Where did all of that come from?!?!?!

CBW1999 · Feb 24, 2010

Yesterday, I spent a leisurely afternoon cleaning up the driveway- removing maybe 4 inches of snow that had collected in spots from drifting.

I knew that snow as coming...but I never know what to believe when it comes to the weather forecasters. Moderate surprise this morning when I looked out and estimated 14 inches of "light fluffy snow" had fallen overnight.

My wife got up to go to work, The kids snuggled in bed with me (school vacation)...all snug and cozy until....

My wife is standing over me.

Snow melting off her head- dripping on my feet. "The Van Is Stuck" was all she said. I rolled over and looked out the window. "You're right" is what I thought in my head....yes, I am smart enough at this point to keep my mouth shut

My wife is a good woman. No she wasn't mad, maybe embarrassed? She had shoveled some snow, then did exactly what I would have done. Most often, we just back out into the road through the snow. Today however.....

The snow was deceiving. It was moderated density and slightly wet. When she tried to back out, she ended up driving up onto the snow and packed it down- under the frame.

Again- it would have been me if I were going to leave first....

I love my wife dearly. I almost love by B7510 as much. Tough little tractor, Has always been a champ at moving snow. But, I have been working on convincing her that I should get a B3030 with cab and snow blower. As the tractor was warming up- I started brushing snow off the seat and platform. A perfect time to make my twice a week sales pitch.

Her reply caused me to vaporize the snow surrounding me. "You should have just gotten it the first time- instead of this one!" her quick parry and thrust of her sword into my heart-set me in my place...for now....first time she has said anything like that-:shocked:

Being smarter than I used to be, I just got on the tractor and plowed her out. With a little nudging from the tractor, she came out of the snow (the Van...NOT her).

But how can I be upset. While I was enjoying my tractor time, she was thoughtful enough to take some pictures and video. I guess that makes up for her comment about my "grinning like a fool while plowing".

This is another time I recognize that she has given me permission to go and get the B3030. I just need to carefully plan out the next "events" to make it an even, 10 specific examples of times she "told me" to get one. If not for the help of many TBN members pointing it out, I would never have recognized the opportunities she has given me. To all of you- My sincerest thanks!

JOHNTHOMAS · Feb 24, 2010

Now is not the time to poop around after she has given her implied consent or almost a directive to trade. When the roads dry she will deny she said anything like what you are telling. You better move and quick!:thumbsup:

NSBound · Feb 24, 2010

JOHNTHOMAS said:
....You better move and quick!:thumbsup:

......

........said the voice of experience

JOHNTHOMAS · Feb 24, 2010

NSBound said:
......

........said the voice of experience

CBW1999 · Feb 24, 2010

Strike while the iron is hot.......:thumbsup:

The plan comes in two parts. Buy some implements now that work with what I have AND on a B3030. Be prepared for the future I say- no argument from the wife about small purchase of needed things

Unfortunately, the bigger purchase has to wait

- BUT, when it shows up unannounced in the future, I will have a log book of dates and times to reference when she contests the multiple times that she authorized me to do it:cool2:

Hopefully this will work

When she finally realizes what went on, I'll be on the tractor in the field......
She will be at home :mur:

radioman · Feb 24, 2010

that same storm is coming here tomarrow.

Just filled up the tank in the bota, pushed back the snow bank today while snow still soft, fired up the generator to make sure its running ok. Glad I did, the genny ran rough until I ran it for an half hour. I just hope my wife doesnt do the same thing like your did tomarrow.

dex3361 · Feb 24, 2010

You should be taking notes from John Thomas he is the master of making multiple tractor upgrades. He has successfully done this while maintaining a marriage. Listen to what he says. Go to your wife and repeat his words all the while keeping a straight face and a confident posture. If you even flinch or show weakness at this point of the potential tractor uptrade all forward momentum could be lost and it may require another inadequate tractor event to get the ball rolling again.

oldballs · Feb 24, 2010

Now I did it the stupid way. Some 30 years ago, the dealer delivered the Case 448 while she was not at home...and without ever discussing it with her. Thus I was mowing the acres out front when she drove up....and with the mother-in-law to boot. Well, that was one cold summer.:ashamed:

Our marriage did last 48 years regardless of my stupidity.

newbury · Feb 24, 2010

CBW1999 said:
My wife is standing over me. Snow melting off her head- dripping on my feet. "The Van Is Stuck" was all she said. I rolled over and looked out the window. "You're right" is what I thought in my head....yes, I am smart enough at this point to keep my mouth shut
<snip> A perfect time to make my twice a week sales pitch.

Her reply caused me to vaporize the snow surrounding me. "You should have just gotten it the first time- instead of this one!" her quick parry and thrust of her sword into my heart-set me in my place...for now....first time she has said anything like that-:shocked:

WHAT?
You didn't put in an order immediately???

It's your job to know what tools are required to do "man" things around the house and keep the computers and entertainment running. You need to keep track of approximate costs, availability, and delivery times. As soon as the authorization is made the purchase should be started, especially for the big ticket items they might change their mind on. The setting of what constitutes "big ticket" must be done in advance. Twenty years ago our limit was $200, now it's about $1000.

Example - about 3 years ago I had been wanting a large screen LCD, SWMBO, while we were out to dinner with others at Outback states (w/o any prompting) she would like a 42" TV. I didn't call from the table, but almost. I had the research done, knew where the best deal was, it just took a month to come in, but upgraded to a 46".

SWMBO authorized a tractor or skidsteer I said $15K used, I knew I could get what I wanted for less than that, but I wanted cushion. Got my ride in a few months w/ backhoe, trailer etc.

SWMBO complains about her laptop, I'm on the phone to newegg and got her a netbook within hours, research done a month ago.

SWMBO thinks we need new drapes. 6 months or so later she gets them - I don't give a darn.

SWMBO thinks a tree needs to come down, and authorizes a larger chain saw for it, I say about $1000. I got an EFCO 3600, (35cc for $50), won a JD CS 62 (62CC) and bought a Stihl 660 used ($550).

And I'm making lumber.

He who hesitates doesn't really want it anyways.

StrangeRanger · Feb 26, 2010

CBW I'm in northern VT too and woke to quite a dump of snow. I was totally surprised and pleased to have some seat time ahead of me.

My awakening was somewhat similar to yours. But I woke to "the power is out, I'm late, YOU have to clear the driveway".

Kind of funny how it's MY tractor when it's early or cold or just plain crappy out. But it's OUR tractor when she wants to do some field or garden work. But like others, I've learned to just keep my mouth shut. Not to mention the 1 time she did try clear the drive I think I changed more shear bolts in 15 min than I've used in 4 yrs.
j