Brown: Can't go wrong with good tools

Thanksgiving passes with the consumption of mass quantities of turkey, stuffing and, far more importantly, cranberries. Plus friends, family, and hopefully a good game of football.

For many, it also triggers the official start of the countdown to Christmas and the mounting consideration of one small aspect of that holiday — shopping.

It’s not the most important feature of the holiday season, but it is, for better or worse, notable. Whether you chose to brave Black Friday for the deals (or for the fights. I hear it’s better than pay-per-view), or fore go the chaos and take a more leisurely approach, the biggest conundrum is always simple. What do you get for someone?

I cannot say there is a universal answer. Gift selection is a moving target with far too many variables to nail down for long, but in case you have a rancher or a farmer on your list, I will endeavor to give a few thoughts that might narrow it down.

link Audra Brown

Down on the Farm

• A special tool that does a common job ridiculously well. • For anyone with t-post fencing to do, maybe a tool that handles the clips far quicker and more consistently than a pair of pliers• A better filter wrench is always handy. • And if you find something that makes cleaning off a sweep-plow any easier, send me one, too.

• One can never have too many 15-inch crescents, channel-locks, or gerber multi-tools. • A cordless, powered grease-gun is a modern invention that everyone needs. • Duct tape, nylon ties, and a good rust-penetrating lubricant should never be in short supply. • A sharp knife is always good. • Audio books for those long hours on the tractor. • Caps with lights in the bill are great. • Did I mention you can never go wrong with a good, sharp knife?

The thing about a gift that one can often use is that it will be remembered and appreciated over and over again. Novelties get forgotten, and consumables evaporate, but a good tool will be treasured year after year.

If your gift-target is too prepared and all these things seem redundant, I have one last idea that is unlikely to be repetitive. For all those hours on the tractor, or those cold days feeding on the ranch, what would be better than a hot shot of espresso to wake you up or warm you up as needed?

My pick for this year is a 12-volt espresso maker for the farmer or rancher who already has everything.

Audra Brown doesn’t have portable espresso. Contact her at: [email protected]