THE GUMPTION TRAP

[Stanley]

Have you ever done anything which seemed to be a good idea at the time but developed into a mistake? I'm afraid I have and with hindsight they can be very funny. I remember once trying to start a wagon in Ernie Dawson's yard at Thornton Hall Farm by running it off down a slope. A brick under the back wheel was acting as a scotch so it seemed to be a good idea to prise it out with a bar. Problem was I'd forgotten that the hand-brake was off. I stood there and watched in horror as it set off down the slope and ran into the barn porch. Luckily no major damage but what a stupid mistake. I can still see Ernie's face and was glad when he started laughing! It could have been a lot worse and I never did it again!

[Stanley]

When Mr Pirsig was writing 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' he gave the example of a dripping tap which was annoying you but you didn't do the obvious and replace the washer.
I realised yesterday that this trap had crept up on me so I turned the water off, stripped the tap down and cured the problem. I suppose it comes under make do and mend. So satisfying to make something work well again. Good for the soul!