard. |
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| Steering the trade-in machine as it is towed away. |
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| Thanks for your service, MF-35. You are going to a better place! |
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| Welcome home, RTV-520. I think we'll get along just fine! |
I grew up on a , small these days, a 100 acreafarm. Dad had a Fordson, then a Fordson Major. Years later when we were married, Hugh had a small grey Ferguson, we used it to grade the metal driveway. Fast forward, he had a lawn mowing business, and had a Kubota ride on lawn mower.That is a great brand, whatever piece of machinery, and your tractor looks like new.Enjoy it every time you drive. Mention the word " Tractor" and I have so many memories, all good ones.
ReplyDeleteLoved hearing about your tractor experience, Jean! My brother still has an old International Harvester tractor here (it was our late father's) and I still have a Massey Ferguson 360 diesel tractor which I use for bush hogging trails. I love how each vintage and make has it's own distinct rumbly voice. Sends me scurrying to look out the window when I hear one passing by on the road. I've only bought pre-owned cars but I'm the first owner for this little Kubota. A wonderful gift to myself!
DeleteHi Florence! As always, I love your beautiful nature photos and I'm sure you're looking forward to spring. Enjoyed reading about your old tractor (wow you had that a long time) and I love your new utility vehicle! They should rename it the Florence 520, when I look at it I see you. Very cool. :^)
ReplyDeleteThanks Doug. We'll likely refer to it as "The Kabota" when we say, Let's take ... ...... for a spin. To be honest, I'm as happy at re-homing my old tractor as acquiring the new vehicle. Although Kabota is a Japanese multinational corporation, the name kind of sounds North American native to me. Looking forward to strawberry and raspberry picking forays, picnics, etc. with the little beast.
DeleteYou're right, it does sound North American Native--I love it. 😊
DeleteThat is really exciting! A new tractor. Well done.
ReplyDeleteReally looking forward to tootling around our property with the little utility vehicle, Jenn. It will be so handy to haul my brush trimming equipment, binoculars, camera, snacks, etc.
DeleteHi Florence, sorry so late to the game here. With that ice storm we had over the weekend our power was out for days. Luckily we have a generator so Chuck rigged everything up and we had heat, hot water and were able to keep our big deep freeze from thawing. We did lose everything in the fridge though. Gorgeous photos as always. We have only seen a couple turkey vultures and had one quick sighting of a cowbird. The grackles and red winged blackbirds seem to come back in one big swoop here. Your new Kabota looks like a lot of fun and great for working. Your old tractor was very handsome. Someone will give it a good home. It is supposed to be 15° here tomorrow after a chilly 2° today. Dentist tomorrow for me and then a Presqu’ile hike on Friday. My reward for enduring the dentist!😆 Take care Florence!❤️❤️
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Aw, bummer about your power outage, Robin! Despite vicious winds and ice storm here, our power held. It seems that this Winchester area is blessed with a reliable power grid. My annual dentist check-up is next week. I've been good lately by having an apple for dessert instead of refined sugar items. (Those chocolate covered peanut butter balls were VERY NAUGHTY!!!) Yes, I'm going to enjoy that new Kabota! Gotta get in a supply of insect repellent soon. What works for you guys? Enjoy your hike in Presqu’ile, Robin! It will be wonderful to spot our returning bird life. ❤️🦉
DeleteThose chocolate covered peanut butter butter balls were delicious!😃 We use an all natural bug spray made by someone up in Warkworth. Also poor Chuck is a mosquito magnet so I tend not to get bothered too much as long as he is with me!😆 Good luck with your dental checkup!❤️
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Beautiful photos, Florence. I had a falcon fly through the front yard yesterday and I think maybe caught a bird at the feeder. The birds and squirrels all disappeared in a flash. Meanwhile, love that utility vehicle you have...looks like it will be fun to use while doing chores.
ReplyDeleteHi there Jocelyn!! There is a Cooper's Hawk that regularly charges at my feeder birds. Most likely it is the reason I see feathery remains scattered about. Yes, I'm really looking forward to scooting about in the Kabota side by side. My days of long hikes are sadly in the past. By the way, I love your picture of the Hellebore blooms and their purported hardiness. Will look out for them when I'm browsing through the garden centres. ❤️🦉
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