The Riley Factor #54

The Riley Factor April 22, 2010
(All the Rock Creek Farm news that's fit to print, along with unfit to print rumors, prognostications & bloviations.)

FORT PLAIN NY, April 22 -- On Wednesday, beautiful weather saw Susan and Nancy planting 80-90 cucumber plants and 40 squash (zucchini, yellow summer, hubbard, butternut) in the new garden next to the greenhouse.  A few more low tunnels were created to protect the outside plantings until mid-May or so, when the last threat of hard frost is past.  And a patch for watermelon was created ... planting planned for today.

Chris spent the day tuning-up and preparing for the season all the small vehicles and equipment (ATVs, mowers, wood chipper (in Connecticut, called a spousal control unit, owing to its dark history of some 20-years ago in southern Connecticut)).  A trip to Zambri Polaris in Little Falls took a couple of hours and included a 30-minute course from the two owners on ATV mechanics, complete with seeing each tool for each job and inspection on the lift of each fluid-craving orifice of an ATV.  During which time, I was the only customer in the place.  Upon returning to Rock Creek Farm, Chris spent an hour dozing out back on the porch swing hanging on the garden shed.  In the evening, Susan, Chris and Riley rolled down the road to Armistad's field to view the equipment and implements on sight for Saturday's farm equipment auction.  The preview viewing was, apparently, a popular local event, as the field was filled with equipment and onlookers.  Although, we were in the minority since we were strolling with Riley and most others were strolling with Budweiser.

This morning, Susan took Riley out back on an early morning walk.  And the boys from E&A Fence were here putting the finishing touches on the new and some old back gates.

Tales of Freysbush Garage -- Leon spent Monday and Tuesday repairing the brakes, steering and horn on the old Jeep.  Full brakes all around, including the emergency brake, new power-steering hoses and a new horn restored the beast to its youthful prowess.  (Although the new horn is puny, and makes the behemoth Jeep sound like a clown car).  Best dialog of the day follows....

  Leon:  My first big job, over 40 years ago when I was just getting started in the auto repair business, was to convert an old Cadillac hearse into an ambulance, for a friend who wanted to start-up ambulance business.  Put a new engine in and all.  What a car.  He ran that business for a long time.  Eventually, he decided to add a hearse to his ambulance fleet.
  Chris:  Well, he had both outcomes pretty well covered.
  Leon:  (No laugh.  Quizzical gaze at Chris).
Tales of Hogan's Dead Stock Service --  A couple of weeks back, we had to have Ari the young Holstein calf put down due to a genetic digestion problem.  Very sad.  Ari was so cute and very lovable.  He hadn't grown any weight in a month since birth, and was not even 50 pounds.  After phoning to check, Chris took the calf's body to Hogan's, the local dead stock service (business that deals with dead farm animals, some of which can weigh over a ton).  The opening dialog....
  Chris:  (Upon arriving at Hogan's Dead Stock Service, with dead calf in the back of the Jeep).  Hi Art.  I'm Chris Fuchs.  I called about our dead calf.  You and I met a few months back, when you picked-up a dead calf at our place on route 163.   I brought the calf today in the back of the Jeep.  Where would you like it?
  Art:  (While methodically and purposely sharpening a large knife on a whetstone).  Name's not Art.
  Chris:  Oh.  I thought it was.  Aren't you the owner?
  Art:  (Still sharpening).  Yup.  Name's not Art.
  Chris:  Oh.  Sorry for the mistake.
  Art:  (Silence).  (Still sharpening).
  Chris:  So ... what is your name?
  Art:  Name's Dick
 (There, with a dead calf in my car, I resisted my initial impulse.  Here, I'll also resist my impulse to add an editorial comment).
  Chris:  So, where would you like me to put the calf?
  Dick:  Through that door with the other dead calves.  Put him anywhere.  They'll find him.
  (Scene ends as Chris slowly carries poor Ari into the den of dead stock.  It is sad to think that, at Hogan's Dead Stock Service, the calves have a room of their own).