In one of my previous emails, I joked that I would have much preferred if my kids either learned — or married into — a mechanic, plumber, electrician, or carpenter. (I mean… these are highly valuable skill sets.) Don’t get me wrong, I’ll also happily take a doctor or lawyer — who wouldn’t?
Well… I think one of my wishes may have come true.
As it turns out, my middle child, William, has taken a real interest in fixing cars.
And let me tell you — I had no idea how much running a farm requires someone who’s mechanically inclined. We don’t have heavy equipment like tractors, but we do have a steady lineup of lawn mowers, chainsaws, weed whackers — all of which seem to need constant attention.
And then there are our cars. Both over 20 years old. Both with… personality.
I haven’t written much about my kids here (other than Kathryn), so today’s post is really about William.
There’s something about a middle child — they’re often the most diplomatic, the easiest going, the one who just gets along with everyone. That’s William. And he also happens to be incredibly mechanical, which I now realize is a very strategic life skill.
He’s following in the footsteps of both sides of the family — Steve’s grandfather was an engineer, and my father was a self-taught marine mechanic who could fix just about anything.
William recently finished his graduate degree in engineering and was looking for an old hobby car to work on.
Lucky for him… he didn’t have to look far.
We’ve got two sitting right here on the farm.
And then there’s his older brother Stephen’s beloved 2007 Chevy Trailblazer — which he refuses to part with because, at 6’7”, it’s basically the only car he fits into comfortably. So that one’s officially part of William’s project list now too.
Lately, William’s been coming down to the farm and working his way through our little fleet. He replaced the window motor on the Trailblazer (a repair that would’ve cost $300–$400 at a shop — he did it for about $50 in parts), adjusted the engine timing, and now he’s investigating what looks like a leaking radiator on the Honda.
I’ve quietly started keeping a running list of things I need him to fix… and we joke that this could become his next full-time job.
In reality, he’s a software developer — but working with his hands has become a pretty great counterbalance to being behind a screen all day.
Happening on the Farm
If you haven’t heard yet — the flower stand is officially open daily.
It’s still early in the season, so we’re easing into it, but we’ve got a beautiful mix coming in: tulips, sweet william, lilac, hellebores, and cherry blossoms. Every day is starting to feel a little fuller, a little more colorful.
We’re also deep into planting season.
After pushing the boundaries a bit (okay… a lot) with early zinnia planting and getting a reminder from Mother Nature who’s really in charge, I’ve been holding back just a bit — waiting until we’re mostly in the clear from frost. Fingers crossed. This weather has been… unpredictable, to say the least.
And, of course, it’s officially weeding season.
They’re coming in fast — like they always do — and I’ve learned the hard way that weeds are not something you procrastinate on. Ignore them for a few days and suddenly you’ve got a situation.
So that’s where you’ll find me — planting, weeding, and keeping a close eye on the forecast (while also making a mental note of everything William can fix next time he’s here).
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