Lives Engines Dreams Engines

(Page 2 of 2)

October/November 1999
Bronwyn Wilson 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

'Pleee-ze get a new hobby,' I wailed, feeling a headache coming on. My words fell on deaf ears.

RELATED CONTENT

My husband speaks engines, breathes engines, lives engines, dreams engines.

What does he want under the Christmas tree?

'A Lunkenheimer spin-top oiler and a side-shaft.'

Where would he like to go for his twentieth wedding anniversary?

'Montana, there's plenty of stationary engines there.'

Not only are Christmas and anniversaries consumed by the quest for engines, so are our summers. 'Here's a calendar of the engine shows I'm attending this summer. Don't make plans for me on those days.' I noticed only one Saturday in August is free of a scheduled show.

Then there's ribbons. M-Man is awarded a splashy ribbon each time he shows an engine. They come in more colors than the Crayola Company can dream up. M-Man's ribbons cover an entire laundry room wall. 'Skagit Gas Up Exhibitor' and 'Mt. Hood Threshing Bee Participant' shout at me as I toss in a load of clothes. A framed photo of M-Man's prize engine hangs next to the sink. I can't reach for the laundry detergent without thinking of the other love of my husband's life--a 1915 Associated in cherry red glory.

If there's an end to this, maybe it is reaching the ultimate goal. For M-Man, it is to own a Superior. I'm told it stands about fifteen feet high and must be supported by a trailer. It has twenty horsepower and emits fumes so profusely that the fire department must be notified before starting it up. Having one of these towers in our front yard is my husband's lifelong dream.

Last night I sat across the dinner table facing 'the book' as I had so many times before. I was thinking how much life had changed since that first engine show. Suddenly the oversized book slapped shut. From behind it appeared a nice-looking man smiling over at me.

'Who are you?' I asked.

The man seemed annoyed by my question. He said something about wanting to spend more time with me.

I wondered. Could this stranger be my Machine-Man? It had been so long since I'd actually seen his face, I couldn't be sure.

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 |
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

Comments

Add Your Comment

You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Farm Collector readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page.  E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to GAS ENGINE?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


SUBSCRIBE TO GAS ENGINE MAGAZINE TODAY!

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

GAS ENGINE MAGAZINE is your best source for tractor and stationary gas engine information.  Subscribe and connect with more than 23,000 other gas engine collectors and build your knowledge, share your passion and search for parts, in the publication written by and for gas engine enthusiasts! Every Month GAS ENGINE MAGAZINE brings you: restoration stories, company histories, and technical advice. Plus our Flywheel Forum column helps answer your engine inquiries!

Be sure to take advantage of the Square Deal Subscription Program.

  • No Missed Issues.

  • No Renewal Notices.

  • No Additional Cost.

The Square Deal Subscription Program is designed as a paperless transaction with automatic renewals at a preferred low rate.   With advanced electronic notification, a 100% satisfaction guarantee and an easy opt-out plan, the Square Deal Subscription Program is the best value, risk free, eco-friendliest way to subscribe.