Hey Tracy! I think this is a great idea. Would have loved it if you would have posted all summer. I miss Jenna’s blog. Keep it up! (This is encouragement for doing this next summer!!)
Just had a person today say they missed Jenna’s writing. You will do a great job, I love getting your Christmas letter every year even though we live only a few miles away ~ you do write well : ) Love your pictures on here so far !!!
Oh dear, Tracy…you are on a slippery slope. You will become addicted to the daily entry, but at least you will not have to search out the internet access in the dark of night. Glad to see you joining the ranks of the blogosphere =D
thanks for your posts and pictures. I know they are probably done late at night after long days so thanks for taking the time. it’s refreshing to those of us who long to be where you guys are but are unable because of a 1000 reasons
I’m glad you enjoy them, Chad! It makes me want to do it even more when I know someone is actually looking at it and enjoying what I’m posting. Thank you for taking the time to leave your comment!!
And I loved Laura Ingalls!! I bet teaching multiple grades would be pretty challenging, though, don’t you think? Jamie and Jenna were able to be in a two room school house until the 7th grade. They LOVED it!
Looks yummy! I keep meaning to send you a recipe and this blog post has reminded me! It’s a simple and easy meal to make on the road or anytime for that matter. Mexican Stew: 1 can mild rotel, 1 can chili beans, 1 can mexi-corn, 1 can of hominy, 1 can of stewed tomatoes and 1 packet of dried ranch dressing mix (non-buttermilk), 1 pound of cooked meat (turkey, shredded chicken or ground beef). Simmer all ingredients in a crock pot on low for 4-6 hours. Serve warm over tortilla chips and top with sour cream and shredded cheese! Bon Appétit!
Actually you did pretty well at putting into words something that is deep in the soul. I have never been on the wheat harvest run, it’s something I’ve always admired from a distance (wanted to go but never had the chance). But you’ve made me feel what you’re feeling with this post even though I’ve not been on the wheat harvest trail. I suppose everyone feels that ache/longing of the heart in some way and that’s why I can identify with your words. We humans don’t like endings to things we take joy in. Thanks again for taking the time to put into words what’s going on.
Really? You really think I was able to put into words that seem so hard to find? I hope so but I think there will probably be more once it actually starts happening – heading home. Writing is good for me – it helps those silly feelings of mine escape.
You said it perfectly and anyone who has been on the run for any amount of time knows EXACTLY what you are talking about. I have been known to go out into the camper in January when it is -40º just to imagine what it will be like in a few months and think about those 110º days that we suffered through.
When you can wake up in the morning in the same camper and know that when you walk out that door, you could be at any stop along the run, it feels like every stop is home…at least for a week or so at a time. I don’t dislike the off season, I just think of it as intermission until the real living starts.
Thanks, Marilyn! I knew someone who understood being on the road and harvest would KNOW just exactly what I was trying to say. The end of the season really tugs at my heart and I almost hate the idea of going home again. It doesn’t take very long, though, and the harvest adventure becomes a memory and feels like a dream.
Your note means a lot – coming from a seasoned blogger!!!
Aw Tracy your post makes me want to cry, you did a great job explaining the end of the season let down. Summer harvest is such a great time to spend with the family, even if the times aren’t always so friendly it’s definately a family bonding time 🙂
Yummy Tracy, they were talking about your recipe last night & I had to get on here to check it out.
Tracy does have a secret that she left out of this recipe ~ she browns her hamburger in a cast iron skillet. For years I’ve heard about how great Tracy’s tacos are (Mark worked on harvest for Zeorian’s when he was 16 & has been part of their family ever since) And I’ve had these great tacos at her home, home, but when our families were together in KS this summer we figured out her secret, not secret spices & seasonings, but cooking love in a cast iron skillet.
I know, I’m days behind here, but AWESOME pixs Tracy, love the single piece of wheat ~ obviously your daughters’ talents in photography came from you : ) I think you should write a book with lots of your pixs in it.
Aw, again Tracy your pixs are amazing & such a great story of a day spent on an adventure (even though it ended in disappointment with no more wheat to cut). It sounds like you and Jim are getting the hang of your summer honeymoon without the kids : )
The end of summer harvest is always a let down. Looking forward to possibly coming back to ND for the fall harvest this year. We are headed home in a couple of days to start harvest there. Hope to see you soon and Take care. Say Hi to Jim and the girls for us.
I will do that! Be safe and make sure and tell Jerry hey for us!! Good luck with your harvest.If you make it down near Omaha at any time…you BETTER call!
Andy was just telling me he wanted me to try some homemade meatballs! Thanks for sharing the recipe! I have a Meatball recipe, too, except mine involves frozen meatballs. I just put the cooked meatballs in a slow cooker and cover them with equals parts of grape jelly and cocktail sauce. I let the meatballs simmer in the grape jelly/cocktail sauce mixture until the mixture has been heated and is “melted.” These are great for cocktails parties or any kind of get together where you’re serving finger-foods.
You’ll have to try mine and see what you think! I hope Andy likes them. They really are OUTSTANDING! Thank you, too, for your suggestion!! I’ll have to remember that if/when I need something like that.
Hope you have a safe trip back to Nebraska. Even though it’s a bit of a sad time hope there’s also a joy for another season complete. Will you be harvesting fall crops? What would you say is the biggest difference between the wheat harvest and fall harvest?
Yes, Chad, we’ll be harvesting soybeans and corn when they’re ready. The biggest difference between the wheat and fall harvests is that we’re all in different worlds while at home. I’m not needed in the fall harvest fields. The farmer Jim cuts for only uses the combine. He has trucks and drivers. So, the girls and I are in one world and Jim is still in the harvesting world. We’re back at home, which is good, but I do miss living in my trailer house – simplicity, I guess. The best part about being home is we’ll be a family unit, once again! I love having the kids around whenever possible and being involved in their lives!!!! After fall harvest is over, Jim works for Sapp Bros. Petroleum out of Omaha hauling propane all winter. I think he actually works harder in the winter months than the summer. He’ll put in over 70 hours a week, consistently.
Thanks for the info. Hope you have a safe trip back home. Thanks again for the posts. Hope you keep writing them. You have a real knack for it.
p.s. You gotta love the corn harvest though being from the cornhusker state. Go big red!
Okay Tracy that made me almost cry I never knew the whole story before this, Thank you for Sharing. Mark and Candi are wonderful people and he is the best GRILLING man ever. Their little girls are two special ones. God has blessed many people, we are happy to know Mark and family as well as Tracy, Jim and family.
Aw, you did make me cry with your story. We are blessed to be part of your family, whether good or bad Mark has learned a lot from you, Jim & the girls (I’m sure you know some of the “bad things” I’m thinking of 🙂 We love you all & miss you all, thinking we need to have a big dinner when we get home 🙂 I’ll even have it at my house since I know all the work you have to do to get back into yours ~ that’s 1 bonus to having our house occupied during the summer. Miss you & see you soon !
Maybe you can still talk Jim into updating the kitchen just a bit, think of the food you could cook in double ovens, oh heck just a regular sized one would be amazing 🙂 You do make delicious meals even without all the bells & whistles 🙂
Thanks, Candi! I have more bells and whistles with my trailer house…But, I know just the amount of space to crack my oven door to make things work 🙂 Love you!
yep, this one made me choke up too. gosh we spent a lot of time in those trees. if they were still there, it’d blow my mind to see how small they probably actually were.
I’m just glad you had them for something different to do! What memories harvest has given us!! I’m so glad you have those to go back to and remember all the fun we had!
gosh DARN it. i should never have sat down and caught up on your blogs. i’m 2 for 2 on crying. we STILL fight with mark, like he’s our brother. one of these times i’ll be able to hold him down and ‘type-writer’ HIS chest. #yeahright
Are they at the fair showing something or do you mean just stop by the shop? Not sure how much time we’ll have. We’ll be leaving from there with the Pete and headed north again.
I still have to read “Heaven Is For Real.” I have heard awesome things about it. I’m sorry about your little ones that you have lost. I have two cousins who gave birth to baby boys only to have them go to Heaven a few short days later. I do know that there’s a welcome committee in Heaven. When your time comes, your babies will at the Pearly Gates welcoming you home.
Oh, Toni, you NEED to read it!! It’s really good and very easy to read. It makes me smile when I think about meeting them for the first time. Can’t wait for that hug!!
Hi Tracie, Glad you’re back. totally agree with the summer participation being a “requirement” for playing time. Don’t think it’s fair, the coaches are biased in that regard and it’s one of the reasons Jen isn’t playing volleyball this year.
Loved watching harvest this year on line with your girls and was glad to have Taylor over the other night. Take care and I’ll keep reading.
Thank YOU, Dawn, for having Taylor the other night! Yeah, I can’t blame the girls for getting discouraged! Like I said, I probably would’ve quit if I were Jenna but she’s a better person than I am! Plus, she really enjoyed the sport – even if it meant a little play time. I’m sure if it’s like that next year with Callie, it may change her mind and I can’t blame her…unfortunately!
Good to be back. I just wish I could wiggle my nose and everything is back in place. No help so it takes me a while!
Thanks for sharing your journey with us midwest folk who don’t leave home to harvest! We finished fourth crop hay and went right into the corn silage harvest. Many, many acres from now, we can start to fertilize that land! Poop smells so good!!
I always told my kids that participating in a sport was an experience that no money could buy! As adults, we can’t go back and do that stuff, so we enjoyed our kids being part of the team even if it was sitting on the bench. The same issues were there for our kids, we couldn’t afford camp but those who could, got to play!
See you in March!! Lori
Thank you, Victor. Which picture are you talking about? The New Holland sign? I’m glad you enjoyed my pictures. Before I started the blog, though, I was just publishing the pictures on our Facebook page. If you want to look a all of them, you can go to http://www.facebook.com/ZeorianHarvestingandTrucking
It will all get done Tracy !! Thanks so much for taking the girls on Saturday, I know they had a great time with you guys ! Thanks for sharing the pix, I was waiting for the face shot of at least one of them, not sure why they’re pushing their butts out when posing for pixs, what goofballs !!
We had a GREAT time! They “tagged” along quite nicely and didn’t even make things hard 🙂 Who knows with the “butt shots”…they’re kids. Maybe they just think that’s what they’re supposed to do cuz they see so many pictures like that in the magazines. I know it’ll get done. Just want it done yesterday so I can stop thinking about it!!!
Glad to see you made it home safely. Hope the unpacking/settling stage gets done for you. Eat the elephant one bite at a time as they say. Appreciate your comments about time with Christ and HIs people. It always gives perspective to be with Him.
I know it’ll get done. I’m just the kind of person that wants to see completion to a project and I’m being too hard on myself. I’m beginning to see the end of the trailer house project. Next…the yard. And then, it will be time to be thinking about Jamie and Curt’s wedding reception (10/15). Honestly, Chad, I know I couldn’t do any of this without Him…”I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.” Phillipians 4:13
Well, they might have a small worm hole that would have to be cut out. We could check into it, I guess! What about the caramel? Crock pot? and where do we get that much caramel?
PS, I’ve seen mini caramel apples. Take a scoop out of an apple with a melon baller and there you have a mini apple. You can probably get several scoops… Just an idea!
Pretty sure that’s the most retro coffee grinder I’ve ever seen. Can you grind wheat with that?? Plus, I was having a convo with my bestie about grinding wheat. Have you done that before????
I don’t know if you could or not. I’ve never tried it. I have never ground wheat but Mark Rathe has. I think he has a special sort of wheat grinder. He gave me some after he did it and I am still using it. I wonder if you could do it with a blender?
That is an awesome picture! 🙂 I feel like I need to constantly apologize for my house, Anthony!
P.S. I’m STILL dwelling on that comment by “you know who”.
I enjoy your blog from what I’ve read. Picture is gorgeous. I know how you feel, sometimes you can’t even think you’re so busy. its sad when blogging is the only personal time you get. I look forward to reading more! Stop by sometime dear!
Personal time? What the heck is personal time? I really do enjoy sitting here writing – it relaxes me sort of like picking weeds from the garden. I could do that every day but I don’t think my back would really like that very well. It’s just the no thinking jobs that relax my soul! Writing comes fairly easy for me…when I have something in my heart to say. When I’m told to write something, it’s difficult. I’m glad you found my blog and have enjoyed what you’ve read. I enjoyed yours too!
It truly IS a gift. Most of the time these thoughts just come flooding through my mind. There’s enough of a push to write them that I do 🙂 I am only the source used to write the words.
What a wonderful post. I totally feel ya, I wish I could go back in time and relive certain memorable events in my life because life just seems to fly by so fast sometimes. Funny thing is that the other day I got really sad and started crying at the thought of how fast time go by. I thought of how excited I am for the baby to be here, yet I know once that happens it’ll fly by, and I’ll one day look back and say “I miss those days.”
Enjoy every single minute…no…moment you have while you’re pregnant! Take all the time you want to to hold that baby once it gets here!! I don’t think you can REALLY spoil a baby. I held mine and took mine with me everywhere. I used to hear the “old” folks talk about just how fast the years fly by and when you’re changing diapers and not getting any sleep, it feels like it can’t go fast enough! At the end of the day, I hope you can look back on it and KNOW you seized the day! I seriously don’t know where the last 30 years have gone! Best of luck to you with your baby and I’m jealous of your walls!!!
I think active ag advocates like myself share your frustration. The questions being posted are driven by emotions and not peer reviewed, well-researched documented science. Keep up the good work. We cannot let them win.
I’ll bet it meant the world that you went to visit her 🙂
Be sure to print a copy of your post and share it with her .. she might find it fun to know that people all over the world can see the words of love you wrote about her.
MJ
Oh my what an eventful day for the family, great job Callie, don’t know what to say about Jamie’s name change ~ guess you knew it was coming eventually. My girls even remind me she’s Hermesch now, not Zeorian……but really she’ll always be Zeorian !!!
Wow, Weeping Water must have been the only kids in school today, till 1:30 even. Wouldn’t have minded, but had my niece & nephew as he didn’t have school today either. Kids are having fun now & even got to play outside twice : ) Happy Thanksgiving Zeorian & Hermesch clan !!
Oh, I knew it was coming, just like I knew Callie would eventually start driving. It’s just when it actually happens, it still throws ya for a loop! Just you wait dear girl!! When that day comes for you, I will be able to sympathize with how you feel 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family too! Love you guys.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I hope things are ok too – it’s just a wait and see how things go state right now. She’s a fighter and has been through so much so it wouldn’t surprise me if she bounces out of this too. God knows what’s going on and He’ll take care of her, I’m sure!
I spent Thanksgivng day in the hospital 5 years ago, my wife brought me a turkey sandwich and a plate of leftover fix’ns the next day. It was the best meal I had for the whole time I was in the hospital!!
Continue to speak positively about this, the bible says”the power of life and death is in your tongue.” lean on the Lord, he will see you all through this.
I’ll be praying too!
No kidding! What a LONG life. We certainly don’t appreciate them until we’re older and then sometimes it’s too late. I’m so thankful Grandma is still with us 🙂 I’m sure you’re life is a whole lot different now that your Grandpa is gone. But…you know you’ll see him again one day and that’s comforting to me. It’s better to have known them and to have loved them enough to feel the pain of their passing than to have never experienced a love like that in the first place!
Tracy, this is so sweet <3 Brought a tears to my eyes. How beautiful the joy in her heart. And – a perfect song: God does make all things new, even at 94. Just beautiful. I love you. Karen 🙂
AWE Tracy you just about had me crying!!! Thank you to all of you for joining us. Yes we are all part of the Harvesting FAMILY, A Family I am proud to be part of. I am so thankful for our trip a year ago that brought us together to realize that friendships can formed even though people from the past tried to prevent that, Like you say CHANGE needs to happen. I am grateful we were able to have a couple of extra days to spend together. Truck will be fixed before we head down to see you in March.
Just speaking from the heart 🙂 Can’t wait to see you in March. It’ll be crazier for me but it’ll work. Best of luck to you and that truck repair!! Thanks again for all you did for us while we were up there!
We are having the same nice weather here. They are prediciting for another 14 days. Wow this kinda weather is not normal but will enjoy what we get that is for sure. I am sure we will pay for it later on.
I wish i had something more to comment than WOW, but thats all that came to me… Excellent Excellent Post, a good “slow down and look around” type of blog!
Thanks, OKcableguy! When something is laid on my heart, the best way to make the “feeling” go away, is to write about it. So, whether it’s good or bad, you’ll probably get to read it. 🙂 I certainly appreciate the encouraging words! And even I have to make myself slow down. But we all need to do it before we wish we would have! As my Grandma used to say, “You’ve got to slow down and smell the roses” or “take one day at a time”. She was so wise!
I just heard this song yesterday as well. It makes me think of my young daughter now moving out to live with her boyfriend. As a mom we all want our daughters to walk down the isle first. I think they are too young and they are going to have a tough time, like sparrows in a hurricane, but like the song says “love says they will” and I can only pray that they do.
That’s all YOU can do – Pray! Sometimes it doesn’t make sense why things happen the way they do and you have to just give up trying to “fix” things on your own. God knows the plan he has for our children and sometimes the hardest things they go through are what makes them become the people they are supposed to be. It’s just hard to watch them going through it as a parent! Good luck, mom!
Wow! Very inspiring! And I think I’m doing well just to give my old shoes to Good Will or the Salvation Army. Sometimes it amazes me how kids can be more mature than we are!
I know, right? This little girl is going to rock her world!! Not only did she meet her goal, she went above and beyond. Kids don’t know limitations. They just know what they want to do and do it! I have to applaud mom/dad for allowing her to follow through and not just making her feel like she was doing something impossible….”faith, when the world says you can’t, it’ll tell you that you can” (from the band Kutless – “What Faith Can Do”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1JBSQMkQEo&ob=av2e
AW, Happy Birthday, can not really believe you’re 50, seems like it should be more like 40 🙂 I took a pix of the beautiful sunset last night too. At least your age is only a number, and easily forgotten 🙂 Love & Happy Birthday from the girls ~ they remembered when they woke up that it is your birthday !
This sounds like an incredibly fascinating life! I don’t even know what a combine is, but I’m going to research it so will soon.
Thanks for the nomination. I’m trying to figure it out. BTW, you might be the ONLY person on the face of planet Earth who knows my blog exists. No exaggeration.
Well, then, I’m really lucky I found your blog! As far as a combine goes, let me know if you have any questions after you do your research. 🙂 In a short story, it’s the machine used to harvest the grain after it’s gone through the growing process and is to the point of harvest – wheat, corn, soybeans, sunflowers, etc. If you follow me, you’ll find out more about our way of life starting in May.
You’re welcome. You may not be so happy with receiving it after you realize it takes a little time. 🙂 You may want to refer to this if you need help: http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/about/
And I appreciated the offer. The girls, however, felt it would be “giving in” if we left. So, we just stuck with it until the end 🙂 We do still have power and the heat feels oh so good!
I did catch my nomination. Thanks! You’re bringing traffic to my site by the way. I’ve been busy and haven’t been spending enough time on the blog so thanks for doing some of the lifting for me!
Thanks, Jen 🙂 I know we must have been thinking about harvest the same time because of your post going out at the same time that night. I LOVED your post!! ( http://www.yensyphotos.wordpress.com – check Jenna’s picture out)
I so love the photo of you and your grandmother and you posing for the newspaper! I almost thought it was me! I started combining for my uncle when I was 14. I think that was probably about the same time that photo was taken. Really took me back!
I love that photo too. I really miss her. She was a great lady and I learned a lot from her. Harvest is a wonderful lifestyle and I can’t imagine doing anything else!
Love this spring weather too !!! Windy today though, but that’s Nebraska right 🙂 Making your super duper nacho’s tonight for supper !!! Had to buy milk anyway, so bought cheese & chips ~ the girls will be so excited, the sample at your house was so good.
Love your photos! The school house (from the photo you took) is a goal of ours to get fixed up. Also wondering if I could have permission to use some of your photos on our website http://www.russellcountry.com. If okay to do, can you let me know how you would like to the have the photo credit line to read. Thanks much, Kim
Hi Kim!
I hope we make it back to your part of the country. I LOVED IT! Yes, you have my permission to use the photos. It would be fun to know which ones. You can credit it to Zeorian Harvesting – if that’s ok. If not, you can put Tracy Zeorian. Great hearing from you, Kim!
My family and I actually did the releasing of lanterns this year instead of the whole fireworks escapade. It’s better for the environment and it looks pretty wonderful too. 🙂 This post is beautiful! Way to go.
Yes! There is a trailer. Go to the posting titled, “The times they are a changing” and you’ll see a couple of pictures of it. It’s beautiful. Almost too nice to be bounced up and down on the wonderful roads that we have! But, it will be awfully nice to come home to at the end of the day!
I wondered when you would be going with all being early this year. That has to be a hard one leaving without the ladies. All my best to all of you. Will be watching on here!
You are so brave—-I could NEVER manage all that you do or drive that big stuff down the road, Tracy!!! LOVE my gorgeous lavender-pink azalea!!! I will make my landscaper neighbor plant it so it will survive. Had some pulled pork tonite for dinner—sooooo delicious—-thanks a bunch!!! Good to see Taylor—-will try to get together with all your girls real soon. Prayers from church road for safe travels!!!
🙂 Love ya, Judeen! I’m not brave – just do what I have to do. You could do it too – I know you could! I hope your azalea grows and grows and grows and THEN comes back next year. And, every time it blooms, you can think about us crazy Zeorians! Glad you liked the pork…I can’t take credit for that, though. Thank Mark R. for it when you see him again.
Hi Tracy, well I have been updating the website – seems like it is taking forever! I did in fact use some of your photos, so I very much appreciate you giving me permission to do so :). {hope to have the new look uploaded within the next few hours!! – let me know what you think! Thanks again!!
Hey Kim! I’m excited to see your new site. I thought the old one looked really nice. I’ll definitely let you know. And…you’re very welcome. I’m glad I could help you out! (it was a piece of cake)
Wow…thought I had written this. Especially the part about the shortcuts…going ahead and turning around on a dime…low RR crossings…old houses with stories to tell. And here we sit waiting for the opportunity to do the same thing soon. Thanks for the heads up on which roads not to take =D
Oh what a “treat” to read your story, Tracy!!! How long have u 2 been married?? HA Let`s just say u guys are entertainment for we “old folks on church road”!!!
I am pretty sure you needed this excitement on the first day….NOT! Holy Cow girl, it’s always something isn’t? Hopefully after this ordeal the rest of the way will go smoothly. Found out through an email the Hwy 281 work is not going to start until the 8th and is only supposed to last a month and will not be done on the weekends. Hopefully that will help some.
Once you get back into that harvest mode and have some harvest sunsets, you’ll be right back into it, remembering why you do what you do, safe harvest!!
Oh, I know Colin but it’s just so overwhelming right now. Once we leave the driveway, all will be good – EXCEPT that I have to leave the girls! Thank you for your words of encouragement! I will keep trudging on.
Awww, we miss you already !!! Brooklyn has her 1st ball scrimmage tonight – against the 1st graders, so they’re sure they’ll win. We’ll let you know how it goes !! Miss you, enjoy your “break”, or getting settled !!
Miss you guys too. Wish we could have gotten together before heading south so I could give those girls a squeeze – even though they don’t like it when I do that!
I’ll miss having you out here!
Oh. My. Gosh!!! Can you still remember that? I believe that was absolutely THE HOTTEST I have ever been. Remember trying to cook an egg on the sidewalk? What a memory 🙂
🙂 Remember, too, that it was so hot Dad didn’t even want us to get out of the pickup when we brought lunch to the field. The air was literally like an oven with a fan.
Saw beautiful Taylor tonite at a graduation party!!! She “lights up the room” with that smile!!! Could I possibly be prejudiced???? No way!!! Happy Mother`s Day. Will give Mom & Dad the latest “harvesting news”.
She definitely lights up the room. 🙂 I miss all the whistling and singing. Please make sure to tell Ruth happy birthday – I meant to get a card in the mail and with all that was going on – I didn’t get it done. Please tell them hello for me and that I hope they’re getting along ok. Happy Mother’s Day to you, too. The first time – ever – that I haven’t been with the girls. 🙁
Reblogged this on Food Outside The Box and commented:
Thought you might like to see this post about cutting wheat from another blogger. The photos caught my eye.
Wow, looks like quite a “vacation” for you, hanging out in wheat fields, napping under the clouds 😉 Glad you’re finally able to get some work started, makes your days go faster !! Miss you !
I grew up all over the world (my father was in the military) but they would fly me back to Kansas every summer for wheat harvest. I’d drive our little combine and watch the custom cutters sweep through. Great memories of hard work long ago.
Thank YOU for commenting! Wheat harvest is something no one can really explain why it’s enjoyed by so many people. I think it’s the memories of bringing family together to get a job completed. You’re lucky to have had the opportunity. Most are not!
Excuse me, Tracy, you`ve missed your calling!!! HA Newspaper reporter here we come!!! Computer was down all yesterday so I`m loving catching up with all of your crew!!! THANKS for being that quiet, kind, fun, yes sexy voice for agriculture—-we need more wives, mothers friends like you!!! Please tell Jim I said that??? Will this increase your pay by any chance??? HA I tried!!
You’re a GREAT fan and a huge encouragement to me! I do what I do and tell what I tell because I love our lifestyle and agriculture. If I can make a teeny, tiny bit of difference – that’s all the thanks I need!
Found your site yesterday while looking for ag. information about how wheat harvest was going. Really enjoy your daily activities. My Husband and I were raised on farms and harvest was a big deal my folks had tractor pulled combines and Harrys dad had tractor pulled and ones with cabs. I enjoyed harvest and then hay and workng ground to start over. We do not farm,but watch the local farmers and appreciate the hard work that goes on.
We live between winfield and arkansas city,ks. in cowley county. Don’t think there has been any cutting yet here,but most likely by weekend. I kknow they are wanting to get going.Wheat looks good . weather looks like will be good also for next week. Just wanted to say Hi and let you know we enjoy reading your daily activities. Be careful. Sharon Drake
Oh yes, we have cotton here also and have a cotton gin just west of us. A farmer started cotton in this area about 20 years ago and has been a good crop.Sharon
I am so glad you found my site and you have enjoyed reading my activities. I love hearing about how harvest was done years ago. My grandpa and grandma started this business in 1950s. I really wish I could still talk to them about how things were done and they could see how things have changed. This lifestyle and job is something our family loves. Check out the http://www.allaboardwheatharvest.com site. I think you’d enjoy it!
I am sure you do the same ,but the meals was always a big event. We usually took a full meal to the field at lunch. Never a sandwich,but real meal. Course the hay needed to be taken care of and some garden canning so was a lot for everyone to do. All that and getting the wheat to elevator and hope you did not have to wait very long. We had a oil tank that was moved on to a cement foundation and it was my job to sweep it out and make sure it was ready for burlap sacks of seed wheat. Very hot inside . The door was only opening,course i would try to get out quick and Dad would say missed a spot. Cool off and go back in. Seems over winter the tank was storage for other things. And when folks got finished with their wheat,they would go and help the others that were not done,especially if the weather did not look good.We were within a few miles of home ,so made easy to move equipment. This was the late 50’s and 60’s.and early 70’s .
My husbands family was the same way. Better quit or you will not have time to read all this.ha I hear there is cutting south of Arkansas city, which is at the ok. line. May be more now. It is 8:30 pm. Our Son and family live 10 miles south of ks/Ok line ,west of Newkirk and there are big fields there,I am sure they are cutting.Later Sharon
Thank you for your memories, Sharon! We both can certainly see how technology has changed this industry and the world! I’m sitting in the field right now, under a shade tree, going through emails because I can’t get internet from the trailer house. I used to haul meals to the field. I gave that up, though, in 2001 when our oldest daughter was old enough to drive. Then, I became the hired “man” and the kids took over my job. They do the household and cooking chores while I’m in the field with Jim. I suppose we did that backwards but the thought that went behind it was I knew the job, had the CDL and with one combine you really have to be able to keep things moving. I suppose it wasn’t fair to the girls but they have been a tremendous part of the team and they do a great job. The oldest daughter is married now and #2 has a full time job (with Claas out of Omaha, no less). The 17 and 14 year olds will be catching up with us next week. I can’t wait! It’s really hard for me to try to keep up with everything and they’ll be able to lessen the load. The wheat here in OK appears to be dry so it’s back to work! Thank you for taking the time to “chat” with me!!
Tracy
In your situation a full meal would be a little more difficult. Some guys don’t like to eat a lot and go back to work and in the heat is really not good. mom was always doing a full meal but she was close to house and only way she could get dad to eat before midnight. Sharon
I was north of arkansas city,ks. about 6pm this evening and see a field getting cut. I had seen a couple trucks going into Hackney coop to unload about 3 pm. That is all I saw but i am sure there was others. Be careful in the heat.sharon
I have forgot to tell you My Mom’s Fathers parents lived in Edgar, Nebraska. In 1872-1878, then moved to Araphoe for couple years. They came from Connelsville, Pa. as newly weds. In early 1880’s ended up in Lost Springs, Ks. and raised their family there. My Husband ,Mom and I came through Edgar 2002 and she got to see what that area looked like. The name was Christner.There are a lot of Christners in Nebraska I found while doing family history,none seemed to be directly related,but there was a couple that had 13 children and I am sure the folks in nebraska were from that 13. there seem to be a lot in Indiana. Well, just thought I would let you know about my connection to the beautiful state of nebraska. Sharon
I agree about the green. It has been nice this year to see green grass. The cattle sure are enjoying it. Every where we go from here east to coffeyville, ks. the cattle have their heads down . ha We traveled that way couple times this month. Ponds are full and that is good to see. so many sold down their cattle herds last year or shipped them north where they had water and grass. There was no hay,and that is a welcome sight this summer. Lot of hay.
Just east of you at Woodward in April had a bad tornado and lot of damage. That weekend we had our grand children 10 and 4. It got plenty close to us also We kept watch but at midnight just like somebody flipped a switch it cleared out.
Yes, I am sure your girls do a lot. They talk like they really enjoy it and missed you both. It is nice your family can be together. When the people in D.C. wanted to stop kids working, little did they know what that would do to families , and growing up in the country was like. You know none of those folks have a clue about farm life most likely what a farm is. Later sharon
I hear ya on the combine driving, but it sure takes away from some of the photo opportunities you get in the truck or cart…God forbid you should stop the combine!
When I was a kid the sickle sharping was my job to help Dad. Both on the combine and sickle bar for cutting hay,usually a rainy day job,but if no rain early morning job. Sharon
I have enjoyed reading your site so I’ve nominated you for the Illuminating Blogger Award for illuminating, informative blog content. You can check out the details at my site … http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/ … Hope you’re having a great Memorial Day weekend!
Thank you for the award, Food Stories, and I am honored. I haven’t done anything simply because it feels a little overwhelming how I’m supposed to do it.
First of all, I want to tell you what a good job you are doing and how much I enjoy reading this and getting a more detailed explanation of the life of a custom harvester. I also want to thank you for taking time out of your busy day to tell the rest of the world what custom harvesting is all about. It’s because of you doing this blog and your daughters doing all aboard (and the other correspondents) that I think I want to be a custom harvester.
Now on to harvest. We are planning to start cutting tomorrow on our farm outside of Hooker. This is the earlist Dad ever rembers cutting. I wish that I could’ve met you and your family when y’all were here in 2010.
Well Ethan, I had a fairly long reply to you but it appears to have not gone where it was supposed to. I’m glad you wrote the note! And I’m excited that you want to be a custom harvester! We’ll need some younger guys to do the job when us older generation have to quit. Just remember that the biggest and shiniest isn’t always the best. Save the money during the good years cuz the next may be a drought. Don’t ever be smart enough that you can’t listen to experience and always look at the other cutters as your friends not competition. It’s the friends you make that will be your biggest asset and what you’ll most enjoy about the business! GO FOR IT! I’d it’s what’s I’m your heart then you need to do it! Do you know Anthony Adams? That’s who we helped while we were in Hooker. We were supposed to go again this year but with the early harvest we won’t make it in time. Maybe next year. Talk to Anthony, I’m sure he could give you some pointers! Check I’m once in awhile and lets know how things are going and let me know what you think about the secret tool! Take care, have a great harvest, have fun and above all else…be safe!
Thanks for the tips on becoming a harvester! My hope is to work for a harvester and make sure this is what I want to do before making a big investment, and also hope to find a crew that is willng to mentor and teach me about the business more.
Yes, I do know Anythony. He’s been cutting for two days now. I’ll have to talk to him sometime. Did you meet the Dietricks? That’d be cool if y’all made Hooker a stop again.
I’ll keep ya posted. If all goes as planed (but when does that ever happen? Lol) we’ll be in the field today.
When you get serious about wanting to go with someone let me know. I’ll get you lined up with someone who might be better about being a mentor rather than just a boss. I don’t think I met the Dietrick’s but I know Anthony talks about Nick. Same one? We’ll meet one day ;)We got rain and some hail last night. Hope we can get started again later today.
Well Tracy, I’m not seeing how to reply to your reply, so hopefully this will end up where I want it to. But anyway, I’ll keep that in mind when the time comes. Yes, Nick is a Dietrick, he and Anthony are pretty good buds. Hope the hail wasn’t bad.
Ethan
Thanks for the tip on the miracle tool. I bet it does work great. We have 2 pickups, 99 chevy and 04 ford and big windshields. something with a long handle makes a big difference. In the winter we cover windshields with plastic tarp and makes handy when have to go in a hurry to keep them covered.People complain about sc raping ice or snow,but don’t cover anyway just like you anything to make work a little easier. Really cuttiing here. we went to Grand daughters 5th birthday party this afternoon and a lot are cutting. wheat trucks moving. She got a lot of things. We gave her a small swimming pool after her other gifts,I knew she would want to put it in use. Sure enough she ask her dad if they could,so for an hour 8 little ones played in it .Sean put the end of the slide on the swing set into the pool and those kids had the best time,Still at it when we left at 6pm. By the way you said common sense in D.C. I don’t think anyone there knows what that is.Sharon
Oh my gosh! What great memories you just gave those kids! Still sitting in the grain truck enjoying the coolness of the evening! We’ve been putting in some long days so we can get moved up to Deerfield before the harvest gets started there to much. We’ve already had to give up work at Hooker, OK. We don’t have any real grand kids yet but I expect we Wil one of these days. Our oldest daughter has babyitis pretty bad 😉
I’ll bet some of that frac sand competing for space with wheat down there is coming up here! Here it competes with farmers to access scales for anhydrous ammonia. Some great photos!
Another tidbit for your windows is to give them a good treatment with RainEx, then the duster works even better and you can go a couple weeks without bringing out the squeegee…unless, of course, it rains.
Most of the time what they think is helping is really hurting! The best thing our legislators could do is involve the people their rules would affect BEFORE they make rules and regs that make it impossible to abide. Thanks for your comment!
I just read a post from Linda, Colorado Farm Life, about the solar eclipse! You got some really cool photos. I didn’t realize that there were enough wild pigs to be such a problem in the Midwest. I’m enjoying your updates!
I was reading your time in montana in 2011. The pictures of Judith and neat you being related. We have been in montana and Wyoming several times in the late 80’s and 90’s lov e it. We were in the martinsdale area and Lewiston. Etc. We were in Yellowstone twice. We do pre 1840 mountain man blackpowder rendezvous and have a club here. The rendezvous we went to in colorado was in jefferson. which is a gas station,but was 9600 feet. We feel the same you said in the 2011 article about hating to leave but know what is ahead when you get home. But we are always glad to get home and look forward to next time. We go to ones in Middle and eastern kansas. We came through nebrska and Edgar where my mothers Grandparents lived and had 4 chhildren then to Arapoe then later to kansas. Their name was christner. Edgar was beautiful area.sharon
Sharon, you sound like you do your fair share of travelling, too. Very interesting information about the blackpowder rendezvous. I bet Jim would enjoy watching that. He’s a gun lover. 🙂 Especially the old ones.
There are rendezvous in nebraska and all over the country. look up talking-bear.com and events. You will see events. for all year in the U.S. Our club is grouse creek.
Sure are cutting today,Thia am at 9 one was already out in field. humidity yesterday was veryyyy low. Today is 30% The guys are all out . Calling for some rain maybe the next 3 days. hope not. sharon
Hi guys, Glad to know the girls made it safely!!! LOVE the blogs & pics—almost feel like I`m harvesting, too. HA My Taylor azalea bush is look`n good in my west flower garden. We are REALLY in need of rain here. Stay safe.
By looks of the radar, you’re probably getting rain right now. Your Taylor azalea bush should be happy! This blog is fun because it gives people an idea of what we do and how somebody as small as we are can make it work! Maybe it will give a younger wannabe the hope and desire to carry-on this industry. Thanks for checking in Judeen!
Yes, glad your girls made it to you ok. beautiful day here south of Winfield, ks. Everybody is cuttiing . The weather does not sound good. Sure hope it dries up for a while and they can get done. A farmer finished last field and pulled out somethhing caught the stubble on fire. no injuries to combine or people. Was close so fire trucks got there quick.. Wind has been blowing just enough that could really been badddd. Sharon
I’m glad they made it as well! No rain yet but cells are beginning to develop south of us. A break would be welcome as long as it’s not too long. The girls are struggling in trying to get caught up in the harvest world. It will come for them eventually; they just need to figure out what their job is. I’m glad that you’re able to participate in the wheat harvest even if it’s from the view of your window! People who have never experienced this don’t know what they’re missing!
About 7 pm may 30, it started raining and lot of high wind. No hail. Some north and west of us got hail. Right now at 10:40 pm it is rain, thunder,lightning and wind. South of us about 40 miles in northern Oklahoma they have been getting the same. Our son and family live 5 miles south of Ok/Ks line and west of newkirk,ok. Looks like they are getting same. have not called them.
Could hear combines going until just before rain hit. Hope it does not ruin the wheat..Harvest may be done for few days. Suppose to get more rain next 2 days,but we all know that could change,Sharon
I think we’re supposed to more too. Most of it went around us this evening. It’s nice and cool here now. And lightning. We got a full day in today. We’ve been going pretty hard since we started on the 14th so a day off would be nice!
Your Taylor is cute. I could see our 5 year old grand daughter doing that or at least try. She is pretty good at swinging ,climbing and going around any bar strong enough to hold her. Tell Taylor I like her boots. if any guy tries any nonsense use those boots on his backside.
Still raining here at 1:30 am may 31. I wouldask what you were doing up after midnight writing,but I see your dedication to the rest of the country to let us know how things are going.I am up because i have not gotten off this chair.ha.Reading news and checking newspapers of the state.
A farmer was run over by a combine tire and worst his son was driving Yesterday I believe. PLEASE be careful.sharon
I enjoy writing and sharing our story that’s why I was still up. I also ha to wait for the computer. Taylor was posting her note to the All Aboard Wheat Harvest site. It’s my time. We sure try to be careful. Was the farmer killed? Was he fe your area? We’re moving to another field this a.m.
As I read the article in the wichita eagle newspaper he was killed ,have not found anything else about it. It was at yates center which is east and north of us. You can get the wichita eagle newspaper just type that in. Looks like we had about an inch last night. more wind then rain. My brother lives east of us about 20 miles and he had little over inch. he has some brome needs cutting. wanted to do that this week,but maybe not. Sharon
Cannot answer your question,but i bet you are right about the round bales. my Mom is 93 and i had her at our house for the day. Took her home this evening. I showed her all your pictures and writtings for this harvest. She said made her remember all the times she spent in truck or other duties around the farm during harvest. Dad had her drive to elevator. 2 hills and one with curve and he knew she would handle them just right. She enjoyed Taylors excitment standing on her head. Mom wore cowboy boots a lot and still has them actually. She thought good idea for your girls to have their boots on.We had oats to cut right after wheat. did not mind the wheat straw bales to put in barn,but the oats was really itchy.and then sweat.Would get to the first water after hauling oats bales. Don’t see any oats around here any more. Might be but don’t see any.
That is quit a propane tank. That guy driving must have nerves of steel and lots of patience. Take care shraon June 1,2012 wow June already.!!!!
When I see that guy sitting on the pipe checking the wheat in the truck i want to say get off,don’t sit like that,but he would say I am ok i do this all the time. ha heavy dew this am june 2 ,2012. sun out,so maybe they can cut around here today. I doubt any got done yesterday. Be careful sharon
From Jordan, I believe that old combine is a Massey 92 or Super 92 (I suspect the Super model with the header size. That combine is close to 50 years old! Hope he keeps chaff cleared on engine stuck down below the cylindar that could catch on fired. This was the last combine of that series with the next the MF 410 and 510, then a couple years later the 760. Why do I know? Hesston made straw choppers for combines back then and I was the one that sold straw choppers to the companies which was great fun.
That is my husband. He always cleans w/air and keeps shedded. It goes in before anything else.The combine is a 1964 Massey Fergurson Super 92 18′ header, that is the orginal red paint, and anyone in Arnett will tell you that. My husbamd is Mac McCartor, born and raised here in Arnett. He has run that combine since 1977.
Glad to hear the wheats doing good there. I’m sure the farmer has a grin as big as ever, especially once you finish the last 70 acres. It’s always a good feeling once the last bushel is in the bin. Now an update on our harvest. We started cutting on Tuesday and cut on Wednesday and Thursday. Then yesterday it rained and is raining right now as well. Cant complain there, we REALLY need the moisture. The wheat here isn’t doing as good as one might think driving by unfortunately. Only 10 – 15 bpa on dryland so far. I think it’s neat to see old equipment like that still running and in good shape. What advantages do you see to being a single combine harvester (if you don’t mind sharing) other than being family run?
The biggest advantage is the labor issue. That’s something our industry is having to deal with more and more each year. Those people who have the Class A CDL don’t want to do seasonal work …normally. When my grandparents started this business they didn’t have an issue with help but they didn’t have to deal with the rules and regs like we do now. When you have a lot of employees you deal with more expenses like insurance, workers comp, IRS, a place for them to stay which means either a hotel or their own trailer and that expense. Food and groceries have to be taken into consideration. And above all else, someone running your equipment. Jim isn’t willing to let just anyone run the equipment that he’s worked so hard to get and keep up just to have someone else mistreat it. But, you only have the income off one machine too. Those who have more machines have more acres to find to keep them running, more expenses but also more revenue. With one machine it’s very easy to find other harvesters who need help or a farmer who needs another machine to work with them. Starting small and working to get bigger (if that’s what you want) would be the way to decide what works best for you.
Well thanks for sharing. I can understand all of that. Things with the IRS and such are getting to be reducilious. I understand about not letting just anyone drive it either. Even though I don’t own the combine, i get mad when someone will break something just because they don’t care or when they trash the place because I’m the one that drives it the most and I like to keep it in good shape. Yea, one of these days when I go I’ll find out what size business I like. I do think the smart thing to start out is just get one, older combine that will still do a good job but not break the bank
Hey T&J, Mark knows Masseys never die, but this is a bit surprising! Brad finished Dacoma about Wed. good wheat and good people. His customer built him a trailer space in Dacoma, and Carol’s Cafe there is reported to be the world’s best hamburger. Alva country is absolutely overrun and beat to shreds by oilfield activity. I missed out this year, twisted my knee and am home recovering from surgery (time for facebook!). Glad to read you are doing good.
Come see us sometime, you are going to be closer than you think, about 25 miles. We’ll fire up the grill!
Normally around here at Great Bend, the farmers are hoping that the rain will stay away so they can get the harvest done, but this year they really want it to rain…it’s way too dry and the wheat doesn’t hold much promise in the yield department. Some years you just can’t win.
Hi Donna!
I’m so glad! There’s so many people interested in our way of life and I just don’t understand it. I thought this blog and sharing my thoughts and memories would help people understand what it is we do and how it affects the way their bread gets on their tables. So glad you sent me a note!!
Tracy
It’s hard to believe how disconnected people are from where their food comes from, but like you, I get constant reminders of it. I hardly ever meet people with a farming background, so it was great to find your blog. When I was growing up, I never thought I would miss the life, but I do. I miss walking through the fields to change irrigation lines and looking at the infinite variety of plants in the pasture. I miss crazy days of cutting hay, trying to time it so the hay dried before the rain ruined it, then getting a day off because the baler broke. There are a thousand things I miss, but most of all, the Milky Way on a moonless night.
We just had very loud thunder ,one that shakes everything, the next one was not so bad. Few sprinkles is all. has gone over us and moving east and a little south. We are under tornado watch until 2 am, Sun shinging some . We are south of winfield,ks 3 miles. Well, take care. be safe.Sharon and Harry
Thanks Sharon & Harry! I think we’re under a tornado watch tonight as well. There’s some really big storm clouds just to the south of us. I think they’re moving east, though. It feels like it may be cooling down just a little. You take care, too!
Tracy
Pie sounds good. I have not made cherry for some. Like you and buy the crusts. I used to make great ones and then could not mak one and was a waste of money and ingredents,so just buy them. I bet yours are delicious. yes, you probably know before any ones says that it is about time to move on. You have been at it for awhile. ha Nice you have a friend to save you some of YOUR cherries. Not to many teens would want to make the museum a part of their trip. You have special girls,but you already knew that. Take care. sharon
Yum on the pie..but if you’re in Oklahoma, Taco Bueno wins out over Taco Bell any day! (It’s one of the things I miss from our 15 years in Oklahoma; the others include a lot of dear friends, and the widespread availability of Quik Trips, Mazzios pizza and Braum’s milk and ice cream 🙂 Greetings from another Nebraskan (I grew up a farm girl in southeastern Nebraska before my family moved to Colorado. And then I married a southern boy in ’82 and moved to Tennessee, then we headed west to Oklahoma, and now we’re home again in middle TN – for good I hope!
Terry
Hi Terry!
Good to hear from you and thank you for commenting on my blog! Where in NE did you live? I wonder because I, too, am living in the southeastern part of NE. I was married in April, 1982 and have lived in the same house for the past 26 years. I most enjoy the Braum’s for their cheeseburgers and cherry limeades. I wish they would move further north 🙂 I will DEFINITELY keep my eye out for a Taco Bueno. Thanks for the suggestion!
Wow – small world, huh? When I say SE Nebraska I REALLY mean SE. We spent my first few years of life in a tiny town that’s a stone’s throw from the NE/KS state line. My parents bought a farm a few miles away – outside Fairbury – when I was four and we lived there until I was in 4th grade, then we moved to Colorado where I lived until I got married right before Christmas in 1982. My husband and I started out in Knoxville, then moved to middle TN for a couple years. He took a job near Tulsa when our oldest was 6 weeks old; we lived there for 15 years (our other two kids were born in OK.) We moved the family “back home” in 2000 to middle TN – we’re about 20 miles south of Nashville. I still have family in Norfolk, Omaha and Beatrice (as well as scattered throughout South Dakota, Kansas, Colorado and Oklahoma 🙂 So where do y’all hail from when you’re not out harvesting?
We live directly south of Omaha in a little town by the name of Manley. I’ve been to Fairbury MANY times. As a matter of fact, we usually make it that far the first night of leaving home heading south for the summer. We usually don’t get away from home until late afternoon and that’s always a good town to park in for the night. So, maybe sometime when you’re back in “The Good Life”, we’ll have to meet for coffee some time. 🙂
I’ve never been to Manley – that I recall, anyway. (When I was a kid most of our family was right there around Fairbury and Beatrice.) So you’re probably familiar with Fairbury brand summer sausage and those infamous bright-red hot dogs. I still love ’em both! Crystal Springs is/was a lovely place to camp – our old farm is just down the road from it. Yep – if our paths cross, we’ll have to meet up and figure out who we might know from our families and friends.
If I understand right you are in Deerfield,ks. Hope goes ok. Still cutting here. Most of fields are cut. Some made straw bales and some just working under.
One field being cut this afternoon at 4 pm whne i was coming from my Moms in /arkansas City was next to the hospital north of A.C. They looked like trying to keep dust from hospital as possible.A couple gave the new hospital land to build on and still crops in same area.Until there is more buildings added.Hospital year and half old.Really need it bad.Take care.Sharon and Harry
Hi Tracy, Welcome to Kansas! I hope we treat you well, although we would like some rain. You “appear” to be just down the road. If you followed Highway 50 east out of town for about 280 miles, you’d be here. Happy harvesting, Betty
Thanks, Betty!
Good to hear from you and I appreciate the nice Kansas welcome! We did travel down Highway 50. It took us a little time to find our way through Dodge City – it wasn’t our usual route – but we made it regardless. I love KS. I think it was something my Grandma put in my head a long time ago. She was originally from the Lebanon/Esbon area and always talked about how much she loved KS. Therefore, I feel like I’m sorta home again. 🙂
Yes, what Betty said, Welcome to kansas.I could be wrong and sure not bet “the farm” on it,but those generators are probably stored there. I love seeing those wind mills going. There are a lot east of us in the flint hills . The weather channel has a show about how the guys go up and check out the motors and the outside. Not a simple job.
Well, hope weather helps you and you can get wheat cut. be careful.Sharon Drake Winfield,Ks
Thank you for sharing your daughters song. What a great song. If they wrote it well they are very good at writing. They have good harmony and sound great.
Suppose to be plenty hot out your way today and next few days. 100 is what our local weatherman said.Went to my Mom’s this am and some cutting and lot of field work going on. I think some of the wheat now is some maybe not as good. Nice wind. 91 now here.Not much clouds.
Yes, seems a tire blows in a bad place,no good place ha, or got heaviest load. or run out of wire just the last few inches,or thread out last few stitches. ha
Well better go.. Sharon
Great video. I agree with Jim on not jumping out of the truck. To easy to break, twist or sprain legs and feet. Harry and I are always telling our family that.The Grandchildren,we tell them if they got hurt doing something everybody,using everybodies names, would cry. Now they are saying that when we say not to do something. We just took them home, they stayed overnight. They live on Ks/Ok state line west of newkirk. Looks like all the wheat is gone. The corn and maize and beans are doing good. could use a drink . They grow cotton down that way also. Our son does not have any crops,but Karens Dad has alfalfa and a field of wheat. few cows. He keeps hay,but leases wheat. It is wide open part of that area. karen says they are 11 miles from every town and some neighbors.
We enjoy Robert and Katrina. 10 and 5. Right now at 3:30 pm the wind is 33 mph wind gusts 15 normal,but I don’t think there is much normal. 92 degrees. at Winfield,ks.Talking little rain tonight.Sharon
Nice to hear from you! Sounds like you’ve been pretty busy with life, grandkids and activities. It’s good that you can enjoy all of that. Thank you, too for the encouraging words and reassurance!
Tracy
Hope ya can get cutting again soon. Niether one of us knows God’s plan, but as you know, it always works out for the best for those who love Him, even if we don’t see how it is a good thing at the moment. I know what you mean because we were sitting waiting for it to dry out Tuesday evening through Friday. We finally got going again yesterday and it felt so good to be back behind the wheel of the big beast. Everyone seemed to have the same thought as us- take an early lunch then head for the field. Dust was flying everywhere yesterday. It was all going good until the machine i was running got down to one bar of fuel and had to stop for the night and sit and wait on everyone else to finish up for the night. We are 45 min from home (which makes for a long drive after a LONG day) so we arnt taking fuel out to the field ourselves which is the reason for running out. We still managed to pound through about 500 acres though. And the tool works great! Its so nice not having to carry a bucket of water and a squeegee out to the field every day.
Thanks for the encouraging words, Ethan! It’s just hard seeing the combines rolling and you’re not. The trailer house is nice and we have plenty of living space on the days off but it gets small real fast when you’ve spent as much time in it as we have lately. I’m glad to hear the secret tool works for ya and has eliminated part of your daily chores.
That is a storage area in Garden City. All those parts arrive by rail then are farmed out by truck. Many are going up east of Dodge City in Spearville. HUGE wind farm there.
Thanks, Eric! Jim just told me this evening he found out what was going on with that holding area and it was exactly the same thing you just told me. 🙂
Lovely photos, very warm and charming. The kids look so adorable especially Tyke who’s watching the giraffe. Is he crying or going to cry on the first photo? Seem like it. Well, have a nice day to you. God bless!
Thank you! The little Tyke’s name is Brooks and No, I don’t think he was crying or close to crying. I hope you have a nice day too! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Yes, I am sure waiting is not good for anyone. I know it would be for us. Little boys are very sweet. I can do a good skip the rock,but do it about twice a year.
Cloudy here now and chilly,may get to 90s by afternoon. was not bad yesterday.Light wind. had my mom out and glad it was not so hot.
Wta is all the fuss on gov. side about the fuel.Do they think you will get to much and none for others. ha Hope you can do soem cutting today. Take care. Sharon
The yellow beast might feel disciplined, but just remember…they save the best for last. Been following your blog all spring, hope the harvest run is going well for you and your family. The crops are up out of the ground here in ND and spraying is currently underway. Harvest won’t start until mid July with the winter wheat, and then end of July/early August for the rest of it. Safe travels.
Thank you for following us! And, thank you for leaving a comment. It’s so good to hear from the people who actually take the time to read about our adventures. We’ll go into MT after the next stop – which is Limon, CO. I’ll tell the yellow beast what you said 🙂
You’re absolutely right. We have had a lot of good family time and sometimes it take a gentle reminder like yours to put it in perspective. Thank you! I think we all get caught up in the idea that we need/should be busy doing something all the time. I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Well, at least people heard some of what he said,never know that may have been more then some have ever heard. I suppose ABC did the apology to not be suited.
Nice rain here in Cowley County from about 6 am until 10 am. Nice and easy. Some thunder.Has moved on east. Had an inch yesterday,not sure about today.Rain gauge fell over,but have it ready for the next rain.
Does the Garden City Walmart have Fabric? So many do not. Our walmart in Winfield has fabric. Only fabric between Ponca City, Ok. and Wichita. Ponca City has Hobby Lobby for fabric. Not any I know of east to Missouri line. Have walmart ,but no fabric. There are some quilt shops that have fabric. Makes no sense. There are a lot of folks that sew.
We have a gas station in Arkansas City,town south of us, that is built a lot like the one you talk about. They still have the pumps.
My Grandparents put gas pump on their farm . It was used until early 80’s
my brother moved on the farm after Grandmother died. He used it for awhile. I used to like to pump the gas up in the glass when I was a kid. He has had offers to buy it,but he said it stays. I am not sure would most likely mess it up to try and move it. Take care.Sharon Drake
Yes, the Garden City Walmart has fabric. It has EVERYTHING. My great grandpa who lived near Lebanon, KS had one of those gas pumps on his farm too. It’s one of my favorite memories of being there. I was pretty little when we’d go visit but some of my most fondest memories came from those visits!!
Very nice Tracy. I loved reading your memories of your Dad. Not a day goes by that I do not think of my Dad and wish he were still here. He was and always be my hero and it was because of him, your Dad came into my life.
Happy Father`s Day to Jim—-he got to celebrate with 3 gorgeous women!!! Lucky dog!!! Love reading your blog—makes my day. My Dad was my “rock” also & you are right—-girls and their Dad`s & Mom`s and their sons. Ross`s parents came out here for Father`s Day—he so wanted to see the crops and be out in the country. Fun memories for our family. Stay SAFE.
Glad you are getting such high bushels. Cloudy here now ,south of Winfield, Ks. The crops of corn and beans look good. Weatherman says may not get any rain for a week or so here.
Thank you for the pictures and explaining how the equipment works for those that don’t know . Be careful Sharon Drake
Tracy, from what we know and I have read it could be most anything, but could be pheastants, ring neck hens. If you can ask your farmer,i bet he knows.
Love the nest pictures.
I bet the leaf blower sure makes easier. course the air hose also. I don’t blame you about the header lock still scary. Good Jim has hard hat. Hope move is good. Sharon
The first stage of the move went real well. We even got up early enough to avoid a lot of the heat – until it was setting up the trailer house again. Then, it was hot. Jim and I will be heading back to Deerfield soon so we can get a good start again in the morning.
Hi Tracy, I did a Google image search for birds in wheat fields and before I gave up found kildeer, skylark, dickcissel, stork, great bustard, pheasant, mountain plover and lark. That doesn’t narrow it down much. Betty
Awesome! Thank you Betty for looking this up. It’s a fairly small nest in circumference so it must be a smaller bird. I just find it amazing how much work was put into it.
David creates his own special kind of grime in the blacksmith studio and likes Goop, too. He also supplements with Murphy’s Oil Soap (we keep it in his liquid hand soap dispenser) and Joe’s Hand Cleaner available at NAPA if it’s another kind of dirt or grease that Goop doesn’t handle.
I haven’t tried it on clothes (David wears black in the studio all the time so black on black doesn’t show too much.) but should. Probably should test for color fastness. His hands are the biggest difference in switching from orthopedic surgery to artist blacksmithing–they used to be impeccable and now are black with lots of finger slits–but he doesn’t get called out in the middle of the night any more and doesn’t have as much government interference.
Wow! Orthopedic surgeon to blacksmith – a true picture of doing something that you love! Maybe being a surgeon, though, gave him the ability to become what he dreamed. He certainly does beautiful work!!
Thank You to the Nebraska Wheatie. The Massey Combine picture is of my husband, Mac McCartor, we’re not high tech just old school. He loves that old machine. Can’t find parts very easy, but he keeps machine going somehow. Thank you again, you made his harvest. Stacy McCartor @ smccartor@pldi.net Arnett Ok
OH MY GOSH!I’m so glad you left a comment!! We were so excited when we saw that old combine still cutting wheat! I’m glad it made his harvest and didn’t make him upset. I know when we stopped to get the picture the girls were concerned about someone not being happy that we took their picture. It did my heart good to be able to relay your comments to them. I may have made his harvest BUT it was actually he who made our harvest! I hope he can keep it going. What’s the history of the ‘ole girl? I would love to hear it and I’m sure others would too. Thank you so much for reaching out.
105 here at Hooker today, and predicted to get hotter this week. We should finish cutting tomorrow or Tuesday. This heat has really dried it down. The last load we took in yesterday tested 7.8! Glad to hear no one was hurt in the elavotor accident. There was a train wreck today. Two trains hit head on between Guymon and Goodwell. 3 of the locomotives were burning and they couldnt get It put out because of all the fuel. It happened just after 10am, unfortunately, 3 of the crew members are still unaccounted for.
There have been a couple of elevators bust open west of us,Russell ks. and i do not remember the other,but was not very far from Russell. I have thought of that since i started reading your activities and hoped you did not pull in and have the building fall. There was a big one in Wichita , ks. several years ago bigg deal. but like Jim said that happens and the dust is very explosive. Does not take much to go off. Our Son worked for a fella here that had a business of going up on the elevator and the house on top to fix or maintain them and he said you really had to be careful. he enjoyed it since he traveled to other states and was good money,but they were expecting first baby and he finally gave it up. I think the guy still has the business. barnsco.
hate top see the grain on the ground and out in the weather. Sharon Drake
But seriously, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching you and the girls on your summer adventures. Yes, I know it’s work, at times it’s boring, but like you have said, you can’t imagine your summers any other way.
I’m getting an early start on my notifications, but the post will be up in the morning.
Love the video of the 3 young men and their family. They have a great way to get the word out about farming and how food gets to the table.
We have 105 here now and suppose to get 106 by mid afternoon. Time here now is 12:50 pm
Sorry for the family that will not be farming anymore,but sometimes you can only beat your head on the wall so long and then things have to change. We wish them well in the future. Harry and Sharon Drake
Tracy,
We enjoy reading your blog! I was reading it this morning and I had to go read it to Mom and Emma. Brought tears to there eyes. It is hard to believe it has been a year and half already. It was a great reminder of how you can have an affect on people even when you don’t know it, so thanks for that! I know that dad had huge respect for you and was so proud of the job that you were and are doing as President! He was honored to know you and be apart of your life. God Bless you Tracy! Dan
Elmwood, real temp 101F right now at 5pm, heat index 106F. Jen’s playing a double header softball game tonight. I can’t imagine going into Colorado right now, prayers are going your way for the farmers and all the rest on the road ahead.
I’m pretty sure Colorado and the surrounding states that are affected by this drought would be happy to know there were prayers being lifted up for them! It’s hot everywhere – hope Jen gets through it ok.
Our kids also grew up on the harvest and missed out on all the usual summer activities their friends were involved in–to this day, they insist they had the best deal.
I’m pretty sure most harvest kids would agree being on the road was the better deal. I,too, was a harvest kid. I never felt like I was missing out on anything. As a matter of fact, I couldn’t imagine anything better!!
are you guys cutting in Montana already, I leave for the US in a week and will be in the plaines 3rd week of july, so keep us posted where the harvest crews are by then!
No we’re not in MT yet. The crews are as far north as the Nebraska/South Dakota border and beyond. Mid Sourh Dakota will probably be cutting next week. To keep up on other crews, visit http://www.uschi.com. Safe travels!!
I’ve never had much problem before either. Probably a lot of the heat affecting us too. 100 degrees every day. Regardless we got the job done. It’s just so much easier when a person is 100%. Thanks for your input!!
Food Stories is on to you! Congratulations on your nomination. Everytime I read a post, I can smell the harvest dust and feel the pleasures and stresses of long harvest days. Thanks for the blog!
Thanks Sonja! If I’m really painting my day well enough that you can be there with me, then I’ve succeeded in the reason I started sharing our life. I’m so glad you enjoy it!
Oh do send that rain this way please! We are so dry! Callie and Kaidence look like they had a great time in the pool. Give all our best. Where is your next stop?
There’s a line of showers from CO to SD going across NE. Maybe it WILL get as far as you. We head for Jordan, MT next. Not sure when we’ll be leaving. Taylor and Jenna will be here Wed. night. Jen is supposed to be with us until Sunday so I don’t know what the plan will be. I’m hoping I can talk Jim into going to the mountains for a couple of days. 🙂
So how did the FBLA group do???? So proud of our students and E-M. Love reading your blog Tracy, makes my day. Do the Bulgrin`s have relatives at Waco, Ne.??? I grew up with several families by that name—–small world.
They did really well. The community service team took first in the nation – Cody Brown, Lauren Bowman and Jordan Bowman. Zoe Tuttle was in the top 15 for public speaking. I think they probably had a great time! And, thanks to the sponsors who took them – Mr. & Mrs. Shrader, Mr. & Mrs. Backemeyer and Dave & Barb Oehlerking. Probably no relation to the Bulgrin’s in Waco. Leon Bulgin came from South Africa and was an employee for Jada’s dad. A hazard of the trade – believe me, I know all about that! Hope you have a fun and safe 4th!
4th of July and we are not in Colby, KS I am not making my red white and blue jello shooters as I do not know yet where we will be. I will be missing all my favorite US friends tomorrow!!!!
What wonderful memories. By the way Jennifer LOVED seeing Taylor when she swung through Murdock after FBLA. She was so excited when she went out the door to surprise her.
So glad to see you ladies have such a wonderful time! Memories for sure! Too bad Jamie wasn’t there with you all. Will be looking forward to the posts from up north! ttyl!!!
I know!!! We would have been complete if Jamie would have been able to be with us. She was in Chicago for a week with her husband and his family. Her sister in law had a baby 🙂
Great trip. Thanks for taking us along. we have been in a lot of colorado,wyoming and Montana, great country.
keep your boots girls. my Mom still has hers with the spurs. She took them with her to new home in assisted living this week. The staff really think that is great.
Still no rain here in southern kansas. Western part got some last night. I see the guys selling cattle due to lack of water. The hay has been good though. Corn was looking great and now beginning to look bad. Lot of ears.later Sharon
That is such a true representation of a Zeorian adventure – you make do if things don’t go as planned and have fun in the process. Those will be great memories forever !!! Miss you guys so much !!!
I’m glad you can see that about us. 🙂 I was just thinking the other day I should call those two little girls to remind them who I am so they don’t forget me. Sounds like you guys took a mini vacation. Hope it was fun! Love you!!
The pictures are great, wait till you see the Platte River at Louisville, couldn’t believe how empty it was today. The girls & I went to Omaha for school supplies, just the crayons & notebooks, etc. Will have to get the shoes & 1st day outfits another day – this 100 degree weather is hard to shop in. Miss you guys so much, can’t wait till you get home home !! Have fun while you’re in Jordan !!
Can’t wait to get home, home to see all we left behind!! The heat is horrible everywhere! Got to talk to Brook and Jill last night. Maybe they still remember me 🙂
Tracy, good idea on the eating chips or anything crunchy,also chew gum makes a big difference in staying awake. I worked night shift for 30 years and found that anything crunchy and gum kept me between the lines.I kept apples and cereal in the truck all the time. Nothing more miserable then to be sleepy while driving. Cloth in some ice and put it on your face and neck also helps.
You are in a beautiful part of Montana. we have been there and Wyoming several times and loved it all. Nebraska is beautiful also.
we got thunder and lightning and 10 minutes rain about 5 pm here in Cowley County kansas. But sure made the air cooler. 100 instead of 108. Take care. drink lot of water. Sharon
Thanks for the ideas, Sharon! Usually I do chew gum. Maybe too much gum. I’ve been dealing with a very painful jaw and have stopped chewing gum. It actually hurts to chew anything. So, I avoid it. I sure miss it! It’s so hot – everywhere! I will take your advice about the water, too. Take care. It was good to hear from you!
Tracy
What a thrill to find your family homestead and see what the area looked like .It is almost like those folks are telling you to come see where they lived.
I have done family history for my parents and Harry’s Mom’s family . It never ends. Just when you think you have all there is to know,then something comes along. my parents were close to all their families,so made easier for me to put it all together.Love it. Thanks for sharing your family history. Sharon and Harry
What a thrill to find your family homestead and see what the area looked like .It is almost like those folks are telling you to come see where they lived.
I have done family history for my parents and Harry’s Mom’s family . It never ends. Just when you think you have all there is to know,then something comes along. my parents were close to all their families,so made easier for me to put it all together.Love it. Thanks for sharing your family history. Sharon and Harry
Where I’m from, those “cow paths” are called “two tracks”. Its fun to find out where those little roads lead to. The country side is beautiful there.
Ethan
Where I’m from, those “cow paths” are called “two tracks”. Its fun to find out where those little roads lead to. The country side is beautiful there.
Ethan
That’s exactly how we always feel when hitting small town MT, it feels like home cause everybody knows your name and because your account is ready for you at the grocery store!! If you do a Walmart run to Miles City, look us up!!
Great pictures. You are right there is a lot of history in cemetaries. My mom always likes to go to her family s and the one Dad is buried in a lot of their long time friends are buried. I always learn something new when we go.She tells me something i forgot or did not know.
Montana is a great place. Have been there many times. The place to go is Yellowstone National park. It is like all of the United States in one place.
Very hot and dryyyy here in Kansas. All of July have been 100 or more. today 105. Looks like may be that way until Sept. We always say that is Kansas and it could change quickly.
Lot have cut corn and made round bales. Cotton is starting to bloom. it is pretty tough,hope it makes it. They depend on cotton and sunflowers to make good cash crops,but time will tell on this year come Oct. and Nov. Be careful. Thank you for the reports of your activitiesSharon and Harry
Reminds me of a neighbor thats nicknamed “rainbow harvesting”. Has a TR series New Holand combine with John Deere green auger extension, and John Deere header with a red grain cart and a blue Ford or New Holland tractor.
Oh, pretty good. Still really dry. The spriklers have been running 24/7 unless broke down, and let me tell ya, changing a tire, gearbox or such in 12 foot tall corn really sucks! We’ve been fertilizing for wheat and doing some other field work. Also starting to service equipment in preperation of fall harvest. Corn harvest (high moisture) will start in 3-4 weeks and school will be starting back up the 16th. This summer went way too fast! We’ve been having beautiful sunsets and sunrises here. Storm clouds have built up the last coulple nights but went around us.
Taylor and Callie will start school on the 16th too. I hate to see them leave. It’s ALWAYS a hard day for me when I watch that car pull away. 12′ corn? Wow! At least you have something to cut. It sounds like the corn in KS, NE and SD will be suffering some. I know the corn we’re supposed to cut will be a whole lot less than the 200 bushels they cut last year. Jim’s farmer is guessing 50 bushel. How they figure that, I don’t know. I wonder if the sunsets are so beautiful because of smoke in the air? That’s what I’ve always been told – smoke and dirt will make sunsets more spectacular. Thanks for leaving a comment! It’s nice to hear from those of you who actually read my story.
Ryan hired someone to help him out on the road cause Haedyn didn’t get out of school till the end of May. And we only had 2 of the combines on the road. So now that we are home we run all 3. Next year we are all going and I get to run my combine 🙂
I bet it is hard. And yes. If it wasn’t for irrigation we’d be lucky to have 50 bushel. I’m not sure what ours is suppose to be, guess I’ll find out when we start cutting. I feel for those farmers. Maybe the price being as high as it is will help compinsate. Hmm, I don’t know, certainly could be. There was a fire a few miles south of us. A local feedlots hay stack caught fire last night and burned most of today. I think they let it burn out on its own. And your sure welcome! And thank you for answering all the questions I’ve asked about custom harvesting!
You are oh so welcome, Ethan! I hope I have only encouraged you to follow your dreams and do what your heart is telling you to do. When you’re doing something you love, your job won’t feel like a job! I believe you’re here for a reason…find it and go for it!
You certinly have been an encouragement. I know exactly what you mean. Some people don’t get it. I think that’s because they just don’t understand how we can enjoy and love doing such labor intensive work, and also because they haven’t found that one job that they really love doing yet.
Exactly! Getting up every day to a job that’s just a job would be horrible! I know sometimes you do what you have to do regardless of whether it’s what your heart desires just to get by. But I think I’d be reevaluating things and making some changes. Take care! Check in once in awhile.
