Welcome to the "hood"

This whole thing about living in the "hood" came about when talking with Kate Flock, one of the nicest ladies you will meet in Indianapolis, asked me what part of the hood I lived in. By the way, Kate and her husband Kurt own Flock Realty.

I talk about the hood with friends and mention it most days on Twitter. I thought it might be nice to show you around, "my hood," better known as "The Old Northside."

One of the first things you'll notice are the beautiful old homes, many restored I'm sure to their natural beauty.

Located a softball throw away from where I live is the Morris-Butler House Museum. I hate to admit it, but I've never been there. I'll put that on my "things to do" list.

A walk around the "hood" you'll also see beautiful gardens.

One of my favorite places is this garden located on Park Street, literally in the middle of the neighborhood. It's where I go for lunch to read, in the evenings it's a great place to sit and unwind.

Sites from within the park.

Something I have always loved, wrought iron fences, and walking around the hood, you'll see all types and styles.

I'll end this little glimpse of the "hood" with what may be the most unique site you'll see, the hitching post and carriage step is located on Broadway Street. Each time I walk by, I can picture a beautiful lady being helped from the carriage.

The next time you're in Indianapols, take some time and come visit the "hood."

Not at all like I remember

As I was walking around the Jennings County fair the other night, a John Deere 4020 caught my eye. It was a beaut, just like the one I grew up on as a 13 year old kid in Ohio. It was like a magnet, drawing me in, oh sure, there were other tractors sitting there too, an Allis Chalmers 190XT, an International 806, even a Farmall Super C like my brother had, but it was that shiny 1965 JD 4020 with the chrome exhaust that called me.

But as I walked up to it, something was wrong, the John Deere 4020 I grew up driving was a BIG tractor, the biggest on the farm. But this one, well it wasn't all that big. Oh it was just like the one I grew up driving alright, but after 43 years it was not at all like I remembered.