[omegajim]

when I learned to drive a tractor, I was 9; in other words, I was older than both of my parents when they learned to drive a tractor (about 7).

looking back, my parents taught me at a very early age to do dangerous things;

and from that experience i can draw this

a) never go full throttle into anything
b) pain can be a very powerful teacher.
c) be aware of your surroundings; they may be the cause of, or the protection from, the elements that make a situation dangerous.

sounds on your tractor?? or mounted it backwards?

the first time I was on a motorcycle (overstating the case, it was a hi/lo yamaha 50 cc gizmo) it was wide open throttle and I managed to come to a gentle stop going uphill (the gizmo had no brakes) to which my father claims I said

"just the way I wanted to do it."

and no, I don't remember saying that.

but I was 8, so you have to take that into account.

or about the 3 - 4 near death experience I had by that point.