I'm not a mechanic or a machinist. In fact, I hate doing any repairs to my cars. I will go so far as to do an oil change & maybe a set of plugs & on very rare occasions throw in a set of brake pads. I was lucky enough to join the navy and serve on one of the very few diesel electric submarines that were left. By the time my enlistment was up those old boats were just about gone. For whatever strange reason, I have always been fascinated by "Yesterday's Technology." Perhaps that's why I consider myself to be so lucky as to have ridden on one of those great diesel electric subs we had. I don't consider myself a mechanic, or a specialist of any sorts when it comes to John Deere vintage tractors. But I am proof that no matter what your background, you don't need any special talent or training to get involved in a hobby.

I once read many years ago about how Charles Lindbergh followed his dream to be the first to fly across the Atlantic. Taking off into the unknown from a muddy, crater filled strip of land called Roosevelt field, now sadly a Mall with almost not a clue about Mr. Lindbergh's epic flight. Anyway, as time went on after that first transatlantic flight, aviation technology grew by leaps & bounds in very short time. As it grew to the point where the duties of the pilot were being taken over by the new flight control systems, it was noticed that Mr. Lindbergh was no longer taking to the skies. When asked why he had so dramatically reduced his flying, he stated that it was no longer a challenge. Now the plane was flying him, instead of he flying the plane. I guess I kind of feel like Mr. Lindbergh did when it comes to man over machine. I think I would have really liked to meet Mr. Lindbergh.

Yes Virginia, I don't know about Santa Clause, but there really is a Jerry!