busconews.com

by Bob Smith

Hi there.

I really like living in the country, and growing some of our own food, but I really wish our roads had been better built and better maintained, and I wish – and plan next year – to plant half our vegetable garden’s plants on May 20, and the other half as soon after Memorial Day as the soil dries.  Seeds can be planted a little sooner than tender pre-started plants, because seeds, protected by the soil, are a little better at sustaining a late frost than the tender greenery of young green plants – and light early frosts “may” not reach into the soil where they lie.

I felt I just had to mow the lawns, and because of all the rain, I left muddy tracks in all of the grassed areas, and some ruts!  I sincerely hope the heavy rains are done – but I feel I have to tell you about the worst effect all the recent almost continuous rain had on me – helped by the wonderful rebuilding of Anderson Road.  Since Anderson was closed for repairs, we had to find alternate routes to get to and from most destinations.

One of my efforts to find the best way to civilization was on a paved road. And there appeared to be some water on the road, but I drove into it – my car stopped, would not restart!  A couple saw my car in the water, and stopped short of it - I was walking towards them, and they offered me a ride – then drove through the same water that killed my car!  I didn’t think it was a wise choice, but they made it by my drowned car, and took me home.

I called a wrecker, had my wonderful expensive, soaked car carried to my foreign car garage in Fort Wayne, and it is spending an expensive stay, that we hope, will renew its pleasure in serving our needs.  Judy frequently chauffeurs me to town or wherever (my old but powerful pickup does not get much movement from each high priced gallon of gas!)  I haven’t visited the garage to see how my car is doing – they don’t encourage owner visitors!

When we went to our restaurant for our usual Sunday breakfast, I was met by one friend with a floating pillow from his yacht that he said he would loan me if I could afford to get my car back on the road, so I could float to shore if I did it again, another man offered me a short canoe paddle, and Judy just sort of smiled!  Embarrassed by it all, I pitifully inquired how they found about my misfortunate water experience on a local county road, and it turns out that one of the wrecker drivers who rescued my car from a certain death was – a Churubusco Volunteer Fireman, as were most of the breakfasters at the Magic Wand.

Finally, on last Friday, my car and the shop allowed me to visit, and the mechanic has the engine running smoothly, but the car is still there. The dead battery has been replaced, but one motor, that retracts the seat belt when it is disconnected, doesn’t run, so they feel that has to work properly before letting me drive it home.  Of course, they sneer at allowing me to drive without a proper operating seat belt.  We travel together in Judy’s car, and when necessary, I drive my big old farm pickup, or the 1952 Ford Tractor.

My deeply respected neighbor, Tom Cormany, fell and broke both wrists, I have been told.  He is one of two people for whom I would vote to elect to any government office.  He and his wife were not only employed full-time when younger, but worked hard, raised a family, learned a lot, and became one of the leading farmers of my area.  I don’t want to call him in case he is alone, sitting by the phone – but wouldn’t be able to answer.  My solution is to write him a letter, enclose this column, and hope it helps pass time during his recovery.

I am sitting in the air conditioning in the house – it is sunny and hot outdoors – but I am so extremely happy that it is not raining and that most of our garden is planted and growing – and that next year we will plant some vegetable garden plants before Memorial Day!  !  !  good gardening