Back in the Saddle again?

This is not my favorite tractor but it sure does a good job. It is big and powerful. It takes every ounce of energy I have to push in the clutch to change gears. I call it my "only go forward tractor". I only use it on the days that my favorite tractor is being used elsewhere.

(I should get a picture of my favorite tractor)

The other day I scared the crap out of myself. I'm going to try to explain the situation. "Time" being the culprit here the field is full of large holes because of lack of time to fill them after a tree is dug. I know the holes are there and watch very carefully to avoid them because it could turn a tractor over in a heartbeat.

My mission is to kill weeds. After hoeing for as long as my back can stand it, which is usually only for 2 to 3 hours, I got brave and decided to till some ground with the "only go forward tractor". Since there seemed to be plenty of open space with weeds that needed to be killed I continued my mission. Soon I found myself getting braver and wanting to attempt going between the larger rows of trees. Things were going well until what looked like a wide row at one end of the field became narrow only due to the spreading branches of the trees. At the last moment I noticed an opening to change rows without trying to stop and change gears. Big mistake.

I hit a hole! I went flying into the dash. Not knowing at the time what just happened my only concern was to keep the tractor from damaging any trees. God being with me, I had the front bucket down low which must have stopped the tractor from turning over. It stalled and I regained my thoughts and realized what had just happened. I wanted to be brave and keep working but I couldn't do it. I got out of the situation, the shakes set in and I put the tractor back in the barn.

I got through this with one large bruise on my leg and a broken spirit. I don't think I'm ready to get back in the saddle again.