There is a lot of good stuff in this one, James. I understand the allure of hopping a freight. But running away from problems is not the answer. You set the stage beautifully with your description of a glorious sunrise. His realization of what was truly at stake flowed naturally from that moment of splendor. Once that question was settled, the solution became obvious. A good lesson for all of us: Discern what is of most importance and proceed from there.
Hi, K.C. Thank you. It has to be difficult keeping perspective when conditions appear to be working against you. Carrying on a family tradition is an added weight. Glad I don't have to make such a decision but I can feel for those who do. Smaller private businesses are always under the gun. Hopefully, what you want to do survives the marketplace.
Fascinating piece, Ron. It's sad that so many ranchers/farmers are facing the same decision these days. I like the compromise your protagonist strikes to respect the family heritage while adapting to the new reality. Maybe now, he'll get to travel. Those big freight cars must be a big temptation.
Yes, I don't see how it can stop for the most part. Some are finding ways to process and sell their own goods direct to the public bypassing the middle men. You have to find a way to adapt and change is hard. Thank you, Jim.
This story felt familiar…we live on what’s left of a 5-acre piece of my husband’s Grandmother’s. Her boy drank up most of it, and she thought of her grandson’s future, and hung onto a perfect piece, sitting in a sunny spot, and perfect for him and his wife. We’ve enjoyed this Gopher farm for over 20 years of retirement, and bless her every day for her forethought. Wonderful story, Ron! 👨🌾
Very cool having roots and history in your home. It sees and goes through so much change over the generations. Something to be proud of for sure. Thank you, Sharon!
This is such beautiful descriptive language, Ron, "A deep purple tint on the eastern horizon pushed against the black of night and Venus sparkled in the pre-dawn. The last of the winter’s snow stood out in drifts and patches." I am there. I guess he made the best decision for himself. I understood that, but still.... that train....
"Time loses its grip – into my mind I slip – away – slip away." Been there.
I love trains. Sometimes at night I hear the two-note whistle of a BritRail engine pulling into a remote Scottish station. It lives in a small, special corner of my old brain.
I am about to go and pick veggies for tomorrow’s communal farmers market. Growing veggies, flowers on a small scale humbles you to understand how tough is any family farming. Mother Nature rules.
There is a lot of good stuff in this one, James. I understand the allure of hopping a freight. But running away from problems is not the answer. You set the stage beautifully with your description of a glorious sunrise. His realization of what was truly at stake flowed naturally from that moment of splendor. Once that question was settled, the solution became obvious. A good lesson for all of us: Discern what is of most importance and proceed from there.
Hi, K.C. Thank you. It has to be difficult keeping perspective when conditions appear to be working against you. Carrying on a family tradition is an added weight. Glad I don't have to make such a decision but I can feel for those who do. Smaller private businesses are always under the gun. Hopefully, what you want to do survives the marketplace.
Fascinating piece, Ron. It's sad that so many ranchers/farmers are facing the same decision these days. I like the compromise your protagonist strikes to respect the family heritage while adapting to the new reality. Maybe now, he'll get to travel. Those big freight cars must be a big temptation.
Yes, I don't see how it can stop for the most part. Some are finding ways to process and sell their own goods direct to the public bypassing the middle men. You have to find a way to adapt and change is hard. Thank you, Jim.
This story felt familiar…we live on what’s left of a 5-acre piece of my husband’s Grandmother’s. Her boy drank up most of it, and she thought of her grandson’s future, and hung onto a perfect piece, sitting in a sunny spot, and perfect for him and his wife. We’ve enjoyed this Gopher farm for over 20 years of retirement, and bless her every day for her forethought. Wonderful story, Ron! 👨🌾
Very cool having roots and history in your home. It sees and goes through so much change over the generations. Something to be proud of for sure. Thank you, Sharon!
This is such beautiful descriptive language, Ron, "A deep purple tint on the eastern horizon pushed against the black of night and Venus sparkled in the pre-dawn. The last of the winter’s snow stood out in drifts and patches." I am there. I guess he made the best decision for himself. I understood that, but still.... that train....
"Time loses its grip – into my mind I slip – away – slip away." Been there.
Thank you, Sharron! Hard decisions and not knowing outcomes. Trains just have that special allure, don't they?
I love trains. Sometimes at night I hear the two-note whistle of a BritRail engine pulling into a remote Scottish station. It lives in a small, special corner of my old brain.
As Kristofferson once said, "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose."
And per Willie Nelson in Gettin' Over You - "You can see how all the pieces fit, as you watch them fall apart."
I am about to go and pick veggies for tomorrow’s communal farmers market. Growing veggies, flowers on a small scale humbles you to understand how tough is any family farming. Mother Nature rules.
That's for sure! In farming and ranching, neither cares about your time or weekends. First things first.
As for me, um... when is the next train rolling through?