| Losing an Old Friend |
February 2, 2008
by Bonnie Davis
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Did you ever lose something that you looked upon as 'an old friend'? I did that this week -- lost an 'old friend'. Been with me about 15 years. Provided lots of hours of companionship when the weather was wet and rainy. Never failed when I got tired and leaned on it. Always ready to go and travelled lots of miles. It was my shovel!
Some folks might not consider a shovel as a 'friend' but I have this habit of looking upon objects as 'friends'. Even give 'em names. My truck is Horse. My trailer's Traveler. They serve me well so they deserve names.
My shovel was Digger.
Finding tools that fit can be difficult. Digger had a handle that was just the right length so I didn't have to bend over to dig mud. Some shovels have short handles that will kill your back and others have shovel handles to long. Digger was just the right size to fit in a ditch -- and it kept its edge so it could cut grass into slices too. It even helped pried rocks out of the ground and moved more than a few yards of gravel from one side of the barn to the other. When I'd lean on Digger and watch the water flow in ditches, I'd get a satisfied feeling of a job well done with a good shovel.
Tools not only become 'friends' but partners because the right tool can make a job go more smoothly, faster and efficient. Ever try digging a ditch with hoe? Or a rake? Won't work. You gotta use a shovel!
Digger got left once. Up at Euer Valley on a horsecamping trip. Had turned the fire to make sure it was out, tamped it down and leaned Digger against a tree. Loaded the horses and started to drive out when about a mile away, remembered Digger. Yup, turned the rig around and went back for him. That's the reason Digger had a bright yellow handle. With that bright yellow handle, he never got left again.
Digger had begun to show signs of age and wear. His handle cracked when I was prying a rock out of the ground. Put a couple little wedges in to keep it tight. His yellow color had faded. But he worked. And he gave his shovel life in the line of duty. He snapped moving mud from a ditch up onto the bank. What better way to go than doing something you like to do? Even if it is moving mud.......
Bonnie
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| Bonnie:
NOt sure what a blog is either, but did enjoy your story about Digger. You are right a good tool is like an old friend. I've got ones (not named) that I have had for over 30 years and still working great.
Looking forward to reading about your camping experiences. What to do some of that myself. Any good book/references to start with? |
| Posted by Chuck - from Ohio |
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