Even though I’ve never met Pete Larson, it feels as if I know him.
Pete and his wife, Hilarie, and their three children live on a 45-acre farm located near Ithaca, New York. More than 1,300 miles separate the Larson farm and ours.
I became acquainted with Pete and his family during a beastly cold snap last winter. It was too chilly to exercise outdoors, so I took a spin on our elliptical machine. Walking on the elliptical is boring, so I surfed YouTube.
At one point I stumbled across some guy who was overhauling a Farmall “M” diesel. I can recall when such tractors were still being used, so I was instantly fascinated. There were numerous cliffhanger moments. Would Pete successfully extract that frozen bolt? Would he be able to locate obsolete replacement parts? How long would Pete’s local machine shop hold the engine block hostage?
Even though I’ve never met Pete Larson, it feels as if I know him. Pete and his wife, Hilarie, and their three children live on a 45-acre farm located near Ithaca, New York. More than 1,300 miles separate the Larson farm and ours. I became acquainted with Pete and his family during a beastly cold snap last winter. It was too chilly to exercise outdoors, so I took a spin on our elliptical machine. Walking on the elliptical is boring, so I surfed YouTube. At one point I stumbled across some guy who was overhauling a Farmall M diesel. I can recall when such tractors were still being used, so I was instantly fascinated. There were numerous cliffhanger moments. Would Pete successfully extract that frozen bolt? Would he be able to locate obsolete replacement parts? How long would Pete’s local machine shop hold the engine block hostage?
There still are dozens of classes to check out, online and in-person throughout February.
Throughout the Lancaster County region, there are hands-on classes that teach things like how to grow ranunculus and make a hypertufa planter. There also are virtual classes on topics like flower arranging plus virtual talks about growing vegetables in containers and repairing streams.
The in-person events are limited to small groups and some classes ship materials so donât wait to sign up. Some of the virtual events are selling out quickly as well.
If you have any additional events or talks to share, email enegley@lnpnews.com
Wednesday, Jan. 6,
Everything about Orchids. This online course from Longwood Gardens includes a look at the gardenâs orchid collection and how to grow your own orchids. Free. Registration closes Jan. 6. The course ends Jan. 19. Register online at bit.ly/LGOrchids.
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 6:30 p.m.
Master Watershed Steward Open House. This virtual program from Penn State Ag Extension explains this volunteer program. Free. Register online at bit.ly/MWStewardLanc.
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 7 p.m.
Winter Wonderland with Aliceâs Table. Learn how to make a winter white floral arrangement in this virtual class. $65 (includes materials). Register online at bit.ly/WWonderlandAT.