THIS OLD FARMHOUSE - Opening segment (Scroll down for previous chapters)


     Parking the car, I got out and scanned our new home.  The old Cape Cod style farmhouse was a local landmark.  It was considered a collector by those who collect old farmhouses.

    Once a bustling dairy farm, it now sat empty, surrounded by tall grass and wild blackberry bushes winding their way through the trees in an old orchard, next to the house.     

     Some said the house was haunted, but it was really just a farmhouse that needed a little TLC.  Okay, a lot of TLC.  Like most men, I loved the idea of trying my skills as Mr. Fix It.  Like most women, my wife loved things already fixed.  In between was tension.

     “This old farmhouse will give me the perfect opportunity to work with my hands,” I told her.

    “If you want to work with your hands, you should consider sign language,” she said.  “I’m certain there would be less tension.”         

     While Connie and the kids sat nervously in the car, I continued eyeing the old farmhouse, thinking of the opportunities it would provide for family bonding.  Apart from attack roosters, burning barns, and charging bulls, I had fond memories of life on Gramps’ ranch.  

     “I want you kids to enjoy the same rich experiences of life on the farm that I had growing up,” I told them.

     “Are those the same rich experiences that almost maimed you for life?” our son asked.

     “Look, the scars are hardly noticeable.  Besides, you’ll love this old farmhouse.  I think we even have enough room for a bull and a rooster.”

     “…and a barn full of hay?” our son asked.   

     “What would we do with a barn full of hay?”         

     “Build a campfire,” answered our son. 

     “Trust me; you never want to build a campfire in a barn full of hay.”    

     Our daughter interrupted.  “Dad, I think Justin and I would rather endure the experiences of our friends.” 

     “Great! Then we all agree!  This is going to be our new home.” 

      I’ve continued to leave the lines of communication open, in case they want to talk someday.

 

    
To be continued...check back soon