It’s always so hard to know what to do. This industry is just as much of a gamble as farming!! I hate to see the summer harvest come to an end so I’m hoping for more work to show up 🙂
Me too! Harvest is a lot of hard work, but lots of fun. And the girls love it! Which makes it so much easier. We will see how Chase likes it here in a few days 🙂
I’m jealous! Before we got the yellow combine, I was definitely the combine operator – which is where I would RATHER be! Why can’t you drive it while you’re on the road?
Oats is just as bad as barley especially in bales and handle them on a trailer.
Had a short rain this morning, just a nice 15 minute rain.
Big fire around Ok. City yesterday and today. A friend of ours here just lost 2,000 bales in a fire in his shed. It was open on all sides. the thought is it was set. Whoever did that should have to go help clean that up. Take care Harry and sharon
Who in the world would do something that stupid? I agree, if they ever catch the person/people who do this should have to clean it up and pay for it! Taylor was just telling me tonight about the fires in the OKC area. Thank you so much for your note! It’s nice to hear from people who take the time to actually read my words and look at my pictures. Take care and stay cool!!
Love the top photo, all three colors of equipment, red, yellow and green. The air looks so crisp and clean. It’s amazing how a photo can express how the air feels. Must be the dry air and higer altitude.
It had rained that morning and the temp was cooler. The rain must’ve cut through the smoke for a short time. I have more pics from yesterday that I will include in another post. Thanks, Dawn!!
Just want to let you know that I really enjoy your blogs and twitter updates. I am a Farm Manager in Southern Indiana and it is neat to see how things are done in different areas.
Absolutely. At the family farm in Southern Illinois most of the corn has already been zeroed out by the crop insurance adjuster. I rode with one of my farmers last week over here in Indiana and the yield monitor was averaging around 30. It is not looking pretty.
No not to cut. Not this year anyways. I tried to talk Jim into doing it but he’s pretty loyal to the farmer at home for corn/beans. Maybe one day. We’ll see ya in December.
Wishing you just a bit cooler day today. Bet all will be glad to see Jenna. Have really enjoyed the pics and updates on your blog. Will harvest travels be done early this year as all of harvest was about a month early?
I’m afraid the summer is coming to an end way faster than I’m ready. Unless we find more to do we’re only a couple days from seeing wheat harvest 2012 complete. The letdown hits me hard!! Glad you’ve followed the journey and enjoyed it.
Looks like you guys are getting along well. Good to see!! We finished up on our barley yesterday. Might try our first spring wheat tomorrow. Thank you for all the photos!!
I do agree it’s easy when you love it. And I hope it’s a good crop. Heard of some in the area averaging about 55/bpa so nothing I would complain about. Our barley was about average for this year, and I was too busy hauling it to the elevator today so we didn’t get to the spring wheat. Maybe in the next few days. Talking rain this weekend though, which would could use for the soybeans and sunflowers.
No kidding! 55 is a good yield. I’m really not sure what this farm is yielding. We can only go by what number sort of remains consistent on the monitor. There’s no reason to know, I guess. This north country doesn’t want to pay the typical three numbers – only one. It’s really not fair to either the harvester or the farmer. It’s just the way it’s always been done. Pretty sure home could really use some rain, as well. The corn is real bad and the beans are needing a drink.
Thank you, Lion!! It’s easy to do when you love what you’re doing. And what a great way to share our lifestyle and agriculture with the rest of the world!! WOW-I’m honored to know someone from a different country reads my stories! Thank you for leaving such an encouraging note!
Congratulations on your anniversary and thanks for taking time to share your busy life with us. I really have enjoyed reading each post and have especially loved the photos. Keep up the good work, enjoy the time with your girls, and I hope you finish this years run safe and sound and you have an even better year next year. I’m looking forward to your next post!
Thanks, Doug! I wondered who you were until I saw “Gleaner Man” and then realized a Twitter friend of mine was leaving a comment. :)Thank you for taking the time to write your encouraging words. I LOVE what we do so it’s pretty easy for me to write about our lifestyle and industry. The girls will be heading home tomorrow. It will be a sad day for me. But, unless we come up with more work, we won’t be too far behind them. WOW! This summer really went awfully fast to me. Now I have all those in between months to endure. The girls and I are already looking forward to the day we’ll be getting ready to head south again. Thanks for following along on our journey!!
Congratulations on your aniversary. It has been fun following your harvest progress this year. It brings back good memories of when I was on the Farris brothers Harvest crew out of edson KS.
After the two years I was on the harvest run, it has truly gotten in my blood.
Keep showing the great pictures!
Thanks, Tony! I know the Farris Bros quite well…good people!! You were fortunate to have gone with them. For those people who have never experienced harvest and the lifestyle, they don’t understand when we say “it’s in our blood”. I’m sure farming is like this. I say it’s an addiction! I’m glad you enjoy the pictures. Sometimes I wonder if I put too many on here. 🙂
Don’t worry about your pictures doing justice to that country, i don’t think any pictures do, no matter who takes them. They were good anyway. So how much more do you and Jim have cutting after the girls leave?
We are still very hot and dry here and the soy beans are doing nothing. One guy said today that some are baling them up. We went to a farm auction of an older couple this morning. They did not have any thing we needed,but was good to be around farm people.You can tell them a long way off. ha good folks
We have a burn ban for any type of fire here in our county. Had a couple fires by equipment . Most farmers have water tanks on trucks ready in case of fire before the fire department gets there.
Nice you could visit with friends. Take care Harry and Sharon
We moved back to Jordan today with the first load. We’ll go back after the combine tomorrow. We have a few days to help a friend get finished up and then I suppose we’ll be making our way home again. I’m not looking forward to the end of harvest. It always makes me sad to see it come to an end. Taylor and Callie (and Jenna) are home. They got home late this afternoon. It’s a relief to know they made it! This drought is HORRIBLE!
I hate the end of harvest too!!! It just doesn’t settle well with my soul. I wonder what it is that causes these feelings to happen. Maybe it’s just that summer is nearly over and another winter is upon us. Maybe it’s the out-of-ordinary things we do and routine that makes it what we love. Thanks for leaving your comment, Casey! Good luck with your remaining harvest, too.
Always tough ending the season…if you’re not ready to be done yet you might be able to find some acres in ND if you wanted to again lol. Our spring wheat harvest is just barely starting to get going. Have a safe trip home.
Nebraska Wheatie: I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog! I work for a small not for profit ag company. I am a teacher coordinating their education program and before this job knew very little about farming. I’ve lived in the city my whole life and have found your profession fascinating. You girls are beautiful and your family seems flexible and committed to each other. Thanks for the blog and I hope you enjoy a safe trip home. Good Luck!
Thanks, Diane! Perfect!! The whole reason I started this blog was to educate the reader – if anyone was reading it. Apparently, I have at least helped educate one person about the custom harvester. My story is no different than any other harvester – maybe just a little in that we’re strictly family run. But, for the most part, the custom harvesting industry is sort of like one very large family. I’m involved with the harvester’s organization, U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. (www.uschi.com). When we get together for our annual convention, it brings a lot of us together in one sitting and it is like a family reunion. Agriculture is vital to the people of this country. I hope my little contribution in educating where their food comes from will be helpful in some small way. Please continue to follow our journey. We may be moving towards the going home stage but I intend on continuing to share what a harvesting family does during the off season. Take care and God bless you for doing what you’re doing!!
Tracy
Well, I’ve been trying to convince Jim we should go to Canada simply because I don’t know what we’re going to find once we get home to the corn and beans we usually cut for our farmer there. Jim’s pretty loyal to his customers and he’s going home…so, we won’t be going to Canada. Maybe one day we will 🙂 Thanks for the kind words, by the way! I’m glad you enjoy reading my story.
Be safe on your travel home. I feel a bit “let down” for you as well to see harvest come to an end. Will be looking forward to your posts when you return home!
Thanks, Karen! You’ve been a great, loyal follower of the wheat harvest. If you ever make it to the Omaha Cabela’s, let us know. And…FYI…my brother, Matt, moved to Sidney and is now working for Cabela’s.
Thanks for sharing your work season with us and have a safe, peaceful trip home! I looked north when we were on I-94 in Montana last week and thought of you and how far from home you were! As a seasonal worker myself (greenhouse, holidays) I understand the let-down, but then there is always “next year we’ll do this……..” to look forward to!
🙂 I’ve already figured its eight months away from loading the cottage again. I’ll be counting down the events before we head south once again. Thank you for the well wishes and for following our summer journey!! I hope you’ll continue looking for a new posting.
I had to go through the let down when our wheat harvest was over too. I didn’t want it to end but knew that eventually it would. And now summer is over too and it’s school time again. But now I have fall harvest to look forward to. We’ll hopefully get started later this week. Hope ya’ll have a safe trip back home!
Ethan, what will you be harvesting for fall crop? Corn? Thank you for the well wishes in getting back home. I know once I get there, everything will fall back into place. It’s just overwhelming and depressing – all at the same time. Good luck with your harvest! Did you start back to school? High School or college?
Yes, corn is our big fall crop. We usually have quite a bit of milo (also know as grain sorghum), but with the drought, most of it isn’t going to make. So I guess we’ll see if there is any to cut. And thank you for the well wishes too. I started my sophomore year of high school last Thursday.
I’m afraid what we’re going home to won’t be making very much either. But, I guess it’s more than nothing at all! Hopefully, with the higher prices, it will all even out. Best of luck with your sophomore year! You’ll be a senior before you know it, so enjoy your days!
LOVE that pic!!! Anxious to see all of u again!!! Safe travels. Guys just had lunch here—-they are combining corn at Grandpa Ruge`s. Earliest we have EVER harvested corn.
Thanks, Judeen! I HAVE got to call Ruth! Been thinking of her and all of you for a week. Sorry about your loss! I talked to Abe about a week or so before he passed away and I thought he sounded so much stronger than he had all summer. What a shock! I will miss him!!
First of all, let me say that I am a relatively new follower of your blog and that I love it. I am learning about a way of life very different from my own in an honest, heartfelt and direct way (not translated but a human interest reporter of some kind).
This one caught my eye and prompted me to respond because I know many people who complain bitterly about government regulation and government interference, and while I know that many examples can be found of government regulation and interference in our lives that are misguided at best, the suggestion seems to be from many quarters that we’d be better of with no government regulation. I hope thats not the feeling of most people, but sometimes I think it is based on what I hear people say.
I read the transcript of the interview you link here and as I was reading attempted to fact check. I can’t say I did a thorough job, and a number of USDA links to information on the guidelines seemed to be shut down (a result of the interview?). But what I could find seemed to support Sec. Vilsack’s representation of the facts more than Mr. Loos’s. Are you able to find the documents that Mr. Loos was referring to and link them to your blog? Also the European study that suggests low fat dairy is not the way to go? I’d really like to understand where Mr. Loos is coming from.
My interest is three fold, I tend to believe the USDA guidelines are an improvement, not a step backwards. I am also deeply involved in a local CSA that provides food to pantries around our city and educates the community on food issues. Its certainly not farming like the farming that surrounds you, but its farming none the less. And finally, I am an avid cook. I have been moving my own diet in the direction of the USDA guidelines for school meals. My perception is that its overall a better diet for health.
Would appreciate anything additional you can provide.
Not sure what happened to my lengthy reply. I will attempt to re-create.
Thank you for reaching out with your comments. I am in no way a reporter. I’ve never even been to college. My writings come directly from the heart and tells of the job I love. I hope you will continue following and to learn more about where your food comes from.
As far as regulations. I believe we must have boundaries or our world would be a free for all. However, when someone who knows nothing about the job I do decides he/she knows how to do it better and makes it a rule then it affects me. What was so wrong with the previous guidelines? My kids are not overweight and they are coming home hungry. My option…send a sack lunch. But what about the kids who don’t have that option. What about the kids who count on that one meal a day. “Oh, sorry but you’ve had all you can have today. Now run along back to class”. Their bodies are growing. Maybe they should require more exercise during the day.
As far as Trent’s references to information to support his questions, I will see what I can do. I guarantee, though, knowing his character they were right there in front of him.
Thanks, again, for following my blog. I hope it’s opened your eyes to the work it takes to get that loaf of bread on your table!
This is so important for youth today! It’s astounding how many children (and some adults alike) are completely clueless as to where their food truly comes from and the process and energy involved. This is such an important topic to my husband and I. From the very beginning we have taught our kids as much as we can about where our food comes from. Last summer we had the privilege of growing a garden, and the kids were able to participate in every way they could. It was great to see them so excited about their food! Our country needs more excitement over fresh foods and LOCALLY grown foods!
Okay, I’m done rambling! Just wanted to share, and thank you for putting this on here for people (parents) to check out!
I LOVED your rambling!! It’s good to know someone gets it. Pass that curriculum on – hopefully people will find it important enough to use. And…you’re very welcome.
Hot item overthere.? I would say skip the fizzy drinks……Use dairy products [butter cheese fruit-milk etc.]bread and bit of meat…..change the monday in a traditional friday- fishday ……whats usally donne overhere…?
Thanks, Ross! It’s pretty colorless right now. I was so surprised not to see any (or very little) green. When I did, it just made me feel better inside. I feel sorry for the animals that depend on the grass and water!
Glad to hear y’all had a safe trip back home! I’ve been wondering where the green is all year too. I know what Jim is going through. This year, we didn’t start servicing until a day or two before harvest actually started. We started a week ago today and it’s been going pretty good and fortunately yields have exceed expiations. I better go now, I think a combine is calling my name.
YAY!!! I’m glad to hear the yields are better than expected!! And that a combine is calling your name. Anyone who has not had the opportunity to spend time in a combine…well…I feel sorry for! Best of luck with the rest of your fall harvest. I’m thinking I might be ready for some cooler weather! Take care, Ethan, and check in once in awhile.
I completely agree about feeling sorry for them. I invite my “city folk” friends out as often as I can to share the experience with them. Yes, some cooler weather would be nice. Good luck to you as well as fall harvest starts for your family.
Thanks, Ethan! Jim started cutting corn on Saturday. Friday was spent getting the equipment unloaded and changed over. Not much of a break for him! I’ve been trying to get the house back in order (free of spiders and bugs) and the trailer house unloaded. Happy Labor Day!
When you said you were hanging clothes on the line, I thought of Grandma Dickson’s clothes line by the house. Gosh, I love the smell of sheets that are dried outside. MY mother thinks I’m nuts, and keeps reminding me I didn’t have to hang too many loads of laundry when I was a kid like she did. She loves her dryer.
Thank you, Terry! THANK YOU for following! I hope I was able to better explain what the custom harvester does and is for the American farmer! I invite you to continue following the next eight months until it’s time to, once again, pack the cottage and head south!
Thanks, Sonja! It was a tough week, that’s for sure! I spent Friday doing absolutely nothing. It felt good but what a waste of a day :). Since then, I’ve been getting a little more accomplished in getting things back to “normal”. Jim started combining corn on Saturday – not much of a break for him!
Hi there….this is my first time on your blog…I really enjoyed myself. We farm in North Dakota but we have been up and down many of the roads you are picturing on your blog. I cannot believe the picture of the Platte River….wow. Hope you can stop by and visit me sometime soon.
Thank you for your nice words and for visiting my blog!! It’s a very dry Midwest right now! I’m really glad you enjoyed looking at my site and I wanted to view yours, as well, but when I click on “Farmchick”, it takes me to “Farm Chick’s Kitchen” and there are no postings. Am I doing something wrong?
Hi there…I am just seeing this post but you found me already!! I am not sure why it is doing that….http://farmchickskitchen.blogspot.com is the address but Fresh from the Farm is my blog name. Follow me on facebook too. 😉 Thanks for stopping by!!!
That saying is so true! And I have several family members to prove it.
Sounds like Jim got a small break. We did too. Last Tuesday night and Wednesday morning it rained. So Wednesday through Friday were spent doing combine and truck maintenance. Then on Saturday afternoon we got back in the field after the annual car show in town. We also finished high moisture corn harvest on Saturday. Then today Dad went out to test the moisture in various fields and it’s just a tad too wet for dry corn. Hopefully will get going in the next couple days. Wheat planting also officially started for us today.
Take care,
Ethan
Oh, Ethan! I’m so excited to hear the words “wheat planting”!! After this year, you farmers are sure going on faith with the planting for next year! I hope your dry corn yields well for you. Have fun and, above all else, be careful!! Thanks for checking in.
Yes, farmers sure do have faith. A neighboring farmer who is 80+ years old said at milo planting “the little bit of moisture in the ground may be the only moisture we ger to plant on, so I went ahead and planted it. My Sunday school teacher who is also a farmer says “we plant it, fertilize it, and water it (if it is irrigated ground) but the Lord determins the yield”. Thank you! I hope it does well too. And same to you.
Ethan
Oh my gosh, this brought back some memories of a play we did for a drama festival several years ago. It was called “The Tomorrow Box”. A synopsis-
The setting is a farm in rural Ontario, where Jack and Maureen Cooper have made their lives and raised their many children. But now, nearing retirement age, Jack (without consulting Maureen) has sold the farm to one of their sons, Joe, with the thought that he and Maureen can retire to Florida and a life of ease. However Maureen, who finds out about the sale from her daughter-in-law, Alice, is devastated by the prospect of leaving all the things and people who mean so much to her, and deeply hurt that Jack would make such crucial plans without her knowledge. Egged on by Lisa, Alice’s sister and a radical feminist lawyer, Maureen decides to go to court to block the sale—and the fur really begins to fly in the Cooper household. Maureen moves out and, after forty years as a dutiful wife and mother, starts her own business; while Jack storms off to Florida by himself. Before long, however, Jack comes to realize not only that he needs and loves Maureen, but also that she is an independent and capable human being, and not merely his chattel. As the play ends he is back, wiser and more humble, and ready to start a new life and a new marriage—but this time on terms to which they both agree.
In the play, Maureen talks about the Tomorrow Box – those boxes of “treasures” that you buy at an auction sale, with the hopes that you will find a use for them “tomorrow”…and of course you rarely do. She fears people will be pawing through all her precious things that she cared so much about and that they will end up in “tomorrow boxes” like so much junk, so she refuses to go to the sale.
It was set in the 70’s (got to use lots of great music) and was set in an old mobile home…we had a pink fridge and even had running water in the sink! Our biggest challenge was finding the stubby beer bottles…
That. Was. Awesome, Marilyn!! Thinking maybe I should send Jim to Florida. Maybe he would come back with a more appreciative demeanor. Maybe wishful thinking? He’d probably just stay there. 🙂
Thanks for sharing that story. I wish I could see one of your performances! And…I definitely WILL enjoy my “tomorrow box”‘
Made our reservations for December today – see ya then!!
Thank you, Lion, for your kind words to the American people! I wish I could share them with everyone!! And…there’s nothing more you can say – you said it all!
Tracy
I love the way you write. You captured the essence of the day to a “T”. I couldn’t help but stop at the Memorial at SAC this morning. The combination of the sun and the flags makes me proud to be an American when I remember how we came together that fall.
Thanks, Dawn! The flags flying today brought back a tiny portion of that feeling for me. The feeling of being proud to be an American. I HATE the way our country is so divided right now! We need something to bring us back to that post 9/11 feeling! I loved seeing the flags. I would have done exactly what you did – stop and not care about being late for work!
Tracy, I know exactly how you feel. It is so great to get home but the work there is tremendous just trying to get caught up. Your blog has been fun to keep up with. It is a shame that the weather has been so hot and dry. The River up there has grass growing in it. God knows we need rain and he will send it when he sees fit. Good luck with getting everything unpacked and put away.
Thanks, Wendy! I’m still putting off the worst part of the job – cleaning. The stupid camper really needs cleaned out good this year with all the dirt that blew in! I like to try to get the outside washed, as well, before it gets put away. I’m just being lazy!! I’m glad you’ve been following us and you’ve enjoyed it! And..thanks for leaving a note!
Lion, it was THE worst day to try to see anything at the show! It was not a good day to be there. It’s too bad, too, because I was really looking forward to it!
And here I thought the wind was bad on Tuesday when I was there! It was well worth putting up with the wind though! I had a good time comparing the different combines and watching them run. Things have really changed! Glad nobody blew away 🙂 maybe some day I’ll run into you there!
Hey Doug!! (aka Gleaner Man) Did you figure out which one you wanted to buy? Maybe one of each. 🙂 Nobody blew away but a lot of things got messed up!! It would be fun to meet a lot of my twitter buddies! Maybe we just need to plan something some day. I’m glad you left me a note. It’s fun to see who’s reading my silly stories! Headed to Nebraska City tomorrow to watch the girls march in the Apple Jack parade. Expect a posting. 🙂
Well it would have to be the Gleaner! Lol I was impressed with the Lexion a lil tho. I liked the way it was throwing full cobs and not leaving many kernels behind, but I’ll always be faithful to my silver machines.
I’ll be waiting for your next post. :-] that is a fun festival, it just happens to be the same weekend as ours, and our kids are marching in the parade so we can’t get there.
What a day! The weather was perfect! However, we sat on the North side of the road and it felt like we were literally baking in the sun. So much better than last year when we nearly froze to death. E/M took 1st place in their C/D class – woo hoo!!
P.S. I’ll forgive you for the love of the silver 🙂
Oh my goodness!! It was the worst! I chewed on dirt and tiny gravel even after we were in the car. If you had Chapstick or lipstick on it was a nice black color. Yuck! Were you working in that mess?
I HAD to! If someone was going to share their “fruits” of the season, I had to make sure they were put to good use. And…I’ll certainly put them to good use this winter! Mmmmmm
You can submit for the weekly topic “DIY Gardening” before Sept 27th. Send me an email with a short bio of yours to akanksha@bbookmagazine.com, see more details on my blog’s submit page
Your so welcome! And thank you for taking the time write all the posts! Thank you for answering all my many questions questions this past summer. You’ll never know how much it meant to me for you to answer all those questions, especially since we haven’t even met each other! Take care and be safe, Ethan
You are oh so very welcome, Ehan! I was glad to answer them for you. Hopefully it somewhat helped. One day, we will meet each other – if we ever get back to Hooker, OK. How’s fall harvest going for you?
That’s a day to look forward to. Well harvest was going great until Tuesday evening when my cousin, Cade, backed one graincart into another graincart by accident. It wasnt real major, were able to weld it up Wednesday morning. Now let me set the background for you so it makes more since. My dad farms with his brother and each of them take care of a specific area of the farm. One of my dad’s is harvesting. Well on Wednesday he went to pick up a “new to us” simi and therefor was gone. That left my cousins to run the harvest while my brother and I were in school (my cousins are homeschooled). So why we were at school they had an even bigger wreck. Sidney, was driving one of the three graincarts and was to close to Cory, who was driving one of the two combines, when Cory decided he needed to back up. To make a long story short he backed into one of the tractors with the combine and it broke the hood, radiators, and oil cooler. On the combine it just bent up the metal tailboard, which was fixed to keep going. Then one of the other tractors started leaking fuel and the service tech had to come fix it. There was a little while that we were down to 1 combine and 1 graincart. We were just all glad nobody was hurt, because equipment can be replaced. That brings me up to today. It was going all good until on the last round of the night something happened to the unloading auger on the combine I was driving. It broke the shear bolt. So I put a new one in and tried it, it broke again as soon as I turned the augar on. Then tried it one more time, but this time Dad suggested to engage at full throttle. Same thing. So a project got left for in the morning when there is light. How’s harvest going for you all?
Oh my, Ethan! That sounds like a couple of events and situations that it would be nice to be able to hit the rewind button! Goodness, what a series of unfortunate events! I’m sure it all happened to produce more patience in your dad and his brother 🙂 Hopefully, that will be the last bad things for the rest of the season! BE CAREFUL! As you said, machinery can be replaced….
Excited for you, Tracy. God has given you talents and you are sharing them—–world-wide!!! Keep up the good work!!! Does your family appreciate how “famous” you are???HA Blessings, Judeen
Will be watching for your post, tell Congrats to Taylor, its an honor to be nominated by her peers! Good luck and have fun! Do hope the team wins, makes it that much better for celebrating!
Did she share her spaghetti sauce recipe with you? 🙂 I’m sure I’ll use mine up too. I don’t usually get to can quite this many and I’m usually having to use them sparingly. I won’t have to this winter!! Lots of good chili, veggie soup and spaghetti sauce.
How exciting for all of you!!! Ladies—-you looked absolutely gorgeous!!!! Your Dad should “pay you” to keep him.HA He`s one lucky man—-will remind him the next time I see him. Being “Grandparents” is one of God`s greatest gifts—-know you will enjoy tremendously!!! Blessings, Ross & Judeen
I know, right? I’d say this family has been more than blessed! The baby news certainly puts me in a completely different section of the “circle of life”. One that I really thought would take much longer to get to when you’re living life. I can only hope I’m as good of a gma as mine was to me. 🙂 Thanks for your note, Katie!
Good for you, stand from the rafters, shout from the roof tops and take the “bull by the horns”, sorry couldn’t resist. Like you said, we all need to stop preaching to the choir. I think you are the one to approach the mass media and actually get something done.
Farmers and Ranchers are about the only industry that does not control the level of production (affects of uncontrollable weather, pests, etc.) or control the prices of commodities they sell. I say this is the reason most farmers turn to faith to carry them through the difficult times.
I think it’s because of their faith they should be viewed a little less harshly! Can you imagine not having that faith to get you through the tough times? I can’t!
I agree! Something really does need done about educating the US, espicially those who think they know best but really have no clue what they are talking about! Just to show how uneducated our country really is, a classmate said she hates farmers. A friend of mine, who is a farmer, and myself quizzed her why. And according to her we don’t need farmers. I asked if she liked to eat and she said yes, of course. I replied that what she eats is grown by a farmer/rancher. She replied that pizza isn’t grown by farmers. I anwsered by saying no, not a whole pizza but all the ingredients are, wheat is made into flour which makes the crust, farmers grow tomatoes, cheese comes from dairy cattle, which are fed by the gain farmers grow, and so fourth with the meat. It is just reducilious! Some people really believe the grocery store makes food. It’s kinda sad really.
Ethan…GOOD FOR YOU! Can you believe there really are people who believe this?? That surprises me coming from someone with rural surroundings! If that’s happening in Hooker, OK, can you imagine what they must believe in New York City or LA? Unfortunately, there are people out there who would love to shut the farming/ranching industry down and sometimes, I have to wonder what the people in DC are thinking with the regs they come up with. They don’t know. It’s as simple as that. It’s pretty bad when going to DC and talking to staffers in the offices of our Senators/Reps and when asked if they know what a combine is and their answer is no. Really?
Keep educating, Ethan! Keep telling those people who don’t understand where their bread comes from that it starts right here at home!
Well said, Tracy! The problem is trying to figure out how to not ‘preach to the choir’. In North Dakota there is a measure to be voted on this election day addressing cruelty to dogs, cats and horses. It pulls everyone’s heartstrings, but what the general public doesn’t get is that is this is a sneaky way in to control our ranchers. I know don’t know any real cattlemen who would mistreat an animal in their care. Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox. I’m preaching to the choir!
Yes you are!! If those anti-Ag groups, especially HSUS understood how much a farmer loves his animals and the land they wouldn’t have an agenda to push. I hope for ND’s sake, the truth is told and people truly pay attention! You’ll have to let me know how it goes!
This is a great post! So true. My eight year-old son always says, “I think I better bring my lunch because what they give me doesn’t fill me up!” So glad I found your blog. I am interested in hearing more of what you have to say. Also, into ag 🙂
Why thank you!! I’m glad you found my story! I never know who may find my blog and I so appreciate the fact that you left me a note. I look forward to hearing from you again! If an 8 year old is complaining about being hungry it sort of discredits their idea that it’s just the older ones involved with sports that are complaining the most. Visit the Sensible School Lunch FB page and send a note to the policymakers letting them know it’s NOT just a few of us!
Sounds and looks like it was fun. I always enjoy the more countryfied gatherings, like that, our church will put on. There’s just something about the barn setting that feels different, a good different.
I think I would love being “on the road” like that, although, I’m sure it has it’s challenges. I need to go back to your older posts and see what it’s all about : ) Hope you are settling back into your home routine….
Most days, Melody, it’s plenty good. There are some days, however, that are a challenge – a huge challenge! One of these days when there’s lots of snow on the ground and you have plenty of time, I hope you can read all about the life of a custom harvester. Then…let me know what you think! A glass of wine may help too 🙂
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Wow, it has been crazy for you just as it has for us the last week to week and a half. Wednesday the 26th a nasty hail storm and pounding rain hit and then more rain came the following day. Some corn got hit pretty bad and a neighbors milo was just destroyed. It wasn’t all bad though, we recieved 2″ of rain which is good for the wheat. We couldn’t get back in the field until last Thursday, the 4th. Corn harvest and wheat planting are going strong again. Good to hear your harvest finished out well. We have about a weeks worth of corn to harvest and then the small amount of milo that made it through the drought. I think I have to disagree on the where the best sunsets are haha. Is fall a bit early for you or not? All the trees and most of the grass here is still green.
Fall is a bit early here. I wonder if it has anything to do with the drought conditions. We haven’t had rain since the middle of Sept and then we got nearly 2″. The grass greened up after that rain. The leaves are all falling off the trees. Today was beautiful! It made it above 70 degrees today. Felt good! Sounds like you had quite the storm. Geesh! I thought hail was just something that liked to wipe out nice wheat fields. It’s good to hear about wheat getting planted. It makes me think there just might be something to cut next summer…and, who knows, maybe we’ll make it to Hooker next year. It would have been nice to have had those additional acres but it’s nice to be done before the snow starts flying and maybe we could actually get things put away before it gets real cold. Thanks for your note, Ethan! It was good hearing from you.
I have been following your blog for some time now and love it. I grew up in the Panhandle (Banner County) and my parents still farm there. I LOVE harvest of any sort but wheat still has to be my tops. The year I graduated I drove to Oklahoma and joined Jimmy Davenport and his harvest crew. I had a blast. To this day I take any chance I get to help anyone with harvest.
I live in Lincoln now. My wife and I have four girls ranging from 13 to 5. Our youngest has Down syndrome. She is AMAZING. She also has taught us (and so many more) so very much about life. The kids in her school absolutely love her and treat her like any other kid. Our DS group had our annual benefit walk this past Saturday and Anna’s team had the largest group of walkers for the third year in a row! It really humbles me the support she has and the people she can wrap around her finger with a simple smile. My wife was co-chair of the event this year with Ben’s mom. He is a great kid. I do hope you get the pleasure of spending more time with him. Tell them hello.
Oh my goodness! We have so many things in common! We used to cut in the Lodgepole area for quite a few years. My grandparents were there every year. We used to cut for Jim’s cousin in Banner Co. Another interesting thing you mentioned was working for Jimmy Davenport. What a great person!! He and Earlene are such good, good people and I dearly love them!! They’ve both been dealing with some health issues and I think of them so very often! And…to think you know Ben! I was so blessed to get to spend the afternoon with him. When I was with the kids on Friday afternoon, one of the little girls said, “I get to walk with Ben tomorrow”. 🙂 Kids are the very best and can teach us so much at times! I will make sure and tell Ben’s family hello if and when I see them. Since I no longer have kids in elementary, I’m not involved with their activities much anymore. I just hope I get called to sub for Ben’s para again. Thank you for your comment, Anthony! And for filling me in on so many of our common denominators! I’m so glad you enjoy reading my blog. Knowing this gives me the encouragement to continue! God Bless!!
That is too funny with all the common links. Almost like 6 degrees of separation! Jimmy cut for our family for many years. He always told my brothers and I that if we ever wanted to run to come down after we graduated. My older brother ran with him two years and myself just one summer. I thought you might recognize the name as they have done the run many, many years. May I ask who Jim’s cousin in Banner County is? I more than likely know them!
Please continue to blog. I enjoy reading them and following your journey!
Jim’s cousin actually lives north of Bushnell but farms some in Banner County. His name is Keith Wasielewski – I’d be surprised if you didn’t know him. 🙂 A great guy. Keith’s dad was Jim’s mom’s brother – got that? 🙂
Waz is a great guy. I saw him this summer at by Dad’s surpise 60th birthday party. And my Dad drilled about 300 acres of no-till wheat last week for him. His daughter and my niece are really close friends. Wow, what a small world.
How cool that we have kids born so close to the same time! She is absolutely lovely, as are all of your girls! Here is what is completely ironic…we had a miscarriage between Kaydee and Emmet as well & were so happy when we finally had Emmet! I must say, he (and I am sure your Callie as well) was very much worth the wait! Happy Birthday to her!
Oh my goodness!!! I’ve often thought about the “what if’s” of the whole picture. If I hadn’t had the miscarriage, I wouldn’t have Callie. I had two between Jenna and Taylor too. It’s times like this that I am just amazed by the way God pieces our lives together as they should be…not as we’d always like them to be. The heartache of the miscarriages are made so much easier to understand when I look at Taylor and Callie! I’m SO GLAD you left a note! And I hope you had a great birthday celebration!!
Thanks! Yes, the colors are way more beautiful than I expected with the drought! I’m thoroughly enjoying the colors – not so much the cooler weather. 🙂
Beautiful pictures! One of the things we really miss from Indiana are the colorful trees fall brings! Seems like out here we get to choose between yellow or brown! Lol. We will definitely have to head east next fall!
Mmmm….I CAN’T WAIT to try this=] We love potato soup and you can’t go wrong with velveeta…yum!! and I even have some bread bowls in the freezer i forgot to use last week when i made potato soup.
Yeah ..it looks very good and tasty…? Specially with the wet and cold autumn days and nights, overhere…….Good grub is very welcome then..? Nice stews are lovely as…wel.?
Little Black Sambo is a great story! My Grandma used to read it to me as well. I am going to have to find that book next time I stop to visit her. Thanks for the memories.
Awe, so happy to see some of the pictures from our girls weekend with you – they did have a great time & are still thinking of things they forgot to tell me !!! Thank you and the girls and we Love you all !!
The lack of common sense, and abundance of ignorance that continues to come out of Washington never ceases to amaze me. Anyone with any common sense knows you can’t raise each child the same! My kids can (and do) eat everything in sight, and all they do is get taller. But that might not be true for the next kid. It comes down to parental responsibility to see that your kid is staying healthy, but there in lies the problem. Not every parent will force their chubby lil kid to put down that soda, turn off the TV, and get outside and play. Because of them, all our kids are being punished! If they want to reform something, maybe they should look at fixing welfare and the food stamp program! I can’t speak for the rest of the country, but it seems like around here, the majority of the lil chubbers belong to career welfare recipients! They eat better than the rest of us working class people do!
We live close to the school, so our kids come home almost every day for lunch. I try to have the crock pot full, or something they can microwave quick, so that they at least get something filling to eat! Or I have something they can pack to school. They have yet to eat a school lunch this year and I hope to keep it that way!
Nice job, Doug! How can ANYONE expect kids to grow on what they’ve been mandated to eat? My challenge to the ones who have made these rules is to go to their local school, eat what the kids are given (not any more because they are adults), go through their afternoon of studies and then at least 1 1/2 hrs. of strenuous practice for an activity. THEN maybe they’d see what the parents are so upset with! My kids will continue to pack a lunch as long as they feel it’s the best thing for them! My kids are not overweight – they’re simply hungry!! Keep doing what you’re doing!
I strongly agree with you and Callie about the people making the laws should come and try it out and see all the problems they are making. And this is not the only topic that needs tried and experienced before a law can be made. We are very fortunate though, because we have open campus and can go to a regular restaurant and eat a filling portion. Some do still go to the school cafeteria, but I rarely do so. Sometimes I question how some of these guys got their jobs.
I think Callie should invite Mrs. Obama to her school. Have Mrs. Obama mirror Callie’s day and see if her fabulous school lunch program leaves her hungry. Our focus should be on a more active life style. So many schools have cut back on pe and recess to fit all the other “stuff” into the school day maybe that is the problem. I pack five lunches everyday because my skinny kids could not sustain through the day and maintain focus on the school lunch provided.
Diane, you and I see eye to eye with a lot of the same things! My kids aren’t overweight either. The USDA recommends 60 minutes of exercise per day for our children. I KNOW they’re not getting anything close to that during their day unless they’re involved in sports. I totally agree. Exercise is something most of us are lacking. Lunches are packed in this household and will continue to be until something changes. Thanks for your note! Oh…and I’ll suggest to Callie your ideas of writing to Mrs. Obama.
I hope life gets back to semi normal here soon, we haven’t camped in over a year, and i really want to try camping in cold weather! Looks like you all had a real good time! 🙂
What a great post. One thing I love about social media, and blogging is a form of social media, is the increase in celebrating holidays that honor our veterans such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day. It was a joy to see everyone share their memories and pay tribute. Thank you for sharing.
Agreed!! I was hoping for a picture of my father-in-law but will have to post separately. Apparently we don’t have one on this house. That needs to change!
What a great tribute—Lloyd would be so proud. His “thank you” reminded me that the greatest gifts in life are free——-friendship, love of family, wonderful neighbors and most of all a crucified and risen Lord. God is so good!!!
Thanks, Amber! We are also very glad he’s alive. Looking back at the entire experience, it is very reassuring seeing how God was taking care of him through this whole deal. Things could have been so much worse in so many ways! I’m pretty sure we ALL have learned something from this. Love you too!
That is good news to read, saw the picture. Showed it to Doug. Are so glad he is able to be home with his family this evening and still praying for a speedy recovery for Jim. Do let him know we are thinking of him.
Thanks Karen! Looking back over the past series of events that took place since last night, I just can’t believe how very lucky he and Andy were. They were both thrown out of a vehicle and dumped into a usually very busy intersection. At the time this was happening, no traffic was going through the intersection – four lane…end of the day traffic. The bed will feel good tonight!
Thanks, Judeen!! I can honestly say that I can feel those prayers have been and continue to be answered the way we hoped! Too many “coincidences” not to be God things. Thank you so much! We will be back home this evening. I’m anxious to take a nap. 🙂
So sorry this happened to you guys. I hope Jim recovers quickly! I’ll be thinking of you often. Thanks for sharing, kind of makes me realize I’ve been taking too much for granted because you just never know…..
Absolutely! You don’t know! Another thing I hope you take from this is to wear your seat belt! Thank you, Doug, for your thoughts and prayers. I have felt them!! The Ag community is a wonderful group of people to have on your side.
Thank you for keeping us in prayer and in your thoughts. I believe the things that have happened have happened for a reason. Now, we have to figure out what that is. Well…other than not having to deal with a more serious outcome!
Sure glad you enjoy visiting my blog! Jim is doing much better today with the pain. I’m sure the meds are doing what they’re supposed to. It’ll be good to get him back home this evening. The healing will now take priority. Take care and make sure you wear your seat belt!
Oh my goodness! That’s awful! Good to hear he’s doing better though. It could have so much worse, but thankfully was not. You are all in our prayers. Not taking life for granted becaues you never no how much longer you have on this earth is one lesson to be learned from this. I, as well as my family, learned this and I learned oh so much more on November 3, 2011 when (and I hope I don’t scare you by this since you drive bus) my brother and I were in a school bus wreck. It is still unknow whether the bus or the driver was at fault, but anyway, we were approaching the dead end of a road and normaly would turn right, but went straight through the dead end because we could not/were not slowed down enough to make the turn. Thankfully there were only 4 kids on the bus at the time. I was hurt the worst, having three compression fractures in my lower back. I ended up not going back to school until it started back up January, only doing half days until February though. It is not all bad though because I have learned many things and look at life in a different way now. I still have pain at times, but in some ways it is a blessing because that pain is a constant reminder of the valuable lesson I learned a little more than a year ago. You will realize the reason for the accident at some point, believe me, it will come.
Oh my gosh, Ethan! You are a miracle! You are so fortunate to already know what sometimes takes a lifetime to figure out! God certainly has a plan for you! Thank you for your words of encouragement. We’re home now so that feels so good. Maybe tonight I can actually get a little bit of sleep. 🙂
Oh my, my heart sank when I first saw this. Thank God he’s alright, for whatever that means right now. He’s able to hug you, smile and recognize pain. Pain is a sign of healing, remember that, pain is a sign we’re alive. So pain is a sign of hope. My prayers are with you and all your family. Take some deep breaths, close your eyes and know God is with you all. Love Dawn
Thanks, Dawn! God is and was and always will be in control! I saw his hands in this experience and it has been a reassurance to me that he’s there and he’s taking care of every detail in our lives. Thanks for the prayers! I’ve felt every one of them.
So very glad that your Jim is ok. Do hope and pray that he has a speedy recovery! Will say a prayer for you too in that you will need strengh to help him get better.
Thanks, Laurie! It’s a very scary thing to have to go through something like that. Even worse when you don’t have any idea what you’ll find once you get to the ER. I really hope we don’t ever have to go through something like that again. God is so good! Thank you for the prayers. I’ve felt every one of them all day. How else can a person keep going with only one hour of sleep? I’ll probably crash hard tomorrow. So, strength is a perfect prayer!
Yes, God is good! We have had terrifying moments like those and are so grateful for the ones that let us return to normal lives. Reminds us to count our blessings!
We have not. This is the first one that has personally affected our immediate family. It also teaches us to give thanks even through the difficult trials! One thing I have realized and am very humbled by are the amount of friends we have. Between the harvesters, the ag world, my blog and here at home…it’s AMAZING and I love them all! Thank you, Sonja, for being one of them!
Yes, Judeen, Thanksgiving will be a special miracle to celebrate this year! Between Jim’s wreck and Jamie & Curt’s baby (and more)…we have A LOT to be thankful for!
I hope you and Ross have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Please give Ruth a kiss for me.
Thanks, Melody! Judeen is a pretty wise woman! 🙂 I look back at all that Jim and Andy were spared from and I just shake my head. Mostly because I know God had his hand on the entire event! Jim is doing better with each day. The bruises continue to change colors but he’s starting to get tired of sitting in his recliner – hard to believe. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!
So glad he will be ok! I’ve been the one in a head-on collision before and it is a scary situation! Praying for Jim’s quick recovery and hoping ya’ll are ok during this time!
Nice to hear from you, Ryan! Thanks for the well wishes. He’s doing pretty darn good considering it’s been less than a week since the wreck. It was scary for those of us wondering how he was after being admitted to the hospital. Once we saw him, we could all breath a little easier. Hope your new adventure is going well! Happy Thanksgiving!
I have been following your blog because I have an interest in harvest. I work on combines. I am glad that Jim is alive and recovering. You are right, accidents happen so quickly. I am a firm believer in seat belts. 23 years and 2 weeks ago my wife, son (4 years at the time), my parents and I were in an accident. Not real serious, but I definitely felt a tug from my seat belt in the crash. We were all wearing seat belts. No injuries. So how do I remember that it was 23 years and 2 weeks ago? The accident happened 2 weeks before our youngest son was born. He turned 23 on November 16. I agree with you Tracy. Wear your seat belt, even if you are an expectant mother. I know you are giving God thanks for protecting Jim. I give thanks along with you.
Combines and harvest certainly gets in ones blood! 🙂 I’m glad you found us and continue to follow even during the “off season”. Sounds to me like you had an incident that was an eye opener – at least one that makes you stop and realize just how blessed you are! We’ve been so fortunate that up til now, we’ve been accident free. I hope this is the one and only time we have to deal with this! Thank you for taking the time to write. It’s always good to hear from the ones who take time to read my posts. Happy Thanksgiving, Murray! I look forward to hearing from you again.
Thanks, Lion! Thanks for the well wishes and for taking the time to send me a note. It’s been amazing hearing from all parts of the world and how we’ve been thought about and prayed for. I have the best readers in the world!
Looks like a great time! I get the same feeling at the sight of combines in the field. I’ll spend hours watching them on you tube just to get that “fix”. I must admit, Claas combines are impressive machines. Hopefully someday I can get over there for something like that. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
It was a great time! This is another reason why I LOVE going to our annual custom harvesters convention – to see the combines and people who understand what we do. The CLAAS combines are nice looking combines AND they use 1/3 less fuel – I forgot to mention that in the list of things I learned. 🙂 If you ever get there…make sure and look Jenna up. Maybe she can give you the tour!
Tracy….From the moment I first saw you…you have had your own special place in my heart…you have brought so much joy into my life… through the years watching you and Jim with your girls…
and all your fond memories…that you share with me…the only word I can find hidden deep in my heart is…. PROUD…..the great joy that your family has given me….love and kisses,,,Mom….
Tracy – You and Jim have bee in my mind since his accident. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers, and among the things I’m thankful for today is his recovery. Bless you and yours today! Bill
Thanks, Bill! It’s good hearing from you. I’m so thankful for you and people like you who have kept us in your prayers. They certainly have been felt! His recovery is coming along fairly nicely…considering it’s just been a week ago! Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. Ours was amazingly amazing with the many blessings to give thanks for!
Awesome!!! Thank you very much Tracy. Your blog is one reason i’m applying for the harvest run 2013. Hopefully i get accepted and i will be able to see something of the beautiful country you described. Of course i wish jim a speedy recovery. Michael
Good for you, Michael! Do you know who you may be applying to go with? I’m assuming you’re applying for an H2A visa? I hope you get accepted too and it would be fun to run into you somewhere along the route. Keep me posted and let me know how things are rolling along for you! Jim’s doing much better. The bruising is changing colors every day. Today, he looks like someone painted him with yellow paint with some purple thrown in for good measure. Take care, Michael!
Tracy
Hey, Jen…Gina…Gertrude, it was quite nice of you to take the time to give us the grand tour. I’m really sorry, though, that I didn’t get to say hello to Bob or Leif. Maybe next time! We certainly share that same sickness, don’t we!
Looks like you had fun. We toured the John Deere harvester works factory, where they build only combines and headers, back in July of 2011. It was awesome! The size and pace of the factory was amazing. Deere was tge same way, each combine was built to hiw it was ordred and production was not started until someone had purchased the machine. at the time of our tour, the guide told us if one was to order a machine that day, it would be 8 months before they even started on it. Now that is impressive. I must have that disease too. We can be going down the road and I’ll point out somebody cuttin, my family doesn’t really care, espicially my younger brother. His response is usually “nobody cares”. Now I can tell him people do care. The harvesters convention sounds like something I need to go to. Hope you and your family had a great Thanksgiving!
I know my family gets tired of when I point out a working combine…or a field of wheat. One day when you become a custom harvester, you can make it a point to join us at convention!!
Oh my goodness, Karen! I would love to have been able to watch that with you! Gosh, that’s been 22 years ago already! I bet that was fun. It would be good to see all of you again!
Tracy……Thank you for the ….AWESOME..Thanksgiving Dinner…Everyone really needs to have your corn casserole recipe..yum..yummy!!!!!!!Your dinner was “GERRRRRRRRRRRRRRATE”
HugsXXXXXXX and KissesOOOOOO ,,,mom …..such a fun afternoon
Bit late as ussual (because of distance)…… wishing you,s and family.. a happy Thanksgiving. Anyway.! I Really enjoyed your blog intensely about the Claas-plant There are seveal Claas-plants not so far away from me in Germany. My interrest in machines and technics is entless..thats why i work for a small machine-factory for the last 25 years.(cannot really talk about that ….because most of it, is hush-hush ) .??
Yeah lovely Tracy….Makes you really proud Jenna… working there …!
Oh and by my info….I thought Claas was linked with Caterpillar in the States or Canada ..?? (Or distributed through Cat) Well they use Cat-Engines asswell…..Whatever they are great and reliable machines and Claas has proved it over the years in Europe and also to the rest of the world….!!
I really liked that link with ….the Claas Xerion..??? Greetz Lion.
Thanks, Lion! The CLAAS plant DID used to be the Cat plant. It used to be a joint venture between Cat and CLAAS but Cat got out of Ag in 2002 and sold its part to CLAAS. CLAAS took over the plant and now builds their combines there strictly for North America. I am proud of Jenna! She loves Ag and the harvest equipment.
LOVE Tuttle Creek and Tuttle Puddle! Glad to see a K-Stater in your midst! I have some great memories of that park. Glad you guys had a good time. And CONGRATS to the soon-to-be parents and grandparents!
Hey Cami! It was a lot of fun and not even that awful of a drive! I hope we go back again. Most of all, it was just fun being together for more than a couple of hours. We all look forward to camping so our 4th annual cant come soon enough! I will forward your congratulations to the parents! Can’t believe a new generation will soon be starting! Tell your folks hi too!
Looks like a blast! Relaxing around the campfire is so fun. My family hasn’t been doing it quite as long. This July will be the 3rd annual, but we cheat and use travel trailers. But that AC sure is nice in Texas heat in July!
Our local Valley irrigation dealer took a bus load of customers to tour the factory in McCook. I decided to go along with dad. The technology in that plant is amazing. I can’t believe some of it.
I can sure understand that. Once my dream of custom cuttin’ is fulfilled, I will be living in a camper too… hopefully things piece together to get the business started soon.
That sounds like it would be interesting! I’ve never even thought about irrigation companies having a plant to be born in. 🙂 Makes sense! I certainly hope the plan of becoming a custom cutter works out for you! We certainly need a younger generation to take over when us old farts quit. 🙂
MMMMM that was so good, can you bring some over now ?? We’ll have to do it again. Maybe we can get some spring camping in b4 you go…… if Jim gets roast like that maybe he’ll agree !! And we can do the cobbler…
I would love to get some spring camping in. Do you think it can happen? It always seems like our spring is so busy. And…we’ll have a baby to be waiting for AND graduation!
Darn…I live too far away for some of that good Dutch oven cooking. However, I am pretty close to the source of the meat! (Just a few blocks to the meat plant…and son raises the beef!) Who knows, I may have to take a trip!
Just go get you one of those awesome roasts and find a dutch oven and cook it! I’m going to try putting the dutch oven in my home oven and see if it turns out just as good. It probably won’t because I’d be lacking the great outdoors!
That looked really good….?? We could use some of that Food overhere……Now the cold winter wheather starts seting in….overhere..! Well I have to settle….for the cassual dutch-stew….whats served to me…..at dinnertime…..(but lovely aswell)?
Just a simple wintergrub….= Frozen Curly Kale in smalpieces boiled in one pot with peeled potatoes and little bit of chopped unions ……Boil this till the potatoes are done …..Then mash everyting together……..Seperate you frie small blocks of bacon..till its a bit crispy…use the fat of bacon as the gravy…..You can put the Bacon and Gravy over the Curly Kale on your plate……with(rookworst) some sort of sausauge…….(Other word for Curly Kale=Borecole)……Enjoy..?
Cabbage sort is a plant vegetable….Checking something out by my surprice I don,t know if it grows in the states…..Info-link…(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kale)…?
I was looking online for information about the Claas factory in Omaha and came upon your blog. We live in Southwestern Idaho…right on the border of Idaho and Oregon…thus our farm’s name…Stateline Farms. My husband Ron and one of our sons will be flying to Omaha on Dec. 11th for a tour of the factory and the combines. We have owned two Lexion combines and it’s time for a new one. They are looking forward to seeing the plant and the new combines. Thank you for posting pictures and comments about the combines and the factory. I told my husband to say hello to Jenna if he sees her at the plant…and to tell her we enjoyed the commentary on your tour.
Once I read your Claas post it made me interested in reading some of your other posts and seeing the pictures of your family and your company. We certainly hope your husband Jim continues his road to complete recovery. A very frightening accident. And you are so right, our lives can change in a second. Loved seeing the pics of Quaker Steak and Lube with all the motor memorabilia…so very cool…wish we had one like it!
I will continue to read your posts and enjoy reading about the happenings of another rural family in another part of our great United States!
Sincerely,
Margaret Smith
Stateline Farms
facebook.com/slfarms
What a fun surprise to see your note and forJenna to anticipate a visit from someone in a different part of the country! I hope she’s the one that will give the tour.
I was encouraged over a year ago to do my blog by someone who followed our Facebook page. At that time, I had no
clue what a blog even was. I hoped that other people might find it to learn something about the custom harvesting industry and how we are a vital link in the process of getting grain from the field to market. I have had such a tremendous amount of interest (world wide) that it’s almost crazy!
I hope if you continue to follow our crazy way of life you check I’m once in awhile and say hello. Thank you for dropping me a line and telling me about how you found us! This is the reason I love sharing our life with the rest of the world!
🙂 it was probably a great place to hang out! Who would have thought then how it would take off and be throughout the US. I loved how the place made me feel when we walked in. Kudos to the founders!!
🙂 it was probably a great place to hang out! Who would have thought then how it would take off and be throughout the US. I loved how the place made me feel when we walked in. Kudos to the founders!!
Your little home looks just perfect for the holidays!! Nothing better then spending it with the ones you love while doing things that bring back wonderful memories.
Absolutely right! It’s sometimes the process of getting to the actual holiday that’s stressful! Thank you for the compliment about the house. 🙂 All the Christmas decorations bring back a memory of some sort. I guess that’s what it’s all about! It’s home.
Christmas it such a wonderful time to reflect and appreciate our adventurous journey through life. Your tree is really a story of many lives. Wishing your family happiness and fond memories during this wonderful Christmas Season. A time of rebirth and happiness.
Agreed! It is at Christmas that I pull out all the memories that create Christmas in this tiny little home. Nearly everything I have has a memory attached to it. I threatened not to do it next year, but I couldn’t actually go through with that threat. I LOVE this time of year. It’s sort of like a wheat field – when it’s finally time for harvest and the combine’s in the field, there just isn’t anything any better! Thank you for leaving your note, Mike! It’s good to hear from you.
It’s not the size of the home, it’s the size of the love in that home that makes it a mansion…and from reading your blog, I’d say you are living in a mansion! The tree looks beautiful and stockings hanging around it are the finishing touch! How fun to go with the family to track down the “perfect” trees. 🙂
Thank you, Margaret! We truly DO live in a mansion if the size of love is the measurement. I have a sign that I take with me every summer in our “summer cottage on wheels”. I just take it from this house and put it in that one. It says, “Love grows in little houses”. I honestly believe that to be true! There’s no place to go here except being with your family. I’m not sure that my teenaged daughters agree with that statement all the time. 🙂 I have to learn to be content and if anything ever happened to this tiny little house, I would miss it!
Thanks, Bill! This is one tradition I hope we don’t have to give up any time soon! It wasn’t until just the past several years that I’ve been able to participate due to having little kids around. Sometimes, like Sunday, I wish we had given more time to just walk through the trees and not have to hurry. I love being out in the woods and seeing all we can see.
I love your tree, ours is the same way, each ornament holds a memory. I don’t understand, and can’t fathom a “designer” tree that looks like it just came out of a showroom. You know what blog post will be coming up soon on my side. LOL
Congrats on your first blog book! It’s only the beginning! Wow, what a time getting home! As Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz “there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home”…and if you’ve ever been stuck in an airport that really rings true!
My husband Ron and son Chris are in Omaha! They left here (Boise, ID) this morning and lucky for them all flights were on time. They were picked up at the airport, treated to lunch and then headed to the Claas factory to spend the afternoon going over the combine with a fine tooth comb…and believe me, they really will be checking it out…and asking LOTS of questions. I asked Ron if he saw Jenna and he said not yet…they were outside all afternoon…but tomorrow they get the factory tour and if he sees her he will say “hi”…and that it’s his wife that is following along on the adventurers of her family! They will fly out of Omaha about 5:30 tomorrow to Salt Lake City and then back to Boise around 9:30. Hopefully, their trip isn’t as “eventful” as yours was.
Glad you’re home safe and sound! Have a Merry Christmas with your family! 🙂
Thanks for the encouraging words, Margaret!! It was fun seeing my words in a book. Not sure others would ever want one but it’ll be a good keepsake for my kids to one day look back at!
I had forgotten today was the day for your husband and son to be in Omaha. I’ll be anxious to hear what he thought of his visit. If I weren’t substituting at our school tomorrow, I would even go up and meet them. I’m sure they’re going to LOVE their tour. It sounds like the weather may even cooperate for them.
Thanks for leaving your note! Always good to hear from someone who takes the time to visit Nebraska Wheatie!
Tracy
It’s a wonderful keepsake for your kids and grandkids!
Ron and Chris have already been so impressed by the people they have met…all very nice. And I don’t think they are being nice just because we are buying a combine. They are genuinely nice people. I too know they will love the tour. This is the first ag related trip they’ve gotten to take together outside of Idaho…or maybe I should say outside our county! So this is a big adventure for both of them. I’m glad they are enjoying your part of the country and the people that live there. 🙂
The Midwest is full of good people. But, it’s the people who are involved with Ag that really stand out! Maybe one day, you’ll make it here too – and hopefully I would be able to meet you. Temps today are supposed to be in the low 50’s. Outstanding!
All flights going to and coming back were on time and no delays. 🙂 Chris and Ron enjoyed their Nebraska visit…highlighted by meeting Jenna at Claas…they said she’s a lovely young lady. 🙂
I say she’s a lovely young lady too – is that being too biased? Or just being a proud mom? 🙂 So glad it all worked out for them. I saw Jenna last night. She said she met them. And then Jim overheard her and I talking and he says, “who is it?” “Oh just someone who reads mom’s blog” – Jenna 🙂 Thanks for reading! It makes the world all that more smaller to me!
And that’s just crazy to me – read across the nation…and world. When I began telling my story, I never dreamed there would have been such an interest. I figured I might get 25 readers. 🙂
I think this is just further proof of how crooked this group in Washington really is. They know that most people, myself included, only read the headline and maybe the first paragraph so they lead with what we want to hear so we move on and leave them alone to do what they want. They see nothing wrong with starving our kids.
Incredibly tragic. Unfortunately, this is the kind of thing that makes it very hard for me to believe in any kind of God. It just seems there has to be a better plan than one that involves the brutal deaths of innocents in this way.
Nowhere does it say that anyone HAS to believe in God. We are free to make the choice – God has given us free will to follow Him or not. One of the attributes of free will is the decision to go against your creator. I say this because I’m not here to debate whether God is real or not. I personally believe He IS real. I also believe God had nothing to do with the horrific circumstances that led to the death of 26 lives. I believe it broke His heart. It’s the same sort of debate as guns and taking them away. Guns didn’t kill those children, a living human being killed those children. God didn’t intend for this evil to happen. Just as he didn’t intend on Cain killing Abel. These actions were the result of a choice made by a human being. I believe God was there. He was with those people who were murdered. He was with the emergency responders. He is with the families. Have you ever lost a child? I guarantee it is the worst thing that could happen to a parent. It’s the caring and compassion of friends and family that will help those families heal. It is through people who love a God – a God who never intended for sin to be a part of our world (Adam & Eve) – that will help the survivors cope. I also believe things happen for a reason. Maybe you visiting my blog was an intentional part of His plan for your life.
I must admit that I myself struggle with the question of whether or not God is real, but one thing I have come to realize is that man as an animal has an innate desire to be governed over. As illustrated in stories in the Bible, as well as the headlines in our own times, as man moves away from God and his teachings in the Bible and towards being governed by mere men, we become more animalistic. We have gone so far as to start killing our own young! As “primitive” as we may consider the writers of the Bible to be, one thing is clear, they have the formula for saving humanity, and if we don’t start following it, there is little hope for us.
Merry Christmas to your entire Nebraska Wheaties family. And a Happy Birthday to Jamie! I know what you mean about the sharing…it’s a mom thing. 😉 How “extra” fun next year when you have your first grandchild there with you! Have a joyous Christmas!
Thank you, Margaret!
Merry Christmas to my new friends from Stateline Farms! It looks like we’ll have a white one with A LOT of cold! A good day to hang out together just enjoying each others company. Take care!
The sun is shining here in the “banana belt” of Idaho…but we’ll give it a half hour and it could be different. Doesn’t look like a white Christmas in Southwest Idaho…just in the mountains that surround us. Rain on the way tho! Keep warm in Nebraska and Merry Christmas to all the “Z’s”! 🙂
We’ve got sun and snow flakes falling right now. It’s really quite beautiful! Rain would be welcome, too! Especially in the wheat belt of the country. Tell your family Merry Christmas from the Z Crew!
Reading the title, I thought, oh cool, Jamie and I share the same birthday. I kept reading and discovered I was led astray and hers was actualy yesterday, the 23 where as mine is today. Still close though. Family and friends tried the same with me by only getting one gift and calling it Christmas and birthday. My mom put a stop to that! In her words, she’s a mean mom and makes everybody treat me like other kids and buy two gifts. I usually had two parties though. One with friends on the weekend before because of the holidays, and again with family when they were all home for Christmas.
Happy birthday to Jamie and Merry Christmas to all of you Z’s!
Sorry, Ethan, for leading you astray. 🙂 It’s close enough I think you could almost say you celebrate the same day 🙂 At least you can understand the problems with having your day so close to Christmas. OR you could look at it as though it were a blessing to share such a wonderful time as this for a birthday! I hope you and your family have a very blessed Christmas! Enjoy each other and appreciate the time you have because one day soon, things will change and you’ll wish it were the same ‘ole same ‘ole! Merry Christmas, Ethan! Thanks for checking in!
I look at it as a blessing. But I’ve never know it to be any other way. Thank you too. Wishing you a very merry day!
It looks like we might get a white Christmas down here after all.
I have so enjoyed following your posts and all of the wonderful things you do as a family that includes such hard work. Except for accidents it seems everyday is Christmas with your family…the gift of love and doing things together.
Aw, Dave, we certainly have our bad days, as well! I probably paint too good of a picture! However, we do enjoy time together and I love the fact that it APPEARS our kids still enjoy hanging out with us. 🙂 I still haven’t gotten my Christmas cards in the mail yet – but do intend on doing it soon. Be on the lookout! 🙂
Merry Christmas and God`s blessings in 2013!!! Your blog “brightens my day”!!! Fond memories of the burgandy velvet Christmas dresses you created at my house out of a stage curtain!!! The Z`s have the gift of dreaming and making it happen!!!
Ross & Judeen
Oh, Judeen – you’re so kind? 🙂 I should post a picture of those adorable dresses I made from your velvet stage curtain. What fun memories! I’m so glad you enjoy reading our daily adventures. It’s sure been busy around here lately!
What a great picture you posted of your beautiful family…and those cookies looked scrumptious. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wishing you a great new year ahead. 🙂
Thanks, Margaret! I STILL have a lot of those cookies waiting to be eaten. Our house has a built in porch and it’s not heated. This time of year, it becomes the freezer/frig and that’s where they are. Anyone coming in the door could/should grab a few cookies on their way in! We had a GREAT Christmas – you? We’re looking forward to having another week off school and then the craziness begins again! Thanks for checking in!
All the best to u and your family for 2013. I am a grain broker from Australia on maternity leave with a new 12 wk old boy so I really enjoy reading your blog. All the best to your daughter and I look forward to reading more of your travels and experiences.
Aw, Leonie, a brand new baby! 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoy reading our story and it’s so exciting to me to think there’s people all over the world that read this blog! I’m so very glad you “checked in” and let me know you were out there. Please stop by and say hello again! Best of luck to you with that precious little guy!! Enjoy the days…hours…you have because it goes by in the blink of an eye. Seriously…it REALLY does. Happy 2013, Leonie!
I looked at the 1957 picture of the combine chained onto the very short flatbed of that truck and thought “how did it ever stay on and what about going around a corner??” Loved looking back at those pictures of the early combines…and glad we don’t have to use them. New Claas coming in May! 🙂 Margaret
P.S. 19* and snowing here in the “banana belt” of Southwestern Idaho!! Burrrrrrrr!
My oh my, that is a deep history in harvest. The ways of the past are so interesting to me. But I cannot imagine loading a combine in such a way or a combine that small. Our combine alone is 14 feet wide! Can’t imagine a header that size. Or a grain tank only holding 45 bushels when they hold 300 now. My great uncle has a vast amount of stories (my grandpa passed away before I could hear his stories). My great uncle tells of when he drove the ol Massy-Harris self propelled and would open up fields first in order for the two pull-types they had to start cutting. Another of his stories was when the new combines and a tractor were delivered by train. Hours could be spent just sitting and listing to him. I have a lot of respect for the people of the past for enduring such hardships, such as you described. But they didn’t know it to be any other way.
Do u have any tips for us getting into the business of custom cutting? My prospectful partner and I are STRONGLY considering (with the approval of our parents because of our age) taking the plunge to start the business, staying local for now. Both of us have desired this for quite some time and feel now is the time to go for it. We have been given advice to start early in order to build the company up to where it is good sized when we get out of school. But at the same time, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. Failure is NOT an option.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Ethan
Start small and build. Don’t go for all the latest and greatest equipment to begin. As I said before, if I were you, I’d sit down and talk to Anthony about things and learn from his experience. Another thing – don’t say you’re going to do something if you don’t mean it. There’s a lot of harvesters that will keep a farmer thinking he’ll be there yesterday when, in fact, there’s no way. Be honest and build your business based on integrity and good characater. Don’t be afraid to associate with others in the business. They may be your competition but they’ll be your best friend when they have a job they need help with. I wish you luck, Ethan! If you have support from your family – go for it!
I haven’t talked to Anthony yet because I havent seen him for quite some time. My prospective partner, on the other hand, lives near him and knows him pretty good…
Thank you for your time. I have a feeling my dream is gonna come true this year.
I think Anthony could probably give you some great tips. Whatever you do, don’t let yourself get down and just keep on keeping on! Please keep me posted how things are progressing for you!
I love listening to stories from harvest past. I have heard several like your from friends and family. They say those were the good ole days but sometimes you have to wonder how! They were not afraid of work that’s for sure!
I am sure you will do fine telling you story. Have fun.
Thanks, Anthony, for your vote of confidence! I certainly appreciate it 🙂 It’s just always a little scary doing something for the first time. I’m sure after it’s over, I’ll wonder what the heck I was nervous about! I can’t even imagine the amount of hard work my Grandpa had to do in his younger days. But, they didn’t know anything different. My Dad recently told me Grandpa wasn’t afraid to try anything. Maybe I’m a little like him.
What amazing history. Fantastic! You are very lucky to have that in your life. As for the public speaking…I was in a band many years ago, the singer was this guy who the women went nuts over, he’d sing and they weren’t even listening to him, just watching him. Anyways, he got too big for his own head and quit, leaving us hanging with a show to do two weeks later. Everybody looks at me like I’m the next candidate to fill this guys shoes. I’m an average looking guy with a voice that never really sang, just ‘backed-up’ the singer. I was (excuse the expression) crapping myself, literally sick to my stomach I was going to be the singer in front of a crowd of 500+ mostly screaming women that were expecting “ken, barbies husband’. Instead, they got me, the average looking guy who stood up there and ended up kicking serious butt and getting it done way better than the other guy could have ever dreamed of. Moral of the story, it was the beginning of a new road the band took and although the band broke up years later, I often drawn on that experience to face new challenges in life head on, to believe in myself, and most importantly, to listen to and trust God, he often opens new doors for us and sometimes we are apprehensive about walking through. Believe in yourself. Look at those pictures and think of how proud your grandfather and all of your family would be of you taking the family history even further, and through it all, know that God is walking right next to you, and very often, carrying you as well. Be strong and courageous…
PS: and if its something you just really feel uncomfortable with, it’s alright not to do it as well. Whatever the case, I wish you luck in your decision. Tony
Thank you, Tony, for the encouraging words and the story behind them! I do view this as an opportunity given by God.That’s why I decided I HAD to do it. I’ve created a power point that will be easy to talk about and I know once I’m there and realize I’m not going to die, I’ll be fine. I’m sure most people feel the same way going into something like this (I hope). It’s a story not many people know or even realize is out there so I’m looking forward to sharing it. And, like you said, it’ll be another teachable moment for me – lean on God for the strength and wisdom that only He can give. Whether or not this goes beyond the 25 minutes I have at this meeting or not, I’m going to try to look at it as something that was given to me for a reason.
P.S. I really enjoy your blog!
Thank you very much. Another story behind my story…my blog…that’s me overcoming my fear on a daily basis and getting out there in front of the world, watching and hoping for that door that God opens for me to move forward from health adversity to something that matters not only to me but maybe to someone else. My goal is to remain positive through life, to keep my posts positive, always encouraging and motivating for people to live each moment going out into the world, finding subjects to appreciate and inspire them to live fully the life God has given to them. To see something be it large or small and look at it in a different way. Not sure if it’s coming off that way, but its what I’m trying to accomplish. lol. Thank you for visiting so often. Tony
You are showing a lot of people what they’re missing by not taking time “to smell the roses”. That was one of my Grandma’s favorite sayings. The other one…One Day at a Time! She taught me so much about life! I wonder if she even realized she was doing it. I never feel anything negative with your posts and didn’t even realize you were dealing with a health issue. Sort of your “thorn”, I guess, huh? I’m sure God’s using it for a specific reason and one day you can look back at it and understand the why’s. Prayers for you, Tony! Keep doing what you’re doing!
Thank you for your inspiring words! Will do! My dream by the way…to write a motivating book and speak about it, hopefully inspiring others to overcome adversity and ‘Live Life’, One day at a time! Wish me luck, and if its meant to be, I hope God speaks loudly, kind of hard of hearing sometimes from all of that loud music back in the day. lol
You’ll feel it from way down deep inside you and it won’t go away until you do something about it! I do wish you luck! And…turn up those hearing ears!!
Keep me posted.
I, too, am hoping that whatever the next step is for me is one that will be something I know God has presented itself for a reason. Make sense? I’m learning to be patient and wait on His time. Sometimes not so easy to do.
Good post Tracy…well done on the information! I often think all these weight loss books are only written to make the author rich because so many people are looking for an instant fix to losing weight. When it’s most often that we can eat about anything and lose weight…not meaning we can eat large portions or all junk food and lose it. It’s portion control and a well balanced diet…calories in, calories out. And wheat products are certainly part of that well balanced diet. Of course, the more whole grain the better. I’m not looking for there to be a big loss of sales at the bread aisle…besides, how would I hold my PB&J without bread!
I’m seeing another request for you to speak in front of a group coming your way! You’re going to have to book your speaking engagements around work! 🙂
Hope you have a good week ahead…still very cold here in Idaho. Accuweather says you’re at 31* and we’re at 6* here in Parma right now!
I am not celiac but I found they have the most information on wheat issues. I still remember hearing from a gentleman that over 20 years ago when his dad’s liver started to fail the doctors told him to stop eating wheat.
Thank you for forwarding the link to me! I know someone who’s daughter was very sick and they couldn’t pinpoint the issue until they did the tests which revealed she was suffering from Celiac Disease. I hope I didn’t make it sound like I don’t believe there is such an issue. If I did, I apologize to all! There is A LOT of good information on this site regarding the disease. For those of you who don’t take the time to read it, I will share with you a few of the things I learned:
1. Celiac Disease is genetic.
2. There is a vast difference between Celiac Disease and Gluten sensitivity disorders – “Already, clinic practice shows that some of the “celiac” patients, previously diagnosed by positive intestinal biopsy[8] and serological findings now, on genotyping[9], turn out to carry “non-celiac” and not “celiac” gluten sensitivity alleles.”
3. Catering to a “Gluten Free Diet” is BIG BUSINESS: ” $6.1bn spent 2011 on gluten-free foods in the USA—and a 30% growth from 2006 to 2010 in Canada to $2.64bn—indicate “Big Business” complete with the risk of missed, omitted, and mis-information for the goal of promoting greater consumption of gluten-free processed foods.”
Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention!
You are welcome. And no it did not sound like you were disbelieving.
It was more due to the “wheat belly” and the changes to growing wheat. Wheat is in everything from candy to gravy to coffee. When eating at a restaurant I always ask the server to check with the cook to make sure flour has not been added to the mashed potatoes or butter. You would be surprised at how many restaurants do.
I have a brother in-law who has celiac disease and has benefited mightily from the increased availability of good gluten free products. That puts a dent in wheat sales, I realized, but there are a lot of people who need to eat this way. Rapid growth in global sales goes with the relatively recent realization of the extent of the problem. I suppose there may be some to many who buy without need (we do, we like Quinoa pasta), but what’s the beef with that? At least I infer you have a beef from your “need I say more” comment.
No, I don’t have a beef with the gluten-free products readily available to those who NEED it. What I have a problem with is the vicious circle I see with big money catering to gluten free diets and the untrue statements being placed directly in front of us about how “poisonous” wheat is. What does that tell the general public who choose NOT to educate themselves about wheat and it’s benefits and the lies that are being told? It tells them they shouldn’t eat wheat and here…let’s make it easier for you NOT to eat it. That’s how I see it. I realize this is MY opinion and I respect you for yours! Thank you so much for your comment!
I did a google search on gluten-free products and found they’re not as healthy for you as one would think – they’re FULL of sugar. I just hope people who are so quick to take one person’s word about the “poisons” of wheat do their research BEFORE kicking wheat to the curb!
I am writing this quickly without time to look up my source but I remember reading somewhere that eating a gluten free diet with being allergic to glutens is not good for you and can impair efforts of weightloss. I loved both of your last two blogs. What happened to taking ownership of our bad habits instead of trying to blame others. I don’t think that little grain of wheat is the cause of ones muffin top. A big soda or a sugar filled latte and a donut might be to blame. Keep up the good work!!!!!!
This one is good: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/celiac-disease/features/gluten-intolerance-against-grain
You’ll have to let me know if you come across the one you were reading. Thank you for the positive feedback! Doesn’t it just make sense that someone cutting down or out the products that include wheat would inevitably cause weight loss? Just think of all the products that have wheat in them. If you stop eating bread, donuts and cakes (or minimize the intake) it’s going to promote weight loss? Common sense, people…common sense! You’re spot on, Diane!!
Glad to hear you had a good experience. You’re now part of the crowd that can say they’ve done that. There’s two kinds of people who reflect in custom harvesting – those who did it and those who wish they had. Stay in touch!
You’re not the first person who has said that to me. I just don’t have a clue how to write a book. Guess that’s why I like to post on this blog. I get to write (because I enjoy writing) and I get to share the custom harvester story. Thanks for your encouraging words!! Check in once in a while.
It goes without saying that I’m loving this series, and if you ever do write a book, I’ll definitely own a copy! I also love seeing those old Masseys in their prime. Although I love my Gleaners, Massey Ferguson combines have a special place in my heart since Dad owned two, a 300 that burned up, and a 510 that we ran until there was more duct tape than steel on the grain tank and augers! Keep up the good work, thanks for all you do, and I’m anxiously waiting for part three!
Thanks, Doug, for the kind words and vote of confidence in my writing abilities. Although, I don’t have a clue what writing a book even entails, I will let you know if it ever happens. 🙂 If the “feeling” ever comes to create a book and there’s a path made in how to do it, I will consider. In the meantime, you’ll just have to keep checking back here. Hope things are going well your way! I thoroughly enjoyed your last posting and could feel your pain. You’re doing what you’re doing for a reason!
I came to the realization the other day that it’s like that old saying, when one door closes, another one opens. Now, as soon as the kids are out of school, I can go do what I want, and we both know what that will be!
🙂
Christmas is right! If only Santa would leave that Gleaner beside my Christmas tree I’d be a happy little boy! Lol It looks to be a good time, enjoy yourself!
I’ve been looking on for posts from women turning 50. I turned 50, 7 months ago, and although according to my daughter I should not “care” about what age I am (I know she’s right), I can’t help it…I am somewhat obsessed with the realization that I’m 50 now and should be far more independent, know who “I” am, not care what anyone else thinks at this point, and have TONS of life-long friends that I can share these thoughts with (and according to “More” magazine” be independently wealthy at this poing 🙁
I was a little concerned about turning 50 – that was over a year ago already. I guess the one thing I think about is that we have to enjoy the time of life we’re in RIGHT NOW because soon enough that’s going to be history and you’ll be wishing for that day again. I hated being reminded that I was 50 on my birthday but the very next day it was all ok again. I’m believing the words I’ve heard from others about how this is the BEST years of your life. My kids are almost grown and on their own. It’s time to start thinking about how you can make a difference with what you’ve got and to live life to the fullest! YOU GO GIRL!!
True words…and you’re right. Soon enough we will be wishing for these days again. I think about how I can make a difference at this point in my life as well! I will soon have an empty nest (for the second time) and Lord knows I try to live my life to the fullest~ Thanks 🙂
Sickness is no fun. I recently had pneumonia- it is HORRIBLE! Pain and coughing like no other. I thought we were busy until I read this. We have school off tomorrow as well as all of next week for spring break and I’m hopeing to catch up on things and relax after all the hectic things. I hope you can too soon!
Hey Ethan!
It’s been a while. Good to hear from you!! I’m feeling so, so much better. I just didn’t remember how good it felt to feel good. Now I know! The final trip is over…now I can concentrate on Jamie nearly ready to have a baby and Taylor’s graduation…and harvest.
Hope this finds you feeling better. Hard to be sick at any time, but when you have so much going on it’s hard to get over it. Taylor looks beautiful! So fun to see the young people dressed up. Hope they all had a great time at the prom. The snow geese passed thru here a couple weeks ago on their way north. They always make their stop at the farm to check out the harvested corn fields. I sure hope that means spring is right around the corner! Take care and get well soon! 🙂
Margaret,
I’m feeling SO MUCH BETTER! I am amazed at just how lousy I felt and so thankful that none of the rest of the family have gotten it. I’m done with travels now for a while…until harvest. Now, I have a baby that’s due only days from now to think about and Taylor’s graduation next month. The trailer house will be in the yard before you know it so I sure hope spring is here soon. Although, today, we have snow that needs to be moved so we can have a baby shower. Sick. of. winter!!!
Thank you for sharing this experience with us. Had to be a truly wonderful time. Enjoying the pictures, I will be looking back at this blog many times.
Thank you for sharing this experience with us. Had to be a truly wonderful time. Enjoying the pictures, I will be looking back at this blog many times.
What did u think of congressman Frank Lucas from our great state? He is on the local radio station quite often and I really enjoy hearing from him. And that view looks amazing!
I have never got to personally shake his hand but I’ve been in his office and visited with his staffers. I enjoyed listening to him at the Ag Day luncheon. He appears to be “real”! And…in that city, it’s hard to find. The view WAS amazing!! Absolutely a chance of a lifetime!
Kinda like us lol. We’ve haven’t actually met and shook each others hand, just read about and know of each other. Yes, he’s a rarity and I’m pretty sure he knows it too and he wishes more of our country’s leaders believed like him (as do I).
I wish there were more like him too. It would make more people want to step up and do the job! If they would just go back to having the idea that they’re there to SERVE the people rather than SERVE themselves things would be a whole lot different!
What did u think of congressman Frank Lucas from our great state? He is on the local radio station quite often and I really enjoy hearing from him. And that view looks amazing!
I have never got to personally shake his hand but I’ve been in his office and visited with his staffers. I enjoyed listening to him at the Ag Day luncheon. He appears to be “real”! And…in that city, it’s hard to find. The view WAS amazing!! Absolutely a chance of a lifetime!
Kinda like us lol. We’ve haven’t actually met and shook each others hand, just read about and know of each other. Yes, he’s a rarity and I’m pretty sure he knows it too and he wishes more of our country’s leaders believed like him (as do I).
I wish there were more like him too. It would make more people want to step up and do the job! If they would just go back to having the idea that they’re there to SERVE the people rather than SERVE themselves things would be a whole lot different!
Your blog continues to be a great source of insight and information. Succinct writing and great photos make for easy reading. Thanks for telling the stories of agriculture and rural life!
This just made my day! Sometimes I wonder if it’s getting to the people it’s intended to get to! I guess it has to one. Thank you for letting me know you’re out there! And…that I’m efficiently telling the story.
Hi, I know that you have a unique interest in Massey combines. At one time I heard there was a museum that was looking for old combines in Canada? don’t know if you ever heard about this or not, anyway my great uncles have a Massey 82 that has been in the shed since the last time they used it, probably 12-15 years ago. They have both passed on and I was wondering if you know if anyone wanted it. I won’t sell it to the junk man, and I kinda hate to have it just sitting there if a museum wanted it. I know a combine museum is a stretch I guess. I live at Dunbar Ne, I’m not for sure if you can see my email on here or not but if you know of anyone who may want it let me know. Or any other ideas.
We still have my grandpas 410 that he bought new, in the shed as well, maybe I could start a museum.
thank you for your time
Hi Chad! Thanks for leaving your note. I don’t know where the best place to take something like that. I could put the word out there on our Zeorian Harvesting & Trucking FB site and see if it leads anywhere. Send me your email address and/or phone number in case someone does want to visit with you about it to jz45239@windstream.net. Dunbar, huh…not too far away from us!
What a fun trip and what great pictures! I have never gotten to go to a diary either, but know I feel like I have. We had a milk cow when I was a little girl. I remember watching dad milk her in the evenings and then swing the bucket upside down and not spill a drop. Awww the memories of our youth. Thank you for such a wonderful post!
Thanks, Laurie, for the note! You’ve been around more of the real thing than I have. I wish I could have experienced something like that! And, thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your weekend. Sounds like it’s gonna be a NICE one!
Do hope this little one decided to make its appearance soon! Remember being a week over with out last and it not being any fun! Tell Jamie to hang in there! Laurie
She’s a trooper! I spent most of the day with her because she had to have baby’s heartbeat monitored. I was glad I could be with her all day. Made me feel like I was needed. 🙂 We’re hoping this baby comes soon!!
Hope that healthy little baby arrives on Jim’s birthday…as in 12:01 Tuesday morning would be fine. Wishes for all to go well and an easy labor for Jamie.
Had been thinking of Jamie wondering if the newest addition had made an appearance yet. A new cousin! (yes I know how far down but a cousin just the same) Waiting for a picture when possible!
So well written as always Tracy and sincerely hope all goes well. When my children were born and 50s and 60s, fathers were excluded as you are experiencing. We would wait alone to get the formal message from medical personnel…its a ________ and all is well.
Congratulations, he’s beautiful! I’m glad to hear all are doing well. Harvest season will truly be bittersweet this year. You better stock up and get all the hugs and kisses in that you can now! 🙂
I’ve already told Jamie I am going to make her sign a contract stating they WILL be coming for a visit sometime during the summer! That was the FIRST thing I thought of when she told us she was expecting when we got home last September…only 6 weeks to hold a baby.
Waiting is the WORST! I know the feeling! I am so glad all is well! And a GRANDSON! I am so happy for all of you! I can’t wait to get in on the spoiling!!!!
Can you believe it, Pohney?? A BOY! He is such a little punkin. He’s already stolen my heart and whatever he wants, I’ll make sure he gets it! 🙂 I hope you get to meet him one day.
Congratulations! Happy for your whole family that you have this wonderful, healthy boy joining you! I’m sure he will be quite familiar with the inside of a truck and combine as he grows up. And think of all the spoiling his gramma and aunts will give him! Glad Jamie and Curt did well with the delivery. Not easy being the mom/gramma in the waiting room tho! Best to you all!
No, Margaret, it wasn’t easy being in the waiting room but was sure fun to get the call from Curt when he said I could come in and meet my grandson! It was so good to be able to see Jamie and know she was ok. Oh…I’m sure he’ll know what a combine and truck is! I’m already counting down the years before he can come ride with me in the truck. And you know, I bet Jim’s a little ansy to get him in the combine with him! A boy….
Thanks, Laurie!! We sure waited a long time to get to experience a little boy. I just can’t believe he’s finally here! We’ll have so much fun together in the dirt and the wheat fields!!
And now you have a sweet little guy to celebrate!!!! God is so good and little Eli is so blessed to have a wonderful, CRAZY FUN family to spoil him!!! Called Mom when I got home from work—she was pleased to hear the fun news. Love all that dark hair—he`s a keeper.
God is SO GOOD! I struggled with not being able to be in the room and be there with Jamie but once Curt told me I could come meet my grandson, all the other stuff just disappeared. He’s so beautiful and Jamie did such a great job! He’s an awfully good baby. I’m sure Jamie wouldn’t care if you stopped by and visited. I’ll be here for a little while.
I have followed your post for almost a year and have learned so much about what you do. I have to say though, this morning I read your post and sat at my desk in tears. I had already read the next post so I knew your happy news but reading this post as a mother of a teenage girl it made me cry. (just glad I arrived at work early and no one else was here!) Glad all is well! Congratulations to all!!
It was emotions that just overwhelmed me at the time and HAD to write them down. Sounds like I may have effectively written down how my heart was feeling! THANK YOU for letting me know you are out there and that you’re learning more and more about our way of life. Feel free to stop by again. I enjoy hearing from my readers!!
Congratulations!!! I know you didn’t realize how much LOVE your heart could hold until you see your first GrandBaby. I’m very Happy for you. Will be waiting to hear all the wonderful news. A Little Boy will fit into your life completely.
Oh Earlene!! I had no idea just how wonderful grandbabies are! Having your own kids is amazing but those other little guys are something else! He just makes my heart melt! I’m certainly going to go through withdrawals when I have to leave him in about 5 weeks! I told Jamie I was going to make her sign a contract stating she was GOING to come for a visit! She reassured me they would. 🙂
Finally catching up on the blog. That’s great that you got to visit Prairieland. If you’ve never had their milk, you need to give it a try. It’s costs more, but it’s really good. Hy-Vee is usually where we get it. They are carrying it in the Omaha Hy-Vee’s now too!
I learned that the product was there the day we went to the dairy. I’m going to be looking for it from now on! We got to have a taste of the chocolate milk while we were there – the BEST chocolate milk I’ve ever drank!
Of course you’re a proud Grandma…it shouldn’t be any other way! He has beautiful (can you say that about a boy) dark eyes. I’m sure the inside of the trailer will be plastered with pictures of Eli all summer long. 🙂
Tracy….there is only ONE word for this entry…AWESOME…!!!!!!. You still take my breath away….
I’m sooooooooo proud to say “yup thats my daughter”…..love you….
Tracy getting home from work tonight and reading your entry..maybe it’s being so tired..my tears tonight ..again telling you how proud it makes me..after you and the girls left..Gma and I sat and just smiled at each other…she ask me if I would like a kleenex…we both had tears ..I said yes I will go get some..she said here I have a couple in my sleeve..she then said ..such a darling baby
boy…and I really like his name…then she said I remember taking care of you and Tracy after she was born..we stayed with Gma and Gpa Dickson for two weeks…and the pictures of her holding Eli
looking into her eyes…I will remember those moments always….all I can add is thank you Jenna,
Taylor and Callie for making my Mothers Day..and Gmas..so wonderful… thank you…and….
Thank You Sweet Jesus……….good night…..Grandma Barb……….
Jamie….I’m so sorry ..so sorry…THANK YOU.. for bringing Eli …with out you we would not have had the 5 generation picture and happy Mothers Day to you..and to Tracy also…see this is what
happens when one gets old…;)….Hugs and Kisses XXXXXOOOOO Gma Barb…..
I hate to hear y’all lost some of your jobs. It’s still in the air whether we’ll have a wheat crop or not. Some of it is already dead but some is somehow still alive. It’s a tough crop surviving drought, freeze, and extreme heat. We had two days of 90° the first of the month that turned to 30° with snow. This last week has been hot with yesterday reaching 100° for our graduation. I came to Oklahoma City today to page for one of our state reprentatives. Western Oklahoma wheat, as you know is awful. Quite a few acres have been bailed. East of Woodward is completely different though. It’s green and headed out. I just hope the freeze didn’t harm it too bad.
You didn’t graduate, did you? We’re supposed to start near Shattuck – if it survives – but we were told it would be later. However, if it keeps up with the 100 degree temps, it may not be too late. It’s gonna be a tough year!
No, not yet. I just finished my sophomore year of high school. “If it survives” is a line heard a lot this year. At this point we’re only using one combine. Unfortunately, even irrigated wheat is harmed in our area from the freeze. It’s two extremes- extra early last year and late this year.
I really thought after visiting Tx and Ok last year it only could go better this year for those farmers and harvesters, unbelievable it’s even worse from last year!
Was wondering what the status of the Z crew was. Good update! Have no idea what it must be like to have to wait, when you are so used to rolling right now. Like you said, God is watching and there is a plan, we just don’t know what it is. Stay safe and here’s to a good harvest!
Change is hard bt so rewarding 🙂 Happy harvesting, Tracy! May God richly bless you-all and may he preotect and keep the Eli and the rest of the family at home!
Thank you, Melody, for your words of encouragement. Telling the two older girls and my “little man” goodbye was much harder than I anticipated. I hope the time away from each other doesn’t seem too long!!
Tracy, you are a good woman! And, today we talked about the little Wheatie with the Lemmenes Custom Farms shirt! He is fortunate to have a grandma love him like you do! Remember change is what brought the little guy to you! Hugs and safe travels!!
Aw, Lori, you’re such a wise woman! You’re RIGHT! Change IS what brought him to us. It’ll take a little while to get used to the new “normal”. Thanks for being such a wonderful friend!!
Z crew…I had such a fun evening…many memories of years past..while I drove back home..and a few tears as well…PLEASE all of you..look twice and once again…while driving those huge “rigs”up and down the roads…..and remember this…You’re all in God’s care..Let him have all your worries and cares,for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you…I will miss you all….BE SAFE…..love and kisses XXXXXOOO … mom / Gma Barb
Thanks mom! It’s hard to leave the driveway without the full crew (and keeps getting harder each year) and I know they miss being with us too! You be careful this summer too!! I love you.
That new dodge looks sweet! Did it replace the red and white dually? Harvest is coming fast here. I’m getting anxious to climb back behind the wheel of the big best
Yep, it replaced the red/white dually. No one will know when we’re in town now. 🙂 Have you gotten behind the wheel yet? We got rolling right away but now we’ve run into 15% moisture.
No, not yet. Finished gettin’ the combines ready yesterday and serviced one of the semis today (since we only need one this year unfortunately). Might test some tomorrow. I think it will go, if not it’ll be pretty close. But we’ve got a wedding to attend tomorrow so we gotta work around that. Wait and see testing may get pushed to Monday.
I can see why it’s so hard to leave your little Facebook friend…he’s grown so much and only gotten cuter!! I got tired just reading about your long drive in the heat and camping at the elevator and the railroad tracks. Hope you get a chance to catch up on some sleep. 🙂
New Claas combine arrived in Meridian, ID last week, but not to the farm yet. Needed some parts installed first…and a spit shine! LOL We have one pivot of wheat this year which will be ready later in July…that will be it’s first test field. Then alfalfa seed in late Aug/early Sept. and corn for cobbage in Oct.
I’ll be thinking of you all summer on your journey. Be safe.
I’m so excited for you guys and your new CLAAS combine!! Thank you for your note AND for following our journey. Prayers are ALWAYS welcome! Let me know how that new machine reacts to its new home.
I woke up to the rain this morning too! But it was at 5:30 am here…only ten hundredths in that storm but we just got a second round dumping just under an inch and a half! I’m ready to cut some wheat but we’re soooo dry I’ll take this any day. Guess we won’t be starting tomorrow.
Sounds like we may have gotten 1/2″ of rain out of the storm cloud last night. I can’t feel bad about that! The yellow beast (and me) will welcome the break…for a little while.
I woke up to the rain this morning too! But it was at 5:30 am here…only ten hundredths in that storm but we just got a second round dumping just under an inch and a half! I’m ready to cut some wheat but we’re soooo dry I’ll take this any day. Guess we won’t be starting tomorrow.
Sounds like we may have gotten 1/2″ of rain out of the storm cloud last night. I can’t feel bad about that! The yellow beast (and me) will welcome the break…for a little while.
That same storm hit us early this morning too. There’s lighting to the west so we might get more tonight. After having 2″ over the last 3 days and running out of shop projects, we decided to take the day off, hooked up the boat, and headed to the lake for the day. It was a little chilly but still a blast. I think it’s safe to say we’re both ready to cut some wheat!
Going to the lake sounds like a PERFECT way to spend a waiting-for-wheat-to-dry day! Wish we knew someone around here with a boat and a lake (that has water in it). Did more hit last night? We missed any showers now for 24 hours. Probably won’t be able to start anything today – but maybe tomorrow.
If it was my boat I’d take ya but its not, we were just invited to go with my uncle. It was great. Shoulda stayed another day cuz there’s not much to do while waiting. Tomorrow is probably the day to try it for us too. The rain missed us last night. The wheat is dry now we just got to get the ground to dry out.
No, dad thinks its still too muddy and him and my uncle are having us do other things like side dressing corn, planting milo, and spreading manure for next years wheat crop. I guess Monday is the day to make a go at it. This past Monday was until it rained.
🙂 – no drive to SW Idaho but it would be great to see! Maybe it was just the fact that you read my blog at just the right time. The sun is shining this a.m. and we’ve gone almost 24 hours without rain; maybe tomorrow we can try it again. I think about how the days could have been spent at home holding Mr. Eli. Oh well…
Eli is so cute, can’t wait to meet him.
Hope you can cut soon, been raining here too. The country is so pretty and green. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Mardrie
Hi Mardrie!!
I’ve still got your email that you sent to me highlighted in my inbox to remind me to answer you. Seems like it was so crazy busy before we left home and now it feels like we’ve been gone for months – not just a little more than a week. I’ve heard it’s been raining and we’re holding out for hope for good wheat to cut there. Sure won’t be the same without Charlie O! Maybe we can go try our luck at fishing again 🙂
Hi ZCrew……such a cute pix of “THE MAN CHILD”….I had yesterday (Wed) and today off work..
I mowed the yard and edging yesterday just before the RAIN…wished I would have had time to put
the fert/bug stuff down but another day…anyway Becky called about 2ish and asked if I had plans for the evening..nope..was I still going to the farmers market at the park..yes..(best garden I’ve ever had…no weeds,bugs or watering.. ;)….got my baking done as well…best wheat bread EVER..yum-yum!!!! so I met her at 4;00 and helped set up/take down her bottles..I took my sleeping gear along and I spent the night with her…we were up until 2ish watching her Night Blooming Cereus
flowers bloom..she had 9 flowers…plus a couple bottles of wine….up at
8 and sun bathed until 1…then she back to the bottles and I went to see
Eli then on to Gmas…I took the Baby announcement pix of Eli to her…
remember no pix.son her board….I was putting it back in the enevelope
and she said…put it up there by her clothes pin with the blue bow!!!!!!
was with her until 5;45 pushed her to the dinner hall..again now make sure Eli’s pix was still there….she just smiled and said to find out where Tracy”s are….OK…I am really sun Burned..(tan)….be safe…mom….
Hi just me again…thought I’d better explain the “bottles” to everyone..my sister Becky has three
Kiln’s and she recycles wine/beer and other bottles …this is her site..RebeccaGifts.com….Becky
said then it will refer you to Etsy…and you will see all her bottles….thanks
When do you expect to start cutting wheat? When we went through the central part of the state just a little over a week ago, it looked like you should have a nice crop to cut!
There’s like an imaginary line down the middle of the Midwest. Anything West of the line is POOR. Anything from the line West, is amazing. The yields we’ve seen in our area is 10-15 bushels. We’re working on some now that may not even make 10. The drought and late season freezes really took a toll on the wheat from TX to WY. It’s a really TOUGH year for the custom harvester – and no safety net to fall back on. That’s the hard part! One day at a time and a lot of Faith!
Absolutely love the sunset pictures! That’s by far my favorite time of the day in the field. We got started cutting Monday and have hit it hard ever since. We finished our own wheat Thursday and did some custom work yesterday then picked up a job east of Hooker near Turpin. Its the only irrigated we are cutting this year so I’m enjoying cutting something more than 10 bpa. We made the 30+ mile move last night and got two loads cut. I had to come out early this A.M. to dump the grain cart on the farmers truck and now I’m just enjoying the cool morning waiting for it to warm up and start cuttin again. Have a safe move to Deerfield!
Thanks, Ethan! Enjoy that good wheat! Always fun to watch it roll in the bin. I, too, am enjoying the cool morning and clouds. We all look so forward to harvest and then before you know it, it’s over again for another year. Lets hope next year is better for ALL of Oklahoma.
You got that right! But, you keep moving forward with the hope that maybe it’ll be better than feared and it’s always, “maybe next year will be better”. I’m just THANKFUL to be out here doing the job we’re doing for our farmers. Glad to have you on board with our journey!!
Welcome to Kansas! We are hard at it as well. Chris is here to help, that is a BIG help! Today was not a very good day with break downs. Doug’s combine gets a new radiator in the morn. Chris had a minor break down, but fixed quick enough to finish here at home. Headed for Lebanon sometime tomorrow.
Rain today, catch up day, after days of haying. Got to fish one day with Billy, it was great. You will be pleasantly surprised when you see the wheat in Garfield County…and all the beautiful green grass! Have a great week. Mardrie.
Those catch up days are definitely needed by the time you get one! We were in need of one. I needed to get paperwork caught up but sure didn’t want one necessarily right now. We didn’t get any rain – ran into green wheat. We’re just short of finishing here by 80 acres. Jamie, Curt and Eli are flying into Denver on Thursday to spend a few days with us. Sure hope things work out so we get to Limon and are able to spend time with them. It’ll work out…it always does. I wonder if the green grass will still be as beautiful by the time we get there or if it will look like typical Garfield County by that time. If you have grass to cut and bale, I’m SURE you’re busy!! (which means so fishing for you :)) Good to hear from you!!
We finished cutting last Saturday…or so we thought…then we got a call asking us to cut more. My brother and I were headed off to FFA alumin camp though so I missed out which left dad to cut it. We have run shelbourne headers the past couple of years now. They are certainlay different. Its odd not being able to see the header do anything, just wheat go in and straw be left behind. We left for church camp at Estes Parks, CO today. We made a stop in Limon for supper and are now in Denver for the night. I was supprised, some wheat is already cut in the area while there is still quite a bit standing. Have a great week!
Hi Ethan!
Are you still at church camp? We just got to Limon and we’re set up again in our new home. We got here just in time for a nice little rain shower. The wind blew more than it rained. A bit of trouble with the computer on the combine so we left it in Garden City until they can get it fixed. Probably have to go back after it Friday. Jamie, Curt & Eli will be here late tomorrow morning. CAN’T WAIT! Hope you enjoyed your time at camp!!
No, we made it back home about 9 pm. We were so close but yet so far away, I could see the service pickup and “nasty” sittin at the campground from the interstate but that’s as close as we got. Take care and I know you’ll have tons of fun with your vistors!
Oh…that’s just weird! You were literally that close and couldn’t stop and say hello. And you recognized the two vehicles – awesome. Hope your time at camp was fun. That’s one thing I wish my kids could have been a part of. Sacrifices, I guess.
Ya, I hated that I couldn’t stop. My hopes of meeting you went up when I read you were in Limon but there was no stopping our bus driver or youth pastor-they were set on getting home. I’ll just trust that God gas a better plan. Camp was great, I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. I’m blessed to be able to usually take part in and finish harvest before camp and get the best of both worlds.
[…] “I know I’ve mentioned this before but I’ll mention it again. Harvest towns take on a different “feel” when harvest is over. The hustle, bustle that harvest brings is gone. The town has settled down to its normal daily activity. The talk inside the café had even switched from wheat and harvest to something completely different. It made me want to move on, catch up with the harvest and be a part of that world again!” Read the whole blog post here […]
Hi Heard you on WIBW radio this morning and decided to find your blog. My husband is a row crop farmer in Eastern Ks. We have a few cows too. (I have a home day care so, don’t help farm very much.) I’ve enjoyed reading some of your past blogs and look forward to following your journey. Thanks for writting it. Dian
Hi Dian!
I’m so glad you took the time to look for my blog and that you enjoyed it! I try to update it as often as I feel I can give it a little time. I love to write and it seems there’s quite a few people who enjoy what I write about so it’s a win, win situation. I tried babysitting other kids about 20 years ago. I hope you’re appreciated by the parents – it’s not easy! Take care and check in once in awhile (if you want to).
Tracy
I know your busy, If you have a chance to answer this one I’m a little curious if you need to set your combine different when using draper headers? I know the combine is designed to handle some straw with the grain for proper threshing.
Per Jim, you might change your header configurations in your computer for weight and the way things work. But threshing settings wouldn’t be any different. (we’re not that busy that we can’t answer a question – thanks for asking!)
I could not agree with you more. While there are a few bad apples in every situation, farmers I know would never do anything to jeopardize their way of life. They love it to much to shoot themselves in the foot. The problem is education and too many people’s disassociation with agriculture. Even in my home county here in Nebraska, there are kids today that don’t know where their food comes from. That is scary. I am proud to have grown up on a farm and am able to work with Ag producers every day. I am also very proud that my children know where their food comes from because they know Ag. My parents just took some calves to butcher yesterday. I told my oldest daughter about it and her response was, “I can’t wait until thy are done. I bet it tastes good!” It made me smile.
Spot-on! Education is exactly what this country needs. Unfortunately, it appears the public would still choose to see the farmer and the farming practices as evil and I just don’t understand. Do they not realize that when it’s impossible for the farmer to do his job and he is forced to quit our food supply will be outsourced to other countries? And worse yet, when they realize what damage is done and they want all the farmers to come back and feed them, it’ll be too late. I feel sorry for our future generations unless people begin to wake up – soon! We live in rural Nebraska, as well, but they still have no understanding even of what we do in the summer. Those of us who have children who do know their food doesn’t just appear on the grocery store shelves are lucky! Thanks for leaving a comment, Anthony!
I start school the 15th as well. This summer flew by way to fast. Before we know it we’ll be in the field again cuttin corn. Hope you have a good and safe time the rest of the summer.
Oh, Ethan, you’re so right! The summer has just zoomed by! And when fall harvest starts, I’m not involved with the harvest world anymore and that makes me sad. Guess I’ll get to hang out more with Eli. 🙂
SPOT ON! Scott was probing for soil mosture. He couldn’t even get it to go in as much as an inch. Yikes! He said he could remember when they would do that and most of the rod would go down nearly to the end of the rod and you can see how tall it is.
That’s beyond being dry, that’s almost desert conditions. Most people don’t comprind how dry it really is in this dust bowl area-or how tough wheat is. I don’t know of any other crops that can grow and produce grain on just a couple inches of water. It’s crazy to me that its been drier than it was in dust bowl days. That just goes to prove how much better our farming practices have become since then.
You are absolutely right! The only reasons we’re not seeing the dust blowing like it did in the “dirty 30’s” is because the farming practices are so much better. Otherwise, I’m afraid it would be bad…really bad! Let’s hope next year is better for everyone involved in this horrible drought!
Thanks, Anthony! No, not 400 acres. We did have to leave about 120 for the farmer to finish. They were able to get back in the field today. Big storm clouds rolled through and headed to Western KS. They really need the moisture too!
I do enjoy your posts, I can’t believe Limon had so much rain! And thank you for a pic of my mountains, I miss them so. Doug and I are trying to figure out a way to get back out there shortly.
Thank you again for sharing, you paint such great pictures with your words right along with the pictures you post! I love those wheat pictures, it looks like very good wheat!!
Aw, Karen, you’re too kind. I just type what pops in my head. I’m lucky it comes out the way it comes out then, I guess. It is very good wheat. I spend a lot of time behind the wheel of Frank. I’m going to guess 65-70 bpa.
I’m not sure. I’ve been spending all my time in the truck. 🙂 if I were to guess, an average of 65-70 bushel. I know you see 100+ at times on the monitor. Pretty slow going, that’s for sure. I LOVE Montana! It’s a great way to end the season.
When you get a chance, do you know where the Wheat Harvest Movie will be showing in the area. I live Near Dunbar Ne,,,so I was hoping it would be shown in Lincoln or Omaha. I would love to see it. Custom cutting is always something I have been interested in.
Chad
Chad, I don’t know where the movie will be shown for sure. I’m sure it’ll be shared with everyone when it’s known on the FaceBook page. I’d just keep checking on there. I know it won’t be until March 2014. Thanks for stopping by!!
I hope the farmer hasn’t heard your request for rain! Harvest in Belgium is done with very high yields too! We wish you and your family a good season’s end!
Hendrik and Anita
We went to Belgium. It will be three years ago in February. It was cold! But I loved seeing a different country. We got to tour the New Holland plant and stayed in Brugges. I would love to go back some day. Maybe when it’s not so cold!
Since you guys are quite busy in the summer you won’t feel the heat over here. We’ve got comparable weather like the mid-west but not those extremes. The last 7 years we took a road trip in the US with Chicago normally as the beginning of our trip and we’ve been to wheat country from south to north and we allways go in the beginning of july so it doesn’t interfere with our farm work over here! I enjoy your blog alot and perhaps we can meet in the future somewhere on the harvest run! Take care!
Greetings,Hendrik and Anita
Hi…and goodmorning,,, this will make Grma Dickson smile…..it will remind her of when she was
young girl and would go to the pasture for the cows…..”give a whistle”…and they came to her…
I have today off but have yard work to do…I will visit her on Saturday…on my way home last Saturday..I stopped by for a few minutes to see the “girls”..Curt and Eli…it was such a nice evening..Be safe …love and kisses ….XXXXXXOOOOOO….mom
The tater tot casserole is sooo good – I was skeptical the 1st time Mark made it for me. It wasn’t what I was used to eating growing up since it has broccoli & tomatoes – but I love it. So this is the way my girls are growing up eating tater tot casserole !! LOVE and MISS you guys – see you soon !!
Mrs. Zerion! I am Mega Weeding McDonalds’ mom! I so enjoyed reading your post! Yes…..the people that are no longer with us in Jordan, is overwhelming. I live 6 1/2 hrs. from home (Jordan!) now, and when I go back to visit, I sure do notice the void left by people that have passed on!
What a small world! I’m so glad you left me a note. This little town means so much to me. The people have been so good about welcoming our family as part of the community. I miss those who are gone so much!! Jordan will forever be an important part of the Zeorian family and I thank the people of the town for making it home!! Thank you so much for letting me know.
Tracy
Hi Tracy……I will be going out to visit Mother (Gma D) she will be happy to know you on are in Jordon….she worries so much about the machines on the road…this note made the tears come
to my eyes too….guess its called the “sentimental journey”……I’m sure you remember the trips for parts…the rattle snakes on the road..they looked like ribbons. again…Its don’t cry because its
over smile because it happened….is the “Hell Crick Bar” still making that gooooooood chicken?
Gma H….really liked it….and the store she took us to for your school clothes….yep the memories
have a way of coming back…..be careful…love and kisses….mom…
Yep, the Hell Creek still has chicken 🙂 I don’t remember the store – unless you mean Ewy’s and, no, that store isn’t here anymore. Haven’t seen many rattlesnakes anymore although I know they’re surely here. Tell Grandma hello for me! I love you too, mom!
Tanx tracy…I,am fine thank you, shouldnot complain!
Tomorrow ,is first of September.
Give it another ,3 weeks most of the wheat and other produce,s is cut by that time in Europe.
They had excellent conditions during harvest, weatherwise….although the nights starting to get moisturie at the moment.
Compaired to last year’s ,wheat-price has come down here?
Halfway Sept ore later….they will start chopping Corn.
That sounds about like the grain schedule here. Although, the fall harvest has begun in the southern states, most fall crops for the central and northern states won’t start happening for 3-4 weeks. I don’t know for sure, but I think the wheat prices here have gone down too. Chopping corn has already begun in places in US.
Oh…not a good experience to connect Montana to. 🙂 Montana is our favorite stop, too. We look forward to getting here every year. The people are great! When were you on a harvest crew?
I worked for Farris Brothers in 1991 and 1992. Got to take the family to Montana in 2010 on a camping trip and we were able to meet up with them in Billings.
Ah…good guys!! And a camping trip to Glacier? Nothing better! Harvest certainly has a way of bringing new experiences and new people into your lives – for everyone who has gotten to experience it! There’s usually two kinds of people who when you talk to them about harvest either say, “I wish I would have gone” or “that was the best experience I ever had”.
I went to your site. I see you’re in Montana – on the west end. Too bad you can’t come to Eastern Montana and see its beauty, too! Enjoy your trip to the mountains – I’m jealous.
Thanks! I haven’t been to Eastern Montana in a long time. Maybe I will have to add it to my next trip! I was in Havre for the weekend and its off to Glacier tomorrow for a few days.
How does the time fly so fast? It seems like just last week that we got out of school but here we are in September already with corn harvest just about a week away for us. The scenery is spectacular there. Certainly different from the flat and dry plains here! Have a good rest of the harvest and safe trip back home!
Boy…you’re telling me, Ethan! Seems like we just left for Oklahoma and was getting comfortable back in the cottage. Now, it feels like home and will be hard to leave! I’m anxious about going home and still feel the harvest let-down now that it’s coming to an end. Best of luck to you with your corn harvest – will it be a less than hoped? Jim will start soybean and corn harvest after we get home. My harvest adventures will be over as soon as we get home. 🙁
Thanks! The fall crops are looking really good around here this year. We’ve had about 6 inches of rain in the last 3 weeks which helped a lot. The milo (sorghum) looks excellent this year (we haven’t had any the last 2 years due to drought). I feel for you because I know what its like to miss out on harvest. Will you be going to Husker Harvest days?
Do you have a twitter account? If you do, make sure and dm me when the time gets closer and we’ll just try to make this happen! Twitter for me is NEwheatie
Thank you for your writings. The history of the praries is so interesting. Keep up your hard work and enjoy seeing your grandson and family upon returning home. Over and out from Wagga Wagga Australia
Leonie,
Thank you for leaving a note. I will most definitely enjoy seeing my little guy and the rest of the family! I’m so glad you have enjoyed following our journey this summer. Once I get home, I will continue to blog but it won’t be nearly as exciting as the wheat harvest is. Australia…one place I would dearly love to visit some day!
I am a grain broker working with farmers to obtain the best price for their commodities at the time they wish to sell. I have plenty of grower contacts for yourselves if u wish to work over harvest here in Aus anytime soon. Over and out,
Probably won’t happen any time soon, Leonie, but maybe come for a visit SOMEDAY! Maybe, in the meantime, you can send me some pictures of what it’s like over there.
Chow!
Hi Jan!
So glad to know you’re following along! Now you can get a better idea of what we do and where we are. 🙂 Thank you for leaving a note. I’m glad to know you’re here!
Been following your blog for several months, very interesting and very enjoyable. Hadn’t realized
all the work and dedication required to be a custom combiner.
Jim,
I’m so glad you found my blog and have been following the journey! Did you know anything about the industry before following? Our business is only one of many but I know every harvester out there is a hard worker! My Grandpa was one of the hardest working custom harvesters I knew! Thank you so much for leaving a note. Let me know if there are any questions I can answer – I’ll certainly try anyways!
I was also my Dad’s handy man. Got wrenches and did the zerks with grease on all the equipment. I thought that was a very important job, which it was, and enjoyed doing anything to help. Mom was truck driver. Dad always wanted us, Mom and I ,to wear jeans. Never really liked shorts anyway. That is great that you and Jim can work together. Just looking down from the steps in the picture makes me agree with Jim about you falling.
The fall crops here in south central Kansas are looking good. Corn, maize, cotton, beans. Some have grown something that looks like hay grazer. across the road from us was cut yesterday and it must have been 10 feet tall. he planted before we got the month of rain. It really grew and thick. Not sure what he will do with it, may bale it will see shortly.
be careful each day and for all you farmers that read this same for you, be careful and watch your steps. a few extra seconds may keep you from getting hurt. Sharon Drake, Winfield, Ks. Aug. 3, 2013
Sharon,
I haven’t heard from you ALL summer! So glad you decided to check in with me. And, so glad someone else can understand my weirdness of enjoying the equipment. Seems like Central and Eastern Kansas certainly had amazing wheat – maybe the fall crops will be the same. I certainly appreciate the job of the farmer! If it weren’t for them, my refrigerator would sure be empty.
Take care!!
Hope the rest of trip is a safe one. Hope you are enjoying the heat as well. The last few days have been low 70s during the day and into the mid 40s at night here in ND. It has been so dewy in the mornings that we can’t combine until 2 or 3PM and then we are done by 9 because the straw gets tough. Thankfully 225 acres left but chance of rain Wednesday. Hope your harvest journey went well, always kind of sad when there is no more harvest updates from you. I thoroughly enjoy them. Enjoy your off-season!!
Thank you for the well wishes!! It’s been perfect travel weather since we headed back to Montana. Maybe the hot, hot days of summer are finally over. The end of harvest is a great letdown for me. It’s almost a depression of sorts. But, having the kids and Eli to go back to will help. Seeing combines rolling in the fields near Pierre, though, made me want to stop, unload and be a part of the action. My harvest days will be over once we get home. Jim’s will continue in the soybeans and corn. It’s always an adjustment going back to the “normal” world. Thank you for following our journey again! I will continue to blog but its not nearly as exciting as the wheat harvest is. Good luck with getting your final acres cut!!
Hope the rest of trip is a safe one. Hope you are enjoying the heat as well. The last few days have been low 70s during the day and into the mid 40s at night here in ND. It has been so dewy in the mornings that we can’t combine until 2 or 3PM and then we are done by 9 because the straw gets tough. Thankfully 225 acres left but chance of rain Wednesday. Hope your harvest journey went well, always kind of sad when there is no more harvest updates from you. I thoroughly enjoy them. Enjoy your off-season!!
Thank you for the well wishes!! It’s been perfect travel weather since we headed back to Montana. Maybe the hot, hot days of summer are finally over. The end of harvest is a great letdown for me. It’s almost a depression of sorts. But, having the kids and Eli to go back to will help. Seeing combines rolling in the fields near Pierre, though, made me want to stop, unload and be a part of the action. My harvest days will be over once we get home. Jim’s will continue in the soybeans and corn. It’s always an adjustment going back to the “normal” world. Thank you for following our journey again! I will continue to blog but its not nearly as exciting as the wheat harvest is. Good luck with getting your final acres cut!!
Hello!
I am new to your blog thanks to College Aggies Online, and I am sad I have not started sooner! I really like how you have set this up, and I love your sunset pictures! I am glad you display in this post how hard and dedicated farmers work for their goal. Now being a student in Iowa, I am around corn and soybeans, but not much wheat. Is wheat the only crop that your family does?
I can’t wait to follow your blog some more!
Hello Kristin!
I’m so very excited that you found my blog! I am honored that you feel it’s something you are wanting to continue to follow! I love what we do and I hope it comes across in my posts. I love agriculture and would do anything to promote the people who feed the world! We chase the ripening wheat during the summer but we come home to cut soybeans and corn. Unfortunately, once we get home, I am no longer needed in the field and continue to do what I can from home for the girls and substitute bus drive for our school. I’m so behind with my posts. I have intended on getting caught up with pictures of our journey from Montana to home – home back to Montana again. I will get’r done though – hopefully soon. It’s such a transition to make once we get home and we’ve only been home a week tomorrow. Kristin, I’m curious how you found me on College Aggies Online. Did someone post something? Just wondering because I’m so excited to be involved with ag’s next generation!
Thanks for posting a note. I’m anxious to hear from you again.
Hello!
I am so sorry it has taken me so long to reply! College is keeping me busy! For College Aggies Online, our assignment for the week was to select an agriculture driven blog and read through it and comment on one of the posts. You just happened to be the blog that I selected! I am excited to connect with you as well!
I simply love the scenery you guys travel through, we visited that part of the US a few times and we still want to go back to that country what you guys call ‘fly over country’. Keep those pictures coming!
Thanks, Hendrik! My scenery pictures will be a little more limited now that we’re home and our harvest journey is complete for another year. However, hopefully, I’ll have more throughout the year. 🙂 Thanks for following along!!
I simply love the scenery you guys travel through, we visited that part of the US a few times and we still want to go back to that country what you guys call ‘fly over country’. Keep those pictures coming!
Thanks, Hendrik! My scenery pictures will be a little more limited now that we’re home and our harvest journey is complete for another year. However, hopefully, I’ll have more throughout the year. 🙂 Thanks for following along!!
Think you are in love with Montana!!!! I like it also so can understand as I have gone to Montana for many years as a part of test programs both in grain and alfalfa.
Think you are in love with Montana!!!! I like it also so can understand as I have gone to Montana for many years as a part of test programs both in grain and alfalfa.
Well hello there, Joyce!! So good to see your name here! How in the world did you find my blog? You’re a little late to follow the 2013 journey but you’ll be with us next summer! 🙂
Hi Callie….Happy Sweet Sixteen………..Hope you had a good time…and it looks like you
had a pretty birthday cake…..hugs and kisses…love you soooooo much…..Gma Barb..XXXOOO
Hi Tracy,Jamie,Eli…..What a sweet picture….one thing I know…Eli really was a “HIT”..with my gals at work…Valeen talked about him all day at Sams…was fun having you share him with me at work
hugs and kisses…XXXXXOOOOO gma barb
Rain was heard here last night too. I think back to April and May of this year and it was raining, (what felt like) non-stop. Planters were halted all across the Midwest. Rain does mean so many things, doesn’t it. Loved your journal entry from 1992!
Thanks, Laurie. 🙂
Yep, made me wish I had kept a journal all those years!! I was just so bad about making myself sit down and do something like that. Having this blog has helped with this job now. And, to put it in print, all I have to do is push a button.
I have all my “calendars” from at least the past 10 years, probably longer. I told my husband one day that these were not to be thrown away. It is not much, but it will be fun to look back one day and see what we were doing. 🙂
OH!!!!!!! THANK YOU! You just reminded me about all the calendars I have stashed away. I have every one since we started this journey during the summer. That makes me feel better. 🙂
Reblogged this on Housewives of Rural America and commented:
We are looking forward to hearing from Tracy Zeorian also known as Nebraska Wheatie on FRIDAY! I had the pleasure of meeting Tracy this summer while we were traveling through Montana. She references our meeting in this post. Tracy is a lovely lady inside and out and we had the best time talking and sharing about our lives. I originally met Tracy strictly via social media and online, when we met it was like we had known each other forever! That my friends, is the beauty of social media! I love this post from Tracy for so many reasons and I must say, I can totally relate with my husband bringing home all kinds of “treasures”… Enjoy!
My husband has worked for a New Holland dealer for 10 years and I recently left a job at a John Dealer to work at home. We have so much blue/yellow and green things laying around when in fact we love and run Case IH. Technically IH. Ha. Our stuff is old. I was just thinking this morning how I need to make a huge John Deere EBAY bundle and get rid of it all! A part of me holds on to it in case I want to go back to work there.
Excited for your future posts! You are a lovely writer and your story is amazing.
Isn’t it crazy how fast these freebies can accumulate, though?? My goodness – I should have a room in our house just for those. 🙂 Well, if you’ve followed us long enough, you see we run the yellow brand and Jim wears the BTI John Deere shirts every day. He catches A LOT of flack about that.
Thank you for your vote of confidence in me. It’s good to know there are people who enjoy what I write about. And as far as the story – there are a lot of custom harvesters out there that SHOULD be telling their stories too! Thanks for following our journey!
[…] early days of harvest by visiting my NebraskaWheatie.com blog and reading posts such as this one, “Why I Am the Way I Am”. This is the reason that when I finally got back to the wheat field and the combine, I was in […]
Norton, Kansas brings back memories. I know I have hitchhiked through there at least a few times over the years. I believe Norton is west of Phillipsburg and east of Oberlin.
Yep, you’re right on the money for where Norton, KS is. And we have wonderful harvest friends who went through the tornado in Greensburg. I never felt so sick to my stomach as I did the morning I woke up and heard about the town being wiped off the face of this earth. They’ve certainly come back, though. Interesting stories you have!
Doug – you are one of my first followers and probably one of my most loyal followers! Thank you so much for the kind words. They really do mean the world to me! How are things going for you?
Things are going ok here. I’m keeping very busy these days so I’m staying out of trouble, for the most part! Lol Work is slow, but getting ready for winter and two teenagers fill my down time! Keep up the good work, I’ll be looking forward to your next blog.
Good to hear! I’m in DC right now. I came here representing US Custom Harvesters. I could (and should) write a blog about why I was here – immigration reform. It’s been very interesting! (I’m so glad you’re still following the adventures of the Z Crew!!) I need to take some time and get something written.
Just read this and was reminded of saying the other day that sometimes I pray for rain in the fall just to see my husband for little while outside of the cab of a Claas. Its the little things sometimes. And its almost lunch time here so that means grabbing the cooler and going to the field.
I understand about that – praying for rain for time with your husband/family! There are a lot of times that rain is so welcome (for more than one reason) and then, sometimes, there’s the times that we really didn’t need anymore! Tell me about your harvest and where you’re at. I would LOVE to hear more about it!!
Tracy…..I am so very proud,and pleased…and I am sure Gma Hancock would be too..she is
smiling and of course Gpa Hancock would be too..keep up the great work…..mom….
It is GREAT when your work is recognized. I don’t have 1,000’s of followers so when I actually see that someone read what I wrote and they liked it, it encourages me to keep on keeping on! 🙂
I’m glad we crossed paths too, Kelly!
I have been following your blog for about a year and half. Your stories have made me laugh out loud and yes even cry at my desk! You are a very moving writer and I have enjoyed following your story and your girls. As a “city girl” I find your story amazing. One question. I have always wondered as I read your post. How do you work out school with your girls? I know they leave early or join you late. Do the older girls take care of the younger or do you have family that stays with them while your gone? Just curious how you juggle this part of your lives?
Hi Diane!
You have given me the encouragement to keep writing. 🙂 Seriously! Thank you for your kind words. Sometimes I just haven’t any idea of what to write about and when it’s all said and done, even I can’t believe how much I wrote and what I wrote about. God definitely uses my fingers!
Well, it’s much easier now than it used to be. When the two older girls were still in school, we had Jim’s sister keep them a couple of times. We’ve had friends keep them for us, too. Now that the two older ones are on their own, the two “younger” ones have been staying with Jamie, Curt and Jenna (the three of them had been sharing a house). Jenna just recently purchased her own home (same town as Jamie and Curt) and Taylor is excited about moving out of here and living with her. This leaves only Callie still at home. Next summer, she’ll have her pick of which house to stay at. My guess is she’ll want to stay with Jamie because of Eli. There were times (a very long time ago) when the two older girls started school in Jordan, MT and stayed there until we were done with harvest and then got right back with it when we got home.
It certainly has been a “juggle” at times!!!
Such great advice and wisdom in your words. A rainy day here today to, so this post is so fitting to me. Behold I will be be turning 35 here in a few weeks and use moisturizer every day and use it on my neck too. 🙂
Ah…you’re just a youngster! 🙂 keep using the moisturizer, Laurie. Someday you’ll be so glad you did. And do one more thing…give those kiddos an extra hug!! Did you relax on this fine, rainy day?
If you only knew how much gray hair I cover up every six weeks, you would not call me a youngster! 🙂
I got caught up on my picture editing, which was a nice relaxing thing to do. The 4-year old snuggled next to me and we had a great day on the couch listening to the rain.
Mmmm – sounds like such a wonderful way to spend a rainy afternoon! I think I have WAY more gray to cover up! I’m going to have to make a decision here soon. My hairdressers (aka my daughters) are all leaving me and when they do that, they don’t like to help me with my hair anymore. So either I start paying for it be done like every 4 weeks or just go gray. And I’m not talking a LITTLE gray – I’m talking like ALL gray. I’m just not sure I’m ready for that yet.
I love this more than I can even begin to describe.. Thank you! Thank you for sharing your story, thank you for sharing your wisdom, Thank you for just being you! I know God had a plan and purpose for us to come together and eventually for us to become closer through trials and hardships. I feel so blessed to have gained the women in my life thanks the Rural Housewives and I am SO proud you are one of them! 🙂 I feel like I should tell you that I love you, because I really do! Not if only we could get together regularly, I’d just love that!
Aw, Jenny, you and the others that I have come to know because of this silly blog continue to amaze me when you tell me how much you enjoy my words. 🙂 Funny, because I was drawn to you and your story and now here we are. The feelings are mutual! I adore you and would love to spend a day here and there chit chatting about life over coffee and/or a glass of wine. I’m here for ya…whenever you need me! I love you too, kiddo!
Rainy here in Northern Illinois also. I decided to leave the dairy barn early and let the daughter and hired hand finish the cows with the excuse that I have tons of bookwork to do. I’m thinking about the bookwork but I found Facebook and a cup of coffee called to me first. Thanks for your article. I think I will share it with my younger Facebook mom’s.
Thanks, Brenda! I’m so glad you were “led” to my thoughts. I hope it gives you some encouragement on this dreary day. Best of luck with your bookwork (I think I would rather be in the barn). Thank you for all you do, by the way, with the chores of being involved with agriculture. What you do is so important to the rest of us! Hope you check in again sometime.
Have an awesome day, Brenda!
Great post from a fellow Nebraskan! Thank you for the reminder to enjoy every minute with your loved ones. It is hard to remember to do that with all the hustle and bustle of life.
It IS hard. Because life just takes over and things have to done and projects completed. BUT, if you can remember that once or twice more often than you do now, maybe my words have been taken to heart a little more than I think. A fellow Nebraskan? Where are you from? 🙂 I’m glad you found me.
We’re over here in Lincoln. Not born and raised in Nebraska but it is home now. My husband grew up on a grain farm in Iowa and I on an acreage in Illinois. We both come from a long line of farmers.
Thank you for this post, Tracy! Thank you, thank you. I am tucking this away to pull out and read on my off days. Being a newlywed is hard sometimes.
My mom just turned 52 yesterday. My mother in law will be 53 this coming December. They are two of my favorite people to spend time with. Since I have gotten married, I also spend a lot of time hanging out and talking to my friend’s mothers as well all in the same age range. They are such positive, influential people. Not because they are older than myself, but because they have taken the time to learn all of these things that you have listed. They are positive, upbeat and know how tell me when I need to blow something petty off.
My friends and I all worry about providing good meals for our husbands, making sure the houses are spotless, etc. I think we get each other more worked up trying to be perfect than anything. I am definitely in that stage of a newlywed where I try to be super woman and obsess over all those little things. I feel SOOO guilty when I throw grilled cheese on the table rather than a lasagna. So silly, I know!
I need women like you in my life to remind me that life is too short to fuss over the small things. You definitely touch more lives than you probably realize 🙂
Thanks for your comment, Kelly! PLEASE, please, please don’t fuss over those small things! It’s just not worth it. Trying to be perfect will eat you alive. I tried that. It didn’t work. I don’t think God intended on our trying to be something we’re not. Sometimes, after a hard day, even Jim knows he better just grab a bowl and a box of cereal – anything to fill the void. I’m here whenever you need an older ear to listen! And, yes, I think I have no idea how many lives I touch. I give all glory to God – He provides the words, I just provide the fingers. 🙂
I wish you a great day and just remember to do the best you can – not ALL you can!
[…] 15, 2012 was from a paramedic who was accompanying Jim in the back of an ambulance. I wrote “In a Split Second” while sitting in a hospital chair reflecting how fast a person’s life (and what feels […]
[…] have as much equipment to put away. I know in 2011, there was no trailer house to deal with (because we sold it) and I think last year we were short a header or something. This year, though, everything needed a […]
Ha! This cracks me up. Love your posts, Tracy! Your husband laid in bed several nights in a row trying to figure all of this out? 🙂 I am sure mine does too!
We have a similar storage set up in a very similar style building over at my husband’s grandmother’s house……. and in FACT, instead of repairing or replacing a grain bin, my FIL suggested we start storing corn in that hut again! (They did back in the day when the feed mill was still in business) Not sure where he is planning on putting all of our equipment! 🙂
We decided to take the risk and build our place (house/shop) at a young age because of all the advice given to us by our parents and their friends. I am so glad we listened! Our 75 year old neighbor is just now building his dream farm shop but he plans on retiring soon?
And I don’t think you and your husband are too old to build a shed! see above comment about 75 year old neighbor building his dream shop 😉
Well, Kelly, I have to give it to ya…SOMEONE listened! Good for you and so glad you get to enjoy your new home for a LONG time! Our little house was going to be our beginner – it’s probably going to be our finisher, too. Oh well.
I’m glad you enjoy my posts and it cracked you up! My posts are definitely a view into our world and what goes on in our household! But…I wouldn’t want it any other way.
And, above all else, I’m glad you don’t think we’re too old to build a shed. I guess if we compare ourselves to your 75 year old neighbor, we are still young. 🙂
Love this- this is a great idea! I’ve always been a fan of tangible address books and calendars. I don’t do well with those things being digital. There is something about writing them that helps me remember them way better than putting them into my phone.
And, they’re more likely to be saved. I feel the same way with pictures. I think you’re more apt to look through a photo book than you are a CD or computer file. A GREAT way to save the pics but how often does anyone take the time to look at them again. That’s one reason why I LOVE this blog so much! I just click the button and turn each year into a book – something my grandkids can read one day and see the pictures all at the same time. 🙂
I do. It’s kind of expensive but I decided it’s the only way I’m going to be able to keep history for the girls. I go to Blog2Print to do mine. I know there is also another place called Blurb.
My wife has kept a travel log of trips we have taken over the last 20 or so years. Where we stayed things we saw and places we have eaten. Makes great memories just like your address book.
WONDERFUL! I’ve often times wished that I had kept a daily journal prior to this blog for the harvest journey. SO MANY memories that get written about and the feelings of what you’re going through at the time. I did keep a daily calendar, though, and have kept those. One reason for this blog…it gives me the opportunity to express what’s in my head and then something for my kids to read one day and, hopefully, make them smile.
My address book is lacking! I want one like yours! It seems like I have very good intentions of adding addresses, but all I seem to get done is keep the return address label from an envelope. Great post Tracy!
Thanks, Laurie. It’s not too late! Just start today. Once you get those address labels written in your book, you won’t have to change anything until they move. Then…just cross it out and write it under the last address. 🙂
You are right about the history. I have 2 that we have had since we been married, 44 years. The more I look the more it has a life of its own. We keep journals for Harry and I . One for our Son and Wife. one for each Grandchild.Helpful when wanting to remember dates.
The duck tape is like your family with the Love that holds it together.
Have a great Thanksgiving Sharon Drake
Hi Sharon!
It’s been a while!! I’m so glad this spurred a comment from you. 🙂 I wish I had kept journals. I did keep one – while I was pregnant with Jamie. I gave it to her while she was pregnant with Eli. I wish I had done it with all the kids but I didn’t. Guess life got too busy and priorities didn’t include keeping a journal. Maybe a little laziness, too.
I LOVED your comparison of the duct tape to the love of our family. So very, very true!! I am so BLESSED!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Harry.
Read your article in the MacDon book. I can relate to that. There is nothing better than sitting in a combine. When the sun goes down and the lights come on, you shut the door and you are in your own little world. It is warm, the glow of lights from the monitors, and lights across the prairie as far as you can see. This what western ND is. LIFE IS GOOD!!
Read your article in the MacDon book. I can relate to that. There is nothing better than sitting in a combine. When the sun goes down and the lights come on, you shut the door and you are in your own little world. It is warm, the glow of lights from the monitors, and lights across the prairie as far as you can see. This what western ND is. LIFE IS GOOD!!
Looks yummy! I do a sweet and sour chicken that you bake in the over and make your own sweet and sour sauce out of ketchup and brown sugar and vinegar. Now that I mention it, that may be what’s for dinner tonight!
Mmmmm – that sounds interesting (and good)!! Thanks for leaving your comment and for visiting my blog. Hope you’ll check back again (and let me know you visited).
Happy Thanksgiving!
Looks yummy! I do a sweet and sour chicken that you bake in the over and make your own sweet and sour sauce out of ketchup and brown sugar and vinegar. Now that I mention it, that may be what’s for dinner tonight!
Mmmmm – that sounds interesting (and good)!! Thanks for leaving your comment and for visiting my blog. Hope you’ll check back again (and let me know you visited).
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Jim and Tracy! Read your article on MacDon Magizine Thanksgiving morning and really enjoyed it. The Zeorian family is very unique. My family and I are custom harvesters in Florida. I would like more information on joining the US Custom Harvesters Association.
Look My wife up on Facebook: Donna Conrad (Cover Photo is large family on New Holland Combine)
Hi Bill!
Thank you for leaving your comment and your kind words. We are really no more unique than other harvesters. We just seem to be in the spotlight more than others. Maybe not a good thing…but it’s a great way to tell the story of the custom harvester.
I will look your wife up on Facebook and give you more information about the organization. We’d LOVE to have you join the USCHI family! It would be great to meet you at the convention in Wichita (March 6, 7 & 8).
Take care and God bless!
Bill,
Did she change her picture? I’m not seeing a picture of the family and combine. If you’d rather, you can email me at uscustomharvesters@gmail.com
I love your post and your entire way of doing things. You seem to have the priorities in life that are harder to find in people these days. Looking forward to more! And that stove is great!!:). Happy Thanksgiving!
Kate
Aw…you are now my most favorite person in the whole wide world! You LIKE my oven. 🙂 Thank you for following and I look forward to hearing from you again.
God Bless!
Well, as long as you and your family like the sweet and sour chicken this way , sounds like you have a winner.
The minute rice is just that minute rice. I used to do rice the longgg way. Found I had to have lot of water while cooking and I would rinse it off with cold water and add lot of fresh water and let it continue to cook, then when soft , rinse . But it takes quite a while and I have been known to get busy with other food for the meal and so had to throw it out because it got burndt. I think the main thing is to have a lot of water with the rice. So I just make sure to have the minute rice on pantry shelf and spend time with other things. It is ok.
We had an oven like yours, finally got to use either the stove top or microwave. Also crock pot and I were good friends. Now have new stove and use the oven very little.
Glad you are all ok . Great weather here in south central Kansas,very cold,but no snow or rain. Cotton and maize yet to harvest. Take care. Harry and Sharon Drake
Well, as long as you and your family like the sweet and sour chicken this way , sounds like you have a winner.
The minute rice is just that minute rice. I used to do rice the longgg way. Found I had to have lot of water while cooking and I would rinse it off with cold water and add lot of fresh water and let it continue to cook, then when soft , rinse . But it takes quite a while and I have been known to get busy with other food for the meal and so had to throw it out because it got burndt. I think the main thing is to have a lot of water with the rice. So I just make sure to have the minute rice on pantry shelf and spend time with other things. It is ok.
We had an oven like yours, finally got to use either the stove top or microwave. Also crock pot and I were good friends. Now have new stove and use the oven very little.
Glad you are all ok . Great weather here in south central Kansas,very cold,but no snow or rain. Cotton and maize yet to harvest. Take care. Harry and Sharon Drake
Soup sounds delicious. tell Jim HIS cleaning the carrots makes the soup taste better. That works with Harry , when he is fixing something. Sharon Drake
Soup sounds delicious. tell Jim HIS cleaning the carrots makes the soup taste better. That works with Harry , when he is fixing something. Oh yeh, I like your bread box. My Mom had 2 and I have them love them. Sharon Drake
Husband Ron has an address book like yours…but about 3 times as big. He nearly goes into cardiac arrest when he can’t find it! I tell him to look under a “few” things in the back seat of his pickup…and that’s usually where it’s found. 😉 He would be lost without it. Occasionally he goes thru it to weed out or change addresses/phone numbers. Sometimes this saddens him because family or friends that are no longer here. But it brings back good memories of them.
I totally understand the feelings of being sad when you go through something like that! And here I thought I was the only one who had something like this. 🙂 Did you have a good Thanksgiving?
Looks yummy. As far as your rice question. I use Riceland rice mostly bc its available at the grocery store I use. I only use the water and rice on the directions. I skip the margarine and salt. By skipping the margarine the rice is usually sticky like at a Chinese restaurant and my kids love that. Just use twice as much rice as water and you should be fine! Bring it to a boil then cook covered 15-20 minutes. I also try to sneak in brown rice since it’s better for you. I usually get busted though and someone complains!!
Looks yummy. As far as your rice question. I use Riceland rice mostly bc its available at the grocery store I use. I only use the water and rice on the directions. I skip the margarine and salt. By skipping the margarine the rice is usually sticky like at a Chinese restaurant and my kids love that. Just use twice as much rice as water and you should be fine! Bring it to a boil then cook covered 15-20 minutes. I also try to sneak in brown rice since it’s better for you. I usually get busted though and someone complains!!
Harry and I live in south central Kansas. We were raised on farms. Wheat harvest was always a happy, but busy time, because there was also alfalfa hay to put up . Dad always baled the wheat straw. Then there was oats to cut and bale. The oats was soo itchy of it all.
Seemed there was always someone in need of help during the summer. Usually got sick or hurt and all the farmers would gather at the farm and get harvest done and sometimes it was the plowing that needed done. The women would fix meals every day until the work was done and keep things going at home .
Thank you for the video. Liked the sign that said “that’s all folks”.
Dad told of working on Thrashing crew all day and then go home to do milking and such for them selves. Sugar was in short supply and Mom would send a jar with him to share at the meals, because she knew the lady doing the meal would have very little for the meal for tea.
Thanks again for the video and your time in Canada. Sharon Drake. Dec. 7, 2013
taking a quick visit to all the Christmas in the Country ladies–what a fun journey you have benn on–Your grandma’s offer reminded me of Holly Martin’s column this week in the High Plains Journal–about inviting visitng family, or neighbors to do chores or see the hidden gems of rural life.
Thank you, Amber, for taking the time to leave a note. It HAS been a fun journey – sometimes a little tough. 🙂 I’m so glad she asked me to go with her! It definitely created a direction for my life.
[…] each one of you reading this probably has several. I just picked a random assortment of both agvocacy done directly via social media, and those using social media to share what they have […]
Don’t worry! I totally felt the cold temperatures. 🙂 I have never been anywhere that cold and don’t know if I could do it. Looks like a great trip for you and Jim.
Hope you ALL have a blessed Christmas, the best of time with Eli, he will love ripping the paper, and that the year of 2014 is an awesome year. Love, The Bakers
Thank you, Bakers! As you now know…your Christmas card is going to be late. Hope you guys have a great Christmas – maybe a little less COLD!! Love you!
Wish I could see you all again this year! Sometimes we must just dream, but what is Christmas without dreams! Love you all and have a very wonderful Christmas with the little guy. It is going to be great watching him do his thing with all the colored paper.
Wish we could see you, too! Christmas this year will be fun with Mr. Eli, that’s for sure! Have a very Merry Christmas to you and all of your family.
Love you, back!
Tracy, Very much enjoyed visiting this page and reading about Eli’s baptism. I’m with you girl, it does bring tears of happiness and joy seeing our girls as they have grown up with their own families now. We can sit back and pray for our grandchildren and believe the Holy Spirit is within them. Love reading your posts! Miss you my friend…….. Jody Mains
Hey, Jody!!!
Thank you for letting me know you were out there reading. 🙂
We certainly have had our trials, haven’t we?! And just think about how very far back we go with our kids, church and all that goes with it! Your family is BEAUTIFUL and congratulations on your recent marriage!
Thanks so much for this! I’m in the thick of it right now with my five year old son who pouts and whines anytime he has to sit in the “big church.” I want for my children so badly to come to love God as I do – this gives me encouragement!
Just keep pushing through! You can do it. They watch you more than you realize. It will pay off. I promise! God will bless you for your persistence and dedication in teaching the next generation.
[…] And now that the Christmas in the Country link up is happening, you can get to know Lesley via the nice gift she sent to Tracy at Nebraska Wheatie […]
A letter explaining the gifts and telling a little about herself…why didn’t I think of that?! #regret haha. And don’t feel bad about finding it hard to get into the xmas spirit. I find it harder every year and probably for the same reason as you: the commercials are blasted earlier and earlier every year.
The commercialism of Christmas really takes the fun and the true meaning out of the whole season. One Christmas, i think I should convince my family to skip the buying stress and just come home for a day of relaxing and time together!
That’s what my family does now. We just get stuff for my niece and nephew and a gag or funny gift for someone if we happen to find something appropriate.
When was that custom harvesting movie going to come out? Really looking forward to seeing that, because I live near to the Foslien’s and have worked with them for 14 seasons so far. Nicest neighbors I’ve ever worked with. Since I sold my cows I’ve switched to green tractors because of the flak I would endure if I’d kept my red machines…….Dave T
It will be premiered at the Ag Day celebration in Washington, DC on March 25. As far as additional showings and what cities, you can visit http://www.greatamericanwheatharvest.com or watch their Facebook page for more updates.
Thanks so much for sharing – what great gifts! I’m sensing chocolate was a theme to many of the gifts… and a great one at that! It’s so fun to see the variety of what everyone sent and received! My post is finally up if you want to take a second and link up – thanks! http://unchartedrhoade.blogspot.com/2014/01/christmas-in-country-gift-exchange.html
Tracy….. Love this post. I am just now getting caught up on a lot of blogs. I am so behind on your’s. My apologies!
I love this because it reminds me of my grandmother’s address book and my mom and I going through it after she passed away. Right there in our hands was all of her friends, family and loved ones. All the people she cared so deeply about. There were notes and other fun finds as well. Same with her cookbook. My mom kept the address book and gave me the cookbook. Those two books are more special than jewelry or anything else that has been passed down.
I have been keeping my own address book since I was a kid. I converted my addresses into a better book shortly before I got married. I love that book. I have so many friends that ask me for my address over and over everytime they want to send me something and I want to say “GET A FREAKING ADDRESS BOOK!” 🙂 But that would be mean………. and you can’t be mean to someone when they are sending you something. Right? 🙂
I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas, Tracy!!
I think you should buy them one for Christmas and begin it with your address! 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to read my stories and for being so good about letting me know you’ve visited!
We had a fantastic Christmas! It was the next day that was really difficult. My house went from noise and chaos to just me overnight. I was a little blue until I made myself suck it up and get back to working on something other than feeling sorry for myself. I love the noise of family!
I hope you had a great Christmas, as well. And we’ll both look forward to the new year!
Nope, I’m wrong, Brandi. It wasn’t your blog. I can’t figure out how to comment on the blogs that are on different formats than wordpress. I don’t have a google+ account and that’s where things get frustrating.
My precious friend!! I went through this with each child that left my protective nest! I felt a huge empty hole that did fill – and then swelled with the pride of knowing that our gifts have moved on to being independent and succesful!! I believe that God loaned us these beautiful kids to shape – to do exactly what Taylor did – to move on!! I did shed a few tears for you reading this and reliving those moments when I had to let go!! Now as they return to you for special visits – you will hate to see them go, but enjoy them even more than you ever did!! Hugs!! And, we will celebrate soon!!
Your comment made me cry. I’m so thankful that I’m not weird for feeling the way I do. Like I can’t let my kids go – because I can and I know they will be just fine. Mostly because of the experiences of the harvest and the responsibilities they have had to endure. It’s just so hard for the changes and for the pain of not having them here with me. Thank you so much for your caring and thoughtful words!
Your comment made me cry. I’m so thankful that I’m not weird for feeling the way I do. Like I can’t let my kids go – because I can and I know they will be just fine. Mostly because of the experiences of the harvest and the responsibilities they have had to endure. It’s just so hard for the changes and for the pain of not having them here with me. Thank you so much for your caring and thoughtful words!
Tracy, I have lived my whole adult life with my son Hunter, who will be in college in two and a half years. This made me cry and cry! Thanks for sharing your heart. You are an awesome mom.
The next two and a half years will zoom by. Soak up EVERY little thing you can. Try not to dwell on the little things that seem to bring you grief. I caught myself thinking, “I’ll be glad when…” – DON’T THINK THAT! Because just like that, they’re gone and it won’t ever be the same again. I wish, now, that I could just have captured every day in a video so that now I could go back and watch it all over again!
Thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot to me!
Does it make you wonder how your mama felt when you left home? Mine has always said she moved on alright, but that my dad really struggled. It’s so nice to be loved!
Hi Tracy…..NO ….It was tough on me as well….and your Dad too…we both cried….I’m sure if you ask him some time he might admit it…but growing up in the 50’s we really didn’t let folk’s know we missed them…….I still remember trust me…Love you soooooooo much….mom….
[…] What is your favorite post and why? My favorite post is titled, “The walls of this old house”. This has nothing to do with harvest but everything to do with what’s most important to me – my […]
I think so. There’s an art to curling. Bowling is lacking that art. It was fun and I’d like to do it again some day but maybe when there’s not such a crowd to watch how silly us Americans look. 🙂
We’re eventually headed to DC on Monday. Callie made a suggestion that we go to NYC for a couple of days before that and I made it happen. We’re going to DC to be a part of the National premiere of The Great American Wheat Harvest. It’s finally done and it’ll be shown at The National Museum of the American Indian and we’ll be a part of it. Click here to read more about our involvment. It’s such an HONOR to be a part of this big event. This is an experience of a LIFETIME!
I can’t wait for you to see it and then tell me what you think! It’s exciting but what’s most exciting is getting our story in front of people who don’t have a clue. That’s what’s exciting to me!
The movie was great. If you want a fast food lunch before you leave go to Taco Town in Scottsbluff. Those are my favorite cheese enchiladas. They have great Mexican food. Enjoy my neck of the woods while you are there.
I’ve been hearing about Taco Town. I’m not sure we’ll get there before heading east again. But, I know we’ll be back through. I see your brother must have joined us last night. 😉
Thanks for the tip!!
I don’t know when or where it will be shown after the Colby, KS showing the end of this month. I know Conrad is hoping something will happen with more theaters maybe in the fall or RFDtv. I’d like to see it on PBS or one of the History channels. BUT, I know it will be sold in DVD form. You can pre-order yours on the website: http://www.greatamericanwheatharvest.com/
Hi Hendrik!
I just don’t know what’s in store for the movie. Maybe more showings this fall? I do know the DVD will be for sale this fall and Conrad’s taking pre-sale orders on his website: http://www.greatamericanwheatharvest.com/
A silly thought – while in the states, you should find us and come say hello!
Tracy you and your wonderful family do so much. The movie is a great idea and it came together. MacDon is proud to have been a contributor to this project with key persons very excited with the results.
So it will soon be time for another harvest season as you cope with children moving on to adult hood. They have had fantastic mentors and I know will be quite successful. Such a good story Jim and Tracy, you are richly blessed because you have worked so hard and earned it.
MacDon is represented in this movie quite well! 🙂 Did you see all of it in Wichita?
Yep, harvest will be upon us very soon (again). I honestly don’t know where the winter went. Having the house get more quiet is a sad day for me. But, I guess that’s what life is all about. I need to start appreciating my many blessings a little more while they are in front of me rather than when they’re no longer tangible. Yes, Dave, I am truly blessed!! God is SO GOOD!
I CAN’T WAIT to see the movie! I’ve been looking forward to it for quite some time. I saw on fb that Conrad is looking for theaters to show the film in. I’m going to talk to the owner of our local theater, who is a farmer, then get in touch with Conrad and try to work something out for the movie to come here.
Looks like y’all had a good time on your trip. I will be going to D.C. come the end of May on a trip sponsored by our local telephone cooperative. Once I get back I’ll be headed out to start working for Hank Hamil and finally fulfill my dream of going on the custom harvest run! I’m really looking forward to the start of the season and know you are too. Before we know it, harvest will be upon us!
And THANK YOU for sharing your story! You along with the people writing on allaboardharvest.com and other bloggers, like the Kuntzs, have inspired me to be a custom harvester and at last it’s becoming a reality.
Yay for you Ethan! I know how much you’ve been wanting to go on harvest with someone. I’m certain that Hank will be thankful for you. Let me know how you’re doing and where you are. Maybe we’ll actually get to meet this summer. 🙂
The movie is outstanding! I never got tired of it. I watched it like 6 times and each time I watched it, I heard something or saw something I hadn’t seen before. I’m anxious for you to see it and tell me what you think.
I’m so glad we were able to help you in some way to encourage you to do what’s in your heart! I’m just so excited for you!
As a hobby I follow Howard Hales reports on the USCHI site ,plus tune into All Aboard Wheat Harvest. Love the calendar. As an ex Alberta grain farmer I build & collect 1/64th scale farm toys, my star ship collection is MC Harvesting a complete setup. One of our high lights on this years winter getaway was meeting Carol & Donley Duerksen we met on a shuttle bus in Houston TX. Both of our connecting flights were buggered because of weather.
Thanks for taking time to let me know you’re out there, Tom & Sandi!! Sounds like you keep up with the harvesters pretty darn good! Between Howard and the HPJ, you should know where the cutters are and how things are looking! I know Carol & Donley. They’re members of the US Custom Harvesters and I usually see them at the Safety Meeting in Colby, KS. You say you’re an ex Alberta grain farmer. Now what do you do? Do you get to head south every winter (lucky!)?
Leaving the grain farming life style to a career in the golf course industry,I,am a journyman turf equipment tech.Spent 20 years on Vancouver Island, then got an job offer in Calgary on a high end course,plus four of our children are here & the #1 reason for coming back to Alberta Grandkids !!!! We also have three children & five grandkids in the US ,Blended marriage with Sandi & me.In a way working on the maintenance side of golf course’s is another side of agriculture, growing grass & working with Mother Nature. We try to get away south for a couple weeks in the winter. Sure like Texas , South Padre Island fits us well. Tracy & Jim if any of your family wants to experience the Calgary Stampede we have room for them in our home in Cochrane.
We’ve been to Calgary a couple of times for the Association of Canadian Custom Harvesters’ convention. A beautiful city! BUT so cold the first week of December! I don’t know how you northerners do it. WOW! Our part of the world doesn’t have a clue what cold is. Some day, we may have to take you up on that Calgary Stampede offer! And, if you’re ever in the Midwest – please stop in and say hello!
Thank’s,was in Grand Island back in 1985,on NH. combine plant tour,our family run Massey’s from 47 to 83. MF’s dealership network started slide in the 80’s , plus rotary tech. was the way to go for clover seed harvesting which fit into our cropping setup.I run a TR85 for 10 years ,the best combine we ever owned. MC Harvesting, my 1/64th harvesting outfit runs 3 NH 8090’s. The tradition continue’s
[…] in my handy-dandy roaster. To understand why I reference my roaster, check out my post, “this darn old oven!“. The comforting smell of the cooking meal overwhelmed us as we entered the […]
[…] celebration of Eli turning one. I was recently going through past posts and re-read several – “Still waiting”, “Soon – Very Soon!” and “The Wait Was Oh So Worth It!”. Reading […]
[…] one. I was recently going through past posts and re-read several – “Still waiting”, “Soon – Very Soon!” and “The Wait Was Oh So Worth It!”. Reading these again certainly brought back […]
[…] and re-read several – “Still waiting”, “Soon – Very Soon!” and “The Wait Was Oh So Worth It!”. Reading these again certainly brought back memories and feelings. Memories that didn’t […]
I am going to have to try your recipe. It looks so good! I love sweet and sour chicken and could live on it if I have to. 😉
I’ve been using a rice cooker for about 7 years now and I LOVE it! Just pour in the rice and water, flip the switch to cook and walk away! Easy and when it’s done, it flips itself to warm. Found mine at Target or Wal-Mart.
HEY!!! I may just have to see about getting one of those. Thanks for your note. How have you been? Jim and I were just talking about your dad and wondering how the wheat looks in your area.
I am going to have to try your recipe. It looks so good! I love sweet and sour chicken and could live on it if I have to. 😉
I’ve been using a rice cooker for about 7 years now and I LOVE it! Just pour in the rice and water, flip the switch to cook and walk away! Easy and when it’s done, it flips itself to warm. Found mine at Target or Wal-Mart.
HEY!!! I may just have to see about getting one of those. Thanks for your note. How have you been? Jim and I were just talking about your dad and wondering how the wheat looks in your area.
Tracy it must make God glad to see how you brighten up the world He created! You rejoice in the blessings He gives you. You look on the bright side of life and find the good in people. Your warm and caring nature blesses others,too. Time and time again, I’ve seen you put someone else’s needs before your own,and many times that someone has been me. God must be glad to have you around….I know I am!!!!!…Have Happy Mothers Day…love and kisses…xxxxoooo mom
Thank you! It’s times like that you just have to step back and remember there is a God and He DOES have a plan for us. It was a purposed meeting for both of us! God bless you, too.
Great story!
It seems that whenever I’ve been feeling low, the Good Lord manages to put things in perspective for me, too. Kind of a humbling experience.
Will be praying for your new friend Michael…and you, too. 🙂
-Barbara
Thank you so much! And thank you for taking the time to leave me a note. Meeting Michael was very much a humbling experience. I just wish I could have done more than just listen to him. Well…I guess I sort of did – I prayed for him (and will keep praying for him).
Thank you. There certainly are a lot of hurting people – physically and mentally! When I see them, my heart hurts for them. Thank you for your prayers, Milt!
My dear Tracy….I left you a note yesterday…well guess it was after I got home from work..it was a wish for a “Happy Mothers Day”…I am going to send it again tonight…TRACY…you are an Inspiration…here goes..and I did not know you were going in for any medical checks… it was just a wim…my note after the Eli Birthday evening…..any person that knows you will agree….here goes..It must make GOD glad to see how you brighten up the world HE created!!! You rejoice in the blessings he gives you. You look on the bright side of life and find the good in people….Your warm and caring nature blesses others too. Time and time again, I’ve seen you put someone else’s needs before your own,and many times that someone has been me. GOD must be glad to have you around…I know I am…..Happy Mothers Day…hug’s and many. many kisses xxxxxxxooooooooo…I know the feeling’s you felt this morning…caring for Don is when I started making the “glow in the dark crosses”…you know the rest of that story…Tracy…you are a gift from GOD…. mom……..xxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooooo
You’re absolutely right! So easy to dwell on what’s got us down when, in fact, there’s someone there (sometimes literally right next to you) that’s got it worse. I am so very, very blessed – even with my problems.
And here I was just kidding when I asked you all to come and help with our very little wheat fields. So sorry! I should of paid closer attention to the fact that you all are still here. Prayers going up and fingers crossed that the call comes and you can head to Garden City. I know this has to be so hard for you all and the farmers who have had to call and tell you not to come.
God blesses everyday, and there is a time and purpose for everything. I know you want to be in the fields, but try and enjoy each day you have here too.
Absolutely agree, Dawn, and I know this but when you’ve got travel in your blood and it involves a combine and wheat, you get a little impatient. I am thoroughly enjoying my extra days with Eli and the family! 🙂
Thank you, John! But, as I told Dawn…the gypsy blood in me is just “itching” to get that combine down the road and in a wheat field. In the meantime, I am thoroughly enjoying the extra time I have with the kids that won’t be able to tag along.
Have faith better days coming . Farmed for 50 plus years northern illinois and having hundreds of thousand invested we always look forward next year will be better. Enjoy your and allboardwheatharvest website thank you
Thank you, Allan! I’m glad you visit both of them. Agriculture is definitely a “there’s always next year” sort of industry. Unfortunately the farmers we cut for are going into their third year of drought and this one is the worst. Will keep the faith and know God has a plan and a purpose – just have to remain patient!
Loved the picture of you with the girls and your Grandbaby by the combine! He does need to get to ride when you are cutting wheat and get mesmerized by the reel of the header. Shawn and crew did leave today but not sure what job they have left either due to the drought. We have had such a cool wet spring here we can’t get seeds in to plant so just the opposite. Wish we could share some of the moisture….Happy trails when on get on the road.
Thanks, Deb. It’s just such a strange, weird feeling knowing we should be going someplace and we’re not. I know we’re not the only ones. Will hold onto the hope of Kansas wheat needing us to show up. Keep your fingers crossed for us. And I’ll do the same for Shawn & Company!
Wow, that’s popcorn fart dry!!!! Here in the Cochrane, Calgary area it’s been a cold wet spring ,seeding around pot holes. It has been warmer & dryer in the Peace River country of Alberta than the southern part of Alberta.
[…] who are heading out to bring in 2013 with a bang…BE CAREFUL! We’ve already seen what a “small” wreck can do to a person’s way of thinking. Have fun and here’s to 2013! New trials, new […]
[…] all that goes with it! As for me…my heart’s in the country and small town living. Read “When Community Comes Together” and you’ll understand where I’m coming from. On a side note, Marcy is doing VERY […]
It’s weird how the animals know bad weather is coming. I’ll never forget the night of March 10th, 1986 (I did have to google it to get the correct date 🙂 ). Livestock all over the neighborhood was restless that night. The neighbors roosters crowed almost all night, their sheep and calves bawled all night, and my hogs were up all night banging lids and grunting. It was very unsettling to say the least! The next day, my sister and I had just gotten home from school, both our parents were at work, I would have been 16, her 15, when a storm hit, and we heard one of the scariest roars I’ve ever heard to date. It sounded like it was directly over the house and comparing it to a freight train wouldn’t have been far off. About 30 minutes later we learned that the same storm dropped a tornado on the town of Lynn Indiana just maybe 12 miles north east of our farm and did some really serious damage. The animals knew something was coming, just like the dogs you wrote about.
So, maybe what we should start doing is paying more attention to the animals and maybe not so much importance on the weatherman 🙂
We were fortunate with the storms last night. Those in parts of Omaha and further north weren’t so lucky. I’m certain they’re dealing with cleanup mode today. At least it’s not as hot as it was 34 years ago on the day after.
It’s sad to see all that damage but it’s tough times like that that make people stronger. Were the combines damaged bad? Reading this reminds me of Walt loosing all his machinery to a tornado in the movie “Race Against the Harvest”, and I believe he was in Nebraska at the time as well. It also reminds me of Hank and his family suffering through the tornado in 2011 though his family didn’t fare so well.
Glad to hear you didn’t have bad damage last night from the storms.
It broke my heart too. When I was first given Hank’s name I searched him online but the only thing I could find was the news story of loosing his two boys. At that point I knew they were some extroindary people and there would be a lot I could learn from them.
OUTSTANDING!!
What did you do in DC? You’ll have to let me know what you’re up to and how you’re doing and if it’s all you thought it would be. I feel like your mom – sorry! Just anxious to hear how it goes. I’m glad you’re going with them and I wish you all the luck in the world!
I went on a youth tour sponsored by the Foundation for Rural Services and by my local telephone cooperative. This is done every year with telephone cooperatives sending 1 or 2 youth to DC for a week. There was 105 of us from across the nation and our time was spent touring the major national monuments as well as some educational classes on the world of telecommunications. It was great getting to meet so many people from across the nation.
And thank you!! I’m super anxious to get started! Hopefully we can actually meet somewhere along the trail this summer 🙂
[…] tears to his eyes when he thinks about the men it hauled during WWII and the battles it fought. Jim’s dad served in WWII as a young man so this holds a very special place in his […]
Awesome pics! What a great gift! We’ve also been enjoying some of the things we miss out on. It was nice to see flowers in bloom that I haven’t seen for awhile! Safe travels!
[…] overwhelming (to say the least)! So, I kept denying until Sunday afternoon rolled around. After the B-17 plane ride, I had to just tell myself I MUST get busy. Jim was being pretty insistent that Tuesday morning was […]
[…] our farmer also has a Shelbourne Stripper Head (to see what I’m talking about, click here to view a Shelbourne Head) and uses it to cover his dry land wheat. The stripper head removes only […]
Kittens are cute and playful at that age. I know waiting to do a job in agriculture is more stressful than the job it self. That trailer and load you saw was probable 750 to 1000000 lb load it a days job to get ever thing ready and check 100 and some tires
I thoroughly enjoy watching that little kitten play. I remember my Grandma telling me her grandma told her she could sit and watch kittens and little kids play all day long. I understand what she was talking about!
We’re hoping if it doesn’t rain maybe we’ll get to start cutting wheat maybe Monday or Tuesday. Just a few more days…
That’s a separation tower headed for the oilsands in northern Alberta, it’s not unusual to see a rig of that size and bigger on the highways of Alberta.
Hi Tracy……so Mr. Lucky looks like he is happy…..just to let you know…Papillion had 7.72 inches of
rain….it was a torrential rain storm….sure glad I got the gutters cleaned out….my street looked like a river..and it runs down hill…the water was terrible..worked today late Sunday)…so I’m headed for bed….just checking in…love and kisses…mom
[…] We had just poured some coffee and was “fixing” to have a cinnamon roll when I heard it – Bub’s cry. I went outside to see what was going on only to witness him in the dog’s mouth. I rescued him but it was too late. It’s been a rough day! If you haven’t been following my blog for long, you may not know about Bub. He was rescued by a neighbor and brought to my house when he was about 2 weeks old. I bottle fed him and fell in love with him. There’s a picture of him in my last post, “just tinkering”. […]
Tracy…………..nothing I can say to stop the memories of that darn cute baby kitty….while he was with you kids….he was loved….and your neighbors little girls loved him too…….I wish for you too..
Gma seems to be getting better…I will go visit her tomorrow afternoon, after I get the yard mowed
and the flowers planted…..hugs ans kisses xxxxxxxoooooooo…mom
[…] them and packaged them for me. I, again, had the better part of that deal! These cherries make the BEST cherry pie. Because you are my friend, I will share my cherry pie recipe with you. The recipe can be found […]
Sorry about your kitten. It’s not easy losing a special friend. We had an 11 month old dog go missing in 2011 while harvesting fall crop in SD. I still miss her tremendously. Our crew started in Ness City on Sunday and described a very similar storm.
Sorry about the kitten it is always sad day or two. We go through it every year a stray dog or one or two get run over. Glad to hear you got started to combine
A raincation is that a Nebraska Wheatie isim !!! Do you have it copy righted??? Love it . Talk about backwards weather in Alberta , southern part maybe +20c to +23c northern part +27c or better,Inuvik NWT. way inside the Artic circle was +28c yesterday. Let’s hope the wheat you’re cutt’n is 60lbs after the rains
I don’t think I’ve heard anyone else talking about a “raincation” so maybe it IS a Nebraska Wheatie isim. 🙂
Now, you’ll have to tell me how to turn C into F to better understand your temps.
The wheat was 64 lbs prior to the monsoonal downpour.
I’m so sorry about your cat. What an adorable sweet creature.
Love your blog and reading about your wheat adventures. I pray that your heart heals from the pain of losing your cat.
Oh, Hilary…
Thank you so much. If I keep my mind off things, it’s ok. But, when I think about just how sweet he was or see a picture of him, it makes my heart hurt all over again. The prayers will help, I’m sure. The pain of losing something or someone you love can almost be more than a person can bear. Without faith in God, I don’t know how people can get through the loss of a loved one.
We look forward to reading about your adventures from your home and out to the harvest fields in the south. It opens a new world to a Canadian prairie farmer who dreamed of following the harvest run ..
I’m so very glad you enjoy it and you let me know you’re out there! 🙂
Hope I’ll be sharing some pictures from the field one of these days. However, until then, I’ll continue to give thanks for the much needed rain!
Enjoying your blog, but I am hoping for you, as I am sure you are that the rains will be done and you can get busy in the fields again soon. Will love to see a few wheat cutting pictures soon!!!!
I will be more than happy to share some wheat cutting pictures. 🙂
However, I am thankful for the rain. This country has needed it for years!
Thanks for letting me know you’re here, Deb, and for taking the time to leave me a note,
OOps
oops, hit the wrong key!
I was so sorry to hear about your kitty, isn’t hard to lose them, they can be so much company.
Pictures were great of the storm clouds etc.,my gosh the rain! Loved hearing your voices on the video! Also enjoyed the fishing pictures, it reminded me of the fun we had catching bass that evening at my brothers resevoir! Hope you catch a trout while you are waiting for it to dry up. Mardrie.
This made me smile. I was just thinking about you while I was out there trying my luck at catching those darn trout! I still find myself thinking about that little guy and a pang of hurt rushes through my soul. I know it will get easier but sometimes I just wish we had a pause and rewind button on life!
Sure hope the storms stay away from the Jordan area so we have a reason to come up. I’m anxious to see you guys again!
It raining here in northern illinois also . we have about 3.5 inches in the last week my cousin lives about 20 miles west she has got over 11 inches wished caused a lot of erosion
Oh my goodness! We’re all getting a lot of rain right now! There’s nothing we can do about it except enjoy the down time. Just wish I was closer to Eli. 🙂
I was so enjoying reading about your latest travels and unique history and then to read it’s the end this summer. I’m so sorry you won’t be cutting any more wheat this season.
We have been getting it here, too. More than 4 inches at our farm and 7 about 15 miles from us. The only difference is that we were already saturated. It’s not harvest time here, yet, but much of the crop didn’t get in due to the excessive moisture. We’d sure share with so much of the south that is bone-dry! Stay sunny on these cloudy days!
So good to hear from you, Sonja!
We have to believe that it will all work out for the best. I can’t believe just how crazy this weather has been. So many tornadoes and crazy weather patterns.
Hopefully, it will be out of its system by the time harvest rolls around there. Something tells me, though, its just going to continue following the harvesters.
So true, you hands down across the Medicine Line ( CND/U.S. border ) need moisture. You can have the best land in the world , no H2O no crop. My old neighbours thought I was crazy when we would have a wet harvest , I would say – don’t complain this moisture might all we’re getting for next year!
Unfortunately, all too often we harvesters forget it takes rain to grow a crop. We get too concerned about getting a job completed so we can move on. The rain is good any time it comes!
What a year! Great pics. Love the mudflap! We’re hoping to cut this afternoon around Ness City, KS. It continues to rain at home. We have mushrooms in our grass which is getting to be very tall.
We ended up getting 1/4″ overnight and this morning. Probably won’t be much going on again today. 🙂 It’s very comfortable, though. Have the trailer house opened and giving the air conditioner a break.
We got 2″ over night plus 60 70 mph winds a lot down corn. and tree branches we gotten 6″in last 2 weeks some areas have twice that amount . A month from now we wish we could get a rain thats farming
Great pictures Tracy! I now they are loving the moisture, but wish it could of come much earlier in the year. We have begun wheat harvest here!! Very excited. Opened up one field last night and will be heading to the field here in a bit to continue. Have straw to bail off of it and then planting beans. Going to be a FULL day. Happy Harvesting!
I don’t think we’re gonna get anything done today. Woke up to sprinkling on the roof and 60 degrees. It’s still only 65 and it’s nearly noon. Wearing my sweatpants and sweatshirt. Is it really July 2?
I spoke too soon. 🙁 Ended up clouding up and got a bit of rain. Made the moisture too high to continue. Going to give it another go tomorrow. Trying to convince my husband that he needs to bail hay and I need to run the combine.
Our high today was 70! Can not believe it is July 2nd. Supposed to get down in the 50’s here tonight. Have never said this, this time of year, but stay warm!
Enjoyed reading your excerpt! Reminds me of the days back in the summer of 1978 that I cut/drove truck for Merel “Rip” Van Winkle out of Argonia KS. We ran from Altus,OK to Cut Bank, MT. We had 3 IH combines; 2 915’s and a “brand new that year Axial Flow IH 1460 combine. We hauled grain with Chevy C-65’s to the elevators, each had a 500 bu. grain body on them. Quite a sight to see at 18 yrs. old being from upstate NY then.
I was on the road with my grandparents that year. 🙂 I understand how things have changed…that’s for sure! I wish my Grandpa could see today’s combines. He would be amazed to say the least – and the size of the headers. So glad you let me know you were out there and have enjoyed reading my tales. 🙂
God bless!
we still getting lite showers ever day, friday and saturday some sunshine in northern illinois. hope jtim got fuel leak stop. I had same trouble on red combine and how a simple repair can take so long . we got a murder on the louse in area killed man in rockford and woman at rest area on I39 2 miles from use. HAPPY 4 july Tell jenna and sister be careful
I’m sure your area has had enough rain for a while! I hope when it quits it doesn’t quit for a year! Yes, Jim got the leak fixed the same day he realized there was an issue. Jenna made it. Now to get the other two here with us. 🙂
Oh gosh…I hope they find the creep before he kills again. That’s scary!
I guess it’s about time to say hello. Talked to you at the GAWH movie at Scottsbluff NE. We had some cool temps for 2 days like 45 degrees for lows, in July! Wheather man says the highs for the next 3 to 4 days could be mid to upper 90s. That just might kick the wheat in high gear around here.
Well…hello back!
I hope it doesn’t kick it in gear too fast. We all still have plenty of work to do in Kansas. 🙂 Once the harvest starts, it sure doesn’t stand still long – unless it rains. With our late start, the summer will be over before you know it! We’ll probably make our way through Scottsbluff on our way to Montana. If you see us, stop and say hello!
[…] pasts and all the different stops we’ve been. I recalled this list in a previous post, “Celebrating the 4th “Wheatie” Style“. I was amazed at the number of different places we’ve been for the same day of the […]
Sure nice to see you finally got into some good wheat, hope it will continue and the weather is cutt’n style hot & dry !!!! Canada’s Big Day is July 1st. In all the years I farmed ,there was only a very few Canada Day celebrations the land & Mother nature come first.
We did!! I haven’t had time to sit down and write a full blog but since you asked…it was a starter issue. We just had to replace that and he’s good to make the trip to Limon, CO!
[…] them and packaged them for me. I, again, had the better part of that deal! These cherries make the BEST cherry pie. Because you are my friend, I will share my cherry pie recipe with you. The recipe can be found […]
[…] I just knew he was going to tell me there had been a wreck. After going through the emotions of his wreck over a year ago, I didn’t know if I was ready to hear that again. “Can you or Callie […]
Harvest is always rush rush time to get to next field. Like your pictures of harvest. Last mentioned about murderer close to use he hit a tree in wisconsin had drugs in his system. Hope all goes well for you colorado
What was Jim’s opinion of the S670, Sure is nice that you’re into good wheat again. Boy that Callie sure has a lot of nerve wearing a Lexion hat in a NH combine !!! There is only one shade of yellow for the wheat fields it’s New Holland, I tell that to our old neighbor & custom harvester in the Rycroft Alta area they run a Lexion we sure have a giggle over that !!!!
Jim’s opinion of the S670 was the cab was nice and relaxing but a little noisy. He didn’t say much more than that. He’s pretty happy with his NH combine. Callie got that hat from Jenna (she works for CLAAS). 🙂 The wheat here in Colorado is probably the prettiest stand of wheat we’ve seen in a really long time.
[…] amount of rain they’d had since this crop was planted. They said the most they received was right after we finished last year. That produced enough rain the roads were washed away. They received very little moisture through […]
Your post sounds the same as I have done hurry up and wait. I have played throwing rocks at posts or utility poles have not played dollar bill game how do you know the winner. Rain last night again cold 49 -50 degrees this morning mowed lawn afternoon got stuck in low area
Sounds to me you’re in Colorado. 🙂 Guess it’s raining everywhere now. We got a bunch more rain this afternoon. Went to Colorado Springs and wanted to take a drive in the mountains only they closed the road due to high water. Geesh!
I’m not sure how they determined the winner. I guess the one with the highest number of numbers. Does that make sense?
This is a Peace country ,Alberta thing . Dirt lump skeet , you hold a lump in your left hand & one in your right, vise versa if your a south paw. Throw one lump in the air with your launching hand , wait till the target is coming down , then line up your best shot with your missal hand!!!!!
[…] got close to the city, we were given the option of shopping or taking a drive in the mountains. The last time I gave the girls that option (last year), we nixed the shopping and headed for the hills. We […]
I love your writing and your beautiful pictures. Your family is so much fun. Can’t wait to see your grandbaby and Jamie. I am sorry you will be in the field but they can come here and I will enjoy them.
Any suggestions for where the harvest might be this weekend? My daughters and I fly into Denver on the 26th and head up to the Badlands via Ogallala and Martin that same day. I would love for them to see what harvest looks and sounds (and smells) like. I did it myself for 2 summers about 30 years ago.
You will be in perfect territory for harvest! I would guess around the Hemingford, Chadron and Ogallala areas harvest will be happening. A big harvest town for Western Nebraska would be Chappell and Kimball. They’re starting to do some cutting in the Wall, SD area, too.
Good luck!!!
Eli visit and getting back to work after a boring 4-5 days is a great joy for all. The chisel plow marks in wheat field is interesting to learn about.Your experience def is a sticky material is not the highlight of the day I got that to look forward to I traded for a year old combine that takes def. Have a good safe week. t
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my time with Eli and Jamie! The day was not a very good one. The DEF is a sticky, white mess when it gets on anything! Good luck with that!
Thanks, Allan!
Super job on the blanket, our Daughter Julie used to sit in front of the dryer and wait for her blanky. Cale our middle son had a way tooo big white & green afghan. The B in smaller size’s was dragged onto all the farm equipment he could ride safely with me. Does NH. have a printed fabric. Hope your Grandson enjoys his B.
The blanket I made wasn’t more Mr. Eli. It was for another baby – our farmer’s sons had a baby just before we got here. I hope he loves it. All four girls had something special they had to drag along with us whenever we went somewhere. 🙂
Hello Z Crew, Harvest is just getting started here in the Hemingford NE area. I got to haul the first load to town today. For once I actually picked the right week for vacation so i could get in some harvest. Ever hear a silly idea, take vacation to sit in the hot sun and get all dirty. On the down side , won’t be able to make the trip to MT this year, maybe next year. I heard on Harvest U.S.A that a crew is already around the Hardin MT. area making dust fly.
The wheat is on a crazy schedule right now. There are harvesters all over the place trying to get the crop cut. Some are having to give up a job or two to make it to the next one. We’re hoping to be finished by Saturday so we can continue with the rest and move to Jordan. Enjoy your vacation! I know there’s a lot of people who do it. When the harvest gets in your blood, there’s no going back!!
You have such a good memory Tracy! All the people you meet, places you’ve been and things you done this past year and you still remember we bought a Claas combine! The combine has done well. Harvesting wheat right now. Alfalfa seed by the end of August. I always try to follow your family and their adventures. Love seeing the pictures…Eli has grown so much! You’ll soon need an “extend-a cab” on your combine! You and your family are a great group! Hope the rest of your harvest time goes well…be safe. 🙂
I remember you because you’ve been so good about sending me words of encouragement AND the connection with CLAAS and Jenna. 🙂
So glad you’re still following along on our adventures.
I here you Tracy, We miss are grand kids dearly. Isn’t so nice to cut with a great farm family & good yields to boot!!! Hope this stop in Limon made up for the loss’s of TX.&OK. What are they saying about the wheat in Jordan MT? Congrats on the smaller cab for next year Gramma Z !!!!!
The wheat in Limon will certainly help! I’m certain, though, that it won’t make up for what we missed the first part of the summer. Oh well…
It sounds like the wheat in Jordan should be good – if the storms stay away.
I’m really missing my little guy tonight. He just adds so much joy to the room! Yep…another little one in the cab with us next summer. You’ll have to keep following and see what we have this time. I’m hoping for a brother for Eli.
Love your photos as always! I love the summer heat and I can just feel it radiating off the field. Reminds me of OK during the summers and the “oceans” of wheat, it’s a magnificent site.
That picture of Eli watching you unload in the dark brought back memories of riding with Grandpa in his cramped little Gleaner K all those years ago, and for a minute there I could even smell the inside of that dusty old cab again. The thought of the memories Eli is making now and the memories yet to come for him make me extremely envious of that little tyke! Thanks for stirring up a few old memories and keep up the good work out there. Good cutting in Montana!
I can so relate to grandpa’s and combines! I can still remember standing in my grandpa’s combine watching the corn “dance” into the header. I love those memories. We were so lucky to have gotten to experience them!! I hope we can stay involved long enough that Eli will share those same memories as you and I have with our grandpa. Thanks, Doug!
Enjoy your posts last 2 days. Clean up is always the worse of any joy. Great pictures and your prays were answer for a safe trip,hope all goes well at your stops in montana
Thank you, Allan! We made it to Jordan. Jim and Callie are on the last leg of the excursion. They had to go back to Mile City after the header. We should be back in the field tomorrow.
Prayers were felt and appreciated!!!!
Hi,Tracy,Jim,Taylor and Callie. ..So thankful that you are in Jordon….memories of the Broadus sign
taken of You, Mark, and Matt…then Jim.when he started with Gpa /Gma Hancock….I was always glad to get to Jordon…first stop was getting..”Hell Creek” chicken…all besafe…and look out for the Rattle snakes.. yikes.. there so many up there”.just hated to walk around the fields..remind the girls to REALLY …watch…gives me goose bumps thinking about the drive you and I had to take to get repairs….I’ll just be happy when you are back home …safe and sound…hugs and kisses
XXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..mom…..
We haven’t seen any rattlesnakes up here for quite a few years. Maybe they’re all gone. Hoping to make it into the Hell Creek sometime while we’re here to get some of their chicken. 🙂 Been busy since we got here so haven’t seen much. The girls will be heading home sometime soon.
Love you too, mom!
Its a great read keeping up with you guys in the U.S. Distances travelled are similar to what are travelled in Australia and the crops yield a little better or so it seems. Hope all keeps going well for all of you
Thanks, Mike!
So glad you took the time to let me know you’re following our adventures. We were able to host a couple of Australian harvesters this spring and thoroughly enjoyed learning a bit about your country. I want to come visit!
[…] I went back to the Cottage to get Jim’s lunch. While we cut in Montana, the wheat is either hauled to a grain bin for storage or semi’s are hired to haul the grain to the nearest elevator. The nearest […]
Tracy, it looks lonely out there. I sure enjoy seeing the pictures though since I have never been there. There is a lot of wide open space for sure. You can sing and talk to yourself to the top of your lungs to keep you entertained. Missed you guys this week.
I don’t even know what I think about all day but the day goes fairly fast. I really enjoy being in the combine – sorta like Wes 😉 does. I think I could sit in there every day and not get tired of it. I once questioned if it was a sickness! We ALL miss you guys. Just doesn’t seem right. And now we have to wait a whole year before we see you again. Darn!
What are the cropping practices in Jordan & area, notill-continues crop or 50/50 summerfallow ? In 1981 when you first started cutting in Jordan were the elevators closer ? Oh Tracy you need to be colour co-ordinated I think some NH yellow & blue on your nails !!!! That tea reminds the tea my Gramma Lazoruk used to make. I sure am enjoying your blog.
Typically it’s 50/50 summer fallow. However, it sounds like the farmer we’re cutting for right now is going to go to no till. A good year…lots of good tall straw to help with the snow!
Nail polish?? That’s not for me. 🙂
So glad you continue to stop by and leave me a note, Tom!
All the stripper header takes is the heads & maybe abit of straw. Ask the Roland crew about how the stripper preforms on a CR. Check out this site Finch Engineering, these Aussie’s have good handle on keeping the combines going with long hauls to the elevators. Worked there in 05 .
[…] in my handy-dandy roaster. To understand why I reference my roaster, check out my post, “this darn old oven!“. The comforting smell of the cooking meal overwhelmed us as we entered the […]
[…] early days of harvest by visiting my NebraskaWheatie.com blog and reading posts such as this one, “Why I Am the Way I Am”. This is the reason that when I finally got back to the wheat field and the combine, I was in […]
[…] of life began for me 40 years ago this summer (good grief, I’m OLD!). You can read more about me and my history by visiting my NebraskaWheatie blog but for now I want to share with you something a little more […]
Enjoy your pictures and post. One thing for certain there is not a set routine with ag related jobs. I have no children to experience the feeling parents go through as years go by. Good to here all going well other than a few rainy delay
Time stands still for no one, as we get older our family is more loved & missed, How are the yields in Jordan doing, hope that’s last of the short raincation.
Tracy, I know just what it feels like when they all leave home. It still feels a little like that here after harvest is over and they go back to their respective homes and families. Hopefully your harvest will go fast and you’ll be back home with them soon and then enjoy every part of their lives.
I love what we do and I miss it when it’s over. BUT…I love being with the kids. When they were all with us all the time, I didn’t know how good I had it!
[…] comes to a stand still at the end of the day, I jump out of the cab and use my handy, dandy “harvester’s secret“ and clean my windows. Jim is usually finishing unloading the truck into the grain bin. Once […]
[…] comes to a standstill at the end of the day, I jump out of the cab and use my handy, dandy ”harvester’s secret“ and clean my windows. Jim is usually finishing unloading the truck into the […]
See you have been very busy since girls left a lot of chores to tend to. Harvest is the same in mid-west with bottle neck at bins, dryer or elevator time is always a factor at harvest. Beautiful pictures as always you are a lady of many talents. Do you get to pull a pup trailer behind semi in montana
Thanks, Allan! I love taking pictures and passed that along to each one of the girls. 🙂
We aren’t doing much hauling with our semi up here. The farmer hires a couple of local truckers to haul the grain from here to Moccasin. That’s where the elevator is.
Missed your blogs! Glad your absence was due to work and the usual aggravations. And glad you are finding wheat. Still no rain in our part of ENE.
Bill
Thanks, Bill!
Good to hear from you. It looks like we’re in for more rain starting tomorrow through the weekend. I’ll send it to you! Also colder temps – Saturday’s high only 55.
Some days a person cannot do anything right Elaine and I had a freezer quit about 2 weeks ago lost steaks ,roasts,ice cream and misc.items still have not got replacement . Hang in there better days ahead.
You’re right, Allan! Some days it just seems like it would have been better to stay in bed. It’s times like these that I have to question what lesson God is trying to teach me. Maybe not to get so frustrated. 🙂 I certainly feel your pain with the appliance situation! You hang in there too and thanks for checking in!
EVERYBODY needs to make a road trip to Montana. But…don’t overlook the ruggedness of Eastern MT. It’s gorgeous! Now you know why this is my favorite state (although I’m still a Husker at heart).
Your pictures just get better every post could look at them all day. Hope quits raining, getting combine stuck is no fun, have a few bad memories. Good luck till next time
I love taking pictures – always have. I think I passed that love down to the girls too. We haven’t gotten the combine stuck – no mud. It is supposed to rain for the next couple of days.
Thanks, Allan!
You have such a good eye for landscape pic’s.I bet Montana tourism would like some of them. That one grain bin is classic that’s probably older than you and me put together. Talk about old grain bins back in 1928 my Stegmeier grandparents put a steel bin together,gramma was very pregnant at the time, a day after they finished the bin, Fred shows up my Dad. Funny how a picture will jog ones memory on family history.
When we saw that bin, Jim said that was a one-of-a-kind. 🙂
Looks pretty rough and has probably held lots of grain in its time.
So glad you like the pictures. Maybe you’ll really like the ones I will have with the next posting. I probably should have a watermark on my pictures but I just haven’t done it. Oh well…
I remember back when I was in high school and praying for rain! We had a dry harvest and cut 21 days in a row with no break. I started looking at every cloud wishing it would dump on us. I’m sure my farmer-uncle was pretty pleased to get the work done, but we were sure all pretty cranky by the time we were done!
And so worn out! I guess I’m just getting too old or maybe have too much going on at the same time. The rain days are catch up days every time! No rest and I guess that’s what I need. One day of nothingness!
[…] those of you who know nothing about how the unloading goes, I’ll try to explain. The red auger carries the wheat that’s coming from the back of […]
Tracy, I love your pictures and your stories. I am sorry but I did laugh a few times and then I felt badly for you. I am so sorry about the fridge and the water and the beast breaking down but if you didn’t have all that, you wouldn’t have any adventures to write about. I thought a date night in the field with sandwiches and sleeping in the truck sounded like fun! You guys hang in there and Jack said if you want to find dry land, come back here. Ha Maybe you had better not tell Jim we said that. Keep on keeping on.
I’ve tried convincing Jim we should come back to CO and help. I wish I could get the job done. I think Jack needs to call him again. 🙂
I thought the date night sounded like a GREAT adventure! I’m glad someone else thought so too.
Sounds like we’re supposed to get like 4″ of rain beginning tomorrow. I’m sure it will be several days before we can get our 4 hours of cutting done, now. Good grief!
Tell your family hello and give that littlest guy a kiss for me!
I recall putting wheat in a customer’s storage facility, which in fact was a boarded-up former hen-house. We used a John Deere Model G to power the auger, it was impossible to restart so I would just idle it down low between loads (puh-pow….. puh-pow…..) As the ‘bin’ started to reach capacity, I had no alternative but to climb in and shovel. I’ve not felt the same way about chickens ever since.. (Carrington, ND 1981)
I enjoy your blog, and appreciate your perspective on a unique way of life – one that I was a small part of over three decades ago..
[…] than just staying put, I decided to climb that hill I mentioned in one of my last posts. Maybe it was cool enough there wouldn’t be any snakes waiting to […]
Absolutely! And so many people still love them. They’re part of Ag’s history. And, I guess you can’t take those old harvest memories away from those of us who spent time in them. 🙂
Tracy,
There was a photo of a restored Massy combine on Facebook. It was about the same vintage as the one in your photo of your grandpa and the combine loaded piggy back on the grain truck. I would have like to link it over to you on FB but couldn’t and didn’t download it.
Those 760’s were quite a machine in their day. Lower profile then any of the competition of the same capacity and a larger grain tank ta-boot.
Always enjoy it when you get the time to show the surrounding countryside in your post of FB and your blog.
Do you mean the old picture of Grandpa and his combine loaded on the truck and ready for harvest? And we think we have it tough these days! 🙂 We never had a 760. Grandpa always ran 750’s and our very first machine was also a 750.
I’m so glad you enjoy the pictures. Sometimes I worry that I put too many on there. I enjoy pictures so I guess I assume everyone else does too. Well, at least I know there’s a couple of us that do now.
i am retired now can;t see to enough combine pictures you do a very good job with both pictures and stories the picture of the old 750 brought many memories for me i had a 750 and 860 i had duct tape in the same places. I started with a massey super 27 some good memories some bad. Keep the the pictures and stories coming
Enjoy last two post of Montana and Missouri river breaks and what it was like 100 -150 years ago.Our church celebrated 150 year anniversary about a month ago and a lot of old photos of early days were on display. My buddy had Massy combine like your grandpa my first self propel combine was a M M with a cab .before that it was a Case pulled by a M M U tractor what memories.Good luck don”t get stuck with your last few hours of combining. 7 inches rain takes time to soak in.
I’m thinking Jim is in no real hurry to get back out there to see if he can stay away from the mud holes. We don’t normally have to worry about getting stuck around here. What a year!
Tracy, I love traveling with you on your adventures you take us on. I love seeing it all through your eyes and your writing. A friend of mine read your blog and she said, “we live in 5 star homes today.” How true and we don’t even realize it. Sorry about the rain but enjoy your time off. We have been having rain also and we love it!
I see that you’re still getting good rain. That’s awesome! Unless, of course, it messes with the proso! The adventures have pretty much come to a complete stand still. Not much to share when it’s all about TV and a couch. 🙂 Maybe I SHOULD share those adventures, too. The sky is clear and the sun is shining today. That’s a good thing!
Thanks, Melody! You definitely need to move Montana up on your list! It’s such a beautiful state! Maybe one day, when you come, we’ll be here too and we can actually meet (although I feel like I already know you)!
Why…thank you, Kevin!
Now we’ve decided to escape the confines of the Cottage and headed to the Montana mountains for a few days. 🙂
Will get back to finish when the ground is dry.
The old Ford still looks good.. The interior even looks good. 1973 would have been about the year My uncle would have bought his GMC 6000 and dad bought his 1951 International L160. About 1977 I bought a 1964 Ford C850. The rearend went out of the L160 on me in 78 and it was replaced with a C50 Chevrolet mid harvest. The frame of that truck was long so we made the old 14′ bed into a 16′ and added a hoist. The grain elevator was about 20 miles away and from the third week of September to the end of harvest just before Thanksgiving I’d log about 2,000 miles on each of those trucks. I know that is nothing compared to the miles you log each year but it kept me busy back then hauling corn and beans away form a JD 6620.
After Jim and I bought Henry from Grandpa, we had the seat re-covered. We did nothing to the rest of it. I’m so glad the current owner loves it as much as we did!! And, it’s so much fun seeing it once in awhile.
Beautiful pictures as always just keep getting better.Hope you get done in a couple days. Sitting around is more stressful than the job itself. Pray you don’t get stuck that no fun as we all know. Be careful.
We haven’t sat around for the past several days. We decided to escape for a few days and headed to the mountains. You can count on a blog with lots of pics to follow! Hoping maybe once we get back, we’ll be able to get to moving again.
You have this amazing knack for finding the importance in simple, everyday things and I just adore it! Your posts leave me with my heart almost welling up with emotion. The memories, the love, the passion! Love it!
p.s. having met you and Jim both, I can TOTALLY hear this dialogue going on throughout your post! 😉
Aw…you haven’t any idea how much I respect what you have to say about my writing! Thanks, Jenny. If I can stir you that way, maybe I do that to others, too. 🙂
Loved the old harvest pictures. Some of my fondest memories are of the hours I spent riding on that ledge behind my Dad in the 510 Massey. We had an 850 next, then went to Case IH. Dad is 89 and is determined to run a combine again this fall. It his favorite time of year. Look forward to your posts on All Aboard, and your blog. Hope you can finish up harvest soon, and have safe travels home. Here in northwest Missouri, we have had 14 inches of rain since first of August. Not a typical summer.
These darn combines and trucks certainly bring back great memories – just like a favorite song! When you hear it, it takes you back to a certain time and a certain emotion. That’s what the combine and harvest does to me. Thank you for taking the time to let me know you read my blog and that it stirred an emotion inside of ya. No…harvest 2014 has NOT been a typical summer journey!!!
Trust me, we love your pictures as much as we love your accounts of life on the harvest trail so keep them coming. 🙂 Unfortunately I don’t have such fond memories of Dad’s 300 or 510 Massey Fergusons. They were both so worn out by the time we got them that all I remember about them is busted knuckles and learning new cuss words from Dad and Gary (the dealer who sold dad both Massey’s) as simple repairs turned into major undertakings. But, they were solidly built and once they were repaired they did a good job. And let’s not forget that the 300 ran quite a ways while on fire so Dad could get it away from standing corn and to a place the fire department could get to it. Lol
It’s so much fun reading everyone’s accounts of what they remember from harvest past. And…isn’t it silly what will spur them to come front and center of all other memories? Thanks for telling me yours, Doug! And, you can be sure – those pictures will keep coming. That’s guaranteed! 🙂
I know that old grain truck smell real well! Grandpa’s old ton and a half Ford had the same smell, only he kept this old rag in there on the seat that he used to wipe the dust off the windshield with so it added a smell of corn and soybean dust to the mix! Great memories! 🙂
It’s a bit weird, I know, but I almost wish I could just take that truck home so I could jump in the cab and smell the days of being 12 in a truck that would end up meaning so much to me 40 years later!
Great pictures, so glad you had a little trip and also glad you are about finished so you can move home to your girls. I am sure you have missed them a LOT by now. May God bless you as you are finishing and traveling. Jack said to tell you is you want to swing by this way again, there is plenty of proso to pick up. LOL
Thanks, Linda!
It sounds like we’re gonna be packing up and heading south within the next couple of days. I don’t know why it’s always so hard to go back to the “previous” life even with kids and grandkids waiting for us. It almost makes me mad when Jim is in such a hurry to go back. Maybe another year we’ll be able to come help with the proso. Good luck with that and if you ever make it to Eastern NE you better make sure and give us a holler!
Beautiful pictures, sunsets are the best. What history and time period those old pull combines come from? Good to here you are dune or almost dune and did not need tow rope. Have a safe trip home.
You know, Allan, I didn’t walk down to those old combines. there was a lot of tall grass and a barbed wire fence between me and them. I opted to just capture their beauty from on top of the grain bin. 🙂 We never had to use the tow rope so I guess it was good that we had it along with us afterall. Thanks for the wishes of a safe trip home. It will start happening within the next day or so, I expect.
[…] us from the beginning, you know it was a late start due to drought and late season freezes. We made it to Kansas on June 18th. Our typical summer runs 110+ days. It will be good to get back home and be reunited […]
I`ve loved reading your blog all summer—-what an adventure and you`ve chosen to share it with words and pictures!!! Beautifully done—-God gave you a very special talent, Tracy—–safe travels.
Well, Judeen! Good to hear from you again. I’ve wondered about you and if you were still following us. 🙂
Glad you rode along with us this summer!
See ya soon.
A snowcation…LOVE IT! 🙂
Sounds like it’s supposed to get a bit chilly here in these northern parts. Even talking possibility of rain/snow here. I know we’ll be around here for a few more days. Jim likes to really clean up the equipment here and he’s pretty thorough. Thanks for the safe-trip-home wishes, Tom!
Hi Tracy….Geeeee, Oh how I remember how sick you got…..and how strange..visiting with Gma last week she ask how Jamie was…she just remembered how sick you was, and she came to help you, she hoped Jamie was never that sick….I’m going out this afternoon, I got her three new long
sleeve shirts for pj tops. we are having storms today..I did get my yard mowed last night after work…I only had the yard to finish back by the shed…and just when I was finishing..a down pour!!
and when talking with Gma about your love of the travels..reminded her of the Gpa/Gma coming
to Grand Island to settle Grand Island in1857 on the wagontrain….It’s in your blood she said!!!!!
guess I’d better get going….be safe…tell Jim hi hugs and kissesXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOmom…
[…] sized oven to cook in. After I mentioned the items the girls and I cooked in my post, it began only 17 days ago, I had a couple of people ask me for the recipes. If you read the post, you’ll also […]
Your post about 9-11 very good and to the point. I remember it very well and the crowd in church on Sunday only repeated on Christmas and Easter. I was in Nebraska last week Lincoln tractor testing station, Grand island case plant tour, arch at Kearney to movie GAWH Wednesday night great story little emotional at times but to the point. The story needs to be told ,hope it gets to the midwest. Talked with Jenna i think we both were depressed with weather at farm show.
Well, well!!
I’ll have to ask Jenna about her visit with you. You had quite the trip then, didn’t you? I’ve never been to the Arch in Kearney. What’d you think of it? And I’m so glad you got to see the movie. Conrad did such a great job of telling the story. I’m so proud of how it turned out. Sorry about the emotional parts. Jenna makes me want to just sob every time I watch it!
The arch was interesting for me telling about history of pioneers starting in Illinois and Missouri heading west and following Platte river into Wyoming where Mormons headed south to Utah,49ers went west for gold rush and others headed northwest Also all the hardship along the way 1 in 20 didn’t survive the trip
[…] The day we left home. Silly, I was trying to work through leaving the “real” world and jumping into the “harvest” world. (I’m shaking my head too) – the transition from “real” to “harvest” […]
[…] Something we’ve done a lot of this summer – waiting for the wheat to dry. Once we got to Colorado, this waiting game continued only waiting it out with the family we helped cut was way more fun than when you’re by yourselves – let the games begin […]
I feel the same way about our camper! Life IS so much easier! I really believe I could live in it year round and be just fine. I love being able to clean the entire place in 30 minutes top to bottom. Best wishes on your journey home! We start our own field today!
[…] While we were in Limon, Jamie and Eli flew to Denver and spent a week with us. Curt missed his family so much, he left home a couple of days earlier and joined up with the crew mid-week. It was so much fun getting to share the combines, trucks and tractor with Eli. He was in little boy heaven! However, the goodbye had to come and that’s not easy for this grandma – the goodbye will be hard […]
[…] we were able to get back into the field and finish the acres we had left 12 days earlier – and those montana sunsets While we were waiting, Jim surprised me with a three-day drive through the mountains. One day, […]
I smiled when you wrote that “your hubby may take better care of the equipment” Do you remember eons ago when we jokingly thought if our pajamas would be JD green or Case red or in your case now NH yellow we would get some attention from our guys?
Just a random memory from the old days…. 🙂
Love it all, EXCEPT…. The part where you were in Billings!!!! Remind me to shake you for that next time I see you 😉 I’m glad you’re home with all the kids. Love you!
Oh yes I know…. Which is why I say it with a smile on my face. Tell Jimbo I am very sad and disappointed in him. Give him the guilt trip:) tell him I came and visited the trailer a good 15-16 years in a row. And then some… Lay it on thick:)
Oh Tracy, you just make me smile and my heart full of joy to follow your day to day life. It will never slow down at home. Your family is growing which means more things to do and more people to follow. It’s all great-but busy! Enjoy your holidays coming up with Eli and waiting for the new one. Be sure to let us know. Love to you all!
We sure dont have much more waiting time for #2!! Only 5 weeks (or so) to go. It gets too crazy sometimes, Linda! Hope your holidays are wonderful too. Love you!
You have one beautiful daughter, hhhhhum I wonder where she got her good looks from , In my eyes , Taylor you sure look like your Dad! Happy 20th Miss Zerion !!!!!
Great presentation, Having lived on Vancouver Island for 20 yrs, a haven for tree huggers & granola crunchers , I had many discussions & arguments about GMO crops.My question to them ,how much of your disposable income is spent on food ? With out the use of advanced agricultural technologies you’d be paying a whole hell of a lot more & the selves of the stores will be pretty thin of produce.
And…maybe…just maybe that’s exactly what this country needs to experience. We’ve had too much for quite some time now. When a few more are hungry, they’ll be wishing Agriculture was still feeding them! Thanks for your comments, Tom. I hope someone who doesn’t know sees my post!
Thanks, Sonja! Maybe I posted it on a bad day but it just felt right. If it’s meant to be seen, I have faith that it will. It certainly was thought about for a long time and wouldn’t go away. 🙂
You give the uninformed a lot to think about. We grow popcorn along with corn and soybeans. The popcorn is non-gmo, so I know first hand how long it takes to clean a combine. I take at least one day, and two if time always, let alone the auger wagons and trucks. The gmo crops might have some drawbacks, but with them the chemical and insecticide use is greatly reduced, which in turn is good for the enviroment. Keep up the good work, and happy holidays.
Thank you!! I appreciate hearing from someone who knows first hand!! I know we clean the combine before each move and we could blow and clean for an entire day. Sometimes, we still find soybeans or corn in crevices midway through the summer.
Very well put together article on gmo verse non gmo crops. Being a Illinois farmer which is 100% gmo along with every other corn and soybean farmer the positive out weigh the negative. I can relate to your pictures which are the same for corn and soybeans also. Old picture of grandpa combine and 4 row cornhead in down corn and muddy condition , been there and done that a few times.
Thanks, Allan! A lot of negativity about GMO food and I wish we could just help those who believe the untruth become more educated!
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Hi … Allan again reading Farm Word paper last night there is two articles on gmo go to http://www.farmworldonline.com pages 8&9 and 10&11 also.Great thanksgiving.Thank you.
Very nicely written and provides a down to earth and practical problem in implementation. I do have three doubts though.
1. The whole assumption is that we know GMO is not unhealthy and that it meets the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) standards. This is largely true. But what if isn’t? What if we know a few GMOs are problematic. Would you still hold your view?
2. The problem of grain segregation has already been addressed in the organic world. Why not in the GMO world? After all, Europe has successfully dealt with this. Why not us?
3. The argument is often made that GMO crops use more chemicals and fertilizers, increasing the cost of cultivation to the farmer. This is passed on to the consumer. But non-GMO crops use far less chemicals and less expensive ones too and yields are easily comparable. So is it really true that GMO grain segregation will cost more than non GMO crop cultivation? Perhaps it will cost less.
I am unable to answer all your questions, but I would like to comment about the differences between organic and Europe seed separation. In both cases, the amount of seed would be significantly less. In 2010 only one GMO crop was approved in Europe, a variety of maize resistant to the European corn borer. Currently 49 different GMO varieties have been approved. Spain is the largest producer of GMOs with 20% of its Maize farmed. This is about 340,000 acres. In the United States, 169,000,000 acres were planted with GMO crops. Since Europe has fewer acres and fewer varieties, it would be much easier to keep separate. I don’t farm in Europe, but I assume that those farmers would only use their own equipment and custom harvesters wouldn’t be involved. Home storage could be used instead of communal graineries where contamination would occur. This is similar to what occurs for organic crops in the United States. The small percentage grown is much easier to keep separate.
I would also like to address your third point. GMOs almost always have higher yields. That is why they are popular with farmers. They often use less chemicals, especially insecticides. The cost difference for the farmer isn’t the only cost we are talking about here. That is just one step in a long process to the consumer. We plant it and we grow it. Then it is harvested. If we use custom harvesters, instead of owning expensive equipment that’s only used two weeks a year, they have additional costs. The truckers, barges, and trains have additional costs. The graineries and factories have extra costs. And if an accident happens and contamination occurs it will also cost money. An average farmer only receives about 12 cents for every dollar spent at the store. The rest is transportation and processing costs. We aren’t the ones passing the costs onto the consumer. The market fluctuates and we sell at what it goes for. If I have a bad year, fuel prices increase and my production is low, I don’t get to say I am charging more for my product.
Another brief response to the third point. GMO crops do indeed require fewer chemicals overall (and yes, particularly with insecticides), and the use of glyphosate-resistant crops means the farmer also has to physically cultivate the soil less. Every trip of the tractor through the field spends fuel and time; effects wear and tear on the equipment; and results in soil moisture loss, a particular problem in droughted areas. The growth habit of some crops, notably beans, means they can’t be cultivated late in the season to control weeds. Pre-GMO, crews of roguers would walk the fields and individually remove weeds. Finding a crew of roguers is now difficult (very, very few people with other options want to walk beans anymore) and is cost-prohibitive compared to aerial spraying.
I thought this was a very informative post. I do have a few thoughts with regard to @Ashok’s doubts.
1. Replace the word “GMO” with organic, particularly problematic when it comes to environmental concerns. I wonder how the argument would change then?
2. The extra costs associated with organic grain production has been and is paid for from the marketplace via marketing labels versus all consumers’ and taxpayer dollars. Scientific consensus as you noted is that GE crops meet GRAS standards. Thus, to force a government mandate to pay for someone else’s whims or fears is unethical, particularly when the burden of those increased costs would be felt the most by those who can least afford them.
3. The statement is not supported by evidence. GE crops have higher yields, use less toxic and less pesticides in general, allow for reduced tillage and less topsoil disruption and ultimately a smaller carbon footprint. If they didn’t, why would they be so dang popular amongst farmers? Farmers who are interested in keeping their businesses viable and sustainable for generations to come.
Just my thoughts in response to yours. I’m a dairy farmer who relies on GE crops to make the grain we feed our cows. Otherwise they are completely grass fed with respect to forages.
I have to, again, remind you that I am not a farmer so I appreciate the views of the comments from those who actually do the work involved in getting the grain in the ground, caring for it until it reaches the point of what I do understand – the harvest. I’ve thought about your questions for quite a while, Ashok. I will address the comment about a “few GMO’s are problematic”. I would have to see the science behind this before I would comment one way or another. What I do know and believe is that farmers who grow grain, whether its GMO or Non-GMO care about what they do. It takes a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears (and not to mention expense) to put that crop in the ground. They do this for their family and they do it because they love the life they live. I don’t think there is one farmer out there that would ever do anything that would cause harm to their family, to their livelihood or to fellow human beings. That’s why I question GMO’s being problematic. They feed their families the same food we eat.
I don’t know enough about grain segregation in Europe – let alone their rules and regulations. What I do know is that there are a tremendous amount of acres planted and harvested in this country. Not all farmers can afford the expense of owning and operating the combines, trucks, tractors and grain carts that are necessary to get the harvest in. That’s why they hire the custom harvesters. The custom harvesters travel from job to job with their machinery to replace the farmer in the field. I don’t see how grain segregation will be an easy chore if GMO labeling comes into play – especially if there is a “zero” tolerance policy in place! Not only will it NOT be easy, I don’t see how true segregation can take place.
GMO corn and nonGMO corn, once they are grown, cannot be distinguished from each other once the corn is grown … How would there be a way to test for “GMO corn” in the food chain or on equipment?
Labeling would create a nightmare of epic proportion for farmers and food producers.
I don’t even want to think about what a huge mess that would be!! No one understands. They think all you have to do is slap a label on something. No cost involved or problems…yeah right!!
This reminds me of when we had an ice storm and we without power. Luckily it was before we had kids. The boys are not as amused when the power goes off as we are. 😉 Thanks for linking up to the Country Fair Blog Party.
[…] that was started way back when was the yearly visit to see Santa Claus. I wrote a post about the very last picture of the four girls with Santa. That’s already been three years ago. Gosh, a lot has happened in those three years! Today, […]
What a wonderful post!! Your family keeping the traditional decorations from generations ago is so cool. My dad made ornaments from walnut shells while he was home from school with the mumps. We always hang at least one of these on our tree. He turned 80 last September! Thanks, and Merry Christmas
Those ornaments (like those of your dads) are the very best in my eyes! It creates a tree of memories rather than just a Christmas tree. Thank you so much for your note, Kevin! Merry Christmas to you and your family, as well!
Enjoy your post and the traditions your family carries on over the years. I learned a little about my German heritage which I know little about. Which you and Jim & your 4 daugthers a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Merry Christmas from Idaho to you and yours Z Crew! And what a special one it is to have little Miss Nora Grace (Grace is my mother’s name…she will be 96 in Feb.) with you this year! Thank you for sharing your Christmas traditions with us! Have a happy and healthy 2015!
Thank you, Margaret!
It was a WONDERFUL day. All the kids were home under the same roof for the entire day. It was the best Christmas gift they could have given me!!
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Oh Tracy, your writing is beautiful filled with beauty, warmth and heartfelt love. I loved seeing your trees and the girls ornaments. I too saved my boys’ ornaments which went with them after they were married. I thought my tree would be a little bare but I just keep getting beautiful and special ornaments from my Sunday school kids and dear friends and now grandkids. I am like you, I love my “homey tree” and with each one I pull out of the box each year I remember and have fond memories of the person it came from. Totally agree that without those, it is just a tree. Merry Christmas to you and your special family. Spoil those grandbabies all you can-we are!
Yes, Tom, we really ARE truly blessed! I just don’t ever want to take it for granted! I’m looking forward to 2015 and know it’s gonna be a great one! Happy New Year to you and your family, as well!
Tired to send you some pics of our outfit (1/64th scale ) on the net must have had a JD glitch !!.. will send you some photos this week . Also in Ukrainian Nora is a Chaira – Pete-Nick , roll ‘re tongue to have the sound. It means a Little Angel !!!
Melinda is a very good friend of mine and I do believe that she made most of that. She’s a sweetie and Christmas in the Country ROCKS!!!!!!!!!! Great loot! And I know Amber as well, I am positive her little ones were excited about their gifts, what a great idea, my person doesn’t have kiddos, (she’s a lot younger than us) I wouldn’t have thought of that, kudos to you! 🙂
I love everything I received! Melinda said she made everything. What a gal! As far as remembering the little ones, I just know my kids would have been doing 15 years ago. 🙂
You can fight Him and try to choose your own path in life, but it usually does not go well, I can attest to that! I’ve been doing a lot of looking back the past few weeks and I’ve noticed that I almost always take the easier of the two paths before me, and I’ve started looking at it like this. When life leads you to a fork in the road, there’s usually an uphill way that contains challenges and obstacles but yields fulfillment and happiness. Then there is the downhill way that looks easy, but usually has even harder challenges and obstacles that you can’t see because “someone” blocks then from your view and it leads to bitterness and misery. The more easy paths you choose in life, the further you sink, and the tougher life gets. When you consider man’s view of where heaven and hell are located, above and below, it becomes apparent who places each path before us. I’m speaking from experience here, because 9 times out of 10, I have chosen the easy path in the past, and I’ve been miserable and bitter. I’ve chosen a few hard, uphill paths here the past few months and life is looking much better! This latest path was extremely scary, so scary that I almost chose the easy way out again, but I bit the bullet and moved uphill, and an exciting new adventure has begun.
Maybe that’s a weird way of looking at things, but, I’m a bit weird.
Absolutely right, Doug! And DON’T listen to the voice that tells you to take the easy road and run away from the challenge. It’s a loud voice and one that tends to be listened to the most. That’s why that path is so much wider and carries more traffic. Keep up the good work, Doug! I’ll be right next to you on that narrow path…we can walk together!
This is a great post and I have shared it. Your words are ones that I sometimes say in my head to myself. Thank you for posting this today. God bless your journey and the path that lies ahead!
Thank you! I think those words were brought to mind for more than just me. I was simply the messenger. So glad they were a blessing to you! Thanks for taking the time to let me know you liked it!
Well said , Tracy . When you believe in yourself & going down the field that you have chosen with love and commitment the Lord is there with you. Life is not a easy harvest , we all know its has a few rocks hiding in the stubble & a soft spot we can’t see . When faced with adversity and take it on full bore, it seems the hill wasn’t that big after all. It’s always darkest before the dawn . When its to tough for everybody , it’s just right for me. a couple of family sayings..
Talk about family how’s that grand daughter coming along , did you get the pictures we sent you ? Will be sending you a book ,Quest for Eden, Our pioneering grandparents challenge , it has a custom harvesting story in it !!
I DID get the pictures. Sorry for not acknowledging!! They came at a time that all I could concentrate on was what was in front of me. I apologize. I have them sitting on my desk with all intentions of getting back to you. Agreed! The darkest is just before the dawn. Nora and Eli are both growing way too fast! It should be about time I share a photo or two!
Well presented, Tracy! I’ve just been through a rough week and your words were what I needed to read right now. I’m going to print this so I don’t forget.
Great story and photos. I remember the first bottle calf I raised. My parents decided to sell her when she was young, as she probably wouldn’t turn out to be much. I was devastated. I supposed it taught me at an early age that you love something as fiercely as you can, because you never know the fate or duration of the relationship (animal and human).
And you know…I’m still that way. Go back and read the story of last summer about that silly cat that I was bottle feeding. It took me DAYS to get over the hole that was left in my heart. UGH! I suppose I’ll be like this forever. Thanks for sharing your story with me.
We raised a bird once too. It had blown out of a nest, during a storm. We thought it might be a robin, it was a sparrow. It lived in a cage in the bathroom for the summer. My husband feed it worms. It would “talk” to him and fly through the house to find him. We went on vacation and when we got home “Birdy was dead. I’m sure we left him food, but I don’t remember what. My husband was in sad for days.
Never seen picture of anything like that, sparrow was at peace with you. A long cold winter in northern Illinois. Getting ready for spring work. Wish you an family a blessed Easter week.
A great event in your life, Yes you kind’a look like a hippie but a bit too young. You have to meet my Wife Sandi,She ‘s a real Canadian Hippy , hitched hiked from Ontario to Alberta in 1971, Spent 20 yrs. Banff AB. moved to Vancouver Island —-Hippy Central , Then fell in love with a haywire ex Alberta farmer. Sandi loves the land .
Tracy I wrote you a note but it did not go so I will send this ..maybe it was to long yes I have the letter and the feathers you sent in the letter to “Rudy” telling him how “Chirpy died….and how Mrs.Cutcliff was impressed with your writing abilities…”The Old Man”..story about your Great
Grandpa Koch….she kept a copy for her files….”Mr. Rudy”that wrote the story of you and Chirpy
told me this….His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches over me…..love and kisses XXOO
mom….oh Gma D said to tell you hello…and she giggled when we talked of Eli pointing to you then me and then to her ..Ga..Ga..Ga.. so sweet she will be 97 this Nov….WOW…be safe…mom…
[…] of brevity, I’ll just include the steps required with no further explanation on my part. This post by a harvester goes into more detail and explains just how much of a burden will be placed on farmers and […]
We’ve been great, we’re gearing up to start planting corn in a week and a half to two weeks. I’ve also been busy with school activities as the year (and my high school career) near an end. It’s hard to believe I’m a senior already, but like they say, time flys when your having fun! Before we know it, harvest will be upon us. And how have you been?
I’m reading this as Tornados flattened a few Illinois towns as well as a huge swatch along your path! It is helpful to see the rebuilding they did! I grew up in North West Kansas (Colby) but am now in Virginia! Thanks for linking this up at Country Fair Blog Party!
Hi great post even thou harvest 6 week away cant start to early. Know what Jim goes through remember working on trucks and corn sheller in zero windy weather. Got first shop in 80s and lighting hit it 5 -6 years later.What a mess to clean up. Built new shop 4 years ago but still like to work out side every thing you do inside you have to clean up after. I know he will be ready in time.
Great move on the service truck , it will be big time saver.Our first official trap wagon ( service truck) came to being in 74, a 69 chev 1/2 ton . It was also my shag’n wag’n soooo I would have get it all cleaned up before a weekend date & have put all tools, oil & other goodies back in it next morning!!
Beautiful pictures of the Grand Canyon, my aunt taught school in Winslow, AZ about 20 years, in the late 40’s & early 50’s, so really enjoyed all of your pics & story!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment. I felt like I overdid the pictures but just couldn’t decide which one(s) to eliminate. Glad you enjoyed them.
Tracy and Jenna..your pictures of the Grand Canyon are “awesome”…the light of the bright sun on the snow is simply beautiful..the colors on the rocks gave me goose bumps..the pictures are the best that I’ve seen..they should be made into post cards…It was a beautiful day the Lord is always with you. I did chuckle at the deer ???..donkeys??? on the side of the road….time for
bed…love you both so much and Happy Birthday early Jenna…Gma Barb…I enjoy your pictures
and travel stories…its like I’m there too…
Beautiful pictures of your trip to southwest with Jenna .I have great memorys of Grand Canyon and Tombstone AZ from some 40 years ago none with snow on ground . There is so much to see and time runs short. You have a lot to be proud of I have seen Jenna work some of the best
I happened to stumble across your blog by accident, and have been browsing on it all night. I love hearing about another woman’s life on harvest and all the things that go along with it. I work for a large custom harvesting and farming company in north central Nebraska, and I’m the only girl that works in the shop and goes on the road. Definitely makes for some interesting stories and experiences. Looking forward to your next post!
[…] was 97 – she had just turned 94 when I wrote this post about celebrating her birthday. I knew she would have to leave us some day. It just happens. For the past several years, Grandma […]
Death is a fact of life none of us can escape, but it doesn’t make it any easier to handle. I’m sorry for your loss! Just remember you will see her again someday!
This reminded me so much of my own Grandma, who has been gone 10 years now. She also let me stand behind her in the chair or on the couch and do her snow white hair. Prayers and thoughts to all of you.
Your post brings back memory of mother and dad. Dad died in 82 laying beside a truck he was working on .Mother never did any farm business was a new life for her. Mother lived to 2010 she was 96 and last 3 years was in a nursing home and had same thoughts when is lord going to take me. Elaine and I were there to see her and last words was we love you. What a shock when nursing home called hour latter she had passed away. We express our sympathy.
May God`s love & peace comfort you & your family, Tracy!!! Your Grandma has received her greatest reward—-HEAVEN!!! Reason to celebrate a lovely lady and a life well lived.
My Dear Tracy….your words are like music….the comfort I get from reading “your words” about my
Mother …..gives me such comfort..and helps to soothe the sorrow…I was fortunate to be with her..
I was there at 10:00am…with both my sisters…and then around 2:00 my brother arrived..and we were there with her all rest of the day..evening was coming and Shirley was so weary and Dave too..they both wished her goodnight and told her they would be back in the am…she knew they were going to rest….I spent the night with her..the staff ..the kindness they gave her…I prayed with her..The Twenty-Third Psalm..I know she heard me reading it to her ..the strain on her face relaxed…it was 3:45 the nurse came and gave her the pain medicine..they turned her and again she held my hand…this time I read her the Lords Prayer.. and I fluffed the wet wash cloth and held
it on her forehead..she liked that..then about 4:25…she knew at this time her death angel must be there with her to
give her the wings to go to heaven to be with Jesus..she sighed…and.. and she “was home”..I too
will miss her….she got her wish…Praise be to Thee, O God……..mom…..
Tracy, I am so sorry for your loss, your tribute to her was beautiful, she was surrounded by love and now she is in the arms of Jesus and loved ones in Heaven. I lost my sister earlier this month, and although I know she is in a much better place and with our family in Heaven, I miss her, and my heart aches. Thinking of you, have safe travels. Love, Mardrie
I’m so sorry, Mardrie!! I’ve been thinking about you so much. I wish I could have been with you yesterday for your party. We’ll be back soon enough. We can chat then! Love you!!
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for your beautiful tribute to your Grandma. As I was reading it, I was annoyed about the wet weather and being behind with planting and reading your post put things back in perspective. Some things aren’t as important as we think they are at the time. Your faith and family will see you through this tough time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Have safe travels this summer, and look forward to your harvest updates here and on All Aboard.
Thank you so much!! The weather is messing with a lot of people. Harvesters are in Texas and Oklahoma just waiting to get started. We won’t head that far south but even the first job for us this year is gonna be behind. Either too much rain or not enough. I wish you luck with the planting. Nothing more frustrating than when you can’t do the job you’re wanting to do. Good luck!
Another Faith Building Year-for sure!! Farmer’s, just like harvesters live from day to day and each year the weather gives them something to talk about. haha I asked Jack the other day what they would talk about if God didn’t supply many different weather issues. Loved your outlook.
You have made the right decide there will be a lot of stuck combines and truck and repair bills to go with it. Working in those condition you will lose your faith .Be patient and god bless.
To the folks in TX. OK. tell the Lord please send those rain clouds north,we are weez/cough/fart with sparks dry. There are 51 forest fires burning in Alberta today.
This is excellent! Something I hadn’t thought about before, but read about with the Oregon law passed recently regarding banning GMO in one county – how would any agency really be able to regulate the labeling of GMO crops? How can it be enforced? Since the only difference is in the seed used, is there any way to tell if the harvested item is GMO?
I’m not a farmer, of course, so I don’t know the specifics of how the two different types of corn look. I would say you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference by looking. It would take testing. Testing means more labor and more money involved. It would be a trainwreck! I just don’t see how it can happen and be a cheap option for the farmer (or consumer). The amount of manpower and paperwork would be ridiculous!
Thanks for taking the time to leave your note!
Mud puddles and grandsons ,now that’s a good combination .Our two buddy’s Caleb 3 1/2 & Ethan 2 1/2 Caleb goes out with a croc on one foot and a rubber boot on the other.I was at Megan & Nathan’s for fathers day so Ethan is showing papa Tom how he can ride his bike — straight to a puddle no less !!! But the bike was’nt making the right effect so with his good clothes & new shoes into the H20 we go!!! Got to Love it. Talk about goofy weather we had lumpy rain ( snow,rain) mix yesterday with a severe wind a real gully washer . On Thus. it was +30c with twister warnings for east central Alberta. We are still super dry here, have only had 11/2 in. since March. in the Cochrane area. So raincation season has started already, bugger ! Good job Taylor & Callie on the move . Cute portable flower garden Tracy.Praying for cutting weather for the Z Crew.
We managed to have three good days of cutting with our 8 machines around Dacoma/Alva before the rain started. Thankfully we’ve got a good crew this year- their idea of fun is currently an 8 person game of monoply in our hotel lobby!
Seems the wheat acres that are being cut are all over the place!! What a summer. A good crew will make the summer so much better! They either fit in or they don’t. I remember how much fun some of the crews were when I was a kid. It makes or breaks the summer.
That picture of Eli i think i did the same thing a boy thing. Good to hear you all had a safe trip. Hope it quits raining we are having the same problem in northern Illinois.
Just a thought , is it possible that the elevators in OK. get a grain dryer in their setup.would sure help the the crews cutting wheat that have another job to go , instead of sitting for 12.5 %
I’m not sure if they have those because MOST of the time the sun does a grand job of drying the grain. It just hasn’t had the intensity needed. More trucks are coming in the elevator today with highs near 100° this weekend. That will help us keep going and maybe the moods will get better.
I’m so glad you enjoy them! And I’m glad you’re following us on our journey. Thank you for taking time to leave a note. I appreciate it (and you) so much!
Just wanted to ensure you that you are not alone when it comes to the feeling you get when you sit behind the wheel of a combine. Over the past few years of reading your blog, I’ve always felt that you are the only person that I have ever come across who can accurately express the same feelings I get about combines. And for the longest time, I thought I was the only one! So even if it is wierd to some, its not to all! 🙂 Happy Harvest!! Wish I was there!
YOU HAVE JUST MADE MY DAY!!! 🙂
Thank you for being in the same boat as me and letting me know I’m not as weird as I think I may be. I just had someone ask me yesterday WHY I loved it so much. I couldn’t pinpoint the reason. I just do. Thanks for following our journey and thanks for taking time to write your note!
The summer sun is gearing up with some intense heat the next several days. Supposed to be pretty darn warm with 0% chance of rain. We should be able to get done and moved to Garden City with no problems (keeping my fingers crossed).
Thanks for checking in, Anthony. I just had someone ask me yesterday WHY I love the combine so much. I couldn’t answer her. I think it’s just because it’s my little piece of the world and I can solve all the problems in that seat. 🙂 It’s more of an addiction and I wish I could really place my finger on the WHY!
Wow, I’ve followed the USCHI website since 99 & All Aboard since it started I can’t remember test weights that light ! Tracy, what are the elevators doing with that quality ,is it feed or can they blend it with better wheat ? Here’s hoping the yellow beast keeps on the dry side.
Well, that’s a GREAT question. I think maybe I’ll have to see if Taylor would be willing to do a blog about that. There’s a lot of poor quality wheat around. Arnett elevator wouldn’t even take it so we had to drive the 30 miles (one way) to Shattuck.
Hi Tracy, Yesterday as I was headed home from Nampa, ID (live 25 miles away) I saw 4 Budget rental trucks get off the freeway. As I pulled alongside of them I noticed that each one had an Oklahoma license plate. My first thought was of you there waiting to combine and what the farmers/residents across Oklahoma have been going thru (not to mention Texas). Made me wonder if these 4 trucks (one towing a vehicle) were people that had one flood too many, one drought too many, one tornado too many, etc. that broke the camel’s back and were moving to Idaho. Never found out because they were going one direction and I was headed another. Thanks for this weeks updates and hope the crops and weather both get better…and no mud bogs! Have a good week ahead! Margaret
49 years of being married to a farmer and I’m sure being married to a harvester is about the same…the most important things to be done are those that are on his agenda…whether I know it or not. Somehow we missed out on the class “Mind Reading 101”!! Loved your post Tracy! 🙂
ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! I hope the comment you made, “the most important things to be done are those on HIS agenda” is portrayed in my post because that is so spot on! 🙂
My husband and I have also been married for 33 years and have a cow/calf, row crop operation (including wheat) in Southwest Nebraska. Just so you know, “YOU ARE NOT ALONE!” I’m not much better at reading his mind than I was three decades ago, And I wouldn’t change our lives for any other! Hang in there, I know you have a lot of company.
My dad and I worked and farmed together until I was thirty years old. You could say he taught me my way of thinking and still couldn’t read his mind all the time. If a son can’t read the mind of the man who raised him, how could a wife ever expect to be able to? Keep trying, I’m sure he appreciates everything you do for him, he’s just from an era where men don’t say thank you very often.
Good to hear all is going well and wheat yields are improving. Hope Callie foot gets better so she can enjoy her trip to Chicago. Prays will be with the group. Got to see some of combine cam great,view you make it look easy. GPS is great I use it planting corn
[…] In 2013, Miss America 2011 spent the afternoon with us in the field. How many people can say Miss America has ridden in your combine? I think Jimbo was a bit giddy…we hit a wall (a big, cement one). […]
Time stands still for no one , thanks so much for the pictures & stories of your 4th of July memories. Is Jim the only Custom Harvester to have Miss America ride in a New Holland combine ? I can remember those pics on All Aboard Wheat Harvest from a few years back , your green hands from unplugging a weed choked combine !!! When I farmed we were always to busy to celebrate Canada Day. As I’am posting this I told me Sandi that this old plow jocky has never seen live fire works,go figger EH !!! Enjoy your 4th of July !!!
[…] our farmer in the Garden City, KS area on Wednesday morning (6/24) without missing a beat. If you recall, we finished Shattuck late Monday afternoon and loaded as much as we could. On Tuesday, Jim and […]
Loved reading your post as usual, and seeing the pics, Tracy!!!! But my greatest “treat” this weekend was seeing Callie & Taylor and getting a hug!!! Sweet young ladies—–be a proud Momma!!!
I AM a proud momma! 🙂 All my girls have turned into beautiful young women with lots to offer the world. Thanks, Judeen! Thanks for letting me know you’re still with me.
I live in St. Francis, KS. Friends of the Sparlings in the Seneca HS area. They putme on to your web sight…Never TOO MANY pictures.
Check me out on Facebook.. Philip L Crawford if you like Cowboy Music and Poetry
Ah…so you know all about harvest. Although you had it much harder than we do now! My dad used to go with my Grandpa in the early 50’s and he has quite the stories!
Enjoy your pictures and hearing from your operation. Wheat and oats harvest along with spraying and getting hay made in Illinois has been a struggle to much rain over 10 inches in June and July is not any dryer. Enjoy combine cam you make your job look easy with help of GPS. A roomer of a farmer in southern Il netting 2.00 dollars a bushel for his wheat at elevator. Best of luck to you.
Super pics,Tracy .The one of The Z Crew is the best ,toooo silllly. We finally got some good rain in Alberta but still not enough, came to late , hay crops are 1/3 to 1/2 of normal . Here’s hoping that you can get some long days of cutt’n in Limon CO.
I enjoyed your pictures of familiar territory around Redstone where we’ve visited friends who have a cabin there. Larry is an author among other things. Now that you don’t have much to do for the rest of the summer (something tells me you’ll not be idle long), if you’d like to read some history of the area set in the 1800’s, I recommend This Cursed Valley. http://www.amazon.com/This-Cursed-Valley-Larry-Meredith/dp/0967386772
We’ve also attended several excellent blacksmith meetings in Carbondale.
Yep. That’s what they are supposed to do. It’s the changes that are a little hard on me and my heart. I love having my kids around and have thoroughly enjoyed being their mom! What part of Iowa are you from and where do you live now?
I know we’ve discussed this before, but I can’t say it enough, you have the best job in the world! Those pictures are absolutely stunning, I can’t get enough of them and would love to have them hanging on my walls! (Except they would probably make me miss it more!) Lol Enjoy your break until millet harvest.
Great harvest pictures enjoy all of them. Hard to believe it is over already. Going to miss your trip to Montana. Weather been crazy in northern Illinois also 10 plus inches in June wheat was a disaster low test weights and yields plus disease only worth 1 dollar and some, straw worth more than grain. Hope millet works out for you. Enjoy combine cam great idea you make it look so easy with help of GPS. Best of luck with fall harvest coming on.
Just getting back on track ,our computer went kapoot ,so had to wait 10 days for the one we wanted. I almost had to go to therapy, not knowing what the Z crew was up to!!!! You & Jim have a blessed family , those Grand Kids are like tooo special , that Nora is so sweet, I think Eli will have harvesting or some facet of agriculture in his blood, a child’s first 5 years shapes the rest of their life. It did with me, you can’t take the love of the land away.
That sure is pretty country !! Talk about being disappointed about not going to Jordan . I was going to take a 4 day weekend and come and visit you & Jim !! Next year EH !!!
Enjoy your post and pictures, you and Jim did a good job of raising 4 1st class ladies. Hope millet harvest is working out for you. Visited with Jenna tuesday at farm show some of hottest humid weather of year. You should have a good harvest when you get back home, eastern Ne,western Io ,S D and Minnesota have some of best crops of nation.
Tracy…I love you so much !!!!! You are an “Angel”..a person regarded as beautiful,and good..
a messenger of God…on my prayer reading flip calendar like yours that I gave you. today’s
message: ….. Father, keep my heart soft this day and fill it with Your thoughts. Amen…….
I will wonder as well if maybe his family will contact you? sending my love..I worked Two hours over time tonight..10 hour day….probably the same tomorrow…..on my way to bed..be safe..mom…
Tracy, as always so beautifully written. You have such a warm heart and such feeling in your story. It makes us all stop and pray for this family. You are so beautiful inside and out. I am going to miss you so much.
Tracy? I don’t know you, but I’m Tyler Crawford’s older sister. Oh my gosh. This is beautiful. My mom found this and sent it to me. What are the odds? I cannot believe it! You wrote such a beautiful article. I cannot explain how much this article means to me.
My brother didn’t go out much. He went to work, did karate, and went home. That was his passion….so that was his life. I never could have imagined how many lives he touched. I didn’t know, until he died. That week, I learned so much about him. So much that I wish I had known sooner. He didn’t just go to work, he impacted every customer’s life with his smile and kind words. And now, he’s touched your life too. He’s gone, but he is still “paying it forward.” We said at his service that, to him, the concept of paying it forward was just how he lived. My sister (or older sister) said it even better, he was labeled with a”disability” and yet,he lived the most fulfilling…most memorable…life. A life with more impact than you can imagine.
When I read this article, at first, I was confused…then I thought to myself “great. We picked red balloons…was that more common than anticipated?” Oh….but then I kept on…. this article was about MY BABY BROTHER! Oh wow. I stated sobbing. I couldn’t believe it. My baby brother. He did it again. Shocked me.ever since that day, I’ve wondered….where did those balloons go? Which way? Who found one? What did they do? Throw it away? Google his name? I would NOT have even thought an entire article would be written. And so beautifully?
Thank you. Thank you for continuIng this beauty. Thank you for saying his name again. Thank you for all of this. Thank you.
Will I think of SO much more to say after this, oh definitely. I couldn’t possibly think of everything in one night. This is beautiful. Thank you.
My husband and I read this and I of course teared up. We are neighbors of Tyler’s and knew him and his parents very well. It is so nice to see that Tyler is still touching peoples lives even after his passing. If you knew him you would know that that is Tyler. Always touching people and putting a smile every face of every person he talked to. Thank you for sharing this in such a touching way.
This brought tears to my eyes. I discovered your post on a relative’s Facebook page. TJ was one of my cousin’s children. Although I hadn’t seen him since he was a young boy, everyone in his family was shocked and deeply saddened by his sudden passing. It seems that TJ had a big heart and brought a smile to everyone that he met. I can see that he even touched you through this random discovery you made in a Colorado field. Thank you for sharing.
My brother was the sweetest soul on the planet. He loved unconditionally and without limits. It has blessed our family so much to see these words. To see his story being shared. To see even though you didn’t know him personally, it still affected you. Thank you for writing this. Thank you for stopping. Most of all, thank you for the much needed prayers. He was a beautiful person, and deserves to be celebrated.. and I can’t wait to see him again someday. God bless.
Tracy, This is absolutely beautiful and we appreciate you posting this and reaching out to the Crawford family. Jay and Robin are neighbors of ours and Jay is my business partner. Your words were so eloquent and we all can’t thank you enough. Tyler was an amazing soul that always saw the best in people and never had a frown on his face.He greeted anyone and everyone that crossed his path no matter what walk of life they may have came from. He loved kid and would always have pennies in his pocket at work at the local King Soopers so the kids could ride the mechanical horse. The fact that you found those balloons and you have this amazing forum is a testament to Tyler’s spirit! He always had an amzing way of reaching out and making everyone’s day better. Thank you again for sharing and I hope someday our paths cross!
Neat idea Tracy, wheat field dinning at its best. wide open skies, good people, great food , big appetites , what more could one ask for !!! . Did you get the book we sent you ?
Tracy I am Tyler Girlfriend Jasmines mom and this is beautiful , Tyler was a very kind, sweet loving young man who did go out of his way to make everyone smile and he loved all without fault . I still pray everyday for his family he wassuch a beautiful soul
I am Tyler girlfriend for 9 year
We miss you
We love you
We never forget
You alway in my heart
You alway have a place in my heart
I see you one day
I love you so much
I miss you so much
Thank you for sharing. Tears of gratitude to be able to say “I knew this fine man”!! What a gifted writer and a wonderful example for all of us. Be PROUD!!!
Thank you Tracy , Two of my uncles served in World War 2 . Mike & Tom Lazoruk .Mike landed on the beachs of Anzio, Italy. Tom was involved in the niemagen march in Holland. Both came home safe. can’t imagine what is was like for 2 Canadian farm boys from the small farming community of Rycroft AB. In the Stan. there was three Stegmeier’s in that operation at the same time, my brother John ,two of our Son’s Andy & Jacob .Boy they sure enjoyed the care packages sent by the family. When our phone would ring at an off time, my heart would race thinking one of them was gone. Andy suffered from PTSD after his 1st. tour ,but going back for a second tour helped hugely,he was interviewed by the New York times. Jacob serviced the plane that dumped Osma bin Ladin’s body. John was injured by an IED. one of his hands got messed up & his hearing is less. We are so proud of our troops both Canadian & American !!!
Tracy, Jim and family. What a great letter you shared with us on this special day. As we read, and re-read Lloyds letter, we both shared a picture in our minds of him sitting in a tent somewhere slowly and painstakingly wording that letter that meant so much to him and is such an excellent example of the man he was. We were so lucky to have met him, and had men like him saving our freedom for today. He and his family are great people. I will never forget that he also loved fried chicken!!!!! Jim and Mardrie
[…] of a GM crop from a non-GM crop adds considerably to the cost of food. Separate facilities would be required to be built from farm to the supermarket to accomplish that end. Separation of GM […]
As always Tracy , super pictures & a year of special events. Eli and our Ethan had the same Halloween costumes !!! Time stands still for no one. May your horse never stumble, Your cinch never break ,Your belly never grumble, Your heart never ache. All the best in 2016!!
HI. Beautiful pictures of harvest and family and all is well. My harvest did not go as plan I lost combine and corn head in fire and 3 months later still not settled with insurance company what a nightmare. Wish Taylor the best on her engagement and future plans.
Oh Tracy, I hope we didn’t haggle you too bad about the exchange! We try to make it fun, there’s quite a bit of commotion behind the scenes (Laurie has lots of stories on me I’m afraid), but we do it because I know more times than not it works out just so – when someone needs a blessing or a friend or just a minute to stop and reflect – that’s when the box shows up and it makes me so happy to have a small part in making someone’s day 🙂 I feel you on wanting the Christmas redo – I didn’t decorate or bake much because of all the home construction and knowing I needed to take it easy on myself this year, but I don’t think next year will be much better with a little one in the house! All we can do it remember the real reason for the season and look forward to the warm weather, right?! Blessings to you Tracy!
Oh Tracy, I have been wondering how you are doing with the preparation for your conference. I hope it goes perfect! You just keep enjoying those Christmas lights in your house. It makes a little joy to look at. What a fun box to receive! I imagine your girls did want it.
What a beautiful tree! I don’t blame you at all for wanting to leave up as a I too love to hold onto the season just a bit longer as it always goes so fast! Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!
Hope the Annual Convention goes as planned!
Tracy, you made me tear up! I always love reading what you have to say, but this one really is beautiful! I am so glad this little box of treasures from Kristin made it to your front porch at just the right time. I can only imagine all of the planning and preparing you have been doing, so to receive a gift like this, had to have been wonderful. Now I want to send you something so that you can take it with you on wheat harvest. 🙂
Blessings to you dear friend!
Laurie – Country Link
I love the pictures!! Especially the one in Colorado and the ones of you and the girls. Such beauties you all are! I do hope you have a wonderful 2016.
Yay!!!! I am so glad to read your post. I got your Thank you card and I read it often. Such a sweet card!! I am so thrilled that you liked the gifts. I had fun figuring out what to send you. I hope you can take sometime for YOU when that time comes. Much love and hope your year is a good one. It would be fun to meet you on down the road someday I would agree!!!
Tracy, that presentation you and Jim made to us antique tractor guys was wonderful and enjoyed by all. Thanks for sharing your family’s experiences with us.
I was living in Grand island at that time and was stuck in west GI until the twisters quit wind was still a problem as i was waiting for a train in water running board deep when the front end of my car came off the ground. I lived on east 7th st. but I had to get home cause my dog was chained up outside and both me and my dog were scared to death. She was alright thank God. A very scarey time. Lot of memories. Judy Ruff. Great story. judyruff49@gmail.com.
Thanks for sharing your story. One that you’ll NEVER forget! It sure doesn’t seem like it’s been 37 years ago. I’m glad you enjoyed my memory of at “event”!
That realization that none of your family will be on the farm is the hardest part. My family has never been anywhere but on the farm but I am probably the end. Both of my children do not want us to sell the farm but they each have very good off the farm jobs and families to keep them busy. It is a day to day thought. I enjoy reading about your experiences too.
Thank you, Paula! Mostly for taking the time to write me a note. I so enjoy hearing from the people who actually read my “stories”…and enjoy them. I certainly understand the day to day thoughts about life and changes. God bless you!
Well, spring is maybe , somewhat here on the eastern slopes of the Alberta Rockies , we are soooo dry here we need moisture either rain or snow. Was driving around the Golf course today testing a utility vehicle I had repaired ,the cottonwood has catkins & the popular tree’s have the scent that spring is in the air. Boy those things brought memories of spring time on the Farm !! Funny how certain moments bring back lifetime experiences. Have a Happy Easter !
Happy Easter to you and your family as well, Tom!! Crazy weather in NE today. Blizzard to the west and north of us. Tornado watch for us until midnight. Spring in NE!!
Thank you for your workshop at the Gathering of the Green. I really enjoyed your presentation and spending time with you and Jim. Can’t wait til the DVD arrives.
Thanks, Brad, for being one of those responsible for getting me there! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and your group! I have heard so much about the Gathering from Dan and his family for so long. It was fun to be a part of it! And I think it has inspired Jim to do something with the two old tractors he has hidden in the corner of the shed. 😊 Let me know what you think of the movie!!
Thank you Tracy for sharing this story over at the April 2016 Country Fair Blog Party! Calving in the winter months can always lead to stories like this. What a blessing little (now big) Ruby is and what a great thing that Harvey got to help take care of her.
Laurie
Hi Tracy.. I guess it must be the weather..I have had the “blues” as well…I spent all night dreaming of Mother….and have looked at pictures all day….your message today and pictures
are wonderful…Taylor…you are awesome..and congratulations Callie. Your dress is beautiful.
and Happy Anniversary 4-17-2016 Tracy and Jim…
They say time marches on and they mean it! I just wish I could find the guy keeping the cadence and ask him to slow it down! Margaret’s going to be a junior next year, has her own car, a good summer job at the pool and is doing so many things on her own now. She’s needing dear old dad less and less these days, and while I’m proud of her for being so independent, it hurts to look back and see how fast it’s all flown by, and how soon both of my kids will be on their own… I feel your pain, I really do! Soon you’ll be starting it all over again with the grandkids though.
Having the grandkids is awesome!! They love you so much and it just makes my heart burst. But there’s something about having the kids in the same house with you day after day after day. And being a part of their world. When they leave, it’s never the same again.
You are a wonderful writer and God speaks to you much clearer than I hear Him! I wish you were here walking with me. I have not been as motivated as in the past and I need to walk!
You have a big & wonderful heart, don’t let someone tug at it, because you’re so gifted , make sure you keep yourself hydrated on your cruise around Manley. When I was farming the wind in the spring would stress me a lot ,then at harvest time I was looking for wind to keep things dry. Get a good pair of rock proof treads !!!
Tracy….I so enjoy coming home from work..and turn on nebraskawheatie….you know reading your
words.. reminds me of “John Boy Walton”…we watched that years ago…The Waltons…..you do have that gift of writing….GOD GIVEN……I am so proud you are my daughter…. love you ..mom.. 🙂
Tracy…..did you happen to see the “heart” rock in the first picture you took? its above the word they’re dumb….and the last picture just below the word removed it…..:) mom…..
Wow I never tire of reading all about the past and pioneering custom harvesters and their lives, my website hopefully a tribute to them all!!
Would it be possible to feature some of your lovely photos on my site yellowswirl!?
Kind regards Colin cloude England
Absolutely my pleasure! To feature your photos and give you and your family the credit you rightly deserve for your hard work every season harvesting the crops to feed the world!!
Kind regards colin
Jim and Tracy Thank you for sharing your memories!! And beautiful pictures! Combines are a big part of my life! Particularly the Massey models! To which I still use here in the UK and I consider myself lucky to be able to continue to bring in the harvest.
Kind regards
Colin Cloude
Good luck and best wishes to you and your crew for a successful #harvest16
The weather around the world seems to have gone mad and here in the UK it’s been a very wet and cold 4 months of 2016.
Keep that ‘beast’ moving when the wheat is ready.
Jono Dixon @sunkfarmer
Well, Jono, we probably won’t have much of a crew this year. Just me and Jim. As far as the weather goes, it’s crazy here too. It was snowing in Western Kansas and Nebraska and Eastern Colorado on Thursday. Cold and rainy for most of the time we were to Texas and back. Warmer in North Dakota today than it was in Nebraska. Just plain nuts!
Amarillo by morning Amarillo the Z crew will be there !! Super on a good start, so glad those farmers are getting some rain, We are soooo dry here the frog’s are pack’n their own water, reminds me of 1981. It’s Alberta & the weather is so fickle with EL Ninoe ,we are on a heat wave 85f or better for the next 3 days, way to hot for this time of year. Got to finish up the header for you & Jim , It’s a Canadian creation !!! will be on 1/64th NH 9070.A piece for the cottage ( Harvest Hilton )
All SO true. Plus everyone’s so on edge that the standard volume is shout and the standard mood is crabby. Once you’re out of the driveway, everything is way better.
Being a sentimental guy myself, its hard to read what seems to be pain in the words that you type! Coming from someone who has followed you and your family since 2009, its almost heart breaking to think of the Z Crew not being all together on the harvest trail. It’s even harder to read the words “retirement” and begin to think that one day the Z Crew might not be on the trail at all! I can’t imagine my own summers not including my evening check up on you guys just to see where you are and what progress that you have made. Change certainly is not easy, but I know that God will certainly bless your path moving forward! I can’t tell you how excited I am for the harvest season to kick into gear. Even though I’m from Indiana, I certainly feel like I have the heart of a “Nebraska Wheatie!” And hope that some day, some how, I find a way to join the harvest run and manage to bump in to you along the way lol. Wish you all the best this harvest, and for the many harvests that I hope are still to come! Your such an inspiration to me and many others, keep up all that you do!
Hi Craig!
Ugh…I owe you an email. I still have the one you sent to me months ago highlighted to answer. I’m so sorry! Thank you for being able to feel my pain through my words. I know it’s supposed to be this way but it still hurts. And it could be so much worse. I know, I get that, too. I just have to face each day as it comes and figure out what’s next and do it in a grand way. I was hoping the time would be filled with an outside job doing what I love to do the very most…telling the story of the custom harvester but that wasn’t to be. I’m still waiting for God to open the doors to fill that void. Your words certainly help push the idea of continuing to write about our adventures. It does my heart good to know there are people who really find this journey something worth following. Retirement…that’s one word I really just don’t understand. I don’t want to really see it in our lives for quite some time. And, yes one day, I’m certain we’ll meet – somewhere, sometime! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me!! They mean a lot.
Oh my, don’t apologize! I certainly I understand, and can tell just by following you through social media, that you keep yourself busy. So I never thought twice that you hadn’t replied. Certainly don’t give up on telling the story of a custom harvester! Just because you may not being doing it the way you envisioned or the way you were a custom to, doesn’t mean that God does not have an even bigger and greater plan for the way in which you tell “your story!” Keep your faith, and he will light the way!
UGH!!!! That’s all I can say. I don’t think anyone can fully prepare you for that last thing. Any of them. We always remember so many of the “firsts”. Maybe there’s a reason we don’t remember the “lasts” quite so well. I’m trying very hard not to take for granted what each day holds and yet, it still happens. I just can’t bottle everything up like I’d like to. Thank you for leaving your comment and for taking the time out of your busy day!! Blessings to you and your next stage, too.
Loved seeing the pics of Callie’s special day. And will look forward to your thoughts and photos on Harvest 16! May you have safe travels while on the “run” !
I missed this. Sorry, Deb! Guess I wasn’t checking my blog very often at this time. As you can see, we got to TX. Now…let’s get that wheat ready to cut!
You always write what I am thinking and your words flow so well. Not sure I like this empty nest either. It was nice to see all of Callie’s accomplishments and everyone the other evening. Safe travels in the near future as you start your harvest journey. Love reading your blogs.
Oh…I guess I didn’t explain that very well, did I? They are in the process of having a new house built and they sold their other one. It worked out just perfectly for them to be able to move in while we moved out. I probably should write another post explaining that. 🙂
It was fun last year but it just seemed like with cell service, it wasn’t on as often as we would have liked. Hopefully, this year will be better – hopefully.
Tracy .as always super pics & a great commentary.Eli &Nora tooo cute. Glad to see the Z Crew made it safe &sound ,did your grampa ever cut in the Claude area .What is the space in the elevators like ,will the wheat be piled on the ground or is it going to be some long hauls. May the Harvest Gods be with you & booking for raincation is hard to get.
As we are coming up on one year of living in our home, this post makes me tear up! I remember the emotions that came with building! And I am so thankful in our home build as well everything worked out as it should have!
And I’m so glad that both you and Jamie did it! And you did it with a young family because now, it will be so much more than just a house with all the memories that will be created! Good to hear from you, Jenny. XOXO
So sorry for your slow start up. So many do not understand that agriculture production is so affected by weather that is completely out of individual control. Nor are producers able to control prices either.
I know what you going thru being a northern Illinois farmer the hole spring has not been normal The crops were looking good until the last 2 nights of storms 6″ rain got about 25 acres that will drown out. Keep your faith and hope tomorrow will be better. Enjoy your posts and pictures are always the best.
Jim & Tracy so glad that every thing is safe & sound. I here you Allan Z ,our spring weather has been so swingy one week we are in the 90″s the next, well today we had frost & a frost warning tonight ,hope the canola won’t get cooked have had only 2 3/16in of rain all spring . It is sooo dry here the frogs are packing their own water!!! Alberta weather !!! Have you & Jim ever had the same experience with storms in your cutting years ? So a short raincation ( fingers crossed )
We’re hoping to get back in the field tomorrow. Tom, Jamie told me we received your gift. Thank you!! She said she would bring it with her when she comes to visit. We’ll get a picture by the real one and share it with you. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Glad to here you are that you on working at second stop,hope the Z crew gets into some of that 60 + wheat those test weights are amazing.Heard Rob Holland on the Harvest report the other day,he said it was the best wheat they have ever cut in Kansas,30bu straw & 60 -70 bu. yield ,Mint !!! Here Cochrane AB, we finally are getting some much needed rain picked up a 1/2in last nite really spotty,downtown got a gully washer yesterday up on Bow Ridge just a dust settler. The hay crops are 1/2 to 1/3 of usual. Work Safe & keep the header in the Wheat !!!
We too a field trip yesterday day with friends and family – we loved it! This operation is so thoughtful about using everything they can and not adding anything to the “dump”. They recycle and use their water four times – eventually their well water ends up back in the ground is some form – truly a real cycle of life and usage here. Cows are calm – I think they feel like royalty 🙂 Tour guides were part of the family, Cliff and Vickie – really enjoyed them and what a great life they have – I’d changes jobs any day to get away from the desk and be out in the elements with these animals. Thanks for a great time!
Always enjoy your blogs! So glad you and Conrad got to hand out the free DVD’s to the FFA chapters! And you got to talk about your life long Custom Harvesting!
Oh, Tracy! You shared your experience in Indy perfectly! I am very honored to have made your blog post, too! 🙂 Yes – once again – that “little wheat plant” correlation is the best…I love it!
What an interesting way of life! I’m from NYC and I know nothing about harvesting but it sounds lake a lot of fun. I was wondering – harvesting sounds like fun, but who does the planting and how long does it take?
The farmer does the planting and taking care of the fields until the crop is ready for harvest. As far as how long does it take? I’ll give you an idea of the cycle. When we finished cutting wheat in Colorado this fall, there was about a month window before the planting of the 2017 crop happened. Planting began late September and we won’t harvest it until July. It will weather the winter months by going dormant. When spring arrives, it will come out of dormancy and begin growing again. You can see more about our 2016 harvest by visiting the All Aboard Wheat Harvest blog. I’m excited to learn that you’re from NYC and found my blog! I hope its done its job…to educate you about where your bread comes from.
Super stuff ,Tracy ,when are you & Conrad going to have sequel about the life of Custom Harvesters?? Yes .you and Dawn look like sisters ,must be a Nebraska thing !!! Did you get a chance to check out some of the sites in Indianapolis ?
Thanks, Tom! I guess you’ll have to ask Conrad about that one. I would love to see more about the custom harvester out there. 🙂 Yes, a Nebraska thing, I’m sure. And, no, I didn’t have an opportunity to do anything in Indianapolis except the convention. That’s usually the way it is when you attend one of those. Thanks for checking in!
I really enjoyed your videos from your harvest this summer. Thanks for letting us tag along and will be looking forward to next year. From my family to yours, Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas!!! Carrie McGinnis, Comanche, Texas
So sorry, Carrie! I just realized you had left me a note and I just saw it. We had a great Thanksgiving AND Christmas! Now looking forward to a new and different year – hoping it’s one that could be a little easier on everyone. Seems I’ve heard quite a few people say they’re ready for 2016 to be over. Thank you for following along with us and I look forward to June and the wheat harvest!!! Happy New Year!
What a great post ,Tracy , I work with young people about same age as Laramie , some have worked at the golf course for several season’s so you get to know them quite well. One special young Lady is Mikayla turned 19 this year , I wish more of her generation would have a Mikayla work ethic . It was her first year with us, She is a second year U of Lethbridge student. that has her header in the wheat all the time. God Bless are young Women & Men
Tracy…the pictures so beautiful…and of the girls,gorgeous. Eli and Nora are sooo cute.
This writing…always a joy to read. “A smile happens in a flash, but the memory of it can
last a lifetime”. Be safe driving the bus… mom
Oh Tracy, as always your writing carries me away! So many blessings to be thankful for, some sadness thrown in and things to pray for. I love your writing, we love your family and are so blessed to have you in our lives. Yes, beautiful girls, adorable grandkids, smiles and tears. Can’t wait to see you again. Love you so much.
Heck I figgered you & Jim were taking the winter off and soaking your toes in some sun & sand , we haven’t heard from you in a bit . I knew that Taylor was going to have their special day in Nov. so was waiting for a full photo shoot & more, Well Tracy as usual ,your the best !!! Love the Wedding theme, Congrats Taylor & Colten !!! Since I’am on here we’ve got are Midwest March holiday planned,will ring you up in the next while, Just a Funcation with Kids & Grandkids !!!!
Thanks, Tom. Been a bit busy and it seems the blog is always the first to get pushed aside. I have several other posts I want to get on here before much more of 2017 gets going. When will you be in the States?
We will be in the States for 13 days Mar.16th to Indianapolis then driving to Lake of the Ozarks Mo. for a week or so Andy is stationed at FT. Lenard Wood then north to your end of world will be flying out of Omaha on the 29th.Just looked at your blog today and your heading to some sun & sand SUPER!!! where abouts ?
Thank you for letting all of us join you thru story and pictures of the pre-wedding and wedding! Exciting time and congratulations to Taylor and Colten!
Your pictures show what a family can do to make an outstanding wedding. Everyone contributed based on pictures and that involvement enriches the enjoyment. This is simply another outstanding event of your family. Thank you for sharing.
We (family and friends) really did all pitch in, Dave, and make it what it was. Not much for outside services, except the band and photographer. It was truly a “pitch in and get’er done” event. And for that, I have to give all our helpers credit because it turned out beautiful!
Thanks for sharing. It makes us feel like a friend even though we may never meet physically. Your last statements made a little liquid roll down my cheek. It is a wonderful experience to gain a new ” son”.
Oh…
I’m so glad you feel that way! Who knows…we may meet someday. I think now you understand why that is one of my most memorable details of the day. Thanks for letting me know you’re out there reading my tales, Paula! Happy New Year to you!
You never disappoint, Tracy—-you have a “God-given talent”—thanks for sharing!!! Blessings in 2017!!! So excited about little baby dear who will be joining our neighborhood!!
Loved every picture! I can see your gang is loved everywhere as much as you are in Jordan. It’s been a pleasure to watch your family grow thru the years and hope to continue to do so. Congratulations to Taylor and Colten.
Thanks, Carol! I certainly miss seeing you and everyone who meant so much to me over the years. Thank goodness for facebook and other social media outlets, huh! Hope 2017 is a good year for you and your family. Who knows…maybe I can get Jimbo talked into a visit to Jordan one day!
Great family pic’s Tracy. The place Taylor & Colten have is like sooo Nebraska !!! Seems like this past fall was the time to be making babies,Our Megan is due in July , My crony Missy is having her first at the end of June & your Jamie in July also. The cycle of life continues !!! Oh by the way July babies rock my Mom will be 90 on July 16th this year.
Wow, what a post. This was a well written piece that shows your true emotion. Prayers and comfort to his family still. I cannot imagine the heartache and pain of losing a child. Thanks for writing this Tracy.
I can’t imagine the pain and heartache either. It’s one thing for someone like me to feel that pain but the pain the parent must endure would be the worst. I don’t know if anyone could really do it without having a faith in God and knowing you will see them again one day. Please do pray for Wes’ family. Thank you so much!
I live in Simla and this tragic death hit many many hearts very hard. The Maranvilles are great people and a huge part of the comunity. Thank you for writing such a heartwarming piece.
I know it hit many hearts. I witnessed that at the funeral. That gym was packed! I love the Maranvilles so much and I know their loss has been a huge testimony to so many. I honestly don’t believe they (or any of us) would be able to get through something like this without knowing there is a God and He carries us through something like this. Thank you for leaving your note, Tammy!
I didn’t know Wes. My daughter did, her son, Shane, played basketball at school too. But I was there when it happened. I lived in Denver at the time, I have now moved to Simla to live out my retirement years near my family, but my daughter, Melissa, was having problems with her back at that time so I was spending a good deal of time commuting between home and here. When it happened my first thought was, “It can’t be serious, there are so many people there. They should be able to help him.” I was wrong. Your story is so moving, so well written and the pictures bring him to life for me. Thank you. He’s ok, you know. He’s happy. It’s us who hurt. He wouldn’t want that.
Yes, he’s okay and he’s happy and he’s in Heaven waiting for the rest of us to join him. You’re right…it truly is us who hurt and I’m thankful for that hurt. It means I was able to love him…even for a short while. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing YOUR story!
I won’t lie…I cried a few tears but it was very helpful to write. That’s why I started it with saying I had to write it. I hope Wes knows how special he was to me – I never told him face to face. Who would have thought I wouldn’t see him “next year”? Thank you for your kind words, Sonja. It means a lot!
I guess God needed a grain cart driver in heaven so he chose the best mankind had to offer. Thanks for sharing this young man’s story. Now he’ll live on in the hearts of those this post touched as well as the hearts of those who had the honor of knowing him.
Well, he certainly got one of the best!!!! Thank you for leaving such a thoughtful note, Doug! I can only hope I did him the honor he so deserved. It’s not often someone as young as he was leaves such a lasting impression on anyone. He was truly a gift from God.
well that was an interesting read… are you feeling the cold now?? we are certainly feeling the heat…and the humidity here in Queensland, Tracy. good to see and hear all that is going on.. I have spent first 10 days back housesitting for friends, then back to my caravan and house …. then the work started… I am out in garden weeding and trimming anytime after 5am but only last till 8am by then way too hot…. back out at 4pm till 7.30pm-ish…
Warwick has been out driving trucks oversize loads mostly… had the 2 weeks off over Christmas/ New Year… and were off to New Zealand to see other grandkids… love to you all from Australia
Kelly!
Good to hear from you! It seems so weird that you’re dealing with heat and we have a temp of 16 degrees (F). And that’s warm compared to what Katie Dilse is no doubt dealing with!! I’m jealous of the weather! Maybe one day, we’ll have to make it over to see you. 🙂
Don’t work too hard!!!
Hi, I came over from Wanda’s blog, Minnesota Farm Living. Regarding your disclaimer at the very beginning of the post that there is no gmo wheat in our food system. I thought wheat was one of the crops in the US that are gmo? So the wheat flour we buy on the grocery store shelves or any of the processed foods that contain wheat are all non-gmo?
Correct! There is no GMO wheat in our food system. There are 10 GMO foods – soybeans, innate potatoes, papaya, canola, sugar beets, arctic apples, alfalfa , cotton, summer squash, corn (field & sweet). A couple of good sites to look at are “Ask the Farmers” and “AgChat”. Thanks for leaving your note!!
Well a belated Happy Birthday Tracy! I’m glad your girls made it special for you. Those two little words do mean a lot when spoken from the heart by those you love, I found this out personally last October. Here’s to many more birthdays for the both of us! 😁
Dear Tracy…I am so “Happy” ..Jamie, Jenna, Taylor, and Callie had such a fun “Happy Birthday”
surprise for you….and Eli, and Nora..had a fun Birthday cake for you.sending my love.mom..XXOO.
Happy belated birthday 🎉. I’m glad you got to get together with your girls! My kids are still little so I try to listen to your words of wisdom! Time has already gone too fast for us!
I am so glad we were able to make the evening turn into what it was! It was just what my heart needed. When my kids were little, I honestly never even thought about the day when they wouldn’t be running around this tiny little house and creating chaos and noise. And then, all at once, it was over. Hug those little ones extra tight tonight (or tomorrow) and just remember the future holds a quiet house for you one day, too. What I wouldn’t give for a day or two of the past. Even if it meant cleaning up after a sick kiddo!! A person tends to remember the “firsts” but it’s the “lasts” that really should be paid attention to. And…sometimes, they happen and you don’t even realize it.
Happy belated Birthday Tracy. OMG yours is on the 28th ,I just turned 60 on the 29th. this means you will be getting a card at the end of Jan. from Alberta for years to come. Birthdays are measurement of time not how we look & feel about life ,Grandkids keep us young at heart,and full of Love. HarvestHer is a neat site, always log in to see what’s going on. God bless you Ladies!!!
I found the site for the buckles. Thanks. Wish they had buckles from the 1960;s. Even though the org did not exist then Has Jim started equipment work for the 2017 trip? Stay safe.
Thanks for posting your thoughts Tracy. Brought up memories of my childhood…small town, neighborhood kids and fun times with friends…that I haven’t seen in so many years. Have a good spring!
Margaret
Once again you have put words to feelings I can’t quite articulate. I’m glad the post took you to where it did. I hope you and your family have a beautiful Easter.
Thank you, Missy! Sometimes I have to wonder what thoughts might go through my head and find their way to my fingertips. Hope you have a wonderful Easter with your family, too!
Been following your family on all aboard harvest for several years. If meeting you in person it would feel like seeing a long time friend. Just discovered Nebraska wheatie recently. Keep up the good work.
Hay, Tracy, bout time you experienced some Canadian winter weather !!! Winnipeg ( winterpeg) has some of the craziest weather in Canada. Did Jim & you talk to the Macdon engineers about their headers and what improvements they should make . On the 1/64 scale side Spec-Cast has a Macdon Swather out , have one on order, finely I can figure out the divider boards ,have the reels from TractorFab. So some Wheatie South of Omaha will be get;n a treat before 2018 roll’s in . What did Jim & Kent think of the Elmers grain carts,Canadian made EH!!!
Super !! That new setup is the ticket ,mint job Jim , Organization is 90% of the battle . Since you have The Beast, The Cottage & Frank . I betcha Tracy you’ll have a name for the it . We are envious of the greenery you have , Watching the weather forecast tonight ,this will be the first time since 2007 that the Calgary area will not hit 20C /70F. in April snow & rain the rest of the week. The only thing green around here is the chives in the garden & John Deere equipment !!! Ora Love it !! Soccer is a big thing for little guys here too ,plus it’s not pricey like hockey.
I’ve been trying to think of a name. I’m certain it will come as we use it. I guess the only thing that would keep me living in the northern country would be roots and family. So, I’m guessing that’s why you’re still there. 🙂
Yes, your rite Tracy, the crew at the Golf Course were whining about the weather.I said look we don’t get hurricanes, no big time twisters, no earth quakes, no massive mud slides, so some cold & snow is easy to take. Yes we live at 3900ft asl. plus on eastern slopes of the rockies . It’s just a late spring here.
Kids are looking great…growing way too fast! Your new trailer and storage box will be a big help…bones and muscles get tired quicker each year! Enjoy your little ones before harvest travels start.
Thanks, Margaret! Yes, they just keep growing and so is their family. New one on the way – due to be here the middle of JULY. I really am excited about having that storage unit!!
We are farming in eastern PA. Most of what we hear from the middle of the country come from farmers and harvesters like you. A few farm magazines may carry an article and other farmers posts on fb. Thank you for sharing your struggles and hope with us. At the present we have had rain, sometime hard rain for the past 8 days. Our fields lay in water, but thankful for no flooding. High wind caused some local damage but not wide spread. We are not as bad as Missouri. But the weather is a part of farming.
Oh my! It sounds like you’re up against your own weather issues! Good grief! How in the world are we supposed to get done what we need to get done if the weather keeps messing with us? 🙂 Thanks for your note and I’m so glad you made the effort to say hello! God bless!
I’ve heard of the devastation in your area but like you said, not from the news stations here in Central Illinois. I am on the Women in Agriculture Facebook page and there are many women and fellow farmers in that area that posted of the damages or relief offered.
I pray God finds you work, whatever way you can. God Bless!
Why isn’t there any concern about where the food comes from? UGH!!! Somehow, we’ve got to figure out how to sing beyond the choir…right? Thank you for your prayers. They are most appreciated!!! Most appreciated!
Hi Tracy, You popped up in my twitter feed back in January & caught my attention. I’ve been trying in vain for 30 years to get my wife to drive one of our combines. Well done & keep up the good work. I’ve enjoyed reading your story and looking at the pictures of Zeorian Harvesting and trying to estimate crop yields. All the best for the coming 2017 harvest run.
Thank you, John! I don’t think you’re probably gonna get her talked into driving if you’ve been working on it for 30 years. 🙂 I’m awfully glad you enjoy my stories…that does my heart good! Pray for the harvest and the harvester (as well as the farmer) this year. I’ve got a feeling it might be a tough one!
Yes, Tracy .Jim could have had a wreck. My Father was killed in a farm accident in 1983 involving a grain truck hoist. SAFETY,SAFETY.SAFETY!!!! Were is your first stop going to be on the 2017 Harvest run,Oklahoma or Texas ?
[…] came through for us. It’s irrigated wheat and is doing quite well considering this is the wheat that was flat on the ground due to snow the end of April. It’s yielding more than 70 bushels per acre and the test weight is very good (60-62 lbs). […]
Sorry for ur loss of acres. Retired farmer-trucker here. Been following your family on AAB since way back with Jenna. Read your beautifully worded post couple days ago. Wouldn’t began to offer advice because I’m not walking in ur shoes. Notice you mention God ocassionaly. He is aware of your situation. Maybe He’s preparing you for something different. Only HE knows. He is trustworthy. We’ll be praying for you.
Lyndell & Judy Wood
Thank you for your kind words, Lyndell & Judy! I have thought about that – something different. I’ve also thought maybe it had to happen to us so I could be the one getting the word out for the industry…who knows. Whatever is next will be a step of faith…and a lot of patience. Thank you for the prayers – they’re appreciated so very much!
So sorry to hear about your short season struggle. Praying something good opens up for you yet this year. I just completed chemo again and am quite weak. David Jordan
Thanks, Dave! I’m sure sorry to hear you’re having to deal with chemo again. Darn it!! Please check in again and let me know how you’re doing.
Hugs to you!!
Tracy and Jim….keep the faith…I’m praying your work here for the fall will be ok…Matt is sending you pixs of the hail that hit my house last night about 10;30 then again at midnight…I have roof damage for sure…probably siding on the north, west and south on house. I picked up the hail on the front porch and yard. the ground was covered with the huge hail stones…..It was terrible…I keep wondering whats next……call you tomorrow about my hospital visit this morning…hugs and kisses XXXXXOOOO….mom…… I will show you my ice when you come home….good night….
Congrats Gramma & Grampa z !! Ben Joseph has a good strong & gentle ring to it .Love the pictures that Taylor has taken, Glad you’ve got work up in Montana ,If this heat wave continues it will be the hottest year on record for Calgary & area .we’re talk’n +36c or better next week .if we don’t get any rain in the next two weeks .it mise well not rain at all & have a early small yielding harvest, Wheat that was seeded May 5th is all ready turning and it’s the end of July not a good sign ! Have safe trip to Montana.
Tracy and Jim..Congratulations on Baby Ben…what a nice surprise while I was in K.C. ( your Aunt
Shirley) turned on her computer and we read your page…the pictures >>Taylor <<< took are darling..Ben is my Great #3..what a blessing….be safe ….mom……
[…] a month ago, I stayed with Eli and Nora while Jamie, Curt and Ben were in the hospital. But, as soon as they got home late Wednesday night, it was time to go back to work mode. There was […]
[…] Post, “Segregation of a GM crop from a non-GM crop adds considerably to the cost of food. Separate facilities would be required to be built from farm to the supermarket to accomplish that end (Entine).” […]
So close but yet so far, that’s great you & Jim got to check Banff out ,Cochrane is a hour north ! Still bummed out that we couldn’t have hooked up when Sandi & I were in Nebraska this March. Will have to plan a meeting place in the near future. Love Nora’s dress . Sandi has made lots of clothes for the grandkids ,now it’s American Doll gear. Looking forward to the Combine Cam pick’n up millet .
Retired farmer/trucker so it’s easy to feel a kinship. Was never on harvest run but have experienced similar machine/truck/equipment problems u have related. May God grant u safety and a great finish to ur harvest season. Without detail our last two years have been new ground for us. Judy experienced kidney failure and had a transplant in January (living donor). It’s amazing to see the handiwork of God in all this. Thanks for sharing your life’s story and struggles so openly. God bless. Lyndell
Oh my…Judy (and you) have certainly had a huge trial to overcome. How wonderful is the miracle of organ donation??? Thank you for your encouraging words! I know God has a plan and I just have to be patient with seeing the outcome.
We did! I found some cute ones at the Canadian Superstore – I love that store! Jamie sent me a picture of all three of them in their Canadian shirts. 🙂
Thank you Tracy for sharing your life and pictures with all of us. You will never believe this, but I just finished writing you a letter and then saw this email come through. I still think we are kindred spirits in so many ways. Love you guys so much!!
Yer, cutt’n perfect with these pic’s Tracy. In my eyes Eli sure looks like Jim. Glad you made it Home, Home on the safe side, Good to see the Beast is into the Nebraska Harvest !!!
Tracy , looks like you had a fun afternoon with Eli and Nora..they are soooooooo cute.My birthday flowers are so pretty,still after a week. You and Callie have a safe trip…have fun…love and kisses
mom….
Love the pictures Tracy !! Grandkids are so much fun!!! Who had a bigger day Gramma or Eli & Nora ? That Ben is toooo cute, sure has a head of hair!! Waiting for the next parts of Nebraska Wheatie on how to remove the hide off of a feline .
Thanks for your note, Tom! Those darn kids make life way more interesting than just the two of us. As far as having a bigger day? I think we will equally share that competition. In the end we were all happy and had a great day!
OMG Tracy…I know EXACTLY how you feel! I have to go back to September 29…and it`s the same…so much has happened and catching up seems so daunting. You have given me inspiration to get it done…of course, it will have to be after the toy auction…and the toy show…and…
Enjoy reading your posts especially the history of your harvesting stories and how other farmers face the up and downs of life. Thank You, Dan Quigley from Ireland
Thank you, Dan. Seems I really have to be in the mood to do the memories. And, it seems lately, I find myself thinking about those memories and the people who are/were a part of them. Maybe it’s because my schedule has slowed down. Maybe it’s because I’m older. Maybe it’s just because I find myself cherishing the days that are now part of who I am.
Tracy….PLEASE ..do not stop writing…..you remind me of the “Little House On The Prairie”
stories…maybe someday someone will make your life into a book series too…love and kisses
XXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…mom
Aawww, look at you two adventurous ladies! What a wonderful experience. Cant’ wait to hear about the trip home. I would have gladly gone with you if Callie hadn’t. 🙂
So, I’m not the only one. 🙂
The memories are so much fun to relive through pictures and video! I’m so glad I was always taking them. If I didn’t have them…I’m afraid a lot of things would be gone.
Thank you, Bill! I’m thinking maybe I should dig out my photo albums and start reliving harvests past – seems to be something everyone enjoys seeing and I enjoy reliving. 🙂
Tracy ,of all your Nebraska Wheatie posts this to me is the best !! You should write a book on the stories of Custom Harvesters and their families experience’s. How is Ben doing ? our Harrison is inching his way around on his elbows ,almost 8 mo.old. Time Stands Still For No One !! Stay warm ,we have had a big dump of snow this week ,was -40f with the wind chill on Fri.
Thanks, Tom! I guess I’m not the only one who likes to relive the past once in awhile and see the “olden days”. 🙂
Ben is sitting up on his own now and started saying “da da da da”. Babies are so much fun. He’s almost six months.
Tracy…See I’m not the only one that keeps encouraging you to write your family story. I remember your junior high teacher telling you that when you wrote the story about your Great Gpa Koch,s
“hands”..while sitting with him on his big porch.I think I gave your school papers to you some time ago…another memorie….keep up the good work….. 🙂 mom
Isn’t that a CRAZY thought? To think about how many times prior to meeting someone did they actually cross paths? Especially with harvest. Thank you for leaving your note, Tony Mayer. (Something happened to your comment, Tony. I can’t seem to find it now.)
[…] had a nine-day window of time before Callie and I had to be back to Vegas to pick up the Nebraska Wheat Growers’ Mobile Baking Lab from the convention […]
It was a GRAND time! I hope you can find a picture of what the inside looked like. It was very much like a small kitchen – sink, large mixer, oven, cupboards, etc. And it smelled so good. 🙂
Great family shots, this summer we’ll be travelling from Chicago to Utah and back, Hendrik’s plan is to go and see the harvester crues, We hope we find the yellow beast too on our way!
Super pics Tracy !! Those Grand Kids are sure growing ,Ben sure looks like his sister .Was at Megan’s & Nathan’s on Sunday to see the Boy’s , Ethan 5 & Harrison 8 1/2 mo. Ethan made Grampa the best Birthday card ever it’s on my tool box at work . Do you have Muttin Busting at Rodeo’s in NE, ? Eli should try it . Harrison is at a soooo cute stage ,Megan let him feed himself tor the first time last week end he was a happy little guy, plus he is almost crawling ,discovered Keeda’s water bowl was having a blast splashing & drinking till he got busted by Mom !!! With Grand Kids life just wouldn’t be rite !!!
I Hear Ya Tracy. Our weather is ever changing, we had the 3rd snowiest winter since 1896 here in Cochrane & area. Had a big grass / stubble fire south of Three Hills today, All that snow then fires ?? Lots of no till so this will happen , the weather dudes say 18 is going to be the 5th hottist year on record up here. The Lord is always testing us.
First, thanks for being honest! Your sincerity is felt throughout the post. I hope that things have a way of working out – your faith is wonderful! Also – have you ever explored cutting in the PNW? We seem to have more and more acres here custom harvested, but I don’t know how someone new breaks into that market….
Thanks for your note, Darcy! I’m sure things will work out and if they don’t, what’s the worst that can happen? We sell out, I guess. PNW – I’m guessing that’s Pacific North West. That’s a long ways away from home and I’m not sure what time of the year your crops are harvested. We have to keep in mind that fall harvest starts here at home about the first part of October. And, as you mentioned…how do you find the acres – especially if you don’t know anyone?
YES! You should definitely stop and see the Arch, if you can. Take the time and see some of these amazing little “gems”. I guess you just have to find them.
Yes, Nebraska holds so many treasures .Read a great book on the Oregon Trail ,the author Rinker Buck & his brother did an road trip with 3 mules an rebuilt wagon ,era of the ones used on the trail. A super read, this was in 2012. Taylor has such a gift !!! Thank you so much Tracy for sharing your adventure.
Thank you, Margaret! The blooms on the trees are already drying up and losing their beauty. Too much wind and too much heat. Will have to wait a whole nother year before I can see and smell them. 🙁
Loved your description and pictures of the Kearney Archway. Ken and I will have to add that stop to our bucket list. It was wonderful getting to spend the weekend with you, Taylor and Callie. Enjoy your spring weather!
YES! You will definitely have to add that to your bucket list, Jeanne! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you and Ken, as well! It feels like we have known you forever and this is only the second time we’ve ever seen you. Who knows…maybe one day, we’ll get to MI and see you! I hope your trip home was uneventful!
Wasn’t it fun? I knew you would love it! Thanks for sharing pics and your story with us all. Love your yard-so beautiful! My apple trees are in full bloom now so maybe we will have apples again this year.
I must respond to your comments about hugs. I grew up in a family of non huggers. Married a hugger. After attending the same church most of our married life Judy has converted a somewhat reserved group of people (including me) to huggers. It’s not unusual to hear someone hollar hey Judy, where’s my hug today. Really enjoy your blog and harvest stories.Thanks for sharing.
This made me smile, Lyndell! Good to know that maybe something good will come from all of those hugs given out…some who want them and some who don’t! Thanks for reading my words and for taking the time to let me know you’re there.
towns here in rural Ireland are dying a few big stores and the small traders loosing out everything is happening in Dublin its like two different worlds. I enjoy reading your posts the past seems better than the future looks hope Im wrong. all the best from Dan
And once again…sounds like we mirror each other! I’m so glad you take the time to read my stories and thoughts! Sometimes I have to wonder if anyone takes the time. I’m glad you let me know you do. 🙂
We toured the archway shortly after it opened, evidently it has evolved a lot! We get to Kearney often and must make time to tour again, Thanks for the tour! Lots to enjoy in Nebraska in the spring (between winter and humidity!) It’s better than drying up and blowing away.
Yes! You must take time to tour again. I’m pretty certain you would love the experience! Nebraska spring usually has lots of wind but it isn’t usually hot and no humidity. And when, and if, you make it to our area, will expect you to stop in!!!
Thanks, Jeanne! The love of history is something I can blame on my Grandma. I can pass on the wars and the world history but the time era of the pioneers and later just intrigue the heck out of me. I really enjoy Lewis and Clark history! The day turned out to be a GREAT one, that’s for sure!
Thank you, Carol! And thank you for taking the time to let me know!!!! I’m sorry that it’s taken me this long to find out what a treasure Tecumseh truly is! I know where I will go the next time I’m in town for a track meet, that’s for sure.
The Bubble Gum Bandit !! Love it !! Your Gramma ,sounds like she was a real straight shooter!! Thanks for giving us some more history of being a Custom Harvester,
She was a great teacher and probably didn’t even know it. Wish I could sit down with her over a cup of coffee. Especially about the upcoming harvest and just how uncertain everything is.
[…] taking over Grandpa’s harvest business was what he wanted to do. I found an article that had been written and published in the Sidney, Nebraska Telegraph. So many things have changed since […]
We are so sorry for the way things are this year for you. There are so many difficult issues to deal with. Chuck and I will pray for you and ask God to give you wisdom, encouragement and work!!
I hope I don’t sound like I’m whining. Just wanted to let everyone know why we weren’t leaving yet. It’s sort of the same feeling I had when I had to wave goodbye to the rest of the crew as they were pulling out on the highway and I knew I had to stay home, home. Thank you for the prayers!!
Sorry to here of the negative effects that the crazy weather and changing times are causing for a great family in a very challenging industry at best. I pray that God continues to bless your efforts in 2018 and beyond.
Thank you, David! I know we’ll get through this. Because I just know who’s in control. It’s just a very sick-to-your-stomach feeling watching and knowing everyone else is heading south without us. Although, I do know it’s not just us feeling the strain of what harvest18 is doing to the custom harvesters right now. It’s definitely not like it used to be when we left home and knew what stops we had and where we would be. Just stick with us! Hopefully, some good adventures are in the plan. 🙂
Translation of what Ricardo said:
“Very sad what is happening to you. May God protect you and open wheat fields for the 2018 harvest!”
Thank you, Ricardo! We’ll take whatever God provides and be thankful! It’s just so scary when you can’t see the whole picture! When it’s over, maybe we’ll be able to say, “Now I know why it happened that way!”
Translation to Ricardo – Obrigado Ricardo! Nós tomaremos tudo o que Deus prover e seremos gratos! É tão assustador quando você não consegue ver a foto toda! Quando acabar, talvez possamos dizer: “Agora sei por que aconteceu assim!”
Good morning Tracy….Things always seem to work out..great pictures..Nice pix of Gma/Gpa and
Grandkids…and the picture of “Happy Father’s Day ” 2012 nice picture of your Dad,Mark and Matt
enjoyed the up date…be safe….love you..mom 🙂
Wow !! those cloud formations are like too much!! Yep the great white combine .not a friendly machine. Here’s a simple Raincation meal ,Salsa chicken .2 beasts ,score them in three places add your best liked salsa in a normal sized oven dish bake for 25min. at 350f ,take out, add your favorite shredded cheese back in heat till the cheese is melty, about 5-10 min. This my design ! So glad the Z Crew has the header in the wheat. Work SAFE ,God Bless !
Yes, Tom, the storms have been amazing – just one more challenge for the summer! Day to day is the only way we can do this job this year. No plans are safe to make because they just get changed. 🙂
Thanks for the recipe!! We’re hoping we can get back to work tomorrow – the machine is unloaded and ready to go!
Oh my goodness Tracy, what a storm! I am glad you are all okay and the damage wasn’t any worse, although, those dents look pretty bad. So glad for your harvest so far, keep on going. Be careful out there. We’ve had some bad storms from Limon on east. Love you guys.
Hi from up North in Eastern Canada, Brockville, Ontario,,,,i love to read your posts and see the pics, my oldest son worked a season with a Custom Harvestor from Minnesota, started in April til November, it was a great experience for him.
Well hello, Ray! So glad you took the time to write a note to me! I’m so glad your son got to experience the harvest adventure! I know a couple of harvesters from MN. I’m certain one day he’ll be glad he fits in with the group of people who did it rather than saying, “I always wanted to but didn’t”.
God bless!
Beautiful post; thank you for being courageous and vulnerable in sharing! I haven’t experienced miscarriage but was silent about other issues in my life. Agree with you that we need each other and that God has a plan for each of us in whatever we face!
Thank you for your kind words. I think when we remain silent we secretly think “I got this” when, in fact, having support would actually be best. But…it all comes with experience. I can’t imagine going through these life trials without faith in a loving God. 🙂
Thank you for sharing. My mother lost a baby between my brother and I 60 years ago. She expressed to me her feelings when I was expecting our first child. At that time it was spoken of even less. Mom says her faith in God and His plan along with Dad was her only sorce of strength and comfort.
Unfortunately, sometimes that’s all someone going through this sort of life challenge has these days too. Because no one wants to speak up. It’s almost like it’s a curse to say you’re pregnant and then lose the baby. It shouldn’t be that way. We all need support. Thank you for sharing your memories!
Love your posts. We custom harvested back in the 60’s with 2 403 IHC combines with 16′ headers. No cabs. We would start in Alva, OK, stop in Stafford and Hill City, KS then to Holyoke, Co. and one time we went to Kimball, NE. We talked my Dad into going to Cheyenne Frontier Days that year.
THANK YOU for your note, Charles! You are the one who should be writing your memories of early years harvest down! I wish so often that I could talk harvest stories with my grandpa again. Cheyenne Frontier Days…a special treat if it worked out! I remember getting to go a couple of times, as well. So glad you enjoy my words and check in once in awhile. I appreciate that you took the time to write a note!
Thank goodness you had your handy dandy fire extinguisher! Our weather here in Idaho got cooler too…which we’ve enjoyed because we’d been having 100*+ days for too long. And the storm took away the smoke for a short time. It was nice to see blue skies not hidden by smoke…which has returned but not as bad as before. Hope your next few days go well and then a safe trip home. Enjoyed the pictures and story. Take care!
Good to hear from you, Margaret! Yes! Thank goodness for that fire extinguisher…it just wouldn’t have been enough had the fires been anything more than they were. But, this time it all worked out with a good ending. Enjoy your cooler weather and those beautiful blue skies!!
Super post Tracy. So glad you & Robin got it out !! lucky the combine didn’t go up ! Preventive maintenance is a must on a Combine , bearings ,bushings, belts only last so long. One must know what part of the machine wears most & has more stress on it Yes Jim & I are on the same page of blowing off a combine after the day is done. Work Safe !
Oh, Tracy! NOTHING worse than a fire in a wheat field! Saw a burned out combine in Kansas while visiting my In laws…..completely destroyed! Glad that didn’t happen to you guys and that everyone was OK!
Me too! But you can certainly understand it a little more after seeing how very quickly everything started. Had the wind been blowing any stronger than it was we could have had a real issue on our hands. Those fire extinguishers do their job, but there wasn’t much left when I got to the second one. Thanks for your note, Norm!
Thanks, Ivan! There were quite a few pictures! I keep this blog mostly for my kids and grandkids. I will print it at the end of the year so I HAD to include them all. 🙂
Thank you for your note.
Thanks for sharing. I went for 4 years with Peters Harvesting in the 90’s. Those are adventures I wil never forget. Love to read how you all are doing. Now living south of lincoln I still tell people of those adventurers. Enjoy yoir time at home.
My grandparents were friends with Peters’ Harvesting – small world. We are finally settled back into being home and trying to pick a little corn. The weather seems to be the issue for us and a lot other harvesters. Thanks for following our journeys and for leaving a note!!!
Fantastic post Tracy !! Love your pictures ,the best are of Jamie’s photo’s of the crew, they are soooo cute , time doesn’t stand still for that bunch !! Did your Z flower garden make it back Home Home ? A little Rodeo history ,Belle Fourche SD. was the home of Mark & Marvin Garrett ,bareback World champion’s. That big yellow bucket is half of the dump box for a Oil Sands Truck ,maybe a 777 CAT. head’n up to Fort Mac. Alberta. We are going to have our first Stegmeier grandchild in Feb 2019 super stuff !!
[…] until last night, though. Phase three of coming back home is yard work. As you will recall from my last post, phases one and two happened right away. I figured I would eventually get through the weeds and all […]
Yep, Harvest 2018 is a test and then some , Tracy don’t you worry about putting the corn header in the rite row, you will do just fine . It is a lot easier than trying to figger out how some people swath a circle and to open it up. Please keep us in the loop .Work Safe !
Thanks for the nice update… Great to hear that you are getting to enjoy Corn harvest. Soybeans can be a challenge. Nice of you to go the Trump rally. I attended his speech last March at the American Farm Bureau convention in Nashville OpryHouse. Our sorghum harvest in SW Kansas has been delayed by the rains too. ARRO kit sales are going pretty good. I’m going to the Bi-Rotor auction on Monday. Hope to get them bought, but didn’t win the Lottery… so not much chance of that happening.
Well, I’ve got the hang of soybean harvest now. It’s the corn that I’m still unsure of. Beans and wheat are somewhat the same. 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed the energy at the Trump rally. People backing the American way!!
Good luck with getting your bid on the combines. I wish they would have done something with them before his death. I feel bad for him and those of you who put so much time and effort into the idea. It looked like it should have been something the manufacturers should have used. All that work for nothing – or so it appears.
Tracy, so glad you got to do some more harvesting. Amazing that you find the fall crops so different from a harvesting perspective. I loved that Eli and Nora are getting the experience of the harvest with their Gramma. The tradition continues.❤️ Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Oh my, yes! The fall crops are so different to me. I felt a little more comfortable in the seat and doing what I was doing towards the end of the season. Maybe after next year, I can say I feel even better. Yep…they asked me if I’d do it again next year. 🙂 I’m so glad the kids want to come along. I have such fond memories of riding in the cab of a combine with my grandpa and in the cab of a truck with my grandma. Some of the very best!
Merry Christmas to you guys, too!
Never be afraid of the unknown ,you will embrace it and go forward . Life is a never ending class room ,we are always learning .I knew you would do your best &then some. Love the in cab pic’s of Nora &Eli ,nap time or what !!! Tracy your fall photo’s are MINT . Super info on your fall harvest run ,it is on my bucket list to come down and feel a Nebraska fall harvest . Dad always said if you ain’t —–‘n up you ain’t doing much!! My saying is Experience is a whole lot’a —–up’s Mother Nature sure did test Custom Harvesters & Farmers alike this fall . Next year EH !!
Your words are always so encouraging, Tom. Thank you! I am such a detail person. I probably have way greater expectations on myself than I should. It’s just who I am. Yes!!! We harvesters surely did have a great test with harvest 2018. I hope 2019 is a bit easier on all of us.
Merry Christmas to you and your family! God bless!!
Ray…good to hear from you! Thank you for your kind words. They encourage me to write when I know someone actually takes time to read them. I understand the “once a farmer, always a farmer”. I’ve never farmed but if I had to to totally leave the world of agriculture, I don’t think it would even feel right.
Merry Christmas!
Loved your fall harvest story and pictures…grandkids are growing up to fast! I sent your story on to our son Chris (47)…he does all of our combining…corn, wheat and until a couple years ago, alfalfa seed. You’d hate that Tracy…they have to move SO slow combining alfalfa seed! Son Chris and husband Ron met Jenna a few years back when they were at the Claas factory. We did buy the combine. We don’t do the acres you do, just our own place. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and good harvesting in 2019!
Margaret Smith
Good to hear from you, Margaret!
Yep!! I remember they came to Omaha and met Jen. 🙂 The people who are pros at the fall crop probably laughed at my experience. I was asked to help next year so, hopefully, I’ll have a little more experience with it this time next year. Life is a journey and ya might as well do all you can…before you can’t.
Thank you so much for leaving your note. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! And let’s hope 2019 is good for all of Ag.
Glad to see your post. I was curious as to how you got along with the fall harvest. We are just down the river from you here in northwest Missouri and still trying to finish corn harvest, hopefully this week. Couldn’t buy a rain all summer and then nine inches first two weeks in October and four snows after that. At least we got the beans out and the corn has stood well and is yielding good for what it has been through. Should have known it was going to be an interesting season when we got six inches of snow on Easter Sunday. Had the same experience with an eagle chasing rabbits on our last day of bean harvest, he even resorted to chasing them on foot, made for a fun couple hours watching him. Your grandkids have a little more comfortable place to nap in todays combines. I can still remember the naps I took in the Massey 510 on that ledge behind the seat riding with my dad. Wonderful memories. Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and lots of wheat to cut next year.
I am also aware of the comfiness of that ledge behind the seat on the Massey combines. I remember quite clearly being in the combine with my grandpa and standing next to him while he was running the combine. And eventually climbing behind him for a nap on that ledge. 🙂 What great memories!! There is a small ledge behind the seat in the New Holland cab. It could provide a great place for a very small child. But a blanket on the floor with a coat as a pillow seems to be the best way to take a long nap these days. Hope you are able to get that harvest done this week. It looks like Eastern Nebraska is in for a warm up of temps – nearing 40 degrees. It will be time to break out the shorts and tank top…HA!! The 2018 harvest has certainly provided plenty of challenges for everyone. Thanks for taking time to leave your note.
Tracy, I know you and I know you did a great job! I relate to the break down, but I am sure anyone else would have had that happen in the same situation. I still love your writing-you have a wonderful way with words which make your stories come to life. So glad you got to do that and also enjoy having those grandkiddo’s spend some time with you. Love you guys. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all!
Thank you for your note, Linda! Good to hear from you. Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas. It went way too fast. Seems like it takes so long to prepare for and before you know it, it’s just over. I sort of need a Christmas music fix about now.
While I enjoyed cutting wheat, I loved the fall harvest most of all. Cool mornings, hot afternoons and bright colors accompanied the bean harvest on our Indiana farm. Late starts and long nights in the combine transitioned into cold mornings, cool afternoons and even longer days as the leaves disappeared from the trees and we moved into the corn harvest. Most years the snow would fly before we would finally put the combine away for the year. As a matter of fact I relived a cold, windy, snowy January day in the combine in a blog I wrote several years ago. So many happy memories from my past are related to the fall harvest. Thanks for bringing some of those memories back to the surface with your posts and pictures. 😊
Merry Christmas and may God bless you and yours in the coming year and keep you all safe and healthy.
I know one storm does not make a winter, but I hope you are getting enough snow and rain to improve conditions over last year. GC. from North Carolina.
I also hope the weather treats us well this year. We harvesters need a year that doesn’t challenge the spirit and the pocket book quite so much! Good to hear from you, Gene. I pray your new year is a great one!
[…] what I have already told and how much I really do have to get caught up on. The last post was about what I learned about fall harvest. And it was […]
It’s hendrik, but I still love reading your stories, both from harvest aswell from your family traditions! And your travels, if you guys make road trips you travel the way we do in the US! Lots to see especially if you’re into agriculture! This year, 2019, we will be travelling again from the midwest to Seatlle so perhaps we’ll succeed to seeyou on your run this year! Happy Newyear to youand your entire family and I’m still convincedyou should bundle these stories into a book!
I know Hendrik…others have told me this as well. I’m curious, though, who in their right mind would buy a book with my memories in it? 🙂
I hope we get to see you and Anita in 2019. The harvest seems to have a mind of its own, though. Thank you for taking the time to leave a note. Here’s to a new year…new memories…and good health! Thanks for being such a loyal Z Crew follower.
Love the post!! Those family pictures are blessed and then some. We are having a real easy winter so far -26C with wind chill has been the coldist so far. But March is our worst month up here for kooky weather. Here’s to a safe & successful 2019 !!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on John Kennay. I lived about 3 miles from him about 20 years ago…but didn’t know him. I knew his name, knew of him, but didn’t really know him. In the last couple years we started following each other on Twitter. We commented on each other’s posts when our paths had crossed. It shook me when I heard about his passing, too. Thanks, again.
I just wonder if any of us truly know how many lives we touch in a lifetime? Thank you for taking the time to leave your note, Kevin! If we’re not friends on Twitter…I guess we should be!
Well Written,,,i ve been following this tragedy since it started ..Stay Strong,,,Work Together,,,Be There for Each Other,,,the only way to get by in these times. Wishing All Better Days Ahead, from Your Friends in Canada.
So beautifully written! We have been thinking about Nebraska and praying for so many folks we know. We have been wondering about all the Zeorian’s. So glad to read this post. Love you guys.
Zcrew YOU ARE NEBRASKA STRONG. !!!!!!!! Jenna I hope one of the TV stations reads this.
maybe some one will put a “bug” in their ears….it is radio/TV material I am so PROUD…
love you sooooooooo much Gma Barb……
.
One of your best post ever Tracy !! Family so special ,Callie going to the land down under mint stuff.Taylor& Colton head’n to Lake of the Ozarks, have been both there .Where about’s is Callie heading to in AUS. ? Sure hope Taylor & Colton have a super time on the Lake . You & Jim are so blessed .
WONDERFUL recap – thanks for sharing your season. it’s so interesting to read about operations so much larger than ours, and your photography is well-done and exciting. clapclapclap. we rent out the cropland on our little farm here, and this year, our new renter is doing just corn and hay. it’s only about 60 acres. both crops have been absolutely beautiful – which is amazing since we had such a late, wet spring. but he got it all prepped and planted at just the right time. probably the only three dry and sunny days we had in the spring. best wishes for your work at home this fall and winter. i’m a relatively new reader, so will be going back in your blog to learn more. –suz in hilly northeast ohio.
I’m sure you’re referring to the larger operations being the farmers we cut for. We aren’t farmers. We only own the one acre our house sits on in Nebraska. Thank you for your kind words about my picture-taking abilities. Photography has always been something I have loved to do. I just never really did anything with it. I just love taking way too many pictures! I hope you’ve gone back to some of my earlier writings and have learned a little more about me and my family. If you ever have any questions, please let me know! My email address is zcrew82@gmail.com. So glad you found my blog!
Tracy
ahhh – no, i knew you were custom cutters, but you mentioned something above about the crops changing at home, so i thought you meant you still had beans or corn to harvest at home yet. that’s why i need to go back in your blog, lol.
a lot of places around here are on third-cut hay now and silage, but beans are still in various stages of green-ness, with only a little bit of gold, because of the late spring planting, and field corn will be well after that. we also have a lot of veg and fruit growers around here, and while the sweet corn and tomatoes have been better than usual, apples and peaches have been ok, but not at good as last year. more than you wanted to know, i’m sure … and thanks for the email address. –suz in ohio
Yes! You’re right!! We do have beans and corn to do at home. Jim and “The Beast” will go help the same farm family he has for the last 30 some years. No trucks are needed so it’s just the two of them. I have never had anything to do with fall harvest until last year. I helped some friends with their fall harvest last year by driving their combine. I had never cut soybeans or corn – more than just as a brief sub while Jim had to do something else. That was a whole new learning curve for me. It takes way more thinking to cut both of those crops – especially when it involved terraces. By the time it was over last fall, I sort of felt like I was getting the hang of it. They asked me to help again this year. It will be good to crawl back into the cab of a combine, especially when it will be very similar to ours. I’ll try to blog about my experiences with fall harvest again.
Oh no! Don’t apologize for filling me in about the other crops that are grown and harvested around your area. I love hearing about all and anything that has to do with harvest.
thank you for another season of interesting writings and pictures. I find comparing your years interesting and informative. Well Done ! You share wonderful insights into a life most of us will never know, especially for those of us that grew up on a farm. Thank you for all of your efforts. from North Carolina.
Gosh, Gene, this is probably one of the nicest comments I’ve received. Thank you! I started this little blog thing in hopes of educating others about what the heck we do. Comments like yours makes me feel like all my efforts have been good. And this makes my heart happy. God willing we’ll be back again next summer! I’m learning not to take things for granted – you never know when things can completely change. So thankful for readers like you who continue to read my words. 🙂
I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog and following the adventures on Facebook. I’m sorry that your season had such an anti climactic ending. I love Combine harvesters, have ever since I was a kid and even got to drive one for a season. 🙂 . You would think with the English weather the harvest would never get done but in my part of England the summers can be pretty dry, if not a bit on the cloudy side. Mark in Northamptonshire, England.
This is the BEST part about social media. To think that someone from England reads what the heck I write (or video) just blows my mind! It’s such a small world…it really is. I love being in the combine. I just don’t understand how someone can sit in the cab every day, all day long and still say that. I honestly believe it’s a sickness of some kind. 🙂
Thank you for letting me know you’re out there, Mark! I appreciate hearing from you!!
As you are probably aware all that rain in the upper Missouri river watershed plus the heavy rains we have had here in eastern Nebraska has caused the river to flood again. Interstate 29 is closed in some locations because of high water.
More than love the pictures ,so nice that You & Jim had a great raincation .one needs to see and experience natures wonders .Montana is on our bucket list ,I tell Sandi it’s only 3hrs south !!
My father in law and stepson live in Thermopolis so I’ve been there and taken many of the same photos, plus a few thousand more. 😂 Great little town, amazing scenery. Glad you had a good raincation and glad to see you made it home safely.
I feel your pain! Many years ago I had a customer decide he could finish his corn on his own so I went from full steam ahead to full stop over night. Didn’t get closure that fall, didn’t get to say goodbye. 😥
To me…that’s the worst! Those connections are sometimes difficult to explain but they’re real and when you can’t have the closure (even with a simple goodbye), it just doesn’t right. Thanks for understanding!
My hometown is Jordan and I get to hear about you and your family and how special you all are. I feel like I know you …. at least a bit from my sisters and Nicole.
I absolutely love that little town and the people who live there! Every time we leave, it’s like leaving home again. Just thinking about everyone there now makes me homesick. Who are your sisters?
Thank you, Sharon! It’s very “freeing” for sure! No more will I have to think about someone seeing my white streak when the wind blows. Now my white hair just blows. 🙂
Thanks for posting so many pictures along with your story of the past few months! Lots of smiles and good times. Congrats on your new granddaughter…a real cutie just like her cousins. Look forward to your 2020 adventures. Take care, Margaret
P.S. Tell Nora I loved her Christmas dress…I wore one just like it for Christmas including the black leggings…but she looked much more adorable! 🙂
Good to hear from you, Margaret! I’m glad you enjoyed looking at all those pictures! You see, I have to post them here because I print each year and this is the one way I can keep my pictures readily accessible. I just let them pile up on me! Thanks for your note.
Thanks for sharing your adventures. Brings me back to the mid 90’s when I went on the harvest 4 years with Peters Harvesting. I really enjoy hearing all the stories and enjoy all the pics. You all don’t live far from me in Nebraska. Makes it fun to hear you talk about things back home too. Thanks again and best of luck in 2020.
I know Roger Peters. Those harvest days are some of the best memories only a few can say they’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. I’m glad you enjoy reading my stories, Robert! And…thanks for leaving your note.
Hi Tracy and the Z-crew family. The pictures of your holiday with Jim,and the parties with the family, up dating us all are very very nice. The pictures of Baby Layne and Eli, Nora and Ben
sooooooooo cute!!!! Baby Layne looks soooo much like her mommy, had to get the baby book
out and compare. So happy you wrote the update. mom, Gma,and Gt/Gma 🙂
I so agree with you! Just for awhile to go back and see and be with the loved ones we don’t have anymore. I was very close to my mom’s mom. Gram and I had such wonderful times together. Like you with your grandmother…I know if we’d been the same age we would have been BFF’s! 🙂
Thanks for showing the picture…put it in a special place to be viewed often!
Margaret Smith
Looks like you had a wonderful 2019. Thanks for sharing your adventures and the many great pictures. God’s blessings to you and your family. Best wishes for more great 2020 visions.
Hello from the high risk seats!
So glad to have finally gotten together for “Mexican night”. Was a great evening!
Looking forward to the next one.
COVID has sure spun our world in a different direction! At the risk of being boring I will relate our days events. Had another treatment today, new protocols, but all went well. Another patient, Bob, and I are on the same treatment schedule of the same clinical study and developed a friendship. Today we were discussing events in our earlier lives similar to current issues. We both grew up in the polio era which was completely unknown and only treatment of which I was aware was the iron lung. If you knew anyone my age who had a shrunken leg , it was probably polio. Knew at least 10 kids who were affected with leg paralysis etc. Some are still around. Believe there were fatalities, don’t recall details. That was s scary time! Bottom line is we are very small boats in a very large sea.
Best wishes to all, Bill
Hi Tracy, The pictures are soooo cute…I am so happy you took the kids to the circus. and it tickled me too, that Eli asked you about the circus, He can have the tickets again next year, if they
even have a repeat.It will be a memory from his Great Gma Barb :). hugs and kisses XXOO mom
Up here we are safe ,sound & keeping distance .Sandi is in retirement mode , she got throwed under bus by a bunch of directors ,you know the feeling . Hope JIm is feeling better. We try to get out for good walk on the weekends as I am still swinging wrench’s at Lynx Ridge Golf Course , so fortunate to have work in these unknown times . Fresh & sunshine is a must,Sandi try’s to walk every day we have miles of tails here . That Layne sooo cute!!! You ,Jim & Family take care, be safe ,Big Hugs
Enjoyed hearing how y’all are doing. I dropped my Facebook account and really haven’t missed it much. I drop into Harvesther from time to time for updates and stories.
Here in the Florida panhandle we are preparing for planting and secretly enjoying a reduction in traffic. My husband became enraged at the amount of spring break crowds that thronged to the beach and wished for Donald Trumps border wall to be erected at the state line. He got his satisfaction when state troopers started turning vehicles around or ordering them to quarantine in place once they reached their destination.
Me, I’m sad. I miss the chaos we ignored, the fast food, restaurants with a lunch buffet, the availability of hand sanitizers, etc…
But really I’m lost. I miss the local congregation, Wednesday night children’s church, the fellowship and support of gathering to hear God’s word.
And this new normal I am afraid will linger into the summer and beyond.
I pray a smooth start to y’alls harvest year and for many days to come.
Miss all of the Harvesther family!
Sincerely
Tonya Land
Tonya, I sent you a personal email to the address I see on the comment. Maybe you didn’t get it. It’s so good to hear from you!!! I’ve wondered why I hadn’t heard from you. This is such crazy times and seems to be getting crazier! Please check in again sometime.
As always Tracy, “FABULOUS”… I wasn’t there with you and family…the picture stories,.gave me feeling, as if I was. have a Great summer..be safe..love you mom..:) 🙂
I’m afraid that this will change us “forever”, I don’t see how it can’t. While I know there will be negative affects from this, I’m trying to focus on the good things I am seeing. I know in this neighborhood, kids are no longer playing outside alone. Mom and Dad are out there too. Families are drawing closer together during this time of quarantine. I also believe all this fear mongering has opened up more Bibles than ever before. Some of the programs I listen to on Bott radio are talking about the higher than usual calls and request they are receiving from people who are finding or rediscovering God in all this. But the biggest thing I am seeing, is that people are finally seeing where the real evil lies in all this and are starting to push back against Satan and his lies. I am praying we come out of this with stronger families, stronger faith, and a stronger nation.
Thanks for another great post and for sharing a glimpse into your life. Can’t believe how far you all have come since Jenna’s first post on All Aboard all those years ago, especially Jim. He’s gone from scowling at the camera to running it for you! He even has his own Twitter account now. Take care, stay healthy, and I hope you have a great summer!
Great read Tracy, those grandkids so cute !! Looking forward to your Harvest 2020 blogs .Work safe , keep the header in the wheat ,no big break downs & very few raincations
Hey Tracy! As you head out, I thought you might appreciate the following “blessing” for harvest convoys. I’m including it in my July Harvest News column, for those heading out or moving from location to location. Best Blessings!
A Blessing of Harvest Convoys
Leader: Today we ask God’s mercy and favor on all who travel the harvest road, especially those among us today. We pray that the Lord will grant us a safe journey to the next ripe field, favorable travel and harvest conditions along our way, and joyous meetings with old friends and new at every stop. May we praise God with every hour and mile that passes, with every act of hospitality we give and receive, with every opportunity to give glory to God with our thoughts, words and actions.
One: God has put his angels in charge of us.
All: To guard us in all our ways. (Ps 91:11)
One: God leads us in right paths for his name’s sake.
All: God leads us beside still waters; he restores my soul. (Ps 23:3)
One: All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness:
All: For those who keep his covenant and decrees. (Psalm 25:10)
Leader: Let us pray. Lord God our Father, you kept Abraham and Sarah in safety throughout the days of their pilgrimage; you led the children of Israel through the midst of the sea; and by a star you led the Wise Men to the infant Jesus. Protect and guide us as we set out to travel; make our ways safe and our homecomings joyful; and bring us at last to our heavenly home, where you dwell in glory with your Son and the Holy Spirit, God forever.
All: Amen
Leader: Let us bless the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Leader: Lord, order our days and our deeds according to your word and your will.
All: Amen
Leader: Let us head out in peace and serve the Lord as we go.
C. Thanks be to God.
Tracy so glad every thing is going…again keep an eye out for the ” rattlers “…Oh and I was checking, has any one guessed the famous person from Sharon Ks? My guess is MARTINA MCBRIDE….I had all kinds of little “isims” on my tours, with “moostash tours…it was always fun..something for the people to try and figure out..stay safe nothing new here just HOT..maybe
some rain thursday….we need it..love xxxooo’s mom….
Good to see you’re back! I’ve seen that collage before bur love the Massey and Jim as a youngster of course! So sorry you all left twitter, you have to see through the politics on there and use it simply to keep in touch! Good you didn’t leave facebook too! Well I still love to follow you guys and still hope to meet you guys on the harvest run in the future! We won’t make it to the US again this year because our vaccination is very slow in Belgium!
Some days I do miss Twitter. I deleted when I had just had all the political BS I could tolerate. Who knows, I may set up another account. Some days, it’s just all too much!! Thanks for the note!
I don’t seem to feel like I should write like I used to. Maybe it’s because it’s just Jim and I again and life is a little bit more boring than when the entire crew went with us. I think that’s why I like the videos. I can share what’s going on around me. Jenna was good at her job! She had very large shoes to fill. An ex-custom harvester…someone who knows what the heck I’m talking about! So glad you left your note Allen.
I miss yall videos. Can’t wait to see 2021..
I’m sure being April 9th, you starting to feel that itch returning. Hope yall had a great winter and
God Bless you and Jim and your beautiful family!!
Yes, I know I start to get the itch. Jim probably just thinks about all the work ahead of him to get things ready to make the move south. The winter…trying at times! But we made it! Thank you for your kind words, Scotty! See you in a couple of months!
Super ,Tracy !!! That Ben is a big boy for his age ,Layne is huggable and then some !!! So nice that the girls could get together , Hope you
get to cut in that Montana area this year ,
Oh my gosh, yes! Ben is as tall as both Eli and Nora. They’re all growing much too fast! And that Layne…:) I, too, hope we can cut wheat in Montana this summer. Looks pretty dry right now.
Thank you for the wonderful pics, especially those with your kids and grands. They are so cute and growing fast. That little one’s eyes-oh my, they are gorgeous! We should have seen the picture of you and Jim all dressed up on your 2020 Christmas greetings. It was a beautiful picture! Love you guys (always will).
What an amazing way to see the country! Great post! 🙂
Thanks Toni for the idea 🙂
You are a great writer. I can see your beautiful handwriting while I am reading.
Hey Tracy! I think this is a great idea. Would have loved it if you would have posted all summer. I miss Jenna’s blog. Keep it up! (This is encouragement for doing this next summer!!)
Barb O.
Just had a person today say they missed Jenna’s writing. You will do a great job, I love getting your Christmas letter every year even though we live only a few miles away ~ you do write well : ) Love your pictures on here so far !!!
Love it, glad you decided to start your blog.
Thanks Dad!!! That means A LOT!!
Oh dear, Tracy…you are on a slippery slope. You will become addicted to the daily entry, but at least you will not have to search out the internet access in the dark of night. Glad to see you joining the ranks of the blogosphere =D
Marilyn…I’m understanding what you said in your comment 🙂
Thanks for the encouragement, guys!! We’ll see how well I do 🙂
I saw Grandma’s big smile in my mind as I read this! Keep up the great work!
This sounds delicious! I’m going to have to try it. Love new recipes.
I am loving your recipes even if I do not make it I seem to be able to imagine what it is going to taste like and can gain weight that way.
I heard this song a few weeks ago and used it on our “2011 Wheat Harvest Video”! Love it!
Aw, you are so good at this Tracy, makes me miss you guys even more though.. But you’ll get to see Mark today, hope all goes well 🙂
Thanks, Candi! It’ll be good to see Mark!!! Good luck on your adventure tomorrow!
This is one of husband’s favorite desserts! 🙂 I’ve added blueberries to it before and it turned out great!!!
I’ll have to try that! I’ve also wondered about raspberry – I bet that would be outstanding!
The closest I’ll probably ever have in operating a combine is through Farmville on Facebook! HA! Great pics, by the way!
Maybe you’ll have to come visit next summer – IF there’s wheat to cut in the southern states!!!
thanks for your posts and pictures. I know they are probably done late at night after long days so thanks for taking the time. it’s refreshing to those of us who long to be where you guys are but are unable because of a 1000 reasons
I’m glad you enjoy them, Chad! It makes me want to do it even more when I know someone is actually looking at it and enjoying what I’m posting. Thank you for taking the time to leave your comment!!
Tracy, Doug would like to talk to you and Jim. I left his number for you in a message on FB.
Ok. I’ll tell Jim to call him.
Hey Tracy!
Thoroughly enjoy reading your blog…it was a good idea! Hopefully will see you guys when you get back to good ‘ol Nebraska! Barb O.
I’m glad you’re enjoying it! It would have been more fun to read had I started it earlier 🙂 Yep…see ya when we get home!
Love the school house pics. I always wanted to teach in a one room school house, like Laura Ingalls.
And I loved Laura Ingalls!! I bet teaching multiple grades would be pretty challenging, though, don’t you think? Jamie and Jenna were able to be in a two room school house until the 7th grade. They LOVED it!
Looks yummy! I keep meaning to send you a recipe and this blog post has reminded me! It’s a simple and easy meal to make on the road or anytime for that matter. Mexican Stew: 1 can mild rotel, 1 can chili beans, 1 can mexi-corn, 1 can of hominy, 1 can of stewed tomatoes and 1 packet of dried ranch dressing mix (non-buttermilk), 1 pound of cooked meat (turkey, shredded chicken or ground beef). Simmer all ingredients in a crock pot on low for 4-6 hours. Serve warm over tortilla chips and top with sour cream and shredded cheese! Bon Appétit!
Thanks for the recipe, Toni! Sounds like it would be easy to prepare, too!
I am following your posts so thanks for writing. Take care
Love the song. The older country seem a whole lot better than most of the new. Fits where you’re at too
“Somewhere in the middle of Montana”!
Actually you did pretty well at putting into words something that is deep in the soul. I have never been on the wheat harvest run, it’s something I’ve always admired from a distance (wanted to go but never had the chance). But you’ve made me feel what you’re feeling with this post even though I’ve not been on the wheat harvest trail. I suppose everyone feels that ache/longing of the heart in some way and that’s why I can identify with your words. We humans don’t like endings to things we take joy in. Thanks again for taking the time to put into words what’s going on.
Really? You really think I was able to put into words that seem so hard to find? I hope so but I think there will probably be more once it actually starts happening – heading home. Writing is good for me – it helps those silly feelings of mine escape.
You said it perfectly and anyone who has been on the run for any amount of time knows EXACTLY what you are talking about. I have been known to go out into the camper in January when it is -40º just to imagine what it will be like in a few months and think about those 110º days that we suffered through.
When you can wake up in the morning in the same camper and know that when you walk out that door, you could be at any stop along the run, it feels like every stop is home…at least for a week or so at a time. I don’t dislike the off season, I just think of it as intermission until the real living starts.
Keep up the great reads!
Thanks, Marilyn! I knew someone who understood being on the road and harvest would KNOW just exactly what I was trying to say. The end of the season really tugs at my heart and I almost hate the idea of going home again. It doesn’t take very long, though, and the harvest adventure becomes a memory and feels like a dream.
Your note means a lot – coming from a seasoned blogger!!!
Aw Tracy your post makes me want to cry, you did a great job explaining the end of the season let down. Summer harvest is such a great time to spend with the family, even if the times aren’t always so friendly it’s definately a family bonding time 🙂
I’m so glad you get to experience harvest and everything about it! I’m sorry we passed the addiction on to Mark 🙂
Yummy Tracy, they were talking about your recipe last night & I had to get on here to check it out.
Tracy does have a secret that she left out of this recipe ~ she browns her hamburger in a cast iron skillet. For years I’ve heard about how great Tracy’s tacos are (Mark worked on harvest for Zeorian’s when he was 16 & has been part of their family ever since) And I’ve had these great tacos at her home, home, but when our families were together in KS this summer we figured out her secret, not secret spices & seasonings, but cooking love in a cast iron skillet.
The secret’s out now 🙂
I know, I’m days behind here, but AWESOME pixs Tracy, love the single piece of wheat ~ obviously your daughters’ talents in photography came from you : ) I think you should write a book with lots of your pixs in it.
But what would I write about? I’m glad you think my pictures are up the the girls’ standards – that means a lot!
Aw, again Tracy your pixs are amazing & such a great story of a day spent on an adventure (even though it ended in disappointment with no more wheat to cut). It sounds like you and Jim are getting the hang of your summer honeymoon without the kids : )
It’s good for us once we get beyond the change of not having the girls around. I really miss them, though!
OMG, I had to stop reading, I was laughing so hard at the “stop to take a picture” scenario…EVERY time we go somewhere it is the exactly the same =D
🙂 Glad it’s not jiust us!
Makes me really miss summer, Mom. I like reading all these!!
Thanks, Cal! You KNOW what feelings I’m going through right now. You’re lucky to be in the “new” world already 🙂 I LOVE YOU!!!
The end of summer harvest is always a let down. Looking forward to possibly coming back to ND for the fall harvest this year. We are headed home in a couple of days to start harvest there. Hope to see you soon and Take care. Say Hi to Jim and the girls for us.
I will do that! Be safe and make sure and tell Jerry hey for us!! Good luck with your harvest.If you make it down near Omaha at any time…you BETTER call!
Andy was just telling me he wanted me to try some homemade meatballs! Thanks for sharing the recipe! I have a Meatball recipe, too, except mine involves frozen meatballs. I just put the cooked meatballs in a slow cooker and cover them with equals parts of grape jelly and cocktail sauce. I let the meatballs simmer in the grape jelly/cocktail sauce mixture until the mixture has been heated and is “melted.” These are great for cocktails parties or any kind of get together where you’re serving finger-foods.
You’ll have to try mine and see what you think! I hope Andy likes them. They really are OUTSTANDING! Thank you, too, for your suggestion!! I’ll have to remember that if/when I need something like that.
They look great. Never heard of a meatball recipe using evaporated milk, it sounds very interesting. Thanks for sharing 😀
You’re very welcome!! Try them, you certainly WON’T be disappointed!!
Hope you have a safe trip back to Nebraska. Even though it’s a bit of a sad time hope there’s also a joy for another season complete. Will you be harvesting fall crops? What would you say is the biggest difference between the wheat harvest and fall harvest?
Yes, Chad, we’ll be harvesting soybeans and corn when they’re ready. The biggest difference between the wheat and fall harvests is that we’re all in different worlds while at home. I’m not needed in the fall harvest fields. The farmer Jim cuts for only uses the combine. He has trucks and drivers. So, the girls and I are in one world and Jim is still in the harvesting world. We’re back at home, which is good, but I do miss living in my trailer house – simplicity, I guess. The best part about being home is we’ll be a family unit, once again! I love having the kids around whenever possible and being involved in their lives!!!! After fall harvest is over, Jim works for Sapp Bros. Petroleum out of Omaha hauling propane all winter. I think he actually works harder in the winter months than the summer. He’ll put in over 70 hours a week, consistently.
Thanks for the info. Hope you have a safe trip back home. Thanks again for the posts. Hope you keep writing them. You have a real knack for it.
p.s. You gotta love the corn harvest though being from the cornhusker state. Go big red!
Absolutely!!! Corn harvest and Big Red football just naturally go together! More great memories to share one day! Thanks, Chad!
Okay Tracy that made me almost cry I never knew the whole story before this, Thank you for Sharing. Mark and Candi are wonderful people and he is the best GRILLING man ever. Their little girls are two special ones. God has blessed many people, we are happy to know Mark and family as well as Tracy, Jim and family.
“And now you know the rest of the story”…
We’re fortunate to know all our harvest buddies!
Aw, you did make me cry with your story. We are blessed to be part of your family, whether good or bad Mark has learned a lot from you, Jim & the girls (I’m sure you know some of the “bad things” I’m thinking of 🙂 We love you all & miss you all, thinking we need to have a big dinner when we get home 🙂 I’ll even have it at my house since I know all the work you have to do to get back into yours ~ that’s 1 bonus to having our house occupied during the summer. Miss you & see you soon !
Sounds good! And I’ll help!! Can’t wait til we’re all together again!
Maybe you can still talk Jim into updating the kitchen just a bit, think of the food you could cook in double ovens, oh heck just a regular sized one would be amazing 🙂 You do make delicious meals even without all the bells & whistles 🙂
Thanks, Candi! I have more bells and whistles with my trailer house…But, I know just the amount of space to crack my oven door to make things work 🙂 Love you!
Wow, this one made me choke up. I could add so many memories. Love you!
Yep, Jordan’s got a lot of stories on all of us!! I think you should add the memories. It would be fun to hear! I LOVE YOU TOO!
yep, this one made me choke up too. gosh we spent a lot of time in those trees. if they were still there, it’d blow my mind to see how small they probably actually were.
I’m just glad you had them for something different to do! What memories harvest has given us!! I’m so glad you have those to go back to and remember all the fun we had!
gosh DARN it. i should never have sat down and caught up on your blogs. i’m 2 for 2 on crying. we STILL fight with mark, like he’s our brother. one of these times i’ll be able to hold him down and ‘type-writer’ HIS chest. #yeahright
Maybe if he’s drugged 🙂
State fair is awesome! Feel free to stop by &say hi to mom & dad!
Are they at the fair showing something or do you mean just stop by the shop? Not sure how much time we’ll have. We’ll be leaving from there with the Pete and headed north again.
I pray the second half of your trip home goes as well with no problems and safe days. Thanks again for the posts!
Thanks, Chad, for the prayers!! VERY thankful for them! Will post again when I can! Thanks for keeping up with us on our adventure.
I still have to read “Heaven Is For Real.” I have heard awesome things about it. I’m sorry about your little ones that you have lost. I have two cousins who gave birth to baby boys only to have them go to Heaven a few short days later. I do know that there’s a welcome committee in Heaven. When your time comes, your babies will at the Pearly Gates welcoming you home.
Oh, Toni, you NEED to read it!! It’s really good and very easy to read. It makes me smile when I think about meeting them for the first time. Can’t wait for that hug!!
Good job Callie I was feeling sorry for her when I seen Party all by myself but totally impressed listening to her singing.
Hi Tracie, Glad you’re back. totally agree with the summer participation being a “requirement” for playing time. Don’t think it’s fair, the coaches are biased in that regard and it’s one of the reasons Jen isn’t playing volleyball this year.
Loved watching harvest this year on line with your girls and was glad to have Taylor over the other night. Take care and I’ll keep reading.
Thank YOU, Dawn, for having Taylor the other night! Yeah, I can’t blame the girls for getting discouraged! Like I said, I probably would’ve quit if I were Jenna but she’s a better person than I am! Plus, she really enjoyed the sport – even if it meant a little play time. I’m sure if it’s like that next year with Callie, it may change her mind and I can’t blame her…unfortunately!
Good to be back. I just wish I could wiggle my nose and everything is back in place. No help so it takes me a while!
Thanks for sharing your journey with us midwest folk who don’t leave home to harvest! We finished fourth crop hay and went right into the corn silage harvest. Many, many acres from now, we can start to fertilize that land! Poop smells so good!!
I always told my kids that participating in a sport was an experience that no money could buy! As adults, we can’t go back and do that stuff, so we enjoyed our kids being part of the team even if it was sitting on the bench. The same issues were there for our kids, we couldn’t afford camp but those who could, got to play!
See you in March!! Lori
You are very welcome, Lori!! I’m glad you followed our adventure! March will be here before ya know it – after all the snow, of course.
I have the same picture as a wallpaper on my computer, lots of great pictures on your blog this year !
Thank you, Victor. Which picture are you talking about? The New Holland sign? I’m glad you enjoyed my pictures. Before I started the blog, though, I was just publishing the pictures on our Facebook page. If you want to look a all of them, you can go to http://www.facebook.com/ZeorianHarvestingandTrucking
It will all get done Tracy !! Thanks so much for taking the girls on Saturday, I know they had a great time with you guys ! Thanks for sharing the pix, I was waiting for the face shot of at least one of them, not sure why they’re pushing their butts out when posing for pixs, what goofballs !!
We had a GREAT time! They “tagged” along quite nicely and didn’t even make things hard 🙂 Who knows with the “butt shots”…they’re kids. Maybe they just think that’s what they’re supposed to do cuz they see so many pictures like that in the magazines. I know it’ll get done. Just want it done yesterday so I can stop thinking about it!!!
Glad to see you made it home safely. Hope the unpacking/settling stage gets done for you. Eat the elephant one bite at a time as they say. Appreciate your comments about time with Christ and HIs people. It always gives perspective to be with Him.
I know it’ll get done. I’m just the kind of person that wants to see completion to a project and I’m being too hard on myself. I’m beginning to see the end of the trailer house project. Next…the yard. And then, it will be time to be thinking about Jamie and Curt’s wedding reception (10/15). Honestly, Chad, I know I couldn’t do any of this without Him…”I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.” Phillipians 4:13
Yum !!! I need to get some apples too !
🙂 If you go, let me know. I may have you get me more.
Mom! #2 grade apples for $0.69?! Perfect for a caramel apple bar at the reception!!! 🙂
Well, they might have a small worm hole that would have to be cut out. We could check into it, I guess! What about the caramel? Crock pot? and where do we get that much caramel?
I was thinking of you when I made an apple pie last week. I remember helping you make one in the trailer house many moons ago.
🙂 Good times…good times!!
PS, I’ve seen mini caramel apples. Take a scoop out of an apple with a melon baller and there you have a mini apple. You can probably get several scoops… Just an idea!
We’ve decided that could be a real mess. The caramel apple bar has been taken out of the plans.
Pretty sure that’s the most retro coffee grinder I’ve ever seen. Can you grind wheat with that?? Plus, I was having a convo with my bestie about grinding wheat. Have you done that before????
I don’t know if you could or not. I’ve never tried it. I have never ground wheat but Mark Rathe has. I think he has a special sort of wheat grinder. He gave me some after he did it and I am still using it. I wonder if you could do it with a blender?
Can’t wait to see pics of the “new” friend! 🙂
Nice picture at the top! And I understood, the house was fine 🙂 I like the “If God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it” good line 🙂
That is an awesome picture! 🙂 I feel like I need to constantly apologize for my house, Anthony!
P.S. I’m STILL dwelling on that comment by “you know who”.
I enjoy your blog from what I’ve read. Picture is gorgeous. I know how you feel, sometimes you can’t even think you’re so busy. its sad when blogging is the only personal time you get. I look forward to reading more! Stop by sometime dear!
Personal time? What the heck is personal time? I really do enjoy sitting here writing – it relaxes me sort of like picking weeds from the garden. I could do that every day but I don’t think my back would really like that very well. It’s just the no thinking jobs that relax my soul! Writing comes fairly easy for me…when I have something in my heart to say. When I’m told to write something, it’s difficult. I’m glad you found my blog and have enjoyed what you’ve read. I enjoyed yours too!
I don’t know. First, I need to get some wheat! 😉
Great post. You really do have a nack for writing. You seem to catch the essence of events/issues and are able to put them into words. It’s a gift.
It truly IS a gift. Most of the time these thoughts just come flooding through my mind. There’s enough of a push to write them that I do 🙂 I am only the source used to write the words.
What a wonderful post. I totally feel ya, I wish I could go back in time and relive certain memorable events in my life because life just seems to fly by so fast sometimes. Funny thing is that the other day I got really sad and started crying at the thought of how fast time go by. I thought of how excited I am for the baby to be here, yet I know once that happens it’ll fly by, and I’ll one day look back and say “I miss those days.”
Enjoy every single minute…no…moment you have while you’re pregnant! Take all the time you want to to hold that baby once it gets here!! I don’t think you can REALLY spoil a baby. I held mine and took mine with me everywhere. I used to hear the “old” folks talk about just how fast the years fly by and when you’re changing diapers and not getting any sleep, it feels like it can’t go fast enough! At the end of the day, I hope you can look back on it and KNOW you seized the day! I seriously don’t know where the last 30 years have gone! Best of luck to you with your baby and I’m jealous of your walls!!!
Beautiful!
I think active ag advocates like myself share your frustration. The questions being posted are driven by emotions and not peer reviewed, well-researched documented science. Keep up the good work. We cannot let them win.
I just hope the American public is smart enough to know each story has two sides. Education and knowledge is the key. Thanks for “liking” my post!
The Birthday Hat looks good on you Jim.
🙂
Yay Taylor, I’d say your cards are in the mail, but they’re on the counter ~ I haven’t left the house for 2 days 🙂
When you get the chance, please thank your brother for his service for me!
I most certainly will!
Wish we were able to go, looks like a great time !! And your food looks amazing & I’m sure it was, nothing like cooking over an open fire !!
We had a great time but kept wishing you guys were with us. Next time!
I’ll bet it meant the world that you went to visit her 🙂
Be sure to print a copy of your post and share it with her .. she might find it fun to know that people all over the world can see the words of love you wrote about her.
MJ
Aw, thanks for the wonderful comment! And for the great idea! Although she can’t see it, I could read it to her.
: ) What a great post !!
Thanks, Candi! It was easy to write!!
Well said, you translated your emotions perfectly.
Oh, I’m so glad you said that – I had hoped you could feel it!
I love it T-dog. Un-Zeorianed. Great job and congrats Miss Callie!!
Thanks, Mrs. Weinstein! Have an awesome Thanksgiving! Tell the fam I said hi!
Oh my what an eventful day for the family, great job Callie, don’t know what to say about Jamie’s name change ~ guess you knew it was coming eventually. My girls even remind me she’s Hermesch now, not Zeorian……but really she’ll always be Zeorian !!!
Wow, Weeping Water must have been the only kids in school today, till 1:30 even. Wouldn’t have minded, but had my niece & nephew as he didn’t have school today either. Kids are having fun now & even got to play outside twice : ) Happy Thanksgiving Zeorian & Hermesch clan !!
Oh, I knew it was coming, just like I knew Callie would eventually start driving. It’s just when it actually happens, it still throws ya for a loop! Just you wait dear girl!! When that day comes for you, I will be able to sympathize with how you feel 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family too! Love you guys.
Puts my bad Thanksgiving into perspective! Hope everything’s okay!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I hope things are ok too – it’s just a wait and see how things go state right now. She’s a fighter and has been through so much so it wouldn’t surprise me if she bounces out of this too. God knows what’s going on and He’ll take care of her, I’m sure!
I spent Thanksgivng day in the hospital 5 years ago, my wife brought me a turkey sandwich and a plate of leftover fix’ns the next day. It was the best meal I had for the whole time I was in the hospital!!
Continue to speak positively about this, the bible says”the power of life and death is in your tongue.” lean on the Lord, he will see you all through this.
I’ll be praying too!
Thank you!
Very nice, my Grandpa was born in 1918…he passed away last December. What a wonderful life 🙂
No kidding! What a LONG life. We certainly don’t appreciate them until we’re older and then sometimes it’s too late. I’m so thankful Grandma is still with us 🙂 I’m sure you’re life is a whole lot different now that your Grandpa is gone. But…you know you’ll see him again one day and that’s comforting to me. It’s better to have known them and to have loved them enough to feel the pain of their passing than to have never experienced a love like that in the first place!
Love those family traditions!
🙂
Tracy, this is so sweet <3 Brought a tears to my eyes. How beautiful the joy in her heart. And – a perfect song: God does make all things new, even at 94. Just beautiful. I love you. Karen 🙂
Karen, so glad you enjoyed it! She was having a great day and I was lucky enough to get to be there. I love you, too!
AWE Tracy you just about had me crying!!! Thank you to all of you for joining us. Yes we are all part of the Harvesting FAMILY, A Family I am proud to be part of. I am so thankful for our trip a year ago that brought us together to realize that friendships can formed even though people from the past tried to prevent that, Like you say CHANGE needs to happen. I am grateful we were able to have a couple of extra days to spend together. Truck will be fixed before we head down to see you in March.
Just speaking from the heart 🙂 Can’t wait to see you in March. It’ll be crazier for me but it’ll work. Best of luck to you and that truck repair!! Thanks again for all you did for us while we were up there!
Beautiful pics! Awesome views 🙂
Thank you!! It’s easy to take good pics when you’ve got awesome scenery to take pics of 🙂
Tracy, thanks for sharing – I enjoyed my trip north!!
nothing wrong with a bit of promotion especially for your daughters work
photo booth hire
🙂 That’s sort of what I thought.
Tracy, Thanks for sharing and for all you do for our industry!! Now enjoy the Holidays!!
Thanks Lori! I love what I’m doing!!! Just hate that I miss some things that I can’t recreate.
nice tradition, you should keep it up!
I think so too!! Thanks for your comment!!!
Beautiful!
That song IS beautiful, Mark! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
We are having the same nice weather here. They are prediciting for another 14 days. Wow this kinda weather is not normal but will enjoy what we get that is for sure. I am sure we will pay for it later on.
Enjoy it Lynn!! It’s a nice change to what we’re used to.
I wish i had something more to comment than WOW, but thats all that came to me… Excellent Excellent Post, a good “slow down and look around” type of blog!
Very inspirational shall I say….
Thanks, OKcableguy! When something is laid on my heart, the best way to make the “feeling” go away, is to write about it. So, whether it’s good or bad, you’ll probably get to read it. 🙂 I certainly appreciate the encouraging words! And even I have to make myself slow down. But we all need to do it before we wish we would have! As my Grandma used to say, “You’ve got to slow down and smell the roses” or “take one day at a time”. She was so wise!
added it to Google+, Twitter, Facebook, and “Liked” it through my wordpress.
Thanks!!
This is your best post, to date, thanks for sharingyour heart!
Thanks Mark!
I just heard this song yesterday as well. It makes me think of my young daughter now moving out to live with her boyfriend. As a mom we all want our daughters to walk down the isle first. I think they are too young and they are going to have a tough time, like sparrows in a hurricane, but like the song says “love says they will” and I can only pray that they do.
That’s all YOU can do – Pray! Sometimes it doesn’t make sense why things happen the way they do and you have to just give up trying to “fix” things on your own. God knows the plan he has for our children and sometimes the hardest things they go through are what makes them become the people they are supposed to be. It’s just hard to watch them going through it as a parent! Good luck, mom!
Wow! Very inspiring! And I think I’m doing well just to give my old shoes to Good Will or the Salvation Army. Sometimes it amazes me how kids can be more mature than we are!
I know, right? This little girl is going to rock her world!! Not only did she meet her goal, she went above and beyond. Kids don’t know limitations. They just know what they want to do and do it! I have to applaud mom/dad for allowing her to follow through and not just making her feel like she was doing something impossible….”faith, when the world says you can’t, it’ll tell you that you can” (from the band Kutless – “What Faith Can Do”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1JBSQMkQEo&ob=av2e
AW, Happy Birthday, can not really believe you’re 50, seems like it should be more like 40 🙂 I took a pix of the beautiful sunset last night too. At least your age is only a number, and easily forgotten 🙂 Love & Happy Birthday from the girls ~ they remembered when they woke up that it is your birthday !
Love this song! And Delta Dawn! Nicole and I always sing them! This song always gets to me. Love it! Love you!
Thamks Amber! Love you, too!!!
Love this!
🙂
I nominated you for versatile blogger 🙂
http://whileitwasfallingapart.wordpress.com/2012/02/02/versatile-blogger-award/
This sounds like an incredibly fascinating life! I don’t even know what a combine is, but I’m going to research it so will soon.
Thanks for the nomination. I’m trying to figure it out. BTW, you might be the ONLY person on the face of planet Earth who knows my blog exists. No exaggeration.
Off to research combines…
Well, then, I’m really lucky I found your blog! As far as a combine goes, let me know if you have any questions after you do your research. 🙂 In a short story, it’s the machine used to harvest the grain after it’s gone through the growing process and is to the point of harvest – wheat, corn, soybeans, sunflowers, etc. If you follow me, you’ll find out more about our way of life starting in May.
I just found this link and thought you might enjoy it too:
http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/blog-button/
Thank you! I appreciate it! Will have to work on passing this along next week.
You’re welcome. You may not be so happy with receiving it after you realize it takes a little time. 🙂 You may want to refer to this if you need help:
http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/about/
Looks beautiful!
It is very beautiful! It started snowing again this afternoon and is just adding to the beauty 🙂
We were waiting for the phone call that you were coming over 🙂 Glad you have power now ~ well assuming you still do.
And I appreciated the offer. The girls, however, felt it would be “giving in” if we left. So, we just stuck with it until the end 🙂 We do still have power and the heat feels oh so good!
I did catch my nomination. Thanks! You’re bringing traffic to my site by the way. I’ve been busy and haven’t been spending enough time on the blog so thanks for doing some of the lifting for me!
Outstanding!!! Now…get busy.
Loved this!
Love you!
Loved it, Mom! I love looking at those old pictures.
It brings back a whole lot of memories!
Yep. This is, by far, my favorite post thus far. (And not just because I’m so stinkin’ cute.) Love these old photos.
Thanks, Jen 🙂 I know we must have been thinking about harvest the same time because of your post going out at the same time that night. I LOVED your post!! ( http://www.yensyphotos.wordpress.com – check Jenna’s picture out)
Love the posts, made me think about all the old pictures I inherited from my Mom that I should look at with a different eye.
Thanks Dawn!!
I so love the photo of you and your grandmother and you posing for the newspaper! I almost thought it was me! I started combining for my uncle when I was 14. I think that was probably about the same time that photo was taken. Really took me back!
I love that photo too. I really miss her. She was a great lady and I learned a lot from her. Harvest is a wonderful lifestyle and I can’t imagine doing anything else!
Reblogged this on Small Nebraska Farming.
Thanks for doing this okcableguy! I was going to mention that you did this and you beat me to it! Follow a fellow Nebraskan at http://smallnebraskafarming.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/181/ – “Small Nebraska Farming”
Love this spring weather too !!! Windy today though, but that’s Nebraska right 🙂 Making your super duper nacho’s tonight for supper !!! Had to buy milk anyway, so bought cheese & chips ~ the girls will be so excited, the sample at your house was so good.
It was fun having you guys just stop by the other night! We should do that more often! Good luck with the nachos.
Been there, walked that road, not easy but celebrate all the fun you had with Jordan!!!
Thanks, Judeen! The hurt is still there…just not as huge of a hole as a year ago!
TERRIFIC—–had heard this story previously!!! Interesting how God`s blessings come wrapped in different packages!!!
Blessings and Happy Easter,
Judeen
Thanks, Judeen! Happy Easter to you and Ross, as well!
Our family Easter was sooooo tame compared to the Z`s!!! WOW!!! Celebrate the memories. Loved the pics.
Thanks Judeen! 🙂
AWW, what a great Easter, so glad we could spend the night with you guys. I’m sooooo glad you suggested the campfired, I could do that every night !!
Wouldn’t have been the same without you guys! I agree…the campfire is so relaxing! We’ll do it again – soon!
Love your photos! The school house (from the photo you took) is a goal of ours to get fixed up. Also wondering if I could have permission to use some of your photos on our website http://www.russellcountry.com. If okay to do, can you let me know how you would like to the have the photo credit line to read. Thanks much, Kim
Hi Kim!
I hope we make it back to your part of the country. I LOVED IT! Yes, you have my permission to use the photos. It would be fun to know which ones. You can credit it to Zeorian Harvesting – if that’s ok. If not, you can put Tracy Zeorian. Great hearing from you, Kim!
LOVED the prom pics—–what a cute couple!!!
Thanks to you life is good! 🙂
My family and I actually did the releasing of lanterns this year instead of the whole fireworks escapade. It’s better for the environment and it looks pretty wonderful too. 🙂 This post is beautiful! Way to go.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I certainly hope we can eventually get that lantern in the sky!! 🙂
I’m sure you will! 🙂 Good luck!
Thanks! If we do, I’ll be sure to let you know 🙂
So Tracy, I need an update, tell me about the new 5th Wheel, or is there one yet????
Yes! There is a trailer. Go to the posting titled, “The times they are a changing” and you’ll see a couple of pictures of it. It’s beautiful. Almost too nice to be bounced up and down on the wonderful roads that we have! But, it will be awfully nice to come home to at the end of the day!
I wondered when you would be going with all being early this year. That has to be a hard one leaving without the ladies. All my best to all of you. Will be watching on here!
It is hard. I’m such a baby! Taylor & Callie will be doing the HPJ blog this year so you’ll see them there, too.. Take care and have a great summer!
You are so brave—-I could NEVER manage all that you do or drive that big stuff down the road, Tracy!!! LOVE my gorgeous lavender-pink azalea!!! I will make my landscaper neighbor plant it so it will survive. Had some pulled pork tonite for dinner—sooooo delicious—-thanks a bunch!!! Good to see Taylor—-will try to get together with all your girls real soon. Prayers from church road for safe travels!!!
🙂 Love ya, Judeen! I’m not brave – just do what I have to do. You could do it too – I know you could! I hope your azalea grows and grows and grows and THEN comes back next year. And, every time it blooms, you can think about us crazy Zeorians! Glad you liked the pork…I can’t take credit for that, though. Thank Mark R. for it when you see him again.
Have a great run!
Thank you, Sonja! I hope it’s a better harvest this year than last!
Hi Tracy, well I have been updating the website – seems like it is taking forever! I did in fact use some of your photos, so I very much appreciate you giving me permission to do so :). {hope to have the new look uploaded within the next few hours!! – let me know what you think! Thanks again!!
Hey Kim! I’m excited to see your new site. I thought the old one looked really nice. I’ll definitely let you know. And…you’re very welcome. I’m glad I could help you out! (it was a piece of cake)
If you guys make to our part of Kansas during harvest, let us know! I’d love to deliver some eggs to you! 🙂
Well, if you can’t bring them to Nebraska…coming to KS is the next best thing! I’m sure if we’re in the neighborhood, we’ll be looking you guys up!
🙂
Wow…thought I had written this. Especially the part about the shortcuts…going ahead and turning around on a dime…low RR crossings…old houses with stories to tell. And here we sit waiting for the opportunity to do the same thing soon. Thanks for the heads up on which roads not to take =D
Absolutely, Marilyn!! Glad I could help. 🙂 Are you STILL dealing with papers and bureaucracy?
Very cool, Tracy. You were near my hometown, and Beloit is where I had my first job out of school. Love the photo of the old stone building.
Thanks, Bill! Where’s your hometown?
Randall, Kansas – on Hwy. 28. (went to high school in Jewell).
We went right through Jewell 🙂
Hwy. 14 is a pretty common road for custom cutters, it seems!
Until they narrowed it south of Beloit 🙂
Oh what a “treat” to read your story, Tracy!!! How long have u 2 been married?? HA Let`s just say u guys are entertainment for we “old folks on church road”!!!
We’ve been married too long! (30 years) Glad you’re enjoying it, Judeen. 🙂
I am pretty sure you needed this excitement on the first day….NOT! Holy Cow girl, it’s always something isn’t? Hopefully after this ordeal the rest of the way will go smoothly. Found out through an email the Hwy 281 work is not going to start until the 8th and is only supposed to last a month and will not be done on the weekends. Hopefully that will help some.
That WILL absolutely help! Today was about as good. I’ll let you read for yourself. 🙂
Yea! 🙂
Once you get back into that harvest mode and have some harvest sunsets, you’ll be right back into it, remembering why you do what you do, safe harvest!!
Oh, I know Colin but it’s just so overwhelming right now. Once we leave the driveway, all will be good – EXCEPT that I have to leave the girls! Thank you for your words of encouragement! I will keep trudging on.
Awww, we miss you already !!! Brooklyn has her 1st ball scrimmage tonight – against the 1st graders, so they’re sure they’ll win. We’ll let you know how it goes !! Miss you, enjoy your “break”, or getting settled !!
Miss you guys too. Wish we could have gotten together before heading south so I could give those girls a squeeze – even though they don’t like it when I do that!
I’ll miss having you out here!
Make sure and tell Brook good luck for me!!
Sure is a nicer home than the last one we had down there. With no a/c.
Oh. My. Gosh!!! Can you still remember that? I believe that was absolutely THE HOTTEST I have ever been. Remember trying to cook an egg on the sidewalk? What a memory 🙂
I remember!!! We went to the grocery store with Tracy and Dana just to cool off
🙂 Remember, too, that it was so hot Dad didn’t even want us to get out of the pickup when we brought lunch to the field. The air was literally like an oven with a fan.
Saw beautiful Taylor tonite at a graduation party!!! She “lights up the room” with that smile!!! Could I possibly be prejudiced???? No way!!! Happy Mother`s Day. Will give Mom & Dad the latest “harvesting news”.
She definitely lights up the room. 🙂 I miss all the whistling and singing. Please make sure to tell Ruth happy birthday – I meant to get a card in the mail and with all that was going on – I didn’t get it done. Please tell them hello for me and that I hope they’re getting along ok. Happy Mother’s Day to you, too. The first time – ever – that I haven’t been with the girls. 🙁
Through my tears I can tell you this is a “powerful story”. We Farm Folks need to think more often about safety!!! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching! It is a VERY powerful story. I met Glen’s son just months before this happened and it means more to me than you know!
Missed you tonight at Jillian’s graduation !
I missed you more. Will miss Callie’s 8th grade graduation tomorrow night – makes my heart hurt!
Great to be Able to follow THE big harvest like this
In july we’ll see THE combines frist hand when we visit your beautifull country once more!
What will you be doing when you come to the USA in July?
Reblogged this on Food Outside The Box and commented:
Thought you might like to see this post about cutting wheat from another blogger. The photos caught my eye.
Wow, looks like quite a “vacation” for you, hanging out in wheat fields, napping under the clouds 😉 Glad you’re finally able to get some work started, makes your days go faster !! Miss you !
It’s a GREAT vacation 🙂 I miss you guys more!
“Like your photos kiddo, be careful and don’t get run over or fall off a truck now!
Thanks! I’ll TRY to be careful.
I grew up all over the world (my father was in the military) but they would fly me back to Kansas every summer for wheat harvest. I’d drive our little combine and watch the custom cutters sweep through. Great memories of hard work long ago.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank YOU for commenting! Wheat harvest is something no one can really explain why it’s enjoyed by so many people. I think it’s the memories of bringing family together to get a job completed. You’re lucky to have had the opportunity. Most are not!
Excuse me, Tracy, you`ve missed your calling!!! HA Newspaper reporter here we come!!! Computer was down all yesterday so I`m loving catching up with all of your crew!!! THANKS for being that quiet, kind, fun, yes sexy voice for agriculture—-we need more wives, mothers friends like you!!! Please tell Jim I said that??? Will this increase your pay by any chance??? HA I tried!!
You’re a GREAT fan and a huge encouragement to me! I do what I do and tell what I tell because I love our lifestyle and agriculture. If I can make a teeny, tiny bit of difference – that’s all the thanks I need!
Found your site yesterday while looking for ag. information about how wheat harvest was going. Really enjoy your daily activities. My Husband and I were raised on farms and harvest was a big deal my folks had tractor pulled combines and Harrys dad had tractor pulled and ones with cabs. I enjoyed harvest and then hay and workng ground to start over. We do not farm,but watch the local farmers and appreciate the hard work that goes on.
We live between winfield and arkansas city,ks. in cowley county. Don’t think there has been any cutting yet here,but most likely by weekend. I kknow they are wanting to get going.Wheat looks good . weather looks like will be good also for next week. Just wanted to say Hi and let you know we enjoy reading your daily activities. Be careful. Sharon Drake
Oh yes, we have cotton here also and have a cotton gin just west of us. A farmer started cotton in this area about 20 years ago and has been a good crop.Sharon
I am so glad you found my site and you have enjoyed reading my activities. I love hearing about how harvest was done years ago. My grandpa and grandma started this business in 1950s. I really wish I could still talk to them about how things were done and they could see how things have changed. This lifestyle and job is something our family loves. Check out the http://www.allaboardwheatharvest.com site. I think you’d enjoy it!
I am sure you do the same ,but the meals was always a big event. We usually took a full meal to the field at lunch. Never a sandwich,but real meal. Course the hay needed to be taken care of and some garden canning so was a lot for everyone to do. All that and getting the wheat to elevator and hope you did not have to wait very long. We had a oil tank that was moved on to a cement foundation and it was my job to sweep it out and make sure it was ready for burlap sacks of seed wheat. Very hot inside . The door was only opening,course i would try to get out quick and Dad would say missed a spot. Cool off and go back in. Seems over winter the tank was storage for other things. And when folks got finished with their wheat,they would go and help the others that were not done,especially if the weather did not look good.We were within a few miles of home ,so made easy to move equipment. This was the late 50’s and 60’s.and early 70’s .
My husbands family was the same way. Better quit or you will not have time to read all this.ha I hear there is cutting south of Arkansas city, which is at the ok. line. May be more now. It is 8:30 pm. Our Son and family live 10 miles south of ks/Ok line ,west of Newkirk and there are big fields there,I am sure they are cutting.Later Sharon
Thank you for your memories, Sharon! We both can certainly see how technology has changed this industry and the world! I’m sitting in the field right now, under a shade tree, going through emails because I can’t get internet from the trailer house. I used to haul meals to the field. I gave that up, though, in 2001 when our oldest daughter was old enough to drive. Then, I became the hired “man” and the kids took over my job. They do the household and cooking chores while I’m in the field with Jim. I suppose we did that backwards but the thought that went behind it was I knew the job, had the CDL and with one combine you really have to be able to keep things moving. I suppose it wasn’t fair to the girls but they have been a tremendous part of the team and they do a great job. The oldest daughter is married now and #2 has a full time job (with Claas out of Omaha, no less). The 17 and 14 year olds will be catching up with us next week. I can’t wait! It’s really hard for me to try to keep up with everything and they’ll be able to lessen the load. The wheat here in OK appears to be dry so it’s back to work! Thank you for taking the time to “chat” with me!!
Tracy
In your situation a full meal would be a little more difficult. Some guys don’t like to eat a lot and go back to work and in the heat is really not good. mom was always doing a full meal but she was close to house and only way she could get dad to eat before midnight. Sharon
nice report; i like reading your work.
Thanks, Dan! I’m glad someone’s actually reading them and enjoys them. It’s quite an adventure, that’s for sure!
I was north of arkansas city,ks. about 6pm this evening and see a field getting cut. I had seen a couple trucks going into Hackney coop to unload about 3 pm. That is all I saw but i am sure there was others. Be careful in the heat.sharon
I have forgot to tell you My Mom’s Fathers parents lived in Edgar, Nebraska. In 1872-1878, then moved to Araphoe for couple years. They came from Connelsville, Pa. as newly weds. In early 1880’s ended up in Lost Springs, Ks. and raised their family there. My Husband ,Mom and I came through Edgar 2002 and she got to see what that area looked like. The name was Christner.There are a lot of Christners in Nebraska I found while doing family history,none seemed to be directly related,but there was a couple that had 13 children and I am sure the folks in nebraska were from that 13. there seem to be a lot in Indiana. Well, just thought I would let you know about my connection to the beautiful state of nebraska. Sharon
I agree about the green. It has been nice this year to see green grass. The cattle sure are enjoying it. Every where we go from here east to coffeyville, ks. the cattle have their heads down . ha We traveled that way couple times this month. Ponds are full and that is good to see. so many sold down their cattle herds last year or shipped them north where they had water and grass. There was no hay,and that is a welcome sight this summer. Lot of hay.
Just east of you at Woodward in April had a bad tornado and lot of damage. That weekend we had our grand children 10 and 4. It got plenty close to us also We kept watch but at midnight just like somebody flipped a switch it cleared out.
Yes, I am sure your girls do a lot. They talk like they really enjoy it and missed you both. It is nice your family can be together. When the people in D.C. wanted to stop kids working, little did they know what that would do to families , and growing up in the country was like. You know none of those folks have a clue about farm life most likely what a farm is. Later sharon
I hear ya on the combine driving, but it sure takes away from some of the photo opportunities you get in the truck or cart…God forbid you should stop the combine!
Oh so true Marilyn! I don’t think the boss is giving up his toy any time soon. 😉 where are you at?
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When I was a kid the sickle sharping was my job to help Dad. Both on the combine and sickle bar for cutting hay,usually a rainy day job,but if no rain early morning job. Sharon
LOVE hearing your thoughts and memories! Glad my stories spur them on.
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I have enjoyed reading your site so I’ve nominated you for the Illuminating Blogger Award for illuminating, informative blog content. You can check out the details at my site … http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/ … Hope you’re having a great Memorial Day weekend!
Thank you for the award, Food Stories, and I am honored. I haven’t done anything simply because it feels a little overwhelming how I’m supposed to do it.
Anything I can do to help out? Here’s an example of an acceptance post that might be helpful to you … http://beautifulfood.blog.com/2012/05/28/ive-been-nominated-2/
Thank you! That will help. I’ll see what I can do 🙂
First of all, I want to tell you what a good job you are doing and how much I enjoy reading this and getting a more detailed explanation of the life of a custom harvester. I also want to thank you for taking time out of your busy day to tell the rest of the world what custom harvesting is all about. It’s because of you doing this blog and your daughters doing all aboard (and the other correspondents) that I think I want to be a custom harvester.
Now on to harvest. We are planning to start cutting tomorrow on our farm outside of Hooker. This is the earlist Dad ever rembers cutting. I wish that I could’ve met you and your family when y’all were here in 2010.
I’m going to have to try your “secret tool” haha
Ethan
Well Ethan, I had a fairly long reply to you but it appears to have not gone where it was supposed to. I’m glad you wrote the note! And I’m excited that you want to be a custom harvester! We’ll need some younger guys to do the job when us older generation have to quit. Just remember that the biggest and shiniest isn’t always the best. Save the money during the good years cuz the next may be a drought. Don’t ever be smart enough that you can’t listen to experience and always look at the other cutters as your friends not competition. It’s the friends you make that will be your biggest asset and what you’ll most enjoy about the business! GO FOR IT! I’d it’s what’s I’m your heart then you need to do it! Do you know Anthony Adams? That’s who we helped while we were in Hooker. We were supposed to go again this year but with the early harvest we won’t make it in time. Maybe next year. Talk to Anthony, I’m sure he could give you some pointers! Check I’m once in awhile and lets know how things are going and let me know what you think about the secret tool! Take care, have a great harvest, have fun and above all else…be safe!
Thanks for the tips on becoming a harvester! My hope is to work for a harvester and make sure this is what I want to do before making a big investment, and also hope to find a crew that is willng to mentor and teach me about the business more.
Yes, I do know Anythony. He’s been cutting for two days now. I’ll have to talk to him sometime. Did you meet the Dietricks? That’d be cool if y’all made Hooker a stop again.
I’ll keep ya posted. If all goes as planed (but when does that ever happen? Lol) we’ll be in the field today.
Hope you have a safe and good harvest too.
Ethan
When you get serious about wanting to go with someone let me know. I’ll get you lined up with someone who might be better about being a mentor rather than just a boss. I don’t think I met the Dietrick’s but I know Anthony talks about Nick. Same one? We’ll meet one day ;)We got rain and some hail last night. Hope we can get started again later today.
Well Tracy, I’m not seeing how to reply to your reply, so hopefully this will end up where I want it to. But anyway, I’ll keep that in mind when the time comes. Yes, Nick is a Dietrick, he and Anthony are pretty good buds. Hope the hail wasn’t bad.
Ethan
I got your reply. 🙂 The hail wasn’t bad at the field. It sounded horrible in the trailer house! Tell Anthony hi for me if you see him!! Tracy
Thanks for the tip on the miracle tool. I bet it does work great. We have 2 pickups, 99 chevy and 04 ford and big windshields. something with a long handle makes a big difference. In the winter we cover windshields with plastic tarp and makes handy when have to go in a hurry to keep them covered.People complain about sc raping ice or snow,but don’t cover anyway just like you anything to make work a little easier. Really cuttiing here. we went to Grand daughters 5th birthday party this afternoon and a lot are cutting. wheat trucks moving. She got a lot of things. We gave her a small swimming pool after her other gifts,I knew she would want to put it in use. Sure enough she ask her dad if they could,so for an hour 8 little ones played in it .Sean put the end of the slide on the swing set into the pool and those kids had the best time,Still at it when we left at 6pm. By the way you said common sense in D.C. I don’t think anyone there knows what that is.Sharon
Oh my gosh! What great memories you just gave those kids! Still sitting in the grain truck enjoying the coolness of the evening! We’ve been putting in some long days so we can get moved up to Deerfield before the harvest gets started there to much. We’ve already had to give up work at Hooker, OK. We don’t have any real grand kids yet but I expect we Wil one of these days. Our oldest daughter has babyitis pretty bad 😉
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I’ll bet some of that frac sand competing for space with wheat down there is coming up here! Here it competes with farmers to access scales for anhydrous ammonia. Some great photos!
THANK YOU!! Glad you enjoyed them! It seems the oil boom has taken over but you sure don’t hear about it on the news.
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Thanks, Sonja!!! Glad you enjoy the blog.
Another tidbit for your windows is to give them a good treatment with RainEx, then the duster works even better and you can go a couple weeks without bringing out the squeegee…unless, of course, it rains.
AWESOME!! Thanks Marilyn! Sent from my iPhone
The best thing, the absolute best thing that Washington could do for us, all of us, not just farmers or harvesters … Is just leave us alone.
DS
Most of the time what they think is helping is really hurting! The best thing our legislators could do is involve the people their rules would affect BEFORE they make rules and regs that make it impossible to abide. Thanks for your comment!
I just read a post from Linda, Colorado Farm Life, about the solar eclipse! You got some really cool photos. I didn’t realize that there were enough wild pigs to be such a problem in the Midwest. I’m enjoying your updates!
Amen to you both. sharon
I was reading your time in montana in 2011. The pictures of Judith and neat you being related. We have been in montana and Wyoming several times in the late 80’s and 90’s lov e it. We were in the martinsdale area and Lewiston. Etc. We were in Yellowstone twice. We do pre 1840 mountain man blackpowder rendezvous and have a club here. The rendezvous we went to in colorado was in jefferson. which is a gas station,but was 9600 feet. We feel the same you said in the 2011 article about hating to leave but know what is ahead when you get home. But we are always glad to get home and look forward to next time. We go to ones in Middle and eastern kansas. We came through nebrska and Edgar where my mothers Grandparents lived and had 4 chhildren then to Arapoe then later to kansas. Their name was christner. Edgar was beautiful area.sharon
Sharon, you sound like you do your fair share of travelling, too. Very interesting information about the blackpowder rendezvous. I bet Jim would enjoy watching that. He’s a gun lover. 🙂 Especially the old ones.
There are rendezvous in nebraska and all over the country. look up talking-bear.com and events. You will see events. for all year in the U.S. Our club is grouse creek.
Sure are cutting today,Thia am at 9 one was already out in field. humidity yesterday was veryyyy low. Today is 30% The guys are all out . Calling for some rain maybe the next 3 days. hope not. sharon
Hi guys, Glad to know the girls made it safely!!! LOVE the blogs & pics—almost feel like I`m harvesting, too. HA My Taylor azalea bush is look`n good in my west flower garden. We are REALLY in need of rain here. Stay safe.
By looks of the radar, you’re probably getting rain right now. Your Taylor azalea bush should be happy! This blog is fun because it gives people an idea of what we do and how somebody as small as we are can make it work! Maybe it will give a younger wannabe the hope and desire to carry-on this industry. Thanks for checking in Judeen!
excellent report; i look forward to reading it daily.
🙂 thanks Dan!
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Yes, glad your girls made it to you ok. beautiful day here south of Winfield, ks. Everybody is cuttiing . The weather does not sound good. Sure hope it dries up for a while and they can get done. A farmer finished last field and pulled out somethhing caught the stubble on fire. no injuries to combine or people. Was close so fire trucks got there quick.. Wind has been blowing just enough that could really been badddd. Sharon
I’m glad they made it as well! No rain yet but cells are beginning to develop south of us. A break would be welcome as long as it’s not too long. The girls are struggling in trying to get caught up in the harvest world. It will come for them eventually; they just need to figure out what their job is. I’m glad that you’re able to participate in the wheat harvest even if it’s from the view of your window! People who have never experienced this don’t know what they’re missing!
About 7 pm may 30, it started raining and lot of high wind. No hail. Some north and west of us got hail. Right now at 10:40 pm it is rain, thunder,lightning and wind. South of us about 40 miles in northern Oklahoma they have been getting the same. Our son and family live 5 miles south of Ok/Ks line and west of newkirk,ok. Looks like they are getting same. have not called them.
Could hear combines going until just before rain hit. Hope it does not ruin the wheat..Harvest may be done for few days. Suppose to get more rain next 2 days,but we all know that could change,Sharon
I think we’re supposed to more too. Most of it went around us this evening. It’s nice and cool here now. And lightning. We got a full day in today. We’ve been going pretty hard since we started on the 14th so a day off would be nice!
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Your Taylor is cute. I could see our 5 year old grand daughter doing that or at least try. She is pretty good at swinging ,climbing and going around any bar strong enough to hold her. Tell Taylor I like her boots. if any guy tries any nonsense use those boots on his backside.
Still raining here at 1:30 am may 31. I wouldask what you were doing up after midnight writing,but I see your dedication to the rest of the country to let us know how things are going.I am up because i have not gotten off this chair.ha.Reading news and checking newspapers of the state.
A farmer was run over by a combine tire and worst his son was driving Yesterday I believe. PLEASE be careful.sharon
I enjoy writing and sharing our story that’s why I was still up. I also ha to wait for the computer. Taylor was posting her note to the All Aboard Wheat Harvest site. It’s my time. We sure try to be careful. Was the farmer killed? Was he fe your area? We’re moving to another field this a.m.
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I just love your pictures – my favorite is the one of Taylor! have a great day!
Thank you! It was by pure luck the shot worked…and it is a fun one!
Nice work, the photo shot in the wheat field? Really creative.
DS
Yep that’s a wheat field.
As I read the article in the wichita eagle newspaper he was killed ,have not found anything else about it. It was at yates center which is east and north of us. You can get the wichita eagle newspaper just type that in. Looks like we had about an inch last night. more wind then rain. My brother lives east of us about 20 miles and he had little over inch. he has some brome needs cutting. wanted to do that this week,but maybe not. Sharon
Cannot answer your question,but i bet you are right about the round bales. my Mom is 93 and i had her at our house for the day. Took her home this evening. I showed her all your pictures and writtings for this harvest. She said made her remember all the times she spent in truck or other duties around the farm during harvest. Dad had her drive to elevator. 2 hills and one with curve and he knew she would handle them just right. She enjoyed Taylors excitment standing on her head. Mom wore cowboy boots a lot and still has them actually. She thought good idea for your girls to have their boots on.We had oats to cut right after wheat. did not mind the wheat straw bales to put in barn,but the oats was really itchy.and then sweat.Would get to the first water after hauling oats bales. Don’t see any oats around here any more. Might be but don’t see any.
That is quit a propane tank. That guy driving must have nerves of steel and lots of patience. Take care shraon June 1,2012 wow June already.!!!!
When I see that guy sitting on the pipe checking the wheat in the truck i want to say get off,don’t sit like that,but he would say I am ok i do this all the time. ha heavy dew this am june 2 ,2012. sun out,so maybe they can cut around here today. I doubt any got done yesterday. Be careful sharon
From Jordan, I believe that old combine is a Massey 92 or Super 92 (I suspect the Super model with the header size. That combine is close to 50 years old! Hope he keeps chaff cleared on engine stuck down below the cylindar that could catch on fired. This was the last combine of that series with the next the MF 410 and 510, then a couple years later the 760. Why do I know? Hesston made straw choppers for combines back then and I was the one that sold straw choppers to the companies which was great fun.
Dave Jordan
That is my husband. He always cleans w/air and keeps shedded. It goes in before anything else.The combine is a 1964 Massey Fergurson Super 92 18′ header, that is the orginal red paint, and anyone in Arnett will tell you that. My husbamd is Mac McCartor, born and raised here in Arnett. He has run that combine since 1977.
Glad to hear the wheats doing good there. I’m sure the farmer has a grin as big as ever, especially once you finish the last 70 acres. It’s always a good feeling once the last bushel is in the bin. Now an update on our harvest. We started cutting on Tuesday and cut on Wednesday and Thursday. Then yesterday it rained and is raining right now as well. Cant complain there, we REALLY need the moisture. The wheat here isn’t doing as good as one might think driving by unfortunately. Only 10 – 15 bpa on dryland so far. I think it’s neat to see old equipment like that still running and in good shape. What advantages do you see to being a single combine harvester (if you don’t mind sharing) other than being family run?
The biggest advantage is the labor issue. That’s something our industry is having to deal with more and more each year. Those people who have the Class A CDL don’t want to do seasonal work …normally. When my grandparents started this business they didn’t have an issue with help but they didn’t have to deal with the rules and regs like we do now. When you have a lot of employees you deal with more expenses like insurance, workers comp, IRS, a place for them to stay which means either a hotel or their own trailer and that expense. Food and groceries have to be taken into consideration. And above all else, someone running your equipment. Jim isn’t willing to let just anyone run the equipment that he’s worked so hard to get and keep up just to have someone else mistreat it. But, you only have the income off one machine too. Those who have more machines have more acres to find to keep them running, more expenses but also more revenue. With one machine it’s very easy to find other harvesters who need help or a farmer who needs another machine to work with them. Starting small and working to get bigger (if that’s what you want) would be the way to decide what works best for you.
Well thanks for sharing. I can understand all of that. Things with the IRS and such are getting to be reducilious. I understand about not letting just anyone drive it either. Even though I don’t own the combine, i get mad when someone will break something just because they don’t care or when they trash the place because I’m the one that drives it the most and I like to keep it in good shape. Yea, one of these days when I go I’ll find out what size business I like. I do think the smart thing to start out is just get one, older combine that will still do a good job but not break the bank
Talk to Anthony.
Sent from my iPhone
Hey T&J, Mark knows Masseys never die, but this is a bit surprising! Brad finished Dacoma about Wed. good wheat and good people. His customer built him a trailer space in Dacoma, and Carol’s Cafe there is reported to be the world’s best hamburger. Alva country is absolutely overrun and beat to shreds by oilfield activity. I missed out this year, twisted my knee and am home recovering from surgery (time for facebook!). Glad to read you are doing good.
Come see us sometime, you are going to be closer than you think, about 25 miles. We’ll fire up the grill!
Glad to hear Brad got along so well! But sorry to hear of the accident and surgery! Take care of yourself and enjoy the time to yourself 🙂
Normally around here at Great Bend, the farmers are hoping that the rain will stay away so they can get the harvest done, but this year they really want it to rain…it’s way too dry and the wheat doesn’t hold much promise in the yield department. Some years you just can’t win.
Typical harvest, right??!!
I grew up on a farm in Eastern Washington, near a lot of wheat country. Your post brings back a lot of memories.
Hi Donna!
I’m so glad! There’s so many people interested in our way of life and I just don’t understand it. I thought this blog and sharing my thoughts and memories would help people understand what it is we do and how it affects the way their bread gets on their tables. So glad you sent me a note!!
Tracy
It’s hard to believe how disconnected people are from where their food comes from, but like you, I get constant reminders of it. I hardly ever meet people with a farming background, so it was great to find your blog. When I was growing up, I never thought I would miss the life, but I do. I miss walking through the fields to change irrigation lines and looking at the infinite variety of plants in the pasture. I miss crazy days of cutting hay, trying to time it so the hay dried before the rain ruined it, then getting a day off because the baler broke. There are a thousand things I miss, but most of all, the Milky Way on a moonless night.
We just had very loud thunder ,one that shakes everything, the next one was not so bad. Few sprinkles is all. has gone over us and moving east and a little south. We are under tornado watch until 2 am, Sun shinging some . We are south of winfield,ks 3 miles. Well, take care. be safe.Sharon and Harry
Thanks Sharon & Harry! I think we’re under a tornado watch tonight as well. There’s some really big storm clouds just to the south of us. I think they’re moving east, though. It feels like it may be cooling down just a little. You take care, too!
Tracy
Keep watching the weather map and the rain keeps east of us,but just wants to keep us guessing. sharon
Pie sounds good. I have not made cherry for some. Like you and buy the crusts. I used to make great ones and then could not mak one and was a waste of money and ingredents,so just buy them. I bet yours are delicious. yes, you probably know before any ones says that it is about time to move on. You have been at it for awhile. ha Nice you have a friend to save you some of YOUR cherries. Not to many teens would want to make the museum a part of their trip. You have special girls,but you already knew that. Take care. sharon
Yum on the pie..but if you’re in Oklahoma, Taco Bueno wins out over Taco Bell any day! (It’s one of the things I miss from our 15 years in Oklahoma; the others include a lot of dear friends, and the widespread availability of Quik Trips, Mazzios pizza and Braum’s milk and ice cream 🙂 Greetings from another Nebraskan (I grew up a farm girl in southeastern Nebraska before my family moved to Colorado. And then I married a southern boy in ’82 and moved to Tennessee, then we headed west to Oklahoma, and now we’re home again in middle TN – for good I hope!
Terry
Hi Terry!
Good to hear from you and thank you for commenting on my blog! Where in NE did you live? I wonder because I, too, am living in the southeastern part of NE. I was married in April, 1982 and have lived in the same house for the past 26 years. I most enjoy the Braum’s for their cheeseburgers and cherry limeades. I wish they would move further north 🙂 I will DEFINITELY keep my eye out for a Taco Bueno. Thanks for the suggestion!
Wow – small world, huh? When I say SE Nebraska I REALLY mean SE. We spent my first few years of life in a tiny town that’s a stone’s throw from the NE/KS state line. My parents bought a farm a few miles away – outside Fairbury – when I was four and we lived there until I was in 4th grade, then we moved to Colorado where I lived until I got married right before Christmas in 1982. My husband and I started out in Knoxville, then moved to middle TN for a couple years. He took a job near Tulsa when our oldest was 6 weeks old; we lived there for 15 years (our other two kids were born in OK.) We moved the family “back home” in 2000 to middle TN – we’re about 20 miles south of Nashville. I still have family in Norfolk, Omaha and Beatrice (as well as scattered throughout South Dakota, Kansas, Colorado and Oklahoma 🙂 So where do y’all hail from when you’re not out harvesting?
We live directly south of Omaha in a little town by the name of Manley. I’ve been to Fairbury MANY times. As a matter of fact, we usually make it that far the first night of leaving home heading south for the summer. We usually don’t get away from home until late afternoon and that’s always a good town to park in for the night. So, maybe sometime when you’re back in “The Good Life”, we’ll have to meet for coffee some time. 🙂
I’ve never been to Manley – that I recall, anyway. (When I was a kid most of our family was right there around Fairbury and Beatrice.) So you’re probably familiar with Fairbury brand summer sausage and those infamous bright-red hot dogs. I still love ’em both! Crystal Springs is/was a lovely place to camp – our old farm is just down the road from it. Yep – if our paths cross, we’ll have to meet up and figure out who we might know from our families and friends.
If I understand right you are in Deerfield,ks. Hope goes ok. Still cutting here. Most of fields are cut. Some made straw bales and some just working under.
One field being cut this afternoon at 4 pm whne i was coming from my Moms in /arkansas City was next to the hospital north of A.C. They looked like trying to keep dust from hospital as possible.A couple gave the new hospital land to build on and still crops in same area.Until there is more buildings added.Hospital year and half old.Really need it bad.Take care.Sharon and Harry
Hi Tracy, Welcome to Kansas! I hope we treat you well, although we would like some rain. You “appear” to be just down the road. If you followed Highway 50 east out of town for about 280 miles, you’d be here. Happy harvesting, Betty
Thanks, Betty!
Good to hear from you and I appreciate the nice Kansas welcome! We did travel down Highway 50. It took us a little time to find our way through Dodge City – it wasn’t our usual route – but we made it regardless. I love KS. I think it was something my Grandma put in my head a long time ago. She was originally from the Lebanon/Esbon area and always talked about how much she loved KS. Therefore, I feel like I’m sorta home again. 🙂
Yes, what Betty said, Welcome to kansas.I could be wrong and sure not bet “the farm” on it,but those generators are probably stored there. I love seeing those wind mills going. There are a lot east of us in the flint hills . The weather channel has a show about how the guys go up and check out the motors and the outside. Not a simple job.
Well, hope weather helps you and you can get wheat cut. be careful.Sharon Drake Winfield,Ks
Thank you for sharing your daughters song. What a great song. If they wrote it well they are very good at writing. They have good harmony and sound great.
Suppose to be plenty hot out your way today and next few days. 100 is what our local weatherman said.Went to my Mom’s this am and some cutting and lot of field work going on. I think some of the wheat now is some maybe not as good. Nice wind. 91 now here.Not much clouds.
Yes, seems a tire blows in a bad place,no good place ha, or got heaviest load. or run out of wire just the last few inches,or thread out last few stitches. ha
Well better go.. Sharon
Great video. I agree with Jim on not jumping out of the truck. To easy to break, twist or sprain legs and feet. Harry and I are always telling our family that.The Grandchildren,we tell them if they got hurt doing something everybody,using everybodies names, would cry. Now they are saying that when we say not to do something. We just took them home, they stayed overnight. They live on Ks/Ok state line west of newkirk. Looks like all the wheat is gone. The corn and maize and beans are doing good. could use a drink . They grow cotton down that way also. Our son does not have any crops,but Karens Dad has alfalfa and a field of wheat. few cows. He keeps hay,but leases wheat. It is wide open part of that area. karen says they are 11 miles from every town and some neighbors.
We enjoy Robert and Katrina. 10 and 5. Right now at 3:30 pm the wind is 33 mph wind gusts 15 normal,but I don’t think there is much normal. 92 degrees. at Winfield,ks.Talking little rain tonight.Sharon
Love the hair braids. Our Granddaughter has long hair and she likes it braided loose. Anyway. goos job.Sharon
Nice to hear from you! Sounds like you’ve been pretty busy with life, grandkids and activities. It’s good that you can enjoy all of that. Thank you, too for the encouraging words and reassurance!
Tracy
Hope ya can get cutting again soon. Niether one of us knows God’s plan, but as you know, it always works out for the best for those who love Him, even if we don’t see how it is a good thing at the moment. I know what you mean because we were sitting waiting for it to dry out Tuesday evening through Friday. We finally got going again yesterday and it felt so good to be back behind the wheel of the big beast. Everyone seemed to have the same thought as us- take an early lunch then head for the field. Dust was flying everywhere yesterday. It was all going good until the machine i was running got down to one bar of fuel and had to stop for the night and sit and wait on everyone else to finish up for the night. We are 45 min from home (which makes for a long drive after a LONG day) so we arnt taking fuel out to the field ourselves which is the reason for running out. We still managed to pound through about 500 acres though. And the tool works great! Its so nice not having to carry a bucket of water and a squeegee out to the field every day.
Thanks for the encouraging words, Ethan! It’s just hard seeing the combines rolling and you’re not. The trailer house is nice and we have plenty of living space on the days off but it gets small real fast when you’ve spent as much time in it as we have lately. I’m glad to hear the secret tool works for ya and has eliminated part of your daily chores.
That is a storage area in Garden City. All those parts arrive by rail then are farmed out by truck. Many are going up east of Dodge City in Spearville. HUGE wind farm there.
Thanks, Eric! Jim just told me this evening he found out what was going on with that holding area and it was exactly the same thing you just told me. 🙂
Lovely photos, very warm and charming. The kids look so adorable especially Tyke who’s watching the giraffe. Is he crying or going to cry on the first photo? Seem like it. Well, have a nice day to you. God bless!
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Thank you! The little Tyke’s name is Brooks and No, I don’t think he was crying or close to crying. I hope you have a nice day too! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Yes, I am sure waiting is not good for anyone. I know it would be for us. Little boys are very sweet. I can do a good skip the rock,but do it about twice a year.
Cloudy here now and chilly,may get to 90s by afternoon. was not bad yesterday.Light wind. had my mom out and glad it was not so hot.
Wta is all the fuss on gov. side about the fuel.Do they think you will get to much and none for others. ha Hope you can do soem cutting today. Take care. Sharon
Just read the article about USCHI. Just another case of the folks that make the rules are far removed from the ag. needs. Sharon
The yellow beast might feel disciplined, but just remember…they save the best for last. Been following your blog all spring, hope the harvest run is going well for you and your family. The crops are up out of the ground here in ND and spraying is currently underway. Harvest won’t start until mid July with the winter wheat, and then end of July/early August for the rest of it. Safe travels.
Thank you for following us! And, thank you for leaving a comment. It’s so good to hear from the people who actually take the time to read about our adventures. We’ll go into MT after the next stop – which is Limon, CO. I’ll tell the yellow beast what you said 🙂
You may have felt like you had nothing to do but it sounds like some great family and thinking time was had! Loved this post.
You’re absolutely right. We have had a lot of good family time and sometimes it take a gentle reminder like yours to put it in perspective. Thank you! I think we all get caught up in the idea that we need/should be busy doing something all the time. I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Well, at least people heard some of what he said,never know that may have been more then some have ever heard. I suppose ABC did the apology to not be suited.
Nice rain here in Cowley County from about 6 am until 10 am. Nice and easy. Some thunder.Has moved on east. Had an inch yesterday,not sure about today.Rain gauge fell over,but have it ready for the next rain.
Does the Garden City Walmart have Fabric? So many do not. Our walmart in Winfield has fabric. Only fabric between Ponca City, Ok. and Wichita. Ponca City has Hobby Lobby for fabric. Not any I know of east to Missouri line. Have walmart ,but no fabric. There are some quilt shops that have fabric. Makes no sense. There are a lot of folks that sew.
We have a gas station in Arkansas City,town south of us, that is built a lot like the one you talk about. They still have the pumps.
My Grandparents put gas pump on their farm . It was used until early 80’s
my brother moved on the farm after Grandmother died. He used it for awhile. I used to like to pump the gas up in the glass when I was a kid. He has had offers to buy it,but he said it stays. I am not sure would most likely mess it up to try and move it. Take care.Sharon Drake
Yes, the Garden City Walmart has fabric. It has EVERYTHING. My great grandpa who lived near Lebanon, KS had one of those gas pumps on his farm too. It’s one of my favorite memories of being there. I was pretty little when we’d go visit but some of my most fondest memories came from those visits!!
About the song and singing,YEH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! APPLAUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sharon
ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW? TAYLOR AND CALLIE. I don’t even know what to say. I could cry. I love you so much that I hate you. Dudes. I’m in awe.
Very nice Tracy. I loved reading your memories of your Dad. Not a day goes by that I do not think of my Dad and wish he were still here. He was and always be my hero and it was because of him, your Dad came into my life.
Thanks, Nancy! I’m glad you enjoy reading my “stories”. It’ll probably help understand this crazy life we lead.
Happy Father`s Day to Jim—-he got to celebrate with 3 gorgeous women!!! Lucky dog!!! Love reading your blog—makes my day. My Dad was my “rock” also & you are right—-girls and their Dad`s & Mom`s and their sons. Ross`s parents came out here for Father`s Day—he so wanted to see the crops and be out in the country. Fun memories for our family. Stay SAFE.
Congrats on your nomination 🙂
Glad you are getting such high bushels. Cloudy here now ,south of Winfield, Ks. The crops of corn and beans look good. Weatherman says may not get any rain for a week or so here.
Thank you for the pictures and explaining how the equipment works for those that don’t know . Be careful Sharon Drake
Just an FYI: 40/287 through Kit Karson proper is a 12′ wide restriction, plan accordingly. I have to be in Limon a week from today, see you there.
Thanks, Brad! See ya there and safe travels!!
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/red-winged_blackbird/lifehistory
Pretty sure this is the bird that makes their nests in standing wheat.
See quite a few where we cut too, and asked the same question and someone said this was most likely the bird.
Awesome! I bet you’re right! There’s a lot of them in and around the fields!! Thank you, Jared – and thank you for reading about our adventures!
Safe travels to all of you. This has been a different year for sure.
Thanks,Karen!!
Tracy, from what we know and I have read it could be most anything, but could be pheastants, ring neck hens. If you can ask your farmer,i bet he knows.
Love the nest pictures.
I bet the leaf blower sure makes easier. course the air hose also. I don’t blame you about the header lock still scary. Good Jim has hard hat. Hope move is good. Sharon
The first stage of the move went real well. We even got up early enough to avoid a lot of the heat – until it was setting up the trailer house again. Then, it was hot. Jim and I will be heading back to Deerfield soon so we can get a good start again in the morning.
Hi Tracy, I did a Google image search for birds in wheat fields and before I gave up found kildeer, skylark, dickcissel, stork, great bustard, pheasant, mountain plover and lark. That doesn’t narrow it down much. Betty
Awesome! Thank you Betty for looking this up. It’s a fairly small nest in circumference so it must be a smaller bird. I just find it amazing how much work was put into it.
Another nice piece of writing today. I really enjoyed reading it very much. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.
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Thank you! I’m glad our family stories are interesting enough to read! 🙂
You’re welcome. They are very interesting. You have an excellent blog here. Feel free to stop by. You are welcomed to visit anytime.
Cute swimsuit Taylor ! Miss you all !!
Miss you too!! Sounds like you’re busy this summer with fun typical summertime activities. Give the girls a kiss/hug for me. PLEASE!
Reblogged this on 1 Million Reblogs.
Glad you enjoyed it enough to reblog!! Hope your readers enjoy our adventures!
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Hey thanks for liking my posting well enough to reblog it!!
108 here now. Tooo hot!
It. Is. Miserable!
David creates his own special kind of grime in the blacksmith studio and likes Goop, too. He also supplements with Murphy’s Oil Soap (we keep it in his liquid hand soap dispenser) and Joe’s Hand Cleaner available at NAPA if it’s another kind of dirt or grease that Goop doesn’t handle.
Awesome! I’m going to go to Witt Boys NAPA with Jim one day and look for Joe’s! I’m assuming I can use that on clothes too?
I haven’t tried it on clothes (David wears black in the studio all the time so black on black doesn’t show too much.) but should. Probably should test for color fastness. His hands are the biggest difference in switching from orthopedic surgery to artist blacksmithing–they used to be impeccable and now are black with lots of finger slits–but he doesn’t get called out in the middle of the night any more and doesn’t have as much government interference.
Wow! Orthopedic surgeon to blacksmith – a true picture of doing something that you love! Maybe being a surgeon, though, gave him the ability to become what he dreamed. He certainly does beautiful work!!
Thank You to the Nebraska Wheatie. The Massey Combine picture is of my husband, Mac McCartor, we’re not high tech just old school. He loves that old machine. Can’t find parts very easy, but he keeps machine going somehow. Thank you again, you made his harvest. Stacy McCartor @ smccartor@pldi.net Arnett Ok
OH MY GOSH!I’m so glad you left a comment!! We were so excited when we saw that old combine still cutting wheat! I’m glad it made his harvest and didn’t make him upset. I know when we stopped to get the picture the girls were concerned about someone not being happy that we took their picture. It did my heart good to be able to relay your comments to them. I may have made his harvest BUT it was actually he who made our harvest! I hope he can keep it going. What’s the history of the ‘ole girl? I would love to hear it and I’m sure others would too. Thank you so much for reaching out.
105 here at Hooker today, and predicted to get hotter this week. We should finish cutting tomorrow or Tuesday. This heat has really dried it down. The last load we took in yesterday tested 7.8! Glad to hear no one was hurt in the elavotor accident. There was a train wreck today. Two trains hit head on between Guymon and Goodwell. 3 of the locomotives were burning and they couldnt get It put out because of all the fuel. It happened just after 10am, unfortunately, 3 of the crew members are still unaccounted for.
There have been a couple of elevators bust open west of us,Russell ks. and i do not remember the other,but was not very far from Russell. I have thought of that since i started reading your activities and hoped you did not pull in and have the building fall. There was a big one in Wichita , ks. several years ago bigg deal. but like Jim said that happens and the dust is very explosive. Does not take much to go off. Our Son worked for a fella here that had a business of going up on the elevator and the house on top to fix or maintain them and he said you really had to be careful. he enjoyed it since he traveled to other states and was good money,but they were expecting first baby and he finally gave it up. I think the guy still has the business. barnsco.
hate top see the grain on the ground and out in the weather. Sharon Drake
Hi Tracie, I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Award, http://ndjmom.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/my-first-award-the-sunshine-award as if you need more sun in your life right now when the temperature is rising.
But seriously, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching you and the girls on your summer adventures. Yes, I know it’s work, at times it’s boring, but like you have said, you can’t imagine your summers any other way.
I’m getting an early start on my notifications, but the post will be up in the morning.
Love the video of the 3 young men and their family. They have a great way to get the word out about farming and how food gets to the table.
We have 105 here now and suppose to get 106 by mid afternoon. Time here now is 12:50 pm
Sorry for the family that will not be farming anymore,but sometimes you can only beat your head on the wall so long and then things have to change. We wish them well in the future. Harry and Sharon Drake
Tracy,
We enjoy reading your blog! I was reading it this morning and I had to go read it to Mom and Emma. Brought tears to there eyes. It is hard to believe it has been a year and half already. It was a great reminder of how you can have an affect on people even when you don’t know it, so thanks for that! I know that dad had huge respect for you and was so proud of the job that you were and are doing as President! He was honored to know you and be apart of your life. God Bless you Tracy! Dan
Ok so now you got the tears started on this end!!
Elmwood, real temp 101F right now at 5pm, heat index 106F. Jen’s playing a double header softball game tonight. I can’t imagine going into Colorado right now, prayers are going your way for the farmers and all the rest on the road ahead.
I’m pretty sure Colorado and the surrounding states that are affected by this drought would be happy to know there were prayers being lifted up for them! It’s hot everywhere – hope Jen gets through it ok.
I remember when I qualified for Nationals…hmmmmmmm. Kids these days. They’ve got it too easy.
Glad you had a safe trip!
Yeah….I know. All I can say is sorry.
Our kids also grew up on the harvest and missed out on all the usual summer activities their friends were involved in–to this day, they insist they had the best deal.
I’m pretty sure most harvest kids would agree being on the road was the better deal. I,too, was a harvest kid. I never felt like I was missing out on anything. As a matter of fact, I couldn’t imagine anything better!!
are you guys cutting in Montana already, I leave for the US in a week and will be in the plaines 3rd week of july, so keep us posted where the harvest crews are by then!
No we’re not in MT yet. The crews are as far north as the Nebraska/South Dakota border and beyond. Mid Sourh Dakota will probably be cutting next week. To keep up on other crews, visit http://www.uschi.com. Safe travels!!
great article
We ski at up to 10’000 ft with no I’ll effect might be combination of altitude and heat?
I’ve never had much problem before either. Probably a lot of the heat affecting us too. 100 degrees every day. Regardless we got the job done. It’s just so much easier when a person is 100%. Thanks for your input!!
[…] Bring on the Heat! (nebraskawheatie.com) […]
Food Stories is on to you! Congratulations on your nomination. Everytime I read a post, I can smell the harvest dust and feel the pleasures and stresses of long harvest days. Thanks for the blog!
Thanks Sonja! If I’m really painting my day well enough that you can be there with me, then I’ve succeeded in the reason I started sharing our life. I’m so glad you enjoy it!
Oh do send that rain this way please! We are so dry! Callie and Kaidence look like they had a great time in the pool. Give all our best. Where is your next stop?
There’s a line of showers from CO to SD going across NE. Maybe it WILL get as far as you. We head for Jordan, MT next. Not sure when we’ll be leaving. Taylor and Jenna will be here Wed. night. Jen is supposed to be with us until Sunday so I don’t know what the plan will be. I’m hoping I can talk Jim into going to the mountains for a couple of days. 🙂
So how did the FBLA group do???? So proud of our students and E-M. Love reading your blog Tracy, makes my day. Do the Bulgrin`s have relatives at Waco, Ne.??? I grew up with several families by that name—–small world.
They did really well. The community service team took first in the nation – Cody Brown, Lauren Bowman and Jordan Bowman. Zoe Tuttle was in the top 15 for public speaking. I think they probably had a great time! And, thanks to the sponsors who took them – Mr. & Mrs. Shrader, Mr. & Mrs. Backemeyer and Dave & Barb Oehlerking. Probably no relation to the Bulgrin’s in Waco. Leon Bulgin came from South Africa and was an employee for Jada’s dad. A hazard of the trade – believe me, I know all about that! Hope you have a fun and safe 4th!
4th of July and we are not in Colby, KS I am not making my red white and blue jello shooters as I do not know yet where we will be. I will be missing all my favorite US friends tomorrow!!!!
I will be missing you! I’m so glad we were able to get together with you last year. It just won’t be the same this year!
The top photo looks a lot like the one took and just posted. Love the sky when it looks like this.
What wonderful memories. By the way Jennifer LOVED seeing Taylor when she swung through Murdock after FBLA. She was so excited when she went out the door to surprise her.
🙂 I know Taylor enjoyed getting to see her too. It was the first time EVER she was home in July.
So glad to see you ladies have such a wonderful time! Memories for sure! Too bad Jamie wasn’t there with you all. Will be looking forward to the posts from up north! ttyl!!!
I know!!! We would have been complete if Jamie would have been able to be with us. She was in Chicago for a week with her husband and his family. Her sister in law had a baby 🙂
Great trip. Thanks for taking us along. we have been in a lot of colorado,wyoming and Montana, great country.
keep your boots girls. my Mom still has hers with the spurs. She took them with her to new home in assisted living this week. The staff really think that is great.
Still no rain here in southern kansas. Western part got some last night. I see the guys selling cattle due to lack of water. The hay has been good though. Corn was looking great and now beginning to look bad. Lot of ears.later Sharon
That is such a true representation of a Zeorian adventure – you make do if things don’t go as planned and have fun in the process. Those will be great memories forever !!! Miss you guys so much !!!
I’m glad you can see that about us. 🙂 I was just thinking the other day I should call those two little girls to remind them who I am so they don’t forget me. Sounds like you guys took a mini vacation. Hope it was fun! Love you!!
The pictures are great, wait till you see the Platte River at Louisville, couldn’t believe how empty it was today. The girls & I went to Omaha for school supplies, just the crayons & notebooks, etc. Will have to get the shoes & 1st day outfits another day – this 100 degree weather is hard to shop in. Miss you guys so much, can’t wait till you get home home !! Have fun while you’re in Jordan !!
Can’t wait to get home, home to see all we left behind!! The heat is horrible everywhere! Got to talk to Brook and Jill last night. Maybe they still remember me 🙂
Tracy, good idea on the eating chips or anything crunchy,also chew gum makes a big difference in staying awake. I worked night shift for 30 years and found that anything crunchy and gum kept me between the lines.I kept apples and cereal in the truck all the time. Nothing more miserable then to be sleepy while driving. Cloth in some ice and put it on your face and neck also helps.
You are in a beautiful part of Montana. we have been there and Wyoming several times and loved it all. Nebraska is beautiful also.
we got thunder and lightning and 10 minutes rain about 5 pm here in Cowley County kansas. But sure made the air cooler. 100 instead of 108. Take care. drink lot of water. Sharon
Thanks for the ideas, Sharon! Usually I do chew gum. Maybe too much gum. I’ve been dealing with a very painful jaw and have stopped chewing gum. It actually hurts to chew anything. So, I avoid it. I sure miss it! It’s so hot – everywhere! I will take your advice about the water, too. Take care. It was good to hear from you!
Tracy
What a thrill to find your family homestead and see what the area looked like .It is almost like those folks are telling you to come see where they lived.
I have done family history for my parents and Harry’s Mom’s family . It never ends. Just when you think you have all there is to know,then something comes along. my parents were close to all their families,so made easier for me to put it all together.Love it. Thanks for sharing your family history. Sharon and Harry
What a thrill to find your family homestead and see what the area looked like .It is almost like those folks are telling you to come see where they lived.
I have done family history for my parents and Harry’s Mom’s family . It never ends. Just when you think you have all there is to know,then something comes along. my parents were close to all their families,so made easier for me to put it all together.Love it. Thanks for sharing your family history. Sharon and Harry
Where I’m from, those “cow paths” are called “two tracks”. Its fun to find out where those little roads lead to. The country side is beautiful there.
Ethan
Thanks, Ethan, for your definition of these roads. They are what makes this country great! The scenery here is OUTSTANDING!
Where I’m from, those “cow paths” are called “two tracks”. Its fun to find out where those little roads lead to. The country side is beautiful there.
Ethan
Thanks, Ethan, for your definition of these roads. They are what makes this country great! The scenery here is OUTSTANDING!
That’s exactly how we always feel when hitting small town MT, it feels like home cause everybody knows your name and because your account is ready for you at the grocery store!! If you do a Walmart run to Miles City, look us up!!
Are you in MC? How long?
Great pictures. You are right there is a lot of history in cemetaries. My mom always likes to go to her family s and the one Dad is buried in a lot of their long time friends are buried. I always learn something new when we go.She tells me something i forgot or did not know.
Montana is a great place. Have been there many times. The place to go is Yellowstone National park. It is like all of the United States in one place.
Very hot and dryyyy here in Kansas. All of July have been 100 or more. today 105. Looks like may be that way until Sept. We always say that is Kansas and it could change quickly.
Lot have cut corn and made round bales. Cotton is starting to bloom. it is pretty tough,hope it makes it. They depend on cotton and sunflowers to make good cash crops,but time will tell on this year come Oct. and Nov. Be careful. Thank you for the reports of your activitiesSharon and Harry
Beautiful pictures. Some day I’ll get to Montana.
Thanks, Dawn! Coming from you and your knowledge of picture taking, I am honored. 🙂 YES! You must come to MT!!! You’d LOVE it!
There is just no way to take a bad picture up there, my favorite..the two under Square Butte. I wanna go on a road trip!!!
A yellow and green combine feeding a red tractor. What a combination.
Well, at least the colors don’t seem to mind our farmer. 🙂 And, the colors look nice together, don’t ya think! Sort of livens things up a bit.
Reminds me of a neighbor thats nicknamed “rainbow harvesting”. Has a TR series New Holand combine with John Deere green auger extension, and John Deere header with a red grain cart and a blue Ford or New Holland tractor.
That’s awesome, Ethan! Whatever works, right?! How’s things in OK?
Oh, pretty good. Still really dry. The spriklers have been running 24/7 unless broke down, and let me tell ya, changing a tire, gearbox or such in 12 foot tall corn really sucks! We’ve been fertilizing for wheat and doing some other field work. Also starting to service equipment in preperation of fall harvest. Corn harvest (high moisture) will start in 3-4 weeks and school will be starting back up the 16th. This summer went way too fast! We’ve been having beautiful sunsets and sunrises here. Storm clouds have built up the last coulple nights but went around us.
Taylor and Callie will start school on the 16th too. I hate to see them leave. It’s ALWAYS a hard day for me when I watch that car pull away. 12′ corn? Wow! At least you have something to cut. It sounds like the corn in KS, NE and SD will be suffering some. I know the corn we’re supposed to cut will be a whole lot less than the 200 bushels they cut last year. Jim’s farmer is guessing 50 bushel. How they figure that, I don’t know. I wonder if the sunsets are so beautiful because of smoke in the air? That’s what I’ve always been told – smoke and dirt will make sunsets more spectacular. Thanks for leaving a comment! It’s nice to hear from those of you who actually read my story.
Ryan hired someone to help him out on the road cause Haedyn didn’t get out of school till the end of May. And we only had 2 of the combines on the road. So now that we are home we run all 3. Next year we are all going and I get to run my combine 🙂
I bet it is hard. And yes. If it wasn’t for irrigation we’d be lucky to have 50 bushel. I’m not sure what ours is suppose to be, guess I’ll find out when we start cutting. I feel for those farmers. Maybe the price being as high as it is will help compinsate. Hmm, I don’t know, certainly could be. There was a fire a few miles south of us. A local feedlots hay stack caught fire last night and burned most of today. I think they let it burn out on its own. And your sure welcome! And thank you for answering all the questions I’ve asked about custom harvesting!
You are oh so welcome, Ethan! I hope I have only encouraged you to follow your dreams and do what your heart is telling you to do. When you’re doing something you love, your job won’t feel like a job! I believe you’re here for a reason…find it and go for it!
You certinly have been an encouragement. I know exactly what you mean. Some people don’t get it. I think that’s because they just don’t understand how we can enjoy and love doing such labor intensive work, and also because they haven’t found that one job that they really love doing yet.
Exactly! Getting up every day to a job that’s just a job would be horrible! I know sometimes you do what you have to do regardless of whether it’s what your heart desires just to get by. But I think I’d be reevaluating things and making some changes. Take care! Check in once in awhile.
We definitely should have headed to Montana for awhile. They are just swathing our barley here. Maybe next year!!
It’s always so hard to know what to do. This industry is just as much of a gamble as farming!! I hate to see the summer harvest come to an end so I’m hoping for more work to show up 🙂
Me too! Harvest is a lot of hard work, but lots of fun. And the girls love it! Which makes it so much easier. We will see how Chase likes it here in a few days 🙂
He’ll probably love it more than any of you. Good luck! Will you be driving a machine there at home?
Yep! Now that we are home I get my combine back 🙂
I’m jealous! Before we got the yellow combine, I was definitely the combine operator – which is where I would RATHER be! Why can’t you drive it while you’re on the road?
Oats is just as bad as barley especially in bales and handle them on a trailer.
Had a short rain this morning, just a nice 15 minute rain.
Big fire around Ok. City yesterday and today. A friend of ours here just lost 2,000 bales in a fire in his shed. It was open on all sides. the thought is it was set. Whoever did that should have to go help clean that up. Take care Harry and sharon
Who in the world would do something that stupid? I agree, if they ever catch the person/people who do this should have to clean it up and pay for it! Taylor was just telling me tonight about the fires in the OKC area. Thank you so much for your note! It’s nice to hear from people who take the time to actually read my words and look at my pictures. Take care and stay cool!!
Love the top photo, all three colors of equipment, red, yellow and green. The air looks so crisp and clean. It’s amazing how a photo can express how the air feels. Must be the dry air and higer altitude.
It had rained that morning and the temp was cooler. The rain must’ve cut through the smoke for a short time. I have more pics from yesterday that I will include in another post. Thanks, Dawn!!
Just want to let you know that I really enjoy your blogs and twitter updates. I am a Farm Manager in Southern Indiana and it is neat to see how things are done in different areas.
Thanks for letting me know you’re out there Nick!! Southern Indiana, huh? You’re seeing drought then too aren’t you?
Absolutely. At the family farm in Southern Illinois most of the corn has already been zeroed out by the crop insurance adjuster. I rode with one of my farmers last week over here in Indiana and the yield monitor was averaging around 30. It is not looking pretty.
That’s beyond not looking pretty…that’s down right UGLY!
If only the cickle bar could talk, the interesting stories it could say. 1895 makes it 117 years old.wow. great pictures. thanks sharon
Oh I know!! I really enjoy thinking about what things would have been like or even looked like when it was new.
Hope that means you’re coming to harvest and not just to convention!
No not to cut. Not this year anyways. I tried to talk Jim into doing it but he’s pretty loyal to the farmer at home for corn/beans. Maybe one day. We’ll see ya in December.
Wishing you just a bit cooler day today. Bet all will be glad to see Jenna. Have really enjoyed the pics and updates on your blog. Will harvest travels be done early this year as all of harvest was about a month early?
I’m afraid the summer is coming to an end way faster than I’m ready. Unless we find more to do we’re only a couple days from seeing wheat harvest 2012 complete. The letdown hits me hard!! Glad you’ve followed the journey and enjoyed it.
Looks like you guys are getting along well. Good to see!! We finished up on our barley yesterday. Might try our first spring wheat tomorrow. Thank you for all the photos!!
You are oh so welcome! It’s easy when you love what you’re doing. Good luck with the spring wheat. Will it be a good crop?
I do agree it’s easy when you love it. And I hope it’s a good crop. Heard of some in the area averaging about 55/bpa so nothing I would complain about. Our barley was about average for this year, and I was too busy hauling it to the elevator today so we didn’t get to the spring wheat. Maybe in the next few days. Talking rain this weekend though, which would could use for the soybeans and sunflowers.
No kidding! 55 is a good yield. I’m really not sure what this farm is yielding. We can only go by what number sort of remains consistent on the monitor. There’s no reason to know, I guess. This north country doesn’t want to pay the typical three numbers – only one. It’s really not fair to either the harvester or the farmer. It’s just the way it’s always been done. Pretty sure home could really use some rain, as well. The corn is real bad and the beans are needing a drink.
You always make lovely pictures ……Tracy.? And to go with a good story..Keep it up greets from Friesland.
Thank you, Lion!! It’s easy to do when you love what you’re doing. And what a great way to share our lifestyle and agriculture with the rest of the world!! WOW-I’m honored to know someone from a different country reads my stories! Thank you for leaving such an encouraging note!
Congratulations on your anniversary and thanks for taking time to share your busy life with us. I really have enjoyed reading each post and have especially loved the photos. Keep up the good work, enjoy the time with your girls, and I hope you finish this years run safe and sound and you have an even better year next year. I’m looking forward to your next post!
Thanks, Doug! I wondered who you were until I saw “Gleaner Man” and then realized a Twitter friend of mine was leaving a comment. :)Thank you for taking the time to write your encouraging words. I LOVE what we do so it’s pretty easy for me to write about our lifestyle and industry. The girls will be heading home tomorrow. It will be a sad day for me. But, unless we come up with more work, we won’t be too far behind them. WOW! This summer really went awfully fast to me. Now I have all those in between months to endure. The girls and I are already looking forward to the day we’ll be getting ready to head south again. Thanks for following along on our journey!!
Congratulations on your aniversary. It has been fun following your harvest progress this year. It brings back good memories of when I was on the Farris brothers Harvest crew out of edson KS.
After the two years I was on the harvest run, it has truly gotten in my blood.
Keep showing the great pictures!
Thanks, Tony! I know the Farris Bros quite well…good people!! You were fortunate to have gone with them. For those people who have never experienced harvest and the lifestyle, they don’t understand when we say “it’s in our blood”. I’m sure farming is like this. I say it’s an addiction! I’m glad you enjoy the pictures. Sometimes I wonder if I put too many on here. 🙂
Don’t worry about your pictures doing justice to that country, i don’t think any pictures do, no matter who takes them. They were good anyway. So how much more do you and Jim have cutting after the girls leave?
We are still very hot and dry here and the soy beans are doing nothing. One guy said today that some are baling them up. We went to a farm auction of an older couple this morning. They did not have any thing we needed,but was good to be around farm people.You can tell them a long way off. ha good folks
We have a burn ban for any type of fire here in our county. Had a couple fires by equipment . Most farmers have water tanks on trucks ready in case of fire before the fire department gets there.
Nice you could visit with friends. Take care Harry and Sharon
We moved back to Jordan today with the first load. We’ll go back after the combine tomorrow. We have a few days to help a friend get finished up and then I suppose we’ll be making our way home again. I’m not looking forward to the end of harvest. It always makes me sad to see it come to an end. Taylor and Callie (and Jenna) are home. They got home late this afternoon. It’s a relief to know they made it! This drought is HORRIBLE!
I hate the end of harvest. We are almost done here at home and that means we are done for the year.
I hate the end of harvest too!!! It just doesn’t settle well with my soul. I wonder what it is that causes these feelings to happen. Maybe it’s just that summer is nearly over and another winter is upon us. Maybe it’s the out-of-ordinary things we do and routine that makes it what we love. Thanks for leaving your comment, Casey! Good luck with your remaining harvest, too.
Always tough ending the season…if you’re not ready to be done yet you might be able to find some acres in ND if you wanted to again lol. Our spring wheat harvest is just barely starting to get going. Have a safe trip home.
Do you know of anyone wanting help?
On Aug 14, 2012,
Nebraska Wheatie: I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog! I work for a small not for profit ag company. I am a teacher coordinating their education program and before this job knew very little about farming. I’ve lived in the city my whole life and have found your profession fascinating. You girls are beautiful and your family seems flexible and committed to each other. Thanks for the blog and I hope you enjoy a safe trip home. Good Luck!
Thanks, Diane! Perfect!! The whole reason I started this blog was to educate the reader – if anyone was reading it. Apparently, I have at least helped educate one person about the custom harvester. My story is no different than any other harvester – maybe just a little in that we’re strictly family run. But, for the most part, the custom harvesting industry is sort of like one very large family. I’m involved with the harvester’s organization, U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. (www.uschi.com). When we get together for our annual convention, it brings a lot of us together in one sitting and it is like a family reunion. Agriculture is vital to the people of this country. I hope my little contribution in educating where their food comes from will be helpful in some small way. Please continue to follow our journey. We may be moving towards the going home stage but I intend on continuing to share what a harvesting family does during the off season. Take care and God bless you for doing what you’re doing!!
Tracy
great photos, and nice post as usual.
do you keep heading North to Canada?
Well, I’ve been trying to convince Jim we should go to Canada simply because I don’t know what we’re going to find once we get home to the corn and beans we usually cut for our farmer there. Jim’s pretty loyal to his customers and he’s going home…so, we won’t be going to Canada. Maybe one day we will 🙂 Thanks for the kind words, by the way! I’m glad you enjoy reading my story.
Hey there!
I’ve nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. Check out the link to your blog here: http://thesugarlump.com/2012/08/16/one-lovely-blog-award-take-ii/
Best wishes,
Sugarlump
Be safe on your travel home. I feel a bit “let down” for you as well to see harvest come to an end. Will be looking forward to your posts when you return home!
Thanks, Karen! You’ve been a great, loyal follower of the wheat harvest. If you ever make it to the Omaha Cabela’s, let us know. And…FYI…my brother, Matt, moved to Sidney and is now working for Cabela’s.
Thanks for sharing your work season with us and have a safe, peaceful trip home! I looked north when we were on I-94 in Montana last week and thought of you and how far from home you were! As a seasonal worker myself (greenhouse, holidays) I understand the let-down, but then there is always “next year we’ll do this……..” to look forward to!
🙂 I’ve already figured its eight months away from loading the cottage again. I’ll be counting down the events before we head south once again. Thank you for the well wishes and for following our summer journey!! I hope you’ll continue looking for a new posting.
I had to go through the let down when our wheat harvest was over too. I didn’t want it to end but knew that eventually it would. And now summer is over too and it’s school time again. But now I have fall harvest to look forward to. We’ll hopefully get started later this week. Hope ya’ll have a safe trip back home!
Ethan, what will you be harvesting for fall crop? Corn? Thank you for the well wishes in getting back home. I know once I get there, everything will fall back into place. It’s just overwhelming and depressing – all at the same time. Good luck with your harvest! Did you start back to school? High School or college?
Yes, corn is our big fall crop. We usually have quite a bit of milo (also know as grain sorghum), but with the drought, most of it isn’t going to make. So I guess we’ll see if there is any to cut. And thank you for the well wishes too. I started my sophomore year of high school last Thursday.
I’m afraid what we’re going home to won’t be making very much either. But, I guess it’s more than nothing at all! Hopefully, with the higher prices, it will all even out. Best of luck with your sophomore year! You’ll be a senior before you know it, so enjoy your days!
LOVE that pic!!! Anxious to see all of u again!!! Safe travels. Guys just had lunch here—-they are combining corn at Grandpa Ruge`s. Earliest we have EVER harvested corn.
Thanks, Judeen! I HAVE got to call Ruth! Been thinking of her and all of you for a week. Sorry about your loss! I talked to Abe about a week or so before he passed away and I thought he sounded so much stronger than he had all summer. What a shock! I will miss him!!
Great photo. Thanks for Sharing!
🙂 You’re welcome! How’s things in KS?
Reblogged this on The Wheat Beat and commented:
Thanks for sharing, Nebraska Wheatie!
[…] Reblogged from Nebraska Wheatie: […]
Thank you for picking this up and sharing it with your community! Please pass it around as much as possible!
Tracy
First of all, let me say that I am a relatively new follower of your blog and that I love it. I am learning about a way of life very different from my own in an honest, heartfelt and direct way (not translated but a human interest reporter of some kind).
This one caught my eye and prompted me to respond because I know many people who complain bitterly about government regulation and government interference, and while I know that many examples can be found of government regulation and interference in our lives that are misguided at best, the suggestion seems to be from many quarters that we’d be better of with no government regulation. I hope thats not the feeling of most people, but sometimes I think it is based on what I hear people say.
I read the transcript of the interview you link here and as I was reading attempted to fact check. I can’t say I did a thorough job, and a number of USDA links to information on the guidelines seemed to be shut down (a result of the interview?). But what I could find seemed to support Sec. Vilsack’s representation of the facts more than Mr. Loos’s. Are you able to find the documents that Mr. Loos was referring to and link them to your blog? Also the European study that suggests low fat dairy is not the way to go? I’d really like to understand where Mr. Loos is coming from.
My interest is three fold, I tend to believe the USDA guidelines are an improvement, not a step backwards. I am also deeply involved in a local CSA that provides food to pantries around our city and educates the community on food issues. Its certainly not farming like the farming that surrounds you, but its farming none the less. And finally, I am an avid cook. I have been moving my own diet in the direction of the USDA guidelines for school meals. My perception is that its overall a better diet for health.
Would appreciate anything additional you can provide.
Not sure what happened to my lengthy reply. I will attempt to re-create.
Thank you for reaching out with your comments. I am in no way a reporter. I’ve never even been to college. My writings come directly from the heart and tells of the job I love. I hope you will continue following and to learn more about where your food comes from.
As far as regulations. I believe we must have boundaries or our world would be a free for all. However, when someone who knows nothing about the job I do decides he/she knows how to do it better and makes it a rule then it affects me. What was so wrong with the previous guidelines? My kids are not overweight and they are coming home hungry. My option…send a sack lunch. But what about the kids who don’t have that option. What about the kids who count on that one meal a day. “Oh, sorry but you’ve had all you can have today. Now run along back to class”. Their bodies are growing. Maybe they should require more exercise during the day.
As far as Trent’s references to information to support his questions, I will see what I can do. I guarantee, though, knowing his character they were right there in front of him.
Thanks, again, for following my blog. I hope it’s opened your eyes to the work it takes to get that loaf of bread on your table!
This is so important for youth today! It’s astounding how many children (and some adults alike) are completely clueless as to where their food truly comes from and the process and energy involved. This is such an important topic to my husband and I. From the very beginning we have taught our kids as much as we can about where our food comes from. Last summer we had the privilege of growing a garden, and the kids were able to participate in every way they could. It was great to see them so excited about their food! Our country needs more excitement over fresh foods and LOCALLY grown foods!
Okay, I’m done rambling! Just wanted to share, and thank you for putting this on here for people (parents) to check out!
I LOVED your rambling!! It’s good to know someone gets it. Pass that curriculum on – hopefully people will find it important enough to use. And…you’re very welcome.
🙂 I definitely will. You just gave me a great topic for a post! Thank YOU!
Hot item overthere.? I would say skip the fizzy drinks……Use dairy products [butter cheese fruit-milk etc.]bread and bit of meat…..change the monday in a traditional friday- fishday ……whats usally donne overhere…?
Yeah, it’s a little bit of an issue. Just one more regulation added to our lives.
I enjoy reading his articles in the HPJ.
If you ever have the opportunity to see him in person…GO! Very interesting – a genuine guy!
Thank you!
You’re welcome!
Great photos. Thats some pretty country out there.
Thanks, Ross! It’s pretty colorless right now. I was so surprised not to see any (or very little) green. When I did, it just made me feel better inside. I feel sorry for the animals that depend on the grass and water!
Glad to hear y’all had a safe trip back home! I’ve been wondering where the green is all year too. I know what Jim is going through. This year, we didn’t start servicing until a day or two before harvest actually started. We started a week ago today and it’s been going pretty good and fortunately yields have exceed expiations. I better go now, I think a combine is calling my name.
YAY!!! I’m glad to hear the yields are better than expected!! And that a combine is calling your name. Anyone who has not had the opportunity to spend time in a combine…well…I feel sorry for! Best of luck with the rest of your fall harvest. I’m thinking I might be ready for some cooler weather! Take care, Ethan, and check in once in awhile.
I completely agree about feeling sorry for them. I invite my “city folk” friends out as often as I can to share the experience with them. Yes, some cooler weather would be nice. Good luck to you as well as fall harvest starts for your family.
Thanks, Ethan! Jim started cutting corn on Saturday. Friday was spent getting the equipment unloaded and changed over. Not much of a break for him! I’ve been trying to get the house back in order (free of spiders and bugs) and the trailer house unloaded. Happy Labor Day!
When you said you were hanging clothes on the line, I thought of Grandma Dickson’s clothes line by the house. Gosh, I love the smell of sheets that are dried outside. MY mother thinks I’m nuts, and keeps reminding me I didn’t have to hang too many loads of laundry when I was a kid like she did. She loves her dryer.
I LOVE my clothesline!! I think I would have to have one if I were you!
I have enjoyed the summer with you . Thanks for the great pictures and information on your travels.
Thank you, Terry! THANK YOU for following! I hope I was able to better explain what the custom harvester does and is for the American farmer! I invite you to continue following the next eight months until it’s time to, once again, pack the cottage and head south!
Wow, can’t believe the number of miles you put in in such a short period of time. Great photos, too.
Thanks, Sonja! It was a tough week, that’s for sure! I spent Friday doing absolutely nothing. It felt good but what a waste of a day :). Since then, I’ve been getting a little more accomplished in getting things back to “normal”. Jim started combining corn on Saturday – not much of a break for him!
Hi there….this is my first time on your blog…I really enjoyed myself. We farm in North Dakota but we have been up and down many of the roads you are picturing on your blog. I cannot believe the picture of the Platte River….wow. Hope you can stop by and visit me sometime soon.
Thank you for your nice words and for visiting my blog!! It’s a very dry Midwest right now! I’m really glad you enjoyed looking at my site and I wanted to view yours, as well, but when I click on “Farmchick”, it takes me to “Farm Chick’s Kitchen” and there are no postings. Am I doing something wrong?
Hi there…I am just seeing this post but you found me already!! I am not sure why it is doing that….http://farmchickskitchen.blogspot.com is the address but Fresh from the Farm is my blog name. Follow me on facebook too. 😉 Thanks for stopping by!!!
Your pics make me homesick!
Me too 🙂
That saying is so true! And I have several family members to prove it.
Sounds like Jim got a small break. We did too. Last Tuesday night and Wednesday morning it rained. So Wednesday through Friday were spent doing combine and truck maintenance. Then on Saturday afternoon we got back in the field after the annual car show in town. We also finished high moisture corn harvest on Saturday. Then today Dad went out to test the moisture in various fields and it’s just a tad too wet for dry corn. Hopefully will get going in the next couple days. Wheat planting also officially started for us today.
Take care,
Ethan
Oh, Ethan! I’m so excited to hear the words “wheat planting”!! After this year, you farmers are sure going on faith with the planting for next year! I hope your dry corn yields well for you. Have fun and, above all else, be careful!! Thanks for checking in.
Yes, farmers sure do have faith. A neighboring farmer who is 80+ years old said at milo planting “the little bit of moisture in the ground may be the only moisture we ger to plant on, so I went ahead and planted it. My Sunday school teacher who is also a farmer says “we plant it, fertilize it, and water it (if it is irrigated ground) but the Lord determins the yield”. Thank you! I hope it does well too. And same to you.
Ethan
You’ve got good people in your life…full of great wisdom!
Oh my gosh, this brought back some memories of a play we did for a drama festival several years ago. It was called “The Tomorrow Box”. A synopsis-
The setting is a farm in rural Ontario, where Jack and Maureen Cooper have made their lives and raised their many children. But now, nearing retirement age, Jack (without consulting Maureen) has sold the farm to one of their sons, Joe, with the thought that he and Maureen can retire to Florida and a life of ease. However Maureen, who finds out about the sale from her daughter-in-law, Alice, is devastated by the prospect of leaving all the things and people who mean so much to her, and deeply hurt that Jack would make such crucial plans without her knowledge. Egged on by Lisa, Alice’s sister and a radical feminist lawyer, Maureen decides to go to court to block the sale—and the fur really begins to fly in the Cooper household. Maureen moves out and, after forty years as a dutiful wife and mother, starts her own business; while Jack storms off to Florida by himself. Before long, however, Jack comes to realize not only that he needs and loves Maureen, but also that she is an independent and capable human being, and not merely his chattel. As the play ends he is back, wiser and more humble, and ready to start a new life and a new marriage—but this time on terms to which they both agree.
In the play, Maureen talks about the Tomorrow Box – those boxes of “treasures” that you buy at an auction sale, with the hopes that you will find a use for them “tomorrow”…and of course you rarely do. She fears people will be pawing through all her precious things that she cared so much about and that they will end up in “tomorrow boxes” like so much junk, so she refuses to go to the sale.
It was set in the 70’s (got to use lots of great music) and was set in an old mobile home…we had a pink fridge and even had running water in the sink! Our biggest challenge was finding the stubby beer bottles…
Anyway…enjoy your “tomorrow box”…
Marilyn
That. Was. Awesome, Marilyn!! Thinking maybe I should send Jim to Florida. Maybe he would come back with a more appreciative demeanor. Maybe wishful thinking? He’d probably just stay there. 🙂
Thanks for sharing that story. I wish I could see one of your performances! And…I definitely WILL enjoy my “tomorrow box”‘
Made our reservations for December today – see ya then!!
For me as a Dutch-Cloggy……..my heart and feelings …goes out to all Americans on the ELEVEND OF Sept…. ..wat more can you say…..God-Bless.
Thank you, Lion, for your kind words to the American people! I wish I could share them with everyone!! And…there’s nothing more you can say – you said it all!
Tracy
Well written! thanks for sharing your memories. God Bless America!
Thanks, Sonja!
I love the way you write. You captured the essence of the day to a “T”. I couldn’t help but stop at the Memorial at SAC this morning. The combination of the sun and the flags makes me proud to be an American when I remember how we came together that fall.
Thanks, Dawn! The flags flying today brought back a tiny portion of that feeling for me. The feeling of being proud to be an American. I HATE the way our country is so divided right now! We need something to bring us back to that post 9/11 feeling! I loved seeing the flags. I would have done exactly what you did – stop and not care about being late for work!
Tracy, I know exactly how you feel. It is so great to get home but the work there is tremendous just trying to get caught up. Your blog has been fun to keep up with. It is a shame that the weather has been so hot and dry. The River up there has grass growing in it. God knows we need rain and he will send it when he sees fit. Good luck with getting everything unpacked and put away.
Thanks, Wendy! I’m still putting off the worst part of the job – cleaning. The stupid camper really needs cleaned out good this year with all the dirt that blew in! I like to try to get the outside washed, as well, before it gets put away. I’m just being lazy!! I’m glad you’ve been following us and you’ve enjoyed it! And..thanks for leaving a note!
Great story, I wouldn’t add a thing !!! It was an HHD day we’ll never forget.
That. Is. A. Fact!!
Pity ,the dirt….ruined it in the end of the day…
Lion, it was THE worst day to try to see anything at the show! It was not a good day to be there. It’s too bad, too, because I was really looking forward to it!
And here I thought the wind was bad on Tuesday when I was there! It was well worth putting up with the wind though! I had a good time comparing the different combines and watching them run. Things have really changed! Glad nobody blew away 🙂 maybe some day I’ll run into you there!
Hey Doug!! (aka Gleaner Man) Did you figure out which one you wanted to buy? Maybe one of each. 🙂 Nobody blew away but a lot of things got messed up!! It would be fun to meet a lot of my twitter buddies! Maybe we just need to plan something some day. I’m glad you left me a note. It’s fun to see who’s reading my silly stories! Headed to Nebraska City tomorrow to watch the girls march in the Apple Jack parade. Expect a posting. 🙂
Well it would have to be the Gleaner! Lol I was impressed with the Lexion a lil tho. I liked the way it was throwing full cobs and not leaving many kernels behind, but I’ll always be faithful to my silver machines.
I’ll be waiting for your next post. :-] that is a fun festival, it just happens to be the same weekend as ours, and our kids are marching in the parade so we can’t get there.
What a day! The weather was perfect! However, we sat on the North side of the road and it felt like we were literally baking in the sun. So much better than last year when we nearly froze to death. E/M took 1st place in their C/D class – woo hoo!!
P.S. I’ll forgive you for the love of the silver 🙂
I was there. It was miserable–my computer got covered in dust within minutes and I made the mistake of chewing some gum–ewwww.
Oh my goodness!! It was the worst! I chewed on dirt and tiny gravel even after we were in the car. If you had Chapstick or lipstick on it was a nice black color. Yuck! Were you working in that mess?
Oh my, you were busy! I’ve probably only put up about 16-20 quarts this year.
I HAD to! If someone was going to share their “fruits” of the season, I had to make sure they were put to good use. And…I’ll certainly put them to good use this winter! Mmmmmm
I probably could put up more stewed tomatoes, soup season just started and I’ve already used quite a number of jars.
That’s what most of these will be used for, too – and spaghetti sauce.
You can submit for the weekly topic “DIY Gardening” before Sept 27th. Send me an email with a short bio of yours to akanksha@bbookmagazine.com, see more details on my blog’s submit page
Sorry, I missed your deadline! But…I didn’t grow these wonderful tomatoes – I received them as a gift.
Thank you! Thank you for all you do for American Agriculture and the Wheat Harvesting Industry! Thank you for being a wonderful friend!
Thanks for your note, Pohney! Enjoy your trip and check back when you get home!
Your so welcome! And thank you for taking the time write all the posts! Thank you for answering all my many questions questions this past summer. You’ll never know how much it meant to me for you to answer all those questions, especially since we haven’t even met each other! Take care and be safe, Ethan
You are oh so very welcome, Ehan! I was glad to answer them for you. Hopefully it somewhat helped. One day, we will meet each other – if we ever get back to Hooker, OK. How’s fall harvest going for you?
That’s a day to look forward to. Well harvest was going great until Tuesday evening when my cousin, Cade, backed one graincart into another graincart by accident. It wasnt real major, were able to weld it up Wednesday morning. Now let me set the background for you so it makes more since. My dad farms with his brother and each of them take care of a specific area of the farm. One of my dad’s is harvesting. Well on Wednesday he went to pick up a “new to us” simi and therefor was gone. That left my cousins to run the harvest while my brother and I were in school (my cousins are homeschooled). So why we were at school they had an even bigger wreck. Sidney, was driving one of the three graincarts and was to close to Cory, who was driving one of the two combines, when Cory decided he needed to back up. To make a long story short he backed into one of the tractors with the combine and it broke the hood, radiators, and oil cooler. On the combine it just bent up the metal tailboard, which was fixed to keep going. Then one of the other tractors started leaking fuel and the service tech had to come fix it. There was a little while that we were down to 1 combine and 1 graincart. We were just all glad nobody was hurt, because equipment can be replaced. That brings me up to today. It was going all good until on the last round of the night something happened to the unloading auger on the combine I was driving. It broke the shear bolt. So I put a new one in and tried it, it broke again as soon as I turned the augar on. Then tried it one more time, but this time Dad suggested to engage at full throttle. Same thing. So a project got left for in the morning when there is light. How’s harvest going for you all?
Oh my, Ethan! That sounds like a couple of events and situations that it would be nice to be able to hit the rewind button! Goodness, what a series of unfortunate events! I’m sure it all happened to produce more patience in your dad and his brother 🙂 Hopefully, that will be the last bad things for the rest of the season! BE CAREFUL! As you said, machinery can be replaced….
Excited for you, Tracy. God has given you talents and you are sharing them—–world-wide!!! Keep up the good work!!! Does your family appreciate how “famous” you are???HA Blessings, Judeen
My family just makes fun of me 🙂 Thanks for your words of encouragement!
Will be watching for your post, tell Congrats to Taylor, its an honor to be nominated by her peers! Good luck and have fun! Do hope the team wins, makes it that much better for celebrating!
Agreed!! And…I will tell her.
Thanks, Karen!
Keep it up Tracy……….thats all I can say .
Ok, Lion, I will just for you. 🙂
Take care!
I remember all of the quarts Mom used to put up! And she used every one, mostly for her wonderful spaghetti sauce. Yum.
Did she share her spaghetti sauce recipe with you? 🙂 I’m sure I’ll use mine up too. I don’t usually get to can quite this many and I’m usually having to use them sparingly. I won’t have to this winter!! Lots of good chili, veggie soup and spaghetti sauce.
How exciting for all of you!!! Ladies—-you looked absolutely gorgeous!!!! Your Dad should “pay you” to keep him.HA He`s one lucky man—-will remind him the next time I see him. Being “Grandparents” is one of God`s greatest gifts—-know you will enjoy tremendously!!! Blessings, Ross & Judeen
Thanks, Judeen! I’m looking forward to holding a baby again. 🙂 Mine are growing up WAY too fast!
WOW what an honor and tradition in your family! Definitely a Red Letter Weekend. Congrats on the baby news also.
Katie of Pinke Post
I know, right? I’d say this family has been more than blessed! The baby news certainly puts me in a completely different section of the “circle of life”. One that I really thought would take much longer to get to when you’re living life. I can only hope I’m as good of a gma as mine was to me. 🙂 Thanks for your note, Katie!
Good for you, stand from the rafters, shout from the roof tops and take the “bull by the horns”, sorry couldn’t resist. Like you said, we all need to stop preaching to the choir. I think you are the one to approach the mass media and actually get something done.
Well…I don’t know if I could get the media to actually listen to me, but maybe someone will. 🙂 Thanks for your vote of confidence, though, Dawn!
Farmers and Ranchers are about the only industry that does not control the level of production (affects of uncontrollable weather, pests, etc.) or control the prices of commodities they sell. I say this is the reason most farmers turn to faith to carry them through the difficult times.
I think it’s because of their faith they should be viewed a little less harshly! Can you imagine not having that faith to get you through the tough times? I can’t!
I agree! Something really does need done about educating the US, espicially those who think they know best but really have no clue what they are talking about! Just to show how uneducated our country really is, a classmate said she hates farmers. A friend of mine, who is a farmer, and myself quizzed her why. And according to her we don’t need farmers. I asked if she liked to eat and she said yes, of course. I replied that what she eats is grown by a farmer/rancher. She replied that pizza isn’t grown by farmers. I anwsered by saying no, not a whole pizza but all the ingredients are, wheat is made into flour which makes the crust, farmers grow tomatoes, cheese comes from dairy cattle, which are fed by the gain farmers grow, and so fourth with the meat. It is just reducilious! Some people really believe the grocery store makes food. It’s kinda sad really.
Ethan…GOOD FOR YOU! Can you believe there really are people who believe this?? That surprises me coming from someone with rural surroundings! If that’s happening in Hooker, OK, can you imagine what they must believe in New York City or LA? Unfortunately, there are people out there who would love to shut the farming/ranching industry down and sometimes, I have to wonder what the people in DC are thinking with the regs they come up with. They don’t know. It’s as simple as that. It’s pretty bad when going to DC and talking to staffers in the offices of our Senators/Reps and when asked if they know what a combine is and their answer is no. Really?
Keep educating, Ethan! Keep telling those people who don’t understand where their bread comes from that it starts right here at home!
Well said, Tracy! The problem is trying to figure out how to not ‘preach to the choir’. In North Dakota there is a measure to be voted on this election day addressing cruelty to dogs, cats and horses. It pulls everyone’s heartstrings, but what the general public doesn’t get is that is this is a sneaky way in to control our ranchers. I know don’t know any real cattlemen who would mistreat an animal in their care. Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox. I’m preaching to the choir!
Yes you are!! If those anti-Ag groups, especially HSUS understood how much a farmer loves his animals and the land they wouldn’t have an agenda to push. I hope for ND’s sake, the truth is told and people truly pay attention! You’ll have to let me know how it goes!
This is a great post! So true. My eight year-old son always says, “I think I better bring my lunch because what they give me doesn’t fill me up!” So glad I found your blog. I am interested in hearing more of what you have to say. Also, into ag 🙂
Why thank you!! I’m glad you found my story! I never know who may find my blog and I so appreciate the fact that you left me a note. I look forward to hearing from you again! If an 8 year old is complaining about being hungry it sort of discredits their idea that it’s just the older ones involved with sports that are complaining the most. Visit the Sensible School Lunch FB page and send a note to the policymakers letting them know it’s NOT just a few of us!
I’m so glad your family joined us today, we’ve had a great weekend with you !!
No, it’s me who is glad we were able to join you today! I absolutely LOVE having ALL my family near as often as possible! Love you guys!
Nice post. Love the idea of Cowboy Church in a Horse Barn. Good as any kind of sanctuary.
I was a perfect way to worship!
Sounds and looks like it was fun. I always enjoy the more countryfied gatherings, like that, our church will put on. There’s just something about the barn setting that feels different, a good different.
It was a good day! Being in the barn with the stalls and the hay just made it even better!
Reblogged this on Versatile Blogger Award and commented:
COWBOY CHURCH – horses, barns, songs, worship… again, what more can you want?
I think that just about covers it! I’m sure God was pleased 🙂
😀 Amen!
I think I would love being “on the road” like that, although, I’m sure it has it’s challenges. I need to go back to your older posts and see what it’s all about : ) Hope you are settling back into your home routine….
Most days, Melody, it’s plenty good. There are some days, however, that are a challenge – a huge challenge! One of these days when there’s lots of snow on the ground and you have plenty of time, I hope you can read all about the life of a custom harvester. Then…let me know what you think! A glass of wine may help too 🙂
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Wow, it has been crazy for you just as it has for us the last week to week and a half. Wednesday the 26th a nasty hail storm and pounding rain hit and then more rain came the following day. Some corn got hit pretty bad and a neighbors milo was just destroyed. It wasn’t all bad though, we recieved 2″ of rain which is good for the wheat. We couldn’t get back in the field until last Thursday, the 4th. Corn harvest and wheat planting are going strong again. Good to hear your harvest finished out well. We have about a weeks worth of corn to harvest and then the small amount of milo that made it through the drought. I think I have to disagree on the where the best sunsets are haha. Is fall a bit early for you or not? All the trees and most of the grass here is still green.
Fall is a bit early here. I wonder if it has anything to do with the drought conditions. We haven’t had rain since the middle of Sept and then we got nearly 2″. The grass greened up after that rain. The leaves are all falling off the trees. Today was beautiful! It made it above 70 degrees today. Felt good! Sounds like you had quite the storm. Geesh! I thought hail was just something that liked to wipe out nice wheat fields. It’s good to hear about wheat getting planted. It makes me think there just might be something to cut next summer…and, who knows, maybe we’ll make it to Hooker next year. It would have been nice to have had those additional acres but it’s nice to be done before the snow starts flying and maybe we could actually get things put away before it gets real cold. Thanks for your note, Ethan! It was good hearing from you.
I have been following your blog for some time now and love it. I grew up in the Panhandle (Banner County) and my parents still farm there. I LOVE harvest of any sort but wheat still has to be my tops. The year I graduated I drove to Oklahoma and joined Jimmy Davenport and his harvest crew. I had a blast. To this day I take any chance I get to help anyone with harvest.
I live in Lincoln now. My wife and I have four girls ranging from 13 to 5. Our youngest has Down syndrome. She is AMAZING. She also has taught us (and so many more) so very much about life. The kids in her school absolutely love her and treat her like any other kid. Our DS group had our annual benefit walk this past Saturday and Anna’s team had the largest group of walkers for the third year in a row! It really humbles me the support she has and the people she can wrap around her finger with a simple smile. My wife was co-chair of the event this year with Ben’s mom. He is a great kid. I do hope you get the pleasure of spending more time with him. Tell them hello.
I just had to share. Thanks.
Anthony Barrett
Oh my goodness! We have so many things in common! We used to cut in the Lodgepole area for quite a few years. My grandparents were there every year. We used to cut for Jim’s cousin in Banner Co. Another interesting thing you mentioned was working for Jimmy Davenport. What a great person!! He and Earlene are such good, good people and I dearly love them!! They’ve both been dealing with some health issues and I think of them so very often! And…to think you know Ben! I was so blessed to get to spend the afternoon with him. When I was with the kids on Friday afternoon, one of the little girls said, “I get to walk with Ben tomorrow”. 🙂 Kids are the very best and can teach us so much at times! I will make sure and tell Ben’s family hello if and when I see them. Since I no longer have kids in elementary, I’m not involved with their activities much anymore. I just hope I get called to sub for Ben’s para again. Thank you for your comment, Anthony! And for filling me in on so many of our common denominators! I’m so glad you enjoy reading my blog. Knowing this gives me the encouragement to continue! God Bless!!
That is too funny with all the common links. Almost like 6 degrees of separation! Jimmy cut for our family for many years. He always told my brothers and I that if we ever wanted to run to come down after we graduated. My older brother ran with him two years and myself just one summer. I thought you might recognize the name as they have done the run many, many years. May I ask who Jim’s cousin in Banner County is? I more than likely know them!
Please continue to blog. I enjoy reading them and following your journey!
Anthony Barrett
Jim’s cousin actually lives north of Bushnell but farms some in Banner County. His name is Keith Wasielewski – I’d be surprised if you didn’t know him. 🙂 A great guy. Keith’s dad was Jim’s mom’s brother – got that? 🙂
Waz is a great guy. I saw him this summer at by Dad’s surpise 60th birthday party. And my Dad drilled about 300 acres of no-till wheat last week for him. His daughter and my niece are really close friends. Wow, what a small world.
Anthony Barrett
ABSOLUTELY! His oldest son lives in Lincoln but you probably already know that. I knew right off the bat you knew him when you called him Waz!! WOW! 🙂
Great story, Tracy. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Bill! Good hearing from you!
What a great tribute, the music was perfect for scrolling through the photos. Happy Birthday Callie!
More tears, Dawn…
Oh aren’t we a pair , you got me started again,…stop that ! LOL It’s so hard to see the youngest ones grow up. A foreshadowing of what is ahead.
Happy Birthday—–LOVED the pics. I fed harvest guys this noon and entertained them with your blog, Tracy!!! What a deal.
Certainly glad I was still part of the harvest – in some way! Make sure and tell them they’re lucky they’re still in the fields!! 🙂
Love, love, did I say… LOVE this! The post was great and the pics added that special touch. Especially for a new friend, like me ; ) !
Why thank you new friend! 🙂
How cool that we have kids born so close to the same time! She is absolutely lovely, as are all of your girls! Here is what is completely ironic…we had a miscarriage between Kaydee and Emmet as well & were so happy when we finally had Emmet! I must say, he (and I am sure your Callie as well) was very much worth the wait! Happy Birthday to her!
Oh my goodness!!! I’ve often thought about the “what if’s” of the whole picture. If I hadn’t had the miscarriage, I wouldn’t have Callie. I had two between Jenna and Taylor too. It’s times like this that I am just amazed by the way God pieces our lives together as they should be…not as we’d always like them to be. The heartache of the miscarriages are made so much easier to understand when I look at Taylor and Callie! I’m SO GLAD you left a note! And I hope you had a great birthday celebration!!
What beautiful color you have in Nebraska right now!! Loved all of the pictures!
Thanks! Yes, the colors are way more beautiful than I expected with the drought! I’m thoroughly enjoying the colors – not so much the cooler weather. 🙂
Beautiful pictures! One of the things we really miss from Indiana are the colorful trees fall brings! Seems like out here we get to choose between yellow or brown! Lol. We will definitely have to head east next fall!
You really SHOULD! And, if you do, we’ll have to try to get a chance to actually meet each other!
Mmmm….I CAN’T WAIT to try this=] We love potato soup and you can’t go wrong with velveeta…yum!! and I even have some bread bowls in the freezer i forgot to use last week when i made potato soup.
Hey Ang! You’ll have to let me know what you think! It’s so yummy!!! How are you feeling these days?? Wish I was closer to help with Mr. Kage!
Yeah ..it looks very good and tasty…? Specially with the wet and cold autumn days and nights, overhere…….Good grub is very welcome then..? Nice stews are lovely as…wel.?
So, Lion, are you going to try it? Let me know if you agree that it’s easy and sooooo good!
Little Black Sambo is a great story! My Grandma used to read it to me as well. I am going to have to find that book next time I stop to visit her. Thanks for the memories.
You’re welcome, Nick! Funny how certain things can get those ‘ole memories coming back! Thank you for stopping by AND for leaving a note!
Reblogged this on The Contemporary Christian.
I hear ya 😉
(A pictures worth a thousand words…)
Thanks! 🙂
“In the Autumn days, the days of parting.
Days that in a golden silence fall . . .”
from “Autumn Melody,” by Willa Cather.
Nice quote, Matt! Perfect for the pictures!!
Beautiful !!
Thanks, Candi!!
Great job! Love the new look, too.
THANK YOU! I wondered if it was a good move or not.
Awe, so happy to see some of the pictures from our girls weekend with you – they did have a great time & are still thinking of things they forgot to tell me !!! Thank you and the girls and we Love you all !!
We had a GREAT time! I hope they’ve gotten rested up by now. 🙂 Love you guys!
The lack of common sense, and abundance of ignorance that continues to come out of Washington never ceases to amaze me. Anyone with any common sense knows you can’t raise each child the same! My kids can (and do) eat everything in sight, and all they do is get taller. But that might not be true for the next kid. It comes down to parental responsibility to see that your kid is staying healthy, but there in lies the problem. Not every parent will force their chubby lil kid to put down that soda, turn off the TV, and get outside and play. Because of them, all our kids are being punished! If they want to reform something, maybe they should look at fixing welfare and the food stamp program! I can’t speak for the rest of the country, but it seems like around here, the majority of the lil chubbers belong to career welfare recipients! They eat better than the rest of us working class people do!
We live close to the school, so our kids come home almost every day for lunch. I try to have the crock pot full, or something they can microwave quick, so that they at least get something filling to eat! Or I have something they can pack to school. They have yet to eat a school lunch this year and I hope to keep it that way!
Nice job, Doug! How can ANYONE expect kids to grow on what they’ve been mandated to eat? My challenge to the ones who have made these rules is to go to their local school, eat what the kids are given (not any more because they are adults), go through their afternoon of studies and then at least 1 1/2 hrs. of strenuous practice for an activity. THEN maybe they’d see what the parents are so upset with! My kids will continue to pack a lunch as long as they feel it’s the best thing for them! My kids are not overweight – they’re simply hungry!! Keep doing what you’re doing!
I strongly agree with you and Callie about the people making the laws should come and try it out and see all the problems they are making. And this is not the only topic that needs tried and experienced before a law can be made. We are very fortunate though, because we have open campus and can go to a regular restaurant and eat a filling portion. Some do still go to the school cafeteria, but I rarely do so. Sometimes I question how some of these guys got their jobs.
Your comments are spot on, Ethan! You’re a pretty smart fella for being so young 🙂 you’re gonna go places in life…guaranteed!
I think Callie should invite Mrs. Obama to her school. Have Mrs. Obama mirror Callie’s day and see if her fabulous school lunch program leaves her hungry. Our focus should be on a more active life style. So many schools have cut back on pe and recess to fit all the other “stuff” into the school day maybe that is the problem. I pack five lunches everyday because my skinny kids could not sustain through the day and maintain focus on the school lunch provided.
Diane, you and I see eye to eye with a lot of the same things! My kids aren’t overweight either. The USDA recommends 60 minutes of exercise per day for our children. I KNOW they’re not getting anything close to that during their day unless they’re involved in sports. I totally agree. Exercise is something most of us are lacking. Lunches are packed in this household and will continue to be until something changes. Thanks for your note! Oh…and I’ll suggest to Callie your ideas of writing to Mrs. Obama.
I hope life gets back to semi normal here soon, we haven’t camped in over a year, and i really want to try camping in cold weather! Looks like you all had a real good time! 🙂
We had a GREAT time. When I can actually sit down for a little while, I plan on doing a blog on our outing. You just have to do it!
What a great post. One thing I love about social media, and blogging is a form of social media, is the increase in celebrating holidays that honor our veterans such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day. It was a joy to see everyone share their memories and pay tribute. Thank you for sharing.
Agreed!! I was hoping for a picture of my father-in-law but will have to post separately. Apparently we don’t have one on this house. That needs to change!
What a great tribute—Lloyd would be so proud. His “thank you” reminded me that the greatest gifts in life are free——-friendship, love of family, wonderful neighbors and most of all a crucified and risen Lord. God is so good!!!
Thanks, Judeen! He was quite the guy! And, yes, God is so good!
Aai….27th of July…Actually ….thats my Birthday,.well many years later! Nice post anyway.!
Thanks, Lion! How’s things your way?
Wow. So glad he is safe and alive. Much love and many prayers for his recovery. Love you all!
Thanks, Amber! We are also very glad he’s alive. Looking back at the entire experience, it is very reassuring seeing how God was taking care of him through this whole deal. Things could have been so much worse in so many ways! I’m pretty sure we ALL have learned something from this. Love you too!
All my love and patience to you and prayers to Jim on a speedy recovery. Will be thinking of all of you.
Thanks, Karen! He’s resting well right now. We’re planning on being able to leave after 5 today. It’ll be good to be back home.
That is good news to read, saw the picture. Showed it to Doug. Are so glad he is able to be home with his family this evening and still praying for a speedy recovery for Jim. Do let him know we are thinking of him.
Thanks Karen! Looking back over the past series of events that took place since last night, I just can’t believe how very lucky he and Andy were. They were both thrown out of a vehicle and dumped into a usually very busy intersection. At the time this was happening, no traffic was going through the intersection – four lane…end of the day traffic. The bed will feel good tonight!
Sorry to learn about Jim`s accident. Know that our gracious, loving God has His arms around ALL of you. Our love & prayers,
Ross & Judeen
Thanks, Judeen!! I can honestly say that I can feel those prayers have been and continue to be answered the way we hoped! Too many “coincidences” not to be God things. Thank you so much! We will be back home this evening. I’m anxious to take a nap. 🙂
So sorry this happened to you guys. I hope Jim recovers quickly! I’ll be thinking of you often. Thanks for sharing, kind of makes me realize I’ve been taking too much for granted because you just never know…..
Absolutely! You don’t know! Another thing I hope you take from this is to wear your seat belt! Thank you, Doug, for your thoughts and prayers. I have felt them!! The Ag community is a wonderful group of people to have on your side.
Sending prayers for Jim and your whole family from ND!!
Thank you for keeping us in prayer and in your thoughts. I believe the things that have happened have happened for a reason. Now, we have to figure out what that is. Well…other than not having to deal with a more serious outcome!
I enjoy so much following this blog. Never expected to be sharing such news. I hope he makes a speedy recovery.
Sure glad you enjoy visiting my blog! Jim is doing much better today with the pain. I’m sure the meds are doing what they’re supposed to. It’ll be good to get him back home this evening. The healing will now take priority. Take care and make sure you wear your seat belt!
Oh my goodness! That’s awful! Good to hear he’s doing better though. It could have so much worse, but thankfully was not. You are all in our prayers. Not taking life for granted becaues you never no how much longer you have on this earth is one lesson to be learned from this. I, as well as my family, learned this and I learned oh so much more on November 3, 2011 when (and I hope I don’t scare you by this since you drive bus) my brother and I were in a school bus wreck. It is still unknow whether the bus or the driver was at fault, but anyway, we were approaching the dead end of a road and normaly would turn right, but went straight through the dead end because we could not/were not slowed down enough to make the turn. Thankfully there were only 4 kids on the bus at the time. I was hurt the worst, having three compression fractures in my lower back. I ended up not going back to school until it started back up January, only doing half days until February though. It is not all bad though because I have learned many things and look at life in a different way now. I still have pain at times, but in some ways it is a blessing because that pain is a constant reminder of the valuable lesson I learned a little more than a year ago. You will realize the reason for the accident at some point, believe me, it will come.
Oh my gosh, Ethan! You are a miracle! You are so fortunate to already know what sometimes takes a lifetime to figure out! God certainly has a plan for you! Thank you for your words of encouragement. We’re home now so that feels so good. Maybe tonight I can actually get a little bit of sleep. 🙂
Oh my, my heart sank when I first saw this. Thank God he’s alright, for whatever that means right now. He’s able to hug you, smile and recognize pain. Pain is a sign of healing, remember that, pain is a sign we’re alive. So pain is a sign of hope. My prayers are with you and all your family. Take some deep breaths, close your eyes and know God is with you all. Love Dawn
Thanks, Dawn! God is and was and always will be in control! I saw his hands in this experience and it has been a reassurance to me that he’s there and he’s taking care of every detail in our lives. Thanks for the prayers! I’ve felt every one of them.
So very glad that your Jim is ok. Do hope and pray that he has a speedy recovery! Will say a prayer for you too in that you will need strengh to help him get better.
Thanks, Laurie! It’s a very scary thing to have to go through something like that. Even worse when you don’t have any idea what you’ll find once you get to the ER. I really hope we don’t ever have to go through something like that again. God is so good! Thank you for the prayers. I’ve felt every one of them all day. How else can a person keep going with only one hour of sleep? I’ll probably crash hard tomorrow. So, strength is a perfect prayer!
Yes, God is good! We have had terrifying moments like those and are so grateful for the ones that let us return to normal lives. Reminds us to count our blessings!
We have not. This is the first one that has personally affected our immediate family. It also teaches us to give thanks even through the difficult trials! One thing I have realized and am very humbled by are the amount of friends we have. Between the harvesters, the ag world, my blog and here at home…it’s AMAZING and I love them all! Thank you, Sonja, for being one of them!
So glad for the update, he was wearing a great cap 🙂 Love to you all !!!
Yep…he was!
P.S. Thank you for his candy bouquet! He’s sort of guarding it with his life 🙂
Thank you for the update. So glad to hear they will both be healing. Prayers and love to everyone!
Thanks, Karen!
I’m glad he’s doing better. May god protect all of you. I’m sending you the best wishes from Germany!!!
Thank you, Michael! Gosh…Germany! Now I can say I have people all over the world praying for us. This is awesome!
God is so good—-loved reading the encouraging words!!! Your Thanksgiving will be a special miracle to celebrate this year.
Blessings,
Ross & Judeen
Yes, Judeen, Thanksgiving will be a special miracle to celebrate this year! Between Jim’s wreck and Jamie & Curt’s baby (and more)…we have A LOT to be thankful for!
I hope you and Ross have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Please give Ruth a kiss for me.
I am just reading this now. I hope Jim is recovering well. Will be praying for him and the rest of you!
Yes, Tracy, I agree with Judeen. This will be a special Thanksgiving. Glad for God’s healing power and His reassuring peace : )
Thanks, Melody! Judeen is a pretty wise woman! 🙂 I look back at all that Jim and Andy were spared from and I just shake my head. Mostly because I know God had his hand on the entire event! Jim is doing better with each day. The bruises continue to change colors but he’s starting to get tired of sitting in his recliner – hard to believe. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!
So glad he will be ok! I’ve been the one in a head-on collision before and it is a scary situation! Praying for Jim’s quick recovery and hoping ya’ll are ok during this time!
Nice to hear from you, Ryan! Thanks for the well wishes. He’s doing pretty darn good considering it’s been less than a week since the wreck. It was scary for those of us wondering how he was after being admitted to the hospital. Once we saw him, we could all breath a little easier. Hope your new adventure is going well! Happy Thanksgiving!
I have been following your blog because I have an interest in harvest. I work on combines. I am glad that Jim is alive and recovering. You are right, accidents happen so quickly. I am a firm believer in seat belts. 23 years and 2 weeks ago my wife, son (4 years at the time), my parents and I were in an accident. Not real serious, but I definitely felt a tug from my seat belt in the crash. We were all wearing seat belts. No injuries. So how do I remember that it was 23 years and 2 weeks ago? The accident happened 2 weeks before our youngest son was born. He turned 23 on November 16. I agree with you Tracy. Wear your seat belt, even if you are an expectant mother. I know you are giving God thanks for protecting Jim. I give thanks along with you.
Murray
Combines and harvest certainly gets in ones blood! 🙂 I’m glad you found us and continue to follow even during the “off season”. Sounds to me like you had an incident that was an eye opener – at least one that makes you stop and realize just how blessed you are! We’ve been so fortunate that up til now, we’ve been accident free. I hope this is the one and only time we have to deal with this! Thank you for taking the time to write. It’s always good to hear from the ones who take time to read my posts. Happy Thanksgiving, Murray! I look forward to hearing from you again.
Jim is a strong man……….he will get well soon…..!
Aai …Jim and Andy were very lucky…….shock and recovery…will take time(god bless).
Thanks, Lion! Thanks for the well wishes and for taking the time to send me a note. It’s been amazing hearing from all parts of the world and how we’ve been thought about and prayed for. I have the best readers in the world!
That he is! 🙂 He’s wishing he had a desk job because he could have gone back to work (or so he thinks).
Jealous! Lol
Looks like a great time! I get the same feeling at the sight of combines in the field. I’ll spend hours watching them on you tube just to get that “fix”. I must admit, Claas combines are impressive machines. Hopefully someday I can get over there for something like that. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
It was a great time! This is another reason why I LOVE going to our annual custom harvesters convention – to see the combines and people who understand what we do. The CLAAS combines are nice looking combines AND they use 1/3 less fuel – I forgot to mention that in the list of things I learned. 🙂 If you ever get there…make sure and look Jenna up. Maybe she can give you the tour!
Tracy….From the moment I first saw you…you have had your own special place in my heart…you have brought so much joy into my life… through the years watching you and Jim with your girls…
and all your fond memories…that you share with me…the only word I can find hidden deep in my heart is…. PROUD…..the great joy that your family has given me….love and kisses,,,Mom….
Thanks, Mom! Glad you could come have Thanksgiving dinner with us. Love you!
Tracy – You and Jim have bee in my mind since his accident. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers, and among the things I’m thankful for today is his recovery. Bless you and yours today! Bill
Sent from my iPhone
Thanks, Bill! It’s good hearing from you. I’m so thankful for you and people like you who have kept us in your prayers. They certainly have been felt! His recovery is coming along fairly nicely…considering it’s just been a week ago! Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. Ours was amazingly amazing with the many blessings to give thanks for!
Awesome!!! Thank you very much Tracy. Your blog is one reason i’m applying for the harvest run 2013. Hopefully i get accepted and i will be able to see something of the beautiful country you described. Of course i wish jim a speedy recovery. Michael
Good for you, Michael! Do you know who you may be applying to go with? I’m assuming you’re applying for an H2A visa? I hope you get accepted too and it would be fun to run into you somewhere along the route. Keep me posted and let me know how things are rolling along for you! Jim’s doing much better. The bruising is changing colors every day. Today, he looks like someone painted him with yellow paint with some purple thrown in for good measure. Take care, Michael!
Tracy
Aw! Thanks for writing such a nice post, Ma! It was so gosh darn nice having you and Jams visit – I’m glad you guys did! Glad you enjoyed it, too!
COMBINE!
WHEEEEEEEEEAT!
Hey, Jen…Gina…Gertrude, it was quite nice of you to take the time to give us the grand tour. I’m really sorry, though, that I didn’t get to say hello to Bob or Leif. Maybe next time! We certainly share that same sickness, don’t we!
This is really ……….NICE… And I really enjoyed it as well…???
Looks like you had fun. We toured the John Deere harvester works factory, where they build only combines and headers, back in July of 2011. It was awesome! The size and pace of the factory was amazing. Deere was tge same way, each combine was built to hiw it was ordred and production was not started until someone had purchased the machine. at the time of our tour, the guide told us if one was to order a machine that day, it would be 8 months before they even started on it. Now that is impressive. I must have that disease too. We can be going down the road and I’ll point out somebody cuttin, my family doesn’t really care, espicially my younger brother. His response is usually “nobody cares”. Now I can tell him people do care. The harvesters convention sounds like something I need to go to. Hope you and your family had a great Thanksgiving!
I know my family gets tired of when I point out a working combine…or a field of wheat. One day when you become a custom harvester, you can make it a point to join us at convention!!
P.S. We had a GREAT Thanksgiving! It was good having the whole family home for the day!
We watched the vcr tape from Elvin and Paulines 50th. Had a great day and evening at Doris”.
Oh my goodness, Karen! I would love to have been able to watch that with you! Gosh, that’s been 22 years ago already! I bet that was fun. It would be good to see all of you again!
Tracy……Thank you for the ….AWESOME..Thanksgiving Dinner…Everyone really needs to have your corn casserole recipe..yum..yummy!!!!!!!Your dinner was “GERRRRRRRRRRRRRRATE”
HugsXXXXXXX and KissesOOOOOO ,,,mom …..such a fun afternoon
Thanks, mom. Glad you enjoyed the food and the day!! Happy Thanksgiving!
Bit late as ussual (because of distance)…… wishing you,s and family.. a happy Thanksgiving. Anyway.! I Really enjoyed your blog intensely about the Claas-plant There are seveal Claas-plants not so far away from me in Germany. My interrest in machines and technics is entless..thats why i work for a small machine-factory for the last 25 years.(cannot really talk about that ….because most of it, is hush-hush ) .??
Yeah lovely Tracy….Makes you really proud Jenna… working there …!
Oh and by my info….I thought Claas was linked with Caterpillar in the States or Canada ..?? (Or distributed through Cat) Well they use Cat-Engines asswell…..Whatever they are great and reliable machines and Claas has proved it over the years in Europe and also to the rest of the world….!!
I really liked that link with ….the Claas Xerion..??? Greetz Lion.
Thanks, Lion! The CLAAS plant DID used to be the Cat plant. It used to be a joint venture between Cat and CLAAS but Cat got out of Ag in 2002 and sold its part to CLAAS. CLAAS took over the plant and now builds their combines there strictly for North America. I am proud of Jenna! She loves Ag and the harvest equipment.
Jenna told me to tell you CLAAS has three sizes of engines and two of them are Cats.
Yeah they used to use Mercedes V engines here …But they use now other brands as well here in Europe..?
I recognizes some of the dance costumes!!! HA Loved the pics. Celebrate ALL that u are because God doesn`t make clones. Proud to call u a friend.
Ross & Judeen
Oh…Taylor could create quite the best costumes! She loved every one of them, too! She was a tomboy in the prettiest of dresses! What a kid!!
We live northeast of Tuttle Creek. Looks like you had a good time.
We had an AWESOME time!! I hope we can go back!
LOVE Tuttle Creek and Tuttle Puddle! Glad to see a K-Stater in your midst! I have some great memories of that park. Glad you guys had a good time. And CONGRATS to the soon-to-be parents and grandparents!
Hey Cami! It was a lot of fun and not even that awful of a drive! I hope we go back again. Most of all, it was just fun being together for more than a couple of hours. We all look forward to camping so our 4th annual cant come soon enough! I will forward your congratulations to the parents! Can’t believe a new generation will soon be starting! Tell your folks hi too!
Looks like a blast! Relaxing around the campfire is so fun. My family hasn’t been doing it quite as long. This July will be the 3rd annual, but we cheat and use travel trailers. But that AC sure is nice in Texas heat in July!
P.S. I get to visit your state tomorrow.
Why did you visit Nebraska?
We LIVE in the travel trailers for 100+ days in the summer. That’s not camping to us 🙂 (although it is convenient!)
Our local Valley irrigation dealer took a bus load of customers to tour the factory in McCook. I decided to go along with dad. The technology in that plant is amazing. I can’t believe some of it.
I can sure understand that. Once my dream of custom cuttin’ is fulfilled, I will be living in a camper too… hopefully things piece together to get the business started soon.
That sounds like it would be interesting! I’ve never even thought about irrigation companies having a plant to be born in. 🙂 Makes sense! I certainly hope the plan of becoming a custom cutter works out for you! We certainly need a younger generation to take over when us old farts quit. 🙂
Now that just makes me hungry big time! Is it diner yet?
It was absolutely THE BEST roast we’ve ever cooked! I can’t wait to do it again. Makes me hungry too!
MMMMM that was so good, can you bring some over now ?? We’ll have to do it again. Maybe we can get some spring camping in b4 you go…… if Jim gets roast like that maybe he’ll agree !! And we can do the cobbler…
I would love to get some spring camping in. Do you think it can happen? It always seems like our spring is so busy. And…we’ll have a baby to be waiting for AND graduation!
Great looking pot roast. I’d love to get one of those dutch ovens!
It was REALLY yummy! You can get those ovens at any sporting type store or camping store. I think Target may even have them. Thanks for visiting!
I say we go winter camping on a lake so we can fish and cook in the dutch oven!!!!!!
Ok…I’m up for it. However, I don’t think we should camp in the tent if there’s ice on the water! Any reason to have you cook is good enough for me!
Now there’s an idea 🙂
Not sure I like the idea of winter camping in a tent but the thought of Mark cooking is ok by me!
Reblogged this on thesurvivalplaceblog.
Very cool! Thank you for reblogging my post on your site!
Great recipe, can’t wait to try it!
You’ll have to let me know what you think! I think it’s probably a fail proof recipe 🙂
Darn…I live too far away for some of that good Dutch oven cooking. However, I am pretty close to the source of the meat! (Just a few blocks to the meat plant…and son raises the beef!) Who knows, I may have to take a trip!
Just go get you one of those awesome roasts and find a dutch oven and cook it! I’m going to try putting the dutch oven in my home oven and see if it turns out just as good. It probably won’t because I’d be lacking the great outdoors!
OMGoodness!…lol, looks fab…
It was THE BEST!
That looked really good….?? We could use some of that Food overhere……Now the cold winter wheather starts seting in….overhere..! Well I have to settle….for the cassual dutch-stew….whats served to me…..at dinnertime…..(but lovely aswell)?
Anything would be lovely as long as it tastes good! What are some of your favorite foods – recipes?
Just a simple wintergrub….= Frozen Curly Kale in smalpieces boiled in one pot with peeled potatoes and little bit of chopped unions ……Boil this till the potatoes are done …..Then mash everyting together……..Seperate you frie small blocks of bacon..till its a bit crispy…use the fat of bacon as the gravy…..You can put the Bacon and Gravy over the Curly Kale on your plate……with(rookworst) some sort of sausauge…….(Other word for Curly Kale=Borecole)……Enjoy..?
Explain to me what Curly Kale is. Is it a plant or meat?
Cabbage sort is a plant vegetable….Checking something out by my surprice I don,t know if it grows in the states…..Info-link…(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kale)…?
Yes, cabbage grows in the US. 🙂 I now know that Curly is Cabbage. Thanks, Lion!
So glad that Jim is getting better, my Jim would try to drive the ’57 Chevy away, he had one while in High School. Every thing fine here.
That car was beautiful! Even I would have liked to have driven that! Good to hear things are fine your way. Any rain?
So glad that Jim is getting better, my Jim would try to drive the ’57 Chevy away, he had one while in High School. Every thing fine here.
That car was beautiful! Even I would have liked to have driven that! Good to hear things are fine your way. Any rain?
You just have to enjoy Cabelas, lol!
SPOT ON!
I was looking online for information about the Claas factory in Omaha and came upon your blog. We live in Southwestern Idaho…right on the border of Idaho and Oregon…thus our farm’s name…Stateline Farms. My husband Ron and one of our sons will be flying to Omaha on Dec. 11th for a tour of the factory and the combines. We have owned two Lexion combines and it’s time for a new one. They are looking forward to seeing the plant and the new combines. Thank you for posting pictures and comments about the combines and the factory. I told my husband to say hello to Jenna if he sees her at the plant…and to tell her we enjoyed the commentary on your tour.
Once I read your Claas post it made me interested in reading some of your other posts and seeing the pictures of your family and your company. We certainly hope your husband Jim continues his road to complete recovery. A very frightening accident. And you are so right, our lives can change in a second. Loved seeing the pics of Quaker Steak and Lube with all the motor memorabilia…so very cool…wish we had one like it!
I will continue to read your posts and enjoy reading about the happenings of another rural family in another part of our great United States!
Sincerely,
Margaret Smith
Stateline Farms
facebook.com/slfarms
What a fun surprise to see your note and forJenna to anticipate a visit from someone in a different part of the country! I hope she’s the one that will give the tour.
I was encouraged over a year ago to do my blog by someone who followed our Facebook page. At that time, I had no
clue what a blog even was. I hoped that other people might find it to learn something about the custom harvesting industry and how we are a vital link in the process of getting grain from the field to market. I have had such a tremendous amount of interest (world wide) that it’s almost crazy!
I hope if you continue to follow our crazy way of life you check I’m once in awhile and say hello. Thank you for dropping me a line and telling me about how you found us! This is the reason I love sharing our life with the rest of the world!
Take care and God bless!!
I remember going to the original back in Sharon, Pa when I was younger. At the time it was a great place to pick up chicks 🙂
🙂 it was probably a great place to hang out! Who would have thought then how it would take off and be throughout the US. I loved how the place made me feel when we walked in. Kudos to the founders!!
I remember going to the original back in Sharon, Pa when I was younger. At the time it was a great place to pick up chicks 🙂
🙂 it was probably a great place to hang out! Who would have thought then how it would take off and be throughout the US. I loved how the place made me feel when we walked in. Kudos to the founders!!
Never been to Cabelas, but it looks just like Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, which is one of my favorite places.
Your little home looks just perfect for the holidays!! Nothing better then spending it with the ones you love while doing things that bring back wonderful memories.
Absolutely right! It’s sometimes the process of getting to the actual holiday that’s stressful! Thank you for the compliment about the house. 🙂 All the Christmas decorations bring back a memory of some sort. I guess that’s what it’s all about! It’s home.
Christmas it such a wonderful time to reflect and appreciate our adventurous journey through life. Your tree is really a story of many lives. Wishing your family happiness and fond memories during this wonderful Christmas Season. A time of rebirth and happiness.
Agreed! It is at Christmas that I pull out all the memories that create Christmas in this tiny little home. Nearly everything I have has a memory attached to it. I threatened not to do it next year, but I couldn’t actually go through with that threat. I LOVE this time of year. It’s sort of like a wheat field – when it’s finally time for harvest and the combine’s in the field, there just isn’t anything any better! Thank you for leaving your note, Mike! It’s good to hear from you.
It’s not the size of the home, it’s the size of the love in that home that makes it a mansion…and from reading your blog, I’d say you are living in a mansion! The tree looks beautiful and stockings hanging around it are the finishing touch! How fun to go with the family to track down the “perfect” trees. 🙂
Thank you, Margaret! We truly DO live in a mansion if the size of love is the measurement. I have a sign that I take with me every summer in our “summer cottage on wheels”. I just take it from this house and put it in that one. It says, “Love grows in little houses”. I honestly believe that to be true! There’s no place to go here except being with your family. I’m not sure that my teenaged daughters agree with that statement all the time. 🙂 I have to learn to be content and if anything ever happened to this tiny little house, I would miss it!
Great post, Tracy. Thanks for sharing. This reminds me a lot of our family Christmas Tree hunting excursions. Great memories!
Thanks, Bill! This is one tradition I hope we don’t have to give up any time soon! It wasn’t until just the past several years that I’ve been able to participate due to having little kids around. Sometimes, like Sunday, I wish we had given more time to just walk through the trees and not have to hurry. I love being out in the woods and seeing all we can see.
I love your tree, ours is the same way, each ornament holds a memory. I don’t understand, and can’t fathom a “designer” tree that looks like it just came out of a showroom. You know what blog post will be coming up soon on my side. LOL
I think I do! I would miss my “hob glob” of a tree if I did something different. 🙂
Has a beautiful smile already!
It’s already the “most beautiful baby in the world”. 🙂
I.Like the pictures of the convention!…….Haha and you finally meet the snow aswell.?? Lots of that white stuff…here.?
Yes, Lion, I finally saw the snow! AND COLD! I think I will remain in the Nebraska cold for now. These Canadian’s are tough people! I am not so tough.
Looks like it was a good show
It WAS a great show!!!
Congrats on your first blog book! It’s only the beginning! Wow, what a time getting home! As Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz “there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home”…and if you’ve ever been stuck in an airport that really rings true!
My husband Ron and son Chris are in Omaha! They left here (Boise, ID) this morning and lucky for them all flights were on time. They were picked up at the airport, treated to lunch and then headed to the Claas factory to spend the afternoon going over the combine with a fine tooth comb…and believe me, they really will be checking it out…and asking LOTS of questions. I asked Ron if he saw Jenna and he said not yet…they were outside all afternoon…but tomorrow they get the factory tour and if he sees her he will say “hi”…and that it’s his wife that is following along on the adventurers of her family! They will fly out of Omaha about 5:30 tomorrow to Salt Lake City and then back to Boise around 9:30. Hopefully, their trip isn’t as “eventful” as yours was.
Glad you’re home safe and sound! Have a Merry Christmas with your family! 🙂
Margaret Smith
Stateline Farms
Parma, ID
Thanks for the encouraging words, Margaret!! It was fun seeing my words in a book. Not sure others would ever want one but it’ll be a good keepsake for my kids to one day look back at!
I had forgotten today was the day for your husband and son to be in Omaha. I’ll be anxious to hear what he thought of his visit. If I weren’t substituting at our school tomorrow, I would even go up and meet them. I’m sure they’re going to LOVE their tour. It sounds like the weather may even cooperate for them.
Thanks for leaving your note! Always good to hear from someone who takes the time to visit Nebraska Wheatie!
Tracy
It’s a wonderful keepsake for your kids and grandkids!
Ron and Chris have already been so impressed by the people they have met…all very nice. And I don’t think they are being nice just because we are buying a combine. They are genuinely nice people. I too know they will love the tour. This is the first ag related trip they’ve gotten to take together outside of Idaho…or maybe I should say outside our county! So this is a big adventure for both of them. I’m glad they are enjoying your part of the country and the people that live there. 🙂
The Midwest is full of good people. But, it’s the people who are involved with Ag that really stand out! Maybe one day, you’ll make it here too – and hopefully I would be able to meet you. Temps today are supposed to be in the low 50’s. Outstanding!
PS…I wish them good luck in getting back home with no quirks!
All flights going to and coming back were on time and no delays. 🙂 Chris and Ron enjoyed their Nebraska visit…highlighted by meeting Jenna at Claas…they said she’s a lovely young lady. 🙂
I say she’s a lovely young lady too – is that being too biased? Or just being a proud mom? 🙂 So glad it all worked out for them. I saw Jenna last night. She said she met them. And then Jim overheard her and I talking and he says, “who is it?” “Oh just someone who reads mom’s blog” – Jenna 🙂 Thanks for reading! It makes the world all that more smaller to me!
No bias at all…mom’s are never bias. 🙂 Jim’s finding out you’re an “author” that is read across the nation! 🙂
I have always thought curling would be fun. If I remember correctly, I think there is a curling club or something in Omaha.
Uh…I don’t think they need entertainment THAT bad! 🙂
And that’s just crazy to me – read across the nation…and world. When I began telling my story, I never dreamed there would have been such an interest. I figured I might get 25 readers. 🙂
I think this is just further proof of how crooked this group in Washington really is. They know that most people, myself included, only read the headline and maybe the first paragraph so they lead with what we want to hear so we move on and leave them alone to do what they want. They see nothing wrong with starving our kids.
Couldn’t agree with you more! Sometimes I just have to wonder how they live their own lives and go home to their families at night!
Its called not having a conscious.
Incredibly tragic. Unfortunately, this is the kind of thing that makes it very hard for me to believe in any kind of God. It just seems there has to be a better plan than one that involves the brutal deaths of innocents in this way.
Nowhere does it say that anyone HAS to believe in God. We are free to make the choice – God has given us free will to follow Him or not. One of the attributes of free will is the decision to go against your creator. I say this because I’m not here to debate whether God is real or not. I personally believe He IS real. I also believe God had nothing to do with the horrific circumstances that led to the death of 26 lives. I believe it broke His heart. It’s the same sort of debate as guns and taking them away. Guns didn’t kill those children, a living human being killed those children. God didn’t intend for this evil to happen. Just as he didn’t intend on Cain killing Abel. These actions were the result of a choice made by a human being. I believe God was there. He was with those people who were murdered. He was with the emergency responders. He is with the families. Have you ever lost a child? I guarantee it is the worst thing that could happen to a parent. It’s the caring and compassion of friends and family that will help those families heal. It is through people who love a God – a God who never intended for sin to be a part of our world (Adam & Eve) – that will help the survivors cope. I also believe things happen for a reason. Maybe you visiting my blog was an intentional part of His plan for your life.
I must admit that I myself struggle with the question of whether or not God is real, but one thing I have come to realize is that man as an animal has an innate desire to be governed over. As illustrated in stories in the Bible, as well as the headlines in our own times, as man moves away from God and his teachings in the Bible and towards being governed by mere men, we become more animalistic. We have gone so far as to start killing our own young! As “primitive” as we may consider the writers of the Bible to be, one thing is clear, they have the formula for saving humanity, and if we don’t start following it, there is little hope for us.
You put a lot of thought in this, Doug! Pretty deep and so well written! I hope you and your family have a Blessed Christmas!
How exciting!!! Congrats to you and Jamie!!
THANK YOU!! I’m so excited to hold a baby again. 🙂 Hope you have a blessed Christmas!
Merry Christmas to your entire Nebraska Wheaties family. And a Happy Birthday to Jamie! I know what you mean about the sharing…it’s a mom thing. 😉 How “extra” fun next year when you have your first grandchild there with you! Have a joyous Christmas!
Margaret
Stateline Farms
Thank you, Margaret!
Merry Christmas to my new friends from Stateline Farms! It looks like we’ll have a white one with A LOT of cold! A good day to hang out together just enjoying each others company. Take care!
The sun is shining here in the “banana belt” of Idaho…but we’ll give it a half hour and it could be different. Doesn’t look like a white Christmas in Southwest Idaho…just in the mountains that surround us. Rain on the way tho! Keep warm in Nebraska and Merry Christmas to all the “Z’s”! 🙂
Margaret
We’ve got sun and snow flakes falling right now. It’s really quite beautiful! Rain would be welcome, too! Especially in the wheat belt of the country. Tell your family Merry Christmas from the Z Crew!
Happy Birthday to Jamie! Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
With Love from the Hancock’s
Thanks, Karen!
Merry Christmas to our favorite Kansas relatives!
Reading the title, I thought, oh cool, Jamie and I share the same birthday. I kept reading and discovered I was led astray and hers was actualy yesterday, the 23 where as mine is today. Still close though. Family and friends tried the same with me by only getting one gift and calling it Christmas and birthday. My mom put a stop to that! In her words, she’s a mean mom and makes everybody treat me like other kids and buy two gifts. I usually had two parties though. One with friends on the weekend before because of the holidays, and again with family when they were all home for Christmas.
Happy birthday to Jamie and Merry Christmas to all of you Z’s!
Sorry, Ethan, for leading you astray. 🙂 It’s close enough I think you could almost say you celebrate the same day 🙂 At least you can understand the problems with having your day so close to Christmas. OR you could look at it as though it were a blessing to share such a wonderful time as this for a birthday! I hope you and your family have a very blessed Christmas! Enjoy each other and appreciate the time you have because one day soon, things will change and you’ll wish it were the same ‘ole same ‘ole! Merry Christmas, Ethan! Thanks for checking in!
I look at it as a blessing. But I’ve never know it to be any other way. Thank you too. Wishing you a very merry day!
It looks like we might get a white Christmas down here after all.
Hope you had a white Christmas! I’m looking forward to the highs reaching at least freezing again! 🙂 IT’S COLD!!
I have so enjoyed following your posts and all of the wonderful things you do as a family that includes such hard work. Except for accidents it seems everyday is Christmas with your family…the gift of love and doing things together.
Aw, Dave, we certainly have our bad days, as well! I probably paint too good of a picture! However, we do enjoy time together and I love the fact that it APPEARS our kids still enjoy hanging out with us. 🙂 I still haven’t gotten my Christmas cards in the mail yet – but do intend on doing it soon. Be on the lookout! 🙂
Merry Christmas and God`s blessings in 2013!!! Your blog “brightens my day”!!! Fond memories of the burgandy velvet Christmas dresses you created at my house out of a stage curtain!!! The Z`s have the gift of dreaming and making it happen!!!
Ross & Judeen
Oh, Judeen – you’re so kind? 🙂 I should post a picture of those adorable dresses I made from your velvet stage curtain. What fun memories! I’m so glad you enjoy reading our daily adventures. It’s sure been busy around here lately!
What a great picture you posted of your beautiful family…and those cookies looked scrumptious. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wishing you a great new year ahead. 🙂
Margaret
Thanks, Margaret! I STILL have a lot of those cookies waiting to be eaten. Our house has a built in porch and it’s not heated. This time of year, it becomes the freezer/frig and that’s where they are. Anyone coming in the door could/should grab a few cookies on their way in! We had a GREAT Christmas – you? We’re looking forward to having another week off school and then the craziness begins again! Thanks for checking in!
Happy New Year to you and your family! I am anxiously awaiting your arrival in the 1000 Post Club =D
Marilyn & Al
Oh my, Marilyn, I have a LONG ways to go til I reach that one!!! 🙂
Happy New Year to the Z-Crew! I really hope to go to america this year and perhaps see you during the harvest.
Kind Regards,
Michael
Keep me posted! I hope you get lined up with a really great crew and have the experience of a lifetime! Happy 2013!
All the best to u and your family for 2013. I am a grain broker from Australia on maternity leave with a new 12 wk old boy so I really enjoy reading your blog. All the best to your daughter and I look forward to reading more of your travels and experiences.
Aw, Leonie, a brand new baby! 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoy reading our story and it’s so exciting to me to think there’s people all over the world that read this blog! I’m so very glad you “checked in” and let me know you were out there. Please stop by and say hello again! Best of luck to you with that precious little guy!! Enjoy the days…hours…you have because it goes by in the blink of an eye. Seriously…it REALLY does. Happy 2013, Leonie!
I can’t wait for you to get to the part where you come to harvest for us! Miss you Tracy! I am sure you will give a great presentation!
Thanks, Pohney! A little nervous but all I have to remember is I’m telling my story.
No need for nerves. You will do a GREAT job. Let me know when you are talking— I will try to be there.
Oh, geesh, Frank…like that won’t make me any more nervous. 🙂 My scheduled time is at 4:10. Here’s the program:
http://www.asabe.org/media/130690/13aetc-program.pdf
I looked at the 1957 picture of the combine chained onto the very short flatbed of that truck and thought “how did it ever stay on and what about going around a corner??” Loved looking back at those pictures of the early combines…and glad we don’t have to use them. New Claas coming in May! 🙂 Margaret
P.S. 19* and snowing here in the “banana belt” of Southwestern Idaho!! Burrrrrrrr!
I’m so excited for you and your brand new CLAAS combine!! Send that moisture to the central wheat belt!!
You will do fine, in fact more than fine. All you do is tell your story and the passion will come rolling out.
Thanks, Dawn!
I think I’m going to love this blog series. 😉 keep up the great work Tracy!
Thanks Jenn! 🙂
My oh my, that is a deep history in harvest. The ways of the past are so interesting to me. But I cannot imagine loading a combine in such a way or a combine that small. Our combine alone is 14 feet wide! Can’t imagine a header that size. Or a grain tank only holding 45 bushels when they hold 300 now. My great uncle has a vast amount of stories (my grandpa passed away before I could hear his stories). My great uncle tells of when he drove the ol Massy-Harris self propelled and would open up fields first in order for the two pull-types they had to start cutting. Another of his stories was when the new combines and a tractor were delivered by train. Hours could be spent just sitting and listing to him. I have a lot of respect for the people of the past for enduring such hardships, such as you described. But they didn’t know it to be any other way.
Do u have any tips for us getting into the business of custom cutting? My prospectful partner and I are STRONGLY considering (with the approval of our parents because of our age) taking the plunge to start the business, staying local for now. Both of us have desired this for quite some time and feel now is the time to go for it. We have been given advice to start early in order to build the company up to where it is good sized when we get out of school. But at the same time, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. Failure is NOT an option.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Ethan
Start small and build. Don’t go for all the latest and greatest equipment to begin. As I said before, if I were you, I’d sit down and talk to Anthony about things and learn from his experience. Another thing – don’t say you’re going to do something if you don’t mean it. There’s a lot of harvesters that will keep a farmer thinking he’ll be there yesterday when, in fact, there’s no way. Be honest and build your business based on integrity and good characater. Don’t be afraid to associate with others in the business. They may be your competition but they’ll be your best friend when they have a job they need help with. I wish you luck, Ethan! If you have support from your family – go for it!
I haven’t talked to Anthony yet because I havent seen him for quite some time. My prospective partner, on the other hand, lives near him and knows him pretty good…
Thank you for your time. I have a feeling my dream is gonna come true this year.
I think Anthony could probably give you some great tips. Whatever you do, don’t let yourself get down and just keep on keeping on! Please keep me posted how things are progressing for you!
I love listening to stories from harvest past. I have heard several like your from friends and family. They say those were the good ole days but sometimes you have to wonder how! They were not afraid of work that’s for sure!
I am sure you will do fine telling you story. Have fun.
Thanks, Anthony, for your vote of confidence! I certainly appreciate it 🙂 It’s just always a little scary doing something for the first time. I’m sure after it’s over, I’ll wonder what the heck I was nervous about! I can’t even imagine the amount of hard work my Grandpa had to do in his younger days. But, they didn’t know anything different. My Dad recently told me Grandpa wasn’t afraid to try anything. Maybe I’m a little like him.
Thanks for checking in!
What amazing history. Fantastic! You are very lucky to have that in your life. As for the public speaking…I was in a band many years ago, the singer was this guy who the women went nuts over, he’d sing and they weren’t even listening to him, just watching him. Anyways, he got too big for his own head and quit, leaving us hanging with a show to do two weeks later. Everybody looks at me like I’m the next candidate to fill this guys shoes. I’m an average looking guy with a voice that never really sang, just ‘backed-up’ the singer. I was (excuse the expression) crapping myself, literally sick to my stomach I was going to be the singer in front of a crowd of 500+ mostly screaming women that were expecting “ken, barbies husband’. Instead, they got me, the average looking guy who stood up there and ended up kicking serious butt and getting it done way better than the other guy could have ever dreamed of. Moral of the story, it was the beginning of a new road the band took and although the band broke up years later, I often drawn on that experience to face new challenges in life head on, to believe in myself, and most importantly, to listen to and trust God, he often opens new doors for us and sometimes we are apprehensive about walking through. Believe in yourself. Look at those pictures and think of how proud your grandfather and all of your family would be of you taking the family history even further, and through it all, know that God is walking right next to you, and very often, carrying you as well. Be strong and courageous…
PS: and if its something you just really feel uncomfortable with, it’s alright not to do it as well. Whatever the case, I wish you luck in your decision. Tony
Thank you, Tony, for the encouraging words and the story behind them! I do view this as an opportunity given by God.That’s why I decided I HAD to do it. I’ve created a power point that will be easy to talk about and I know once I’m there and realize I’m not going to die, I’ll be fine. I’m sure most people feel the same way going into something like this (I hope). It’s a story not many people know or even realize is out there so I’m looking forward to sharing it. And, like you said, it’ll be another teachable moment for me – lean on God for the strength and wisdom that only He can give. Whether or not this goes beyond the 25 minutes I have at this meeting or not, I’m going to try to look at it as something that was given to me for a reason.
P.S. I really enjoy your blog!
Thank you very much. Another story behind my story…my blog…that’s me overcoming my fear on a daily basis and getting out there in front of the world, watching and hoping for that door that God opens for me to move forward from health adversity to something that matters not only to me but maybe to someone else. My goal is to remain positive through life, to keep my posts positive, always encouraging and motivating for people to live each moment going out into the world, finding subjects to appreciate and inspire them to live fully the life God has given to them. To see something be it large or small and look at it in a different way. Not sure if it’s coming off that way, but its what I’m trying to accomplish. lol. Thank you for visiting so often. Tony
You are showing a lot of people what they’re missing by not taking time “to smell the roses”. That was one of my Grandma’s favorite sayings. The other one…One Day at a Time! She taught me so much about life! I wonder if she even realized she was doing it. I never feel anything negative with your posts and didn’t even realize you were dealing with a health issue. Sort of your “thorn”, I guess, huh? I’m sure God’s using it for a specific reason and one day you can look back at it and understand the why’s. Prayers for you, Tony! Keep doing what you’re doing!
Thank you for your inspiring words! Will do! My dream by the way…to write a motivating book and speak about it, hopefully inspiring others to overcome adversity and ‘Live Life’, One day at a time! Wish me luck, and if its meant to be, I hope God speaks loudly, kind of hard of hearing sometimes from all of that loud music back in the day. lol
You’ll feel it from way down deep inside you and it won’t go away until you do something about it! I do wish you luck! And…turn up those hearing ears!!
Keep me posted.
Thank you. I’ll be listening hard.
I, too, am hoping that whatever the next step is for me is one that will be something I know God has presented itself for a reason. Make sense? I’m learning to be patient and wait on His time. Sometimes not so easy to do.
Agreed! Especially for me, Mr. Type A take control, waiting is the hardest part! lol
Good post Tracy…well done on the information! I often think all these weight loss books are only written to make the author rich because so many people are looking for an instant fix to losing weight. When it’s most often that we can eat about anything and lose weight…not meaning we can eat large portions or all junk food and lose it. It’s portion control and a well balanced diet…calories in, calories out. And wheat products are certainly part of that well balanced diet. Of course, the more whole grain the better. I’m not looking for there to be a big loss of sales at the bread aisle…besides, how would I hold my PB&J without bread!
I’m seeing another request for you to speak in front of a group coming your way! You’re going to have to book your speaking engagements around work! 🙂
Hope you have a good week ahead…still very cold here in Idaho. Accuweather says you’re at 31* and we’re at 6* here in Parma right now!
Margaret 🙂
Oh Margaret…you’re so funny! 🙂
Thanks for your encouragement, though!!
BURRRRRRRR you can keep that cold weather! However, I think it’s supposed to get really cold here again next week.
Here is a web site that may be of interest to you. http://www.celiac.com/
I am not celiac but I found they have the most information on wheat issues. I still remember hearing from a gentleman that over 20 years ago when his dad’s liver started to fail the doctors told him to stop eating wheat.
Thank you for forwarding the link to me! I know someone who’s daughter was very sick and they couldn’t pinpoint the issue until they did the tests which revealed she was suffering from Celiac Disease. I hope I didn’t make it sound like I don’t believe there is such an issue. If I did, I apologize to all! There is A LOT of good information on this site regarding the disease. For those of you who don’t take the time to read it, I will share with you a few of the things I learned:
1. Celiac Disease is genetic.
2. There is a vast difference between Celiac Disease and Gluten sensitivity disorders – “Already, clinic practice shows that some of the “celiac” patients, previously diagnosed by positive intestinal biopsy[8] and serological findings now, on genotyping[9], turn out to carry “non-celiac” and not “celiac” gluten sensitivity alleles.”
3. Catering to a “Gluten Free Diet” is BIG BUSINESS: ” $6.1bn spent 2011 on gluten-free foods in the USA—and a 30% growth from 2006 to 2010 in Canada to $2.64bn—indicate “Big Business” complete with the risk of missed, omitted, and mis-information for the goal of promoting greater consumption of gluten-free processed foods.”
Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention!
You are welcome. And no it did not sound like you were disbelieving.
It was more due to the “wheat belly” and the changes to growing wheat. Wheat is in everything from candy to gravy to coffee. When eating at a restaurant I always ask the server to check with the cook to make sure flour has not been added to the mashed potatoes or butter. You would be surprised at how many restaurants do.
Thanks again for the info!! I take it you must suffer from this disease.
just sensitivity and IBS and I cheat a lot 🙂
🙂
I am not entirely sure what your point is here.
I have a brother in-law who has celiac disease and has benefited mightily from the increased availability of good gluten free products. That puts a dent in wheat sales, I realized, but there are a lot of people who need to eat this way. Rapid growth in global sales goes with the relatively recent realization of the extent of the problem. I suppose there may be some to many who buy without need (we do, we like Quinoa pasta), but what’s the beef with that? At least I infer you have a beef from your “need I say more” comment.
No, I don’t have a beef with the gluten-free products readily available to those who NEED it. What I have a problem with is the vicious circle I see with big money catering to gluten free diets and the untrue statements being placed directly in front of us about how “poisonous” wheat is. What does that tell the general public who choose NOT to educate themselves about wheat and it’s benefits and the lies that are being told? It tells them they shouldn’t eat wheat and here…let’s make it easier for you NOT to eat it. That’s how I see it. I realize this is MY opinion and I respect you for yours! Thank you so much for your comment!
One of the things that I just love is that fact that just because the label says gluten free does not mean gluten free.
“I DON’T believe we should all stop eating wheat – simply because of the ridiculous claims that are being reported through our media sources.” I agree
I did a google search on gluten-free products and found they’re not as healthy for you as one would think – they’re FULL of sugar. I just hope people who are so quick to take one person’s word about the “poisons” of wheat do their research BEFORE kicking wheat to the curb!
I am writing this quickly without time to look up my source but I remember reading somewhere that eating a gluten free diet with being allergic to glutens is not good for you and can impair efforts of weightloss. I loved both of your last two blogs. What happened to taking ownership of our bad habits instead of trying to blame others. I don’t think that little grain of wheat is the cause of ones muffin top. A big soda or a sugar filled latte and a donut might be to blame. Keep up the good work!!!!!!
I meant without being allergic to glutens.. I told you I was in a hurry.
This one is good: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/celiac-disease/features/gluten-intolerance-against-grain
You’ll have to let me know if you come across the one you were reading. Thank you for the positive feedback! Doesn’t it just make sense that someone cutting down or out the products that include wheat would inevitably cause weight loss? Just think of all the products that have wheat in them. If you stop eating bread, donuts and cakes (or minimize the intake) it’s going to promote weight loss? Common sense, people…common sense! You’re spot on, Diane!!
The moment I see the word “diet” in regards to weight loss, I think unhealthy unless there is a medical reason.
I couldn’t agree with you more!
I am loving this and anxiously waiting for more of this wonderful story!
🙂 thanks Karen!
I went on harvest for the first time this summer….it was the experience of a lifetime. Finally someone who can put it into words…Somewhat thanks!
Glad to hear you had a good experience. You’re now part of the crowd that can say they’ve done that. There’s two kinds of people who reflect in custom harvesting – those who did it and those who wish they had. Stay in touch!
great story, you should write a book, all those stories and amazing photos!
You’re not the first person who has said that to me. I just don’t have a clue how to write a book. Guess that’s why I like to post on this blog. I get to write (because I enjoy writing) and I get to share the custom harvester story. Thanks for your encouraging words!! Check in once in a while.
It goes without saying that I’m loving this series, and if you ever do write a book, I’ll definitely own a copy! I also love seeing those old Masseys in their prime. Although I love my Gleaners, Massey Ferguson combines have a special place in my heart since Dad owned two, a 300 that burned up, and a 510 that we ran until there was more duct tape than steel on the grain tank and augers! Keep up the good work, thanks for all you do, and I’m anxiously waiting for part three!
Thanks, Doug, for the kind words and vote of confidence in my writing abilities. Although, I don’t have a clue what writing a book even entails, I will let you know if it ever happens. 🙂 If the “feeling” ever comes to create a book and there’s a path made in how to do it, I will consider. In the meantime, you’ll just have to keep checking back here. Hope things are going well your way! I thoroughly enjoyed your last posting and could feel your pain. You’re doing what you’re doing for a reason!
I came to the realization the other day that it’s like that old saying, when one door closes, another one opens. Now, as soon as the kids are out of school, I can go do what I want, and we both know what that will be!
🙂
I believe I do! 🙂 Sometimes those doors open when you least expect them to!! Good luck, Doug!
Oh, how I wish we were there…
Oh how I wish you were here…
Christmas is right! If only Santa would leave that Gleaner beside my Christmas tree I’d be a happy little boy! Lol It looks to be a good time, enjoy yourself!
Doug, it’s. amazing! You should just come and enjoy the sights! You know you want to…
mmmmmmmmmm one can wish, well I mean I can wish 🙂
Who would know why equipment like that is so much fun to look at?? Ah…
Yes I want to, maybe next year, I’ll have more vacation time available. This pesky job thing gets in the way of all the fun! 🙂
I hope you can make it sometime! I’ll be anxious to meet you.
You sound like a kid in a candy store!! Have a great week! 🙂
Margaret
It was a GREAT week!! Now that it’s over I don’t know what to think about or do. 🙂
Loving your story! You are writing so that I feel as if I am there.
I’m glad you can feel that way…that way you ARE a part of the story. 🙂
Thanks for linking to us on your site! It’s fun to see your experience at AgConnect as well!
When do we get to read the next part?? You have me hooked! Great job!
🙂 as soon as my life will slow down enough to allow me to write. It’s been a crazy 3 weeks!! It’s coming, though, I promise.
Can. Not. Wait! Know that it will be wonderful too. Things have been crazy. Glad to know I am not the only one who thinks so. 🙂
🙂 that’s why I enjoy hearing from you so much cuz you KNOW!
Good for you!!! Glad you got to spend some time with your lovely girls.
ME TOO! We had a great time! And…should do it more often!
I’ve been looking on for posts from women turning 50. I turned 50, 7 months ago, and although according to my daughter I should not “care” about what age I am (I know she’s right), I can’t help it…I am somewhat obsessed with the realization that I’m 50 now and should be far more independent, know who “I” am, not care what anyone else thinks at this point, and have TONS of life-long friends that I can share these thoughts with (and according to “More” magazine” be independently wealthy at this poing 🙁
Oh geez…just saw my post and I meant the last word to read “point” with the last parantheses “)” (sorry)
I was a little concerned about turning 50 – that was over a year ago already. I guess the one thing I think about is that we have to enjoy the time of life we’re in RIGHT NOW because soon enough that’s going to be history and you’ll be wishing for that day again. I hated being reminded that I was 50 on my birthday but the very next day it was all ok again. I’m believing the words I’ve heard from others about how this is the BEST years of your life. My kids are almost grown and on their own. It’s time to start thinking about how you can make a difference with what you’ve got and to live life to the fullest! YOU GO GIRL!!
True words…and you’re right. Soon enough we will be wishing for these days again. I think about how I can make a difference at this point in my life as well! I will soon have an empty nest (for the second time) and Lord knows I try to live my life to the fullest~ Thanks 🙂
Lets keep in touch! I have a feeling we may have a lot in common!
Sickness is no fun. I recently had pneumonia- it is HORRIBLE! Pain and coughing like no other. I thought we were busy until I read this. We have school off tomorrow as well as all of next week for spring break and I’m hopeing to catch up on things and relax after all the hectic things. I hope you can too soon!
Hey Ethan!
It’s been a while. Good to hear from you!! I’m feeling so, so much better. I just didn’t remember how good it felt to feel good. Now I know! The final trip is over…now I can concentrate on Jamie nearly ready to have a baby and Taylor’s graduation…and harvest.
Hope this finds you feeling better. Hard to be sick at any time, but when you have so much going on it’s hard to get over it. Taylor looks beautiful! So fun to see the young people dressed up. Hope they all had a great time at the prom. The snow geese passed thru here a couple weeks ago on their way north. They always make their stop at the farm to check out the harvested corn fields. I sure hope that means spring is right around the corner! Take care and get well soon! 🙂
Margaret
Margaret,
I’m feeling SO MUCH BETTER! I am amazed at just how lousy I felt and so thankful that none of the rest of the family have gotten it. I’m done with travels now for a while…until harvest. Now, I have a baby that’s due only days from now to think about and Taylor’s graduation next month. The trailer house will be in the yard before you know it so I sure hope spring is here soon. Although, today, we have snow that needs to be moved so we can have a baby shower. Sick. of. winter!!!
So glad spring is right around the corner! Hope you are finally feeling better.
Feeling MUCH better, Laurie – thanks!! Being sick sure makes you appreciate feeling GOOD!
🙂 So very true!
Thank you for sharing this experience with us. Had to be a truly wonderful time. Enjoying the pictures, I will be looking back at this blog many times.
Thanks, Karen! It was AMAZING!
Thank you for sharing this experience with us. Had to be a truly wonderful time. Enjoying the pictures, I will be looking back at this blog many times.
Thanks, Karen! It was AMAZING!
What did u think of congressman Frank Lucas from our great state? He is on the local radio station quite often and I really enjoy hearing from him. And that view looks amazing!
I have never got to personally shake his hand but I’ve been in his office and visited with his staffers. I enjoyed listening to him at the Ag Day luncheon. He appears to be “real”! And…in that city, it’s hard to find. The view WAS amazing!! Absolutely a chance of a lifetime!
Kinda like us lol. We’ve haven’t actually met and shook each