Contributed 
Now there might be a few of my readers who cherish old stuff. Here at La Grimm Ranchero we sure do. I love the missus, and as time dims my eyesight and my instant recall, I am pretty sure she loves me, too.
But today, I want to talk about tractors, especially 8N Ford tractors, as these are my main focus. Ask the missus, and she will tell you I know a thing or two because, well, I’ve seen a thing or two concerning fiddling with these. She’ll also tell you I don’t know much else because that’s what she tells me, and I’ve learned to avoid getting on her last nerve about anything anymore.
For those of us who delve into liking and dealing with older stuff — not just our spouse — we’ve seen things that defy logic, but oddly or miraculously, they work! This then causes our 21st century computer-dependent minds to try to figure out how, over the previous seven-plus decades, someone had such in-depth understanding of physics and pure daredevil risk taking, to even think of what they tried in the first place. Someone stated that if it looks stupid and works, it ain’t stupid!
We’ve seen cast iron steel misshaped and wondered how it was even possible. We’ve tried to imagine some teen, or someone even younger, attempting to explain to his dad or grandpa what caused something to be damaged.
We’ve found air filter mesh so caked with dirt and oil that it’s nearly hardened into coal. We’ve found wires on running tractors so bare that one could actually see the electricity pulsating.
We’ve witnessed abused, abandoned, neglected, forsaken, ignored, hated, rusted, tortured, and worn-out tractors come back to life with a couple of shots of Miracle Oil, worn tools, and encouragingly hopeful words, cursing, or prayer. We’ve felt as proud as Dr. Frankenstein when our tractor coughed and sputtered to life.
Yep, the missus will tell you that I know a thing or two about 8N tractors. And though my eyesight and instant recall lessens, she might brag at how I cherish old stuff. I sure do cherish her.
Warning: These musings may be serious or may be humorous. Enjoy! H.R. Grimm is a self-described lovable, prone to blunt, witty, tending toward sarcastic, saved-by-grace, constantly thinking storyteller. Grimm, a military veteran, and his wife now call La Vernia home. Email reader@lavernianews.com.
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Cherishing old stuff — like my Ford 8N tractors – La Vernia News
