Comments:
Went to Wright J. C. for one semester, Still did'nt like school, so I went to work at Nickey Chevrolet. Joined the Marine Corps in 1962 and got out in one piece in 1966. I'll let you fill in your own gory details. Tried a few different things, then became a heavy construction carpenter in 1970 and spent 35 years building high-rises, bridges, powerplants, schools, etc. in Illinois and california.
I rode with a motorcycle club for about 12 years, and still (at 67) own and ride a big Harley. My wife and I rode over Vail pass in Colorado last summer.
Moved from Illinois (Round Lake) to Northern California in 1981 near a wide spot in the road named Rough and Ready, All of downtown was a small post office, small market, and a one island gas station. Period!
I bought 40 acres so far back in the woods, the only power was my generator for the whole 25 years I was there!
I was divorced in 1987, and re-married in 1989. My "child bride" 14 years younger than me is a R.N., loves country life, fishing and hunting.She's better than me with a shotgun and usually out-fishes me. This past 21 years of marriage has been like a long honeymoon!
About 6 years ago we sold the old place,bought 10 (all useable) acres in (near) Smartsville, CA. about 15 miles from the old place and built a big new house, barn, and a big (of course) workshop. I'm working on a 1957 chevy station wagon and putting a 500c.i. caddy engine in it.
We have horses, egg chickens, and meat rabbits all year, and do a few dozen meat chickens and 3-4 turkeys every year. We also do pigs one year and lambs the next. As soon as the fencing is done we'll do a cow.
We raise most of our vegetables and meat, and have a fruit tree orchard.
And yes, we do have power at the new place.
And that's life on the ranch.
