Soon to be Tractor-less

[RobS]

It's been a journey!

My wife and I both grew up on rural property, but not farms. In 1999 we purchased 10 acres and built a home where we have raised our 2 boys. Of course, part of my justification for the property was the need for a tractor!

Much time has passed, oldest son is putting his masters degree to work in Indy and youngest is about ready to return for his junior year at U of M. We've been wanting to downsize for a while now and after 3 years, our house is finally sold! And the buyers want the tractor so we made a deal on it and all the attachments. It's been a blast but there are so many things we want to do and all of the property maintenance just seems to get in the way.

We're scrambling to find a smaller home, on a small lot (likely subdivision), and closer to my work (currently commuting an hour each way). I'll miss the fun parts of tractoring but can't say I'll miss the 5-6 hour mowing sessions. In fact, hoping to be able to pay a local kid to mow our new lawn and not have to mess with it a bit!

It's fascinating how our interests change over time. I'm excited for the future and thankful for all of our experiences to date. And like Bird, I'll stick around here as it's still one of the best communities on the 'net!

Here's one example of what we intend to fill our time with: View attachment Quilt Garden Ride_4976.jpg

 

[Mousefield]

Best wishes for your future. We sold our 14 acres over 3 years ago and bought a house on ½ acre.
Don’t really miss all the work as I was almost 65 and the fun part had to a large part had gone out of what was becoming chores that had slowly become harder to do and take longer. Good luck with your search for your new home.

 

[EddieWalker]

Hoping for a quick sale and less time mowing!!!!

 

[shooterdon]

I am at the other side of the spectrum. Will turn 69 in a few weeks. Got my first tractor last year and traded up this year to a "real" machine.

Have 20 acres and mow 2 with a Husky rider. Might get a zero turn to replace it down the road. Enjoy my tractor time....grading, clearing land, and doing chores. Looking forward to blowing snow with my new pull blower. Had twenty loggers cords delivered last week so need to get them processed and put the new grapple to work. Wood should last 3 years or so.

Being retired makes a difference. The tractor work keeps me occupied.

No desire to ever leave my little slice of heaven.

 

[jmc]

Rob, we talked years ago when you had an elderly friend living a few blocks from me. Look me up if you get back down here and you can take a few laps with my bush hog! Hope you enjoy your new location.

John

 

[grsthegreat]

Ya, as I get older the tree work on 20 acres of forest take its toll. I see the 10 acres of pasture I own take a whole Lot less work. But then it gets hot and the pasture is hot and miserable. But the forest is cool and shady. A little piece of heaven. Guess I’ll have to keep trimming trees.

I spent a week recently cutting and grinding deadfall in the woods. What a chore. Gets less fun every year.

 

[oosik]

The beautiful part - you are able to do what you want and are not chained to a troublesome lifestyle. I'm out here on 80 acres and will be until I pass. However - as I get older I let Mother Nature take care of many of the duties I use to do. That's just the way it is here and the way I planned for it to be.

Enjoy your new life style and stay in touch.

 

[9973720wb19]

Ahh...more time to ride!!

 

[ruffdog]

When we feel we have become a slave to our lifestyle and land, it is time to change. I too have been thinking "Gets less fun every year". I have a neighbor that is trading their acres for a home in the 'burbs. Both families want what the other has....so they are swapping houses. It is a good deal for both of them and is happening quick.

 

[oosik]

In my case it may be a tad different. I've been out here so long and am so set in my ways. I don't think I could change to fit into an "urban" environment any longer. Also - I DON'T WANT to fit into an urban environment. You can't make an old dog do new tricks. Square pegs don't fit in round holes -

I visit my son in Spokane. I get an uncomfortable feeling when I look out his windows and can see other houses. Everything is so close and packed in.

Just not my lifestyle any more........