And just when I thought my day couldn't get much better -- I read this fantastic subject. Where do I start.
Born and raised in the small town environment of SE Minnesota, on a 40 cow Reg Jersey dairy no less, I was the true NERD, the country dumby who would turn RED at the sound of a girl, let along one getting within 10 feet of me. Wow that was a tuff time -- like AAOK, I was not overly tall at 12 -- was 20 pounds heavier than I am today even, and was a geek -- I must have been - no one ever talked to me.
We spent our summers and weekends together as a family -- our pashion then was being in the saddle clubs-- we'd ride for days thru the heavy woods of that country -- chopping out trails for the club. Wonderfull time too in the woods of Minnesota, they are long gone now to the urban sprawl of Roshester and all the 5 acres "Ranches" -- ick.
Turning 13 -- made my money that year riding a bycycle up and down the farm roads trapping pocket gophers - traps-stakes-covers for the holes and all. At 25 cents bounty each from the country and a match from the landowners, I was able to save enough to buy my first car -- a doozy -- 1955 Dodge 4 door wreck for 50$. Remember working for the neighbors baling hay for a BUCK an hour all summer long! Traded the 55 off for a classic -- 1964 Chec Impala SS -- 409 -- have the pic on my screen saver still today!!! Can we say "WOW BABY" and not get laughed at?? Chic magnet -- in a town where I was one of 11 seniors -- it was HOT.
My High School years were better than grades school for sure -- gas was 27 cents a gallon in 1971, and for two dollars you could burn up a set of wide rear tires in one night! Yes, I did get a few visits from the local Barny Phife?? , but he coulnd't catch me unless I let him, top end was over 150 -- and it didn't take long to get there compared to his 64 Ford Fairlane with the Cherry on top!! heheheeh --
Never had a real date until I was 17.5 -- was working for a dairy guy over in the next litle town - Mazeppa Mn - and one day as we came in for lunch his baby sitter was there -- does any one care to envision the look of a 17 year old hick kid standing stock still looking at what was the most gorgeous thing he'd ever seen, all the time drooling all over himself being about the color of a ripe tomato??? I was told later that it was something to see -- but I really can't remember -- I was in love !! hehehe
I mumbled somethng -- hope it wasn't too stupid -- as she was helping serve lunch. It took me 45 minutes to eat a sandwich. We actually got together -- went out several times until school started -- then I wasn't cool enough any more -- and she dumped me! Tuff day believe me. So I hope that makes all the other nerds feel better -- it happened to me too.
Got thru High School by diving into the FFA programs -- was on the General Livestock judging teams and did very well. A good time for me --- . I worked ahead and got out of school a few months early -- had all my credits so I left. Turned 18 in Nov. 1971, promptly got draffted two weeks later just before they quit drafting and started the all volunteer Army. Viet Nam was at it's peek , and I was invited to go see the sights -- THAT was deffinately a downer - don't want to explain here.
Made it back though, met my wife in Colo in the Army, took advantage of the first one who'd have me then, and we've raised 4 good boys. Of course you know the rest of the story -- here I am today -- most likely still a nerd, but I do love my cows, my horses, my kids and wife, and lots of good people -- not nesseccarily in that order.
If I knew how, I'd post a picture of the 64 Chev in front of the old dairy barn taken in the spring of 72 right after dad got her out and washed her up. They sent the picture to me in Nam, and I still think today that it was one of the reasons I made it back alive, I needed one more ride in the 409!!! ( 2 750 double pumpers WILL give you a rush!)
Terry
