It came to me after watching my son do amazing things with his budget on CraigsList that perhaps we could pick some things up on the cheap. There's equipment to get, and we really aren't sure of all that we will need, plus the whole novice thing that will make things possibly - and most probably - overworked until we get the hang of it.
We researched the types of riding mowers and garden tractors, and surely did not want to be too grandiose and conspicuous with our new equipment. We are surrounded by bonafide, honest engine farmers, and getting stuff too big or flashy would likely set the wrong tone. We want to blend if you catch the drift.
Buying and repurposing things (obviously) appeals to us. So we took up the hunt, wading through the hey! hahaha! look at this one! postings of farm equipment already dead or dying, hoping to find something serviceable and in good shape.
On Sunday night at 11pm after a day of olive brining and hanging out in Sonoma, just before turning in, I hopped on to CL to nose around. And there she was: a garden tractor and mower with a Kohler engine, good amount of power, Craftsman strong. She was well used but cared for; pretty red color still; stick shift (my favorite); and relatively cheap.
ON IT!
I emailed the guy at midnight and introduced ourselves and asked him to call, which he did early the next day, and the Hubs met him and did the meet and greet and test drive, and by the time I got home from work, there it was sitting majestically in the garage being brushed down like a Quarterhorse.
I thought Penny for a name - <the unit was made in Illinois, Abe's state and Lincoln's face is on the penny> - but he would have none of that. Needs a masculine name. Alright, we'll name the garden tractor something clever and majestic, like Fred.
Maybe now's the time to break the news that I found a CL chicken coop custom made that comes with a couple of live chickens ... only eighty bucks...
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