This 1979-1980 model Ford pickup was purchased new. The intent was to drive it to Alaska, as Gramma and Grampa were retiring that year. Gramma 62, and Grampa 65. Well, they made the trip and the pickup put on many many more miles until it came to rest in the farm yard only a few short years ago-to be replaced by a Chevy-Trail Blazer-no less.
We remember the seasons- summer and winter-seeing this yellow pickup come up the road. We were always happy to see Grampa and Gramma. They enjoyed every day and got a kick out of seeing what Dwight was up to or keeping track of the nephews, Roger and Darell. They came to check on us, to help out if we were in the middle of some project, to give a little advice, tell a joke or a story.
When anyone asked when he would be buying a new pickup, he would say "Not until this one is paid for-I have 1 more payment to make" This was followed by a good laugh!
When the bulls got out, or we had an errant cow, we could count on the yellow pickup to go over the bull holes, gopher mounds, and anything else in the way. This was much faster than the horses and could go into reverse in a split second when the cow or bull turned to run the other way.
The box always carried what was necessary; fencing tools, wire, duct tape, a hammer, vice grip, log chain, and the fuel tank. Before Fuel was so expensive, the Oil Company would deliver the fuel to the farm a couple of times a year. But fuel prices started to fluctuate widely - and it seemed to be the sensible thing to do-buy fuel when the price was down. The cab had the extra pair of gloves, a farm hat, more tools and engine oil just in case. We always knew when the yellow pickup came, the solutions to any of the problems we were experiencing could be solved.
In 1997, when the big storm hit-It was the yellow pickup and Grampa that came by to rescue Elizabeth and Laura from a house without heat, electricity, or running water. Kristin and I stayed behind as we were calving. The heater from the yellow pickup must have felt wonderful that day!!
Every morning-early, the yellow pickup would take Grampa to Sheldon for coffee, that was rounded out by a stop at the elevator, and the post office. He would be home for the second "coffee/tea" of the day and he and Gramma would read the paper. Often they would get in the yellow pickup and go for a "drive" -check the crops, neighbors, and reminisce about days in Owego.
Yesterday we were at the farm. The scrap iron guys were there to clean up the yard. Jesse stopped by to buy the drill, Roger, Darell, and Dwight were there. Ralph came by to buy a couple of 'Big Mows'. Gramma stayed in the house for a while, but by tea time, she was sitting in the car-said it was 'too chilly in the house'. We watched the crusher take the combine like an aluminum soda can and crush it.
I said to Elizabeth- "I can't be here tomorrow when the yellow pickup goes" It's just so sad. Elizabeth responded by reminding me-the "metal in the yellow pickup will go to make a new pickup for Zane to drive someday" We walked back to the house, to find Gramma sitting in the car again-ready to go "home".......
This is the end of a wonderful era-the yellow pickup is gone.
May the new era be as rich and as fulfilling as the past.
Thank you Elizabeth
