Re: MTD Yardman Transaxle Rebuild
Doc,
You know how when you see some guy from Iowa, who is now retired and has 150 rare John Deere tractors in a huge facility and it's all because when he was ten years old his Daddy sent him out to the back forty on a Model "G"? Well, I didn't have that opportunity because I grew up on the coast of Maine and actually had my first lobster license when I was ten.. I don't think anybody collects old lobster boats, they take up too much dock space.
However when I got out of the Navy ('74) I moved inland and had a subsistence farm, meaning I raised everything my family ate for about ten years. My next door neighbor was an old-timer and he had an Allis-Chalmers "B" that he let me use to hay with, so I understand those collectors, I still have a soft spot for old Allis' tractors.
I just realized that you are located off one of my secret "short-cuts" when we head South. I tow a boat with me and to avoid the hills on the upper end of I-81 in PA I sneak down Rt 209 through the Delaware Water Gap and pick up I-78. Over the years I have tried every route there is between New England and Florida and the combination of roads I currently use has worked well for the last five years and includes a couple other sneaky byways. Maybe I'll blow the horn next time I go by!
I can empathize with you and your wife. I became the 'care-giver' for Becky's mother for the last 2-1/2 years of her life. I had retired and Becky was still working, so I ended up staying at home for the same reasons you guys have to. We finally did have to place her in a home, but that only lasted a few months until she passed. It's a hard time in life and not one I'd wish on anybody. It does give one a glimpse of what may be in store for them in the future.. I could have gone without that too! Denial works just fine for me!
Good luck on your tractor projects, I am jealous as hell....
Rog
