Keith Challen packs in the singing lessons
Happy new year. As usual I overindulged in Christmas cheer, which I’m regretting now. One of this year’s resolutions is to pack in the singing lessons. Let’s see if that helps with the weather, since we’ve endured nearly 900mm of rain in the past 12 months compared with our near 600mm 10-year average. I’m about to start water skiing – just watch, there will be a drought next.
I asked Santa to bring me something awesome, red and sporty. I had a Ferrari or Lamborghini in mind. He didn’t disappoint though, with my local case dealer, Farmstar, confirming my order for a 2013 Case Axial Flow 9230GTI combine with all the bells and whistles, complete with a 12.2m header. This is another step towards our 12m controlled traffic farming goal. Roll on harvest and who knows, I might even be allowed to drive it, although I’m not sure that’s a wise move.
Between family feasts and shooting, the Christmas period was spent in the workshop, building a go-cart for a local New Year’s Day downhill race. The weather on the fateful day was perfect and although we didn’t win any races, we did put on the most spectacular crash, with my son James rolling the cart on its side in the final demolition race, much to the pleasure of the crowd, who quickly righted him and sent him back on his way down the hill.
On a more serious note, I like to spend a little time reflecting on the closing year, usually on New Year’s Day when I’m nursing the mother of all hangovers. This year was no different. Why is it that, as you get older, hangovers get worse? Sadly, I lost two farming friends this year, taking with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. They will both be sadly missed.
