Academia Finds the Earth

Chapter 14

Shire Horse

By 1979 Carol, Ruth, and Lizzie are making Parker Produce and Fruit a going concern and many people are coming out to the market, even stylish hippie academics.

I can see by your coat,

my friend You're from the other side

There's just one thing I got to know

Can you tell me please, who won? -

- David Crosby Wooden Ships Crosby, Stills, and Nash

Academia Finds the Earth

“Aren’t they beauties?”

“They are so large.”

“Yes, Shire horses”

“I thought everything in the Shire was smaller.”

“What no, they are a one of the largest draft breeds from Leicestershire in England.”

“Ruth, have you heard of the Hobbit, Bilbo or Frodo?”

“Are they in some rock band you used to see in California?”

“No, characters in a popular fantasy novel, aren’t you afraid they will step on someone?”

“No, Carol they are very gentle. We will have them hitched to trailers for moving people. They will be useful for pulling our trailers for produce. Customers will love to come here to see them.”

“JB keeps our tractors running smooth. Tractors don’t eat much in the winter when we don’t have people or apples.”

“Wait and see, Miss Carol.”

“I am walking over to the market, yes we’ll see.”

“Hey Ms. Parker”

“Oh, hi you’re from the horticulture class. I have to help during our busiest time, but after it calms down a bit, I will walk you through a tour.”

“That would be great, oh hey look at that!”

Ruth came driving down the lane with the team of monstrosities to a very controlled stop. The team was pulling an old apple cart now refitted with seats for people. “You kids want a ride? best way to see the farm”

“Oh, that would be cool.”

“I will leave your lives in Ruth’s capable hands, did your Prof come out?”

“We stopped for breakfast out at that Crossroads Café. He left just after we did; he should be here. Maybe he got lost or is off looking for edible fungus.”

“His odd little car may only drive on the wrong side of the road’- they all laughed as the image of his Fiat 500 appeared in their minds.

“OK see you later, Ruth assures me these big black beasts are as gentle as lambs.”

“Oh Carol, they are noble steeds and will behave with great chivalry.”

“Have fun, I need to get to work."





Photo Peter Goodair