Paul Compton: 1926 – 2019
He will blow his harmonica no more. Today I received word from Gerry Compton that his dad, Paul Compton, died December 5. I met Paul traveling through the outskirts of Shelbyville, Illinois during this summer’s Mules West ramble. Even in his nineties, he could still blow that harp!
Tractor Tire Mule Haul
Mowing the mountain top apple orchard I heard a “wobble, wobble, wobble” and the steering of the tractor went all wonky and I looked down and saw the front tractor tire had come off the rim.
Damn. A half mile of mountain trail separated me from the barn. We don’t own a four wheeler, spare tractor or four wheel drive truck.
Down and Up
By chance, our forester Andrew Casey was… Continue reading
Dixie Faces
Friday, my wife Julia and I attended the Dixie Draft Sale. The Dixie Draft Sale is the biggest horse, mule, tack and horse drawn equipment sale in the south-east. Their catalogue is the only place I’ve ever seen the word “chattlel” used outside of a hand written Civil War last will and testament.
Dixie Dogs
Clydesdales, Meadowbrook carts and a Russellpit dog. Friday my wife Julia and I went to the Dixie Draft sale in Troutman, North Carolina. As a couple, this is an annual chance to catch up with friends. For me, it’s a chance to remember an ear ache and a soft ball line drive from the 1970s. And then there are the dogs.
The Dixie Draft Sale
The Dixie Draft Sale is held twice a year – April and November… Continue reading
Dixie Dogs and Faces
Dogs in denim, coon skin hats and Daniel Boone beards. Today Julia and I attended the Dixie Draft Sale in Troutman, North Carolina. We didn’t come home with a pony but scored a lot of great photos. Check in mañana for the Dixie Dogs photo essay.
Coming Tomorrow: Dixie Dogs
Plenty… Continue reading
I’m Writing You
Dear Marla, Jack, Dan (x2), Carter, Iris and everyone else who sent me a letter while I was out on my latest mule ramble,
This is what my desk looks like.
Still, I wanted to let you know I got your lovely letter. As you know, my wife Julia and I… Continue reading
“On a Mule Bound for Triumph” Article in Eye on Sun Valley (Idaho)
Did I ever tell you about the hundreds of miles of plastic flowers and dead snakes I encountered in my recent mule ramble? Enjoy this Sunday read that came out this week in Eye on the Sun in Sun Valley, Idaho.
BY KAREN BOSSICK
The snow was starting to stack up on the streets of Hailey when Bernie Harberts dismounted… Continue reading
The General Store is Open!
My mule ramble may be over, but if you’re still looking for more adventure, you can buy a signed book or DVD about one of my earlier voyages. It’s all right here at the General Store.
November Herd
The forecast threw us off. It was supposed to stream down sun beams but instead showered us with water.
The mules don’t care. They graze the November grass as the rain beads up on their backs and their bellies fill with fescue.
Two Year Old Potatoes
My fingers sift the fall chill soil and grub out a 2 year old treasure. Forgotten potatoes.
Two seasons ago I planted a row of potatoes in the fringe of orchard that borders the brook that flows through our homestead. The year I planted them I failed to harvest them. The following year – this year – I rode away on mules Brick and Cracker for the summer.
