Today, I’m sharing one of Motor Man’s memories, rather than mine.
In 1965, he was living with his parents and sisters in Hampton. One day, he was on his way to a drag race in Suffolk, which took him through Isle of Wight County. There was a little gift shop, owned by the parents of one of his schoolmates, in the area of Bartlett. They also sold garden decor, which was on display out in front of the shop.
A concrete donkey and cart caught his eye, and he thought his Mom would like it. So he stopped and bought it for her. He says he still doesn’t know how he had the extra cash for it.
A few years later, their family moved from city life in Hampton to country life in Isle of Wight County, and the donkey and cart moved with them. (Motor Man jokingly says that the donkey and cart hauled some of their belongings.)
About a year ago, we took possession of the donkey and cart, and brought them to our shop for some repairs.
And last week, those repairs were complete. (Donkey and cart repairs take second stage to engine building, and rightfully so!)
A few days ago, I posted that picture and the story on a vintage gardening Facebook page that I follow. As of this morning, this is how many reactions (12.7 thousand) and comments (665) it’s had. Obviously, the donkey and cart resonate with lots of folks. It’s interesting to read the stories folks have shared of their memories.
I’m so pleased that the gift Motor Man gave his mom has a new home… in our yard.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 