One of my first “real farm” experience was with a barn door and a hay cart. Pete asked me to take some boxes up to the barn for burning. I agreed, not knowing it would go downhill as quickly as it did.
When I first met Pete and started spending time with him, he told me I needed to buy muck boots, work boots, and gloves. I visited the local farm store an stocked up on cute farm clothing and footwear. So, the wet day he asked me to take the boxes to the barn, I was ready.
I donned my adorable muck boots, grabbed the keys, and all the boxes and began the trek across the yard. I managed to only drop 3-4 boxes on the way. I went back to get them and then struggled to unlock the lock.
I immediately became aware I had never opened a barn door by myself.
I tried sliding it. Nothing. I tried lifting up on it. Nothing. I tried pushing on it. Nothing. By now, it is misting and I am frustrated.
I finally realized there was a pole into the concrete I needed to pull.
I tried sliding it. Nothing. I tried lifting up on it. Nothing. I tried pushing on it. Nothing. It’s still misting and I am even more frustrated.
I started to call Pete at work, then looked down and saw the other pole. I pulled it. The door slid like a dream.
I walked into the dark, dusty barn. Looking around, I saw a lot of various equipment, a tractor, a huge wagon, and various other farm items sitting aorund.
I looked all over that barn but could not find a hay cart. Anywhere. I looked over by the big wagon, behind the tractor, and even in the (very) dark corner. Nothing.
On my third pass through the barn, I happened to peek into the big wagon and found out what a hay “cart” is on a farm. It’s a wagon. To this girl, a cart has two wheels and is very small. But, I am obviously a city girl.
I managed to throw the boxes over the side, with only a few falling back down on my head. I slid the door shut, pushed in the pins and locked the barn up.
I turned around and noticed the neighbors across the street at the mailbox watching me. Hopefully, not for the entire city girl show. I waved and walked back across the yard to the house.
At least I have some damn cute muck boots.
