Jrblanke 857 #1 Posted January 18, 2021 (edited) What’s up guys! Just wanted to drop in and say hello since its been a while, and also to tell you about my latest addition to the herd. A couple weeks ago Howard (857 Horse) called me and said he remembered me telling him at the big show that if he decided to sell one of his extra 857s to let me know. I asked him for some details and a price. He began to explain in great detail, what he had done to it, and what he had fixed, etc. I asked him how much. And he continued to tell me all the things he had done, and finally, I’m like, Howard, name your price ( I had already decided I was buying it). He told me his price and immediately continued to explain the reasons for why his price was what it was, and I was like, “Howard, Howard, Howard….sold buddy! No need to explain anymore!”. He said, well “ive had like 10 of these things, and I’ve learned what to look for, so I’m just explaining that you are getting a good unit.” Whatta guy! There is something to be said about the people in this wheel horse community. I continually see integrity and kindness put on display from the members here! Howard said the same thing. He said he had always struggled to find a hobby that he both enjoyed and fit in. He said he knew he had found his people when he was at his first big show, and the wheel fell off his tractor. I wasn’t there, but he said folks swooped in and got him rolling in no time. Anyways, I had a great time chatting and catching up since we didn’t see each other at the big show this year. He showed me his rock tumblers, and educated me on how to give the super polished rocks to my kids. He assured me that they were “just friggin rocks, but when you present them to a 3 year old, you can turn them into magic.” He continued to educate me on the delivery, “The trick is, to wrap them up in a napkin, then crouch down real low, and talk in a whisper.” “These are really special rocks that have been on the earth for millions of years, and now I am giving them to you….”. I can’t wait to give them to my kids and see their reaction! Oh, I purchased a couple other things including some mower decks that will fit my new 857, and a cool little K91 that he purchased at the big show a few years ago. Not sure what I’ll do with the little motor, but for now I’ll just squirrel it away in the barn for some unknown project on down the road. Alright, back to work I guess….Anyone else ready for the big show? I know I am! Only 6 more months! Won’t be as long as it has been I hope. Edited January 18, 2021 by Jrblanke Added pics! 2 12 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AHS 1,443 #2 Posted January 18, 2021 I have an 857 that I will be fixing up! 4 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,922 #3 Posted January 18, 2021 Great story, but where’s the pictures? I am glad Howard’s doing well, I was just asking about him the other day! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jrblanke 857 #4 Posted January 18, 2021 (edited) I have pictures, but not sure how to post them. I resized them, but they are still above the .15 meg. Do I have to be a supporter to post pics? @pullstart Edited January 18, 2021 by Jrblanke 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D_Mac 8,623 #5 Posted January 18, 2021 Here is my 857 ... First pics are of when I got it... last are as it is now. Congrats on your new Horse. 4 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 27,622 #6 Posted January 18, 2021 26 minutes ago, Jrblanke said: Do I have to be a supporter to post pics? It will eliminate your size limit on pictures. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,132 #7 Posted January 18, 2021 24 minutes ago, Jrblanke said: Do I have to be a supporter to post pics? Don't have to be James, but it will make the process so much easier to move them straight from your computer or phone into your post here. Welcome back buddy, have you talked with Van or Jay lately? 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,132 #8 Posted January 18, 2021 https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/store/ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jrblanke 857 #9 Posted January 18, 2021 6 minutes ago, AMC RULES said: Don't have to be James, but it will make the process so much easier to move them straight from your computer or phone into your post here. Welcome back buddy, have you talked with Van or Jay lately? Jay and Van are both doing very well! Ive seen or talked with both within the last month. He’s been staying busy working on his wheel horses, and doing improvements to his various barns on his property. I think he’s bought like 6 or 7 tractors in the last 2 months! I bought a gravely 5240 from him before Christmas and we were able to catch up then. He’s a wheelin and dealin machine! Van is enjoying his muscle cars. He is deep into a 66 Chevelle restoration currently and is really enjoying that. He is still working doing building inspections, and they are definitely keeping him busy! Give him a call! I think he would appreciate it! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jrblanke 857 #10 Posted January 18, 2021 Pictures added! I didn't realize pictures from all my old threads were still on here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,164 #11 Posted January 18, 2021 (edited) I remember buying my 857 from HHHOOOWWWAAARRRDDD!!! about 2 shows ago. @roadapples was guarding his flock because HHHOOOWWWAAARRRDDD!!! was out being, you know, HHHOOOWWWAAARRRDDD!!! . I grabbed one of them and took riding it around the show for about an hour. He didn't even know I had it! Finally I spot him and drive right up to him and just start gabbing like nothing was going on. Finally I ask him how much. This look comes over his face like "What are you talking about? I said this is YOUR tractor! Caught him off guard! The only way to buy.! James your 857 looks just like mine except yours has a better seat. The seat that was on mine I think HHHOOOWWWAAARRRDDD!!! had his Grandmother re-upholster! Edited January 18, 2021 by squonk 2 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jrblanke 857 #12 Posted January 18, 2021 7 minutes ago, squonk said: I remember buying my 857 from HHHOOOWWWAAARRRDDD!!! about 2 shows ago. @roadapples was guarding his flock because HHHOOOWWWAAARRRDDD!!! was out being, you know, HHHOOOWWWAAARRRDDD!!! . I grabbed one of them and took riding it around the show for about an hour. He didn't even know I had it! Finally I spot him and drive right up to him and just start gabbing like nothing was going on. Finally I ask him how much. This look comes over his face like "What are you talking about? I said this is YOUR tractor! Caught him off guard! The only way to buy.! James your 857 looks just like mine except yours has a better seat. The seat that was on mine I think HHHOOOWWWAAARRRDDD!!! had his Grandmother re-upholster! You took it for an hour and he didn't notice, that is fantastic! What a nut! I think you got tractor #2? Mine is #3 (You can check under the seat pan) He numbered all of his tractors for some reason. Hahaha. By the way he hasn't logged on because he says he forgot his password. So I explained to him over facebook messanger how to reset it. You should call him and give him crap about not being on redsquare. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,164 #13 Posted January 18, 2021 1 hour ago, Jrblanke said: You took it for an hour and he didn't notice, that is fantastic! What a nut! I think you got tractor #2? Mine is #3 (You can check under the seat pan) He numbered all of his tractors for some reason. Hahaha. By the way he hasn't logged on because he says he forgot his password. So I explained to him over facebook messanger how to reset it. You should call him and give him crap about not being on redsquare. He told me he thought mine was # 2. I can't talk to him on FB. Every time I respond to one of his posts he calls me Steve or Dino! Never mind my name is right there on my post! 1 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,347 #14 Posted January 18, 2021 Dang!! Now I want some shiny “just friggin rocks” !! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,767 #15 Posted January 18, 2021 I know Sparky...I have always wanted to get into Lapidary. I happen to have a number of coffee cans full of "just friggin' rocks" that we have collected from the shores of Lake Superior. Talked to Horsefixer the other day...he and MJ are heavy into it and making jewelry. It's not a real expensive hobby to get into...maybe it's time I make the move. I may have some agates in those cans. Hi Howard @857 horse...it's me...Dino!!! 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,329 #16 Posted January 18, 2021 James, glad to hear you are doing well. Thanks for the update on Van and Jay, thought for sure Van would be retired by now. Howard is a great guy, kind of person you wish there were more of in this world. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites