Hey Allen 966!

No, it isn't the same one, couldn't hope for that; but I really think it is in as good a shape as I'll ever hope to find and as close as I can hope to get to the old one.

On the farmsale in '83, the 966 was the next to last thing to sell, then went my 'heart-throb' Gleaner combine. After I had popped the tractor off for the crowd to hear, I had to go in the house. Just couldn't handle it any longer.

But, by everything that is holy, I'm comin' back, even if it is just one tiny, little step at a time.

And this time by Gawd, there will be no bankers allowed in my affairs! :>)

Later Pard,

Allan

I'm just a silly, bull-headed old man that wasted the better part of his life away, but let me tell you about some real, honest to goodness inspiration.

I first started coming on this board just a few years ago. Started noticing a guy puttin’ posts up that were just gut-level "true to life" and always seemed to make a heck of a lot of sense. Somehow, this ol’ guy always sounded just like my dad did back when I was a kid. He knew what he was talking about.

Started watchin' this guy. Read every word he put up and still do to this day. Can’t wait for him to come on in the morning.

And I don't wanna embarrass him or anything by putting out his name, but if you see a post that comes from a fella who calls himself the ‘Nebraska Cowman’, you’d better read him. This sounds kinda stupid I know, but this feller is kinda my elder statesman type hero. Ya just can't go wrong by listening to Howard.

He started with absolutely nothing and he made ‘er work from scratch out here in the desert of Nebraska; now that is nothing less than awe inspiring impressive!

He is the one that unknowingly & unwittingly got me back up on my horse, got me going again and this silly ‘come-back road’ I’m on now has been the best thing that ever happened to me. Thanks Howard!

Just my 2 cents,

Allan

Are you smokin' left-handed cigarettes or some such thing? :>)

Yes, I've been so very fortunate to finally be making some headway. But, I've told you time and time again that you really don't know how lucky you are. I've envied you and what you have accomplished, since forever.

Well, except for that darned F2 Gleaner deal of yours. That one really torqued me off!! :>)

Allan

I lived my dream for about 20 years. It werent easy for the most part. Mostly fight with other family members. Well,mostly Dad and one sister. And then there was the bankers. Now I had a one fifth intrest in the family farm and equipment to operate it. If I would have had this same amount of money to buy a house in town I would have had to fight off the realtors. But try to buy some family farmland. Then a few years ago I got a dumb attack and sold out and moved south. 1000 miles away. No way to go back like you are doing. Well mabe if I win a lottery. Enuf of this. Been reading too many of Allans posts.

One bit of advice. You will make it on management and hard work. Take care of your Farmalls and they will take care of you.

steveormary

No, I can't make it on "management and hard work". Didn't work last time and I sure wouldn't be able to again.

What I can do tho, is to take care of this business we now have and be able to have my little "toys" too because the business is mobile.

This is nothing but an oversized sandbox and is just a treat for me to be able to go out and smell the diesel smoke once again before my days run out. The wife can also have her Herefords that she has always wanted.

I have no expectations at all about making a living at farming, as I just can't do it.

But, rest assured however, that I will take very good care of my Farmalls! :>) Allan

No I would not have been able to make it just by farming. I am an electrician by trade and a farmer at heart. And sometimes durn hard to get along with. Now retired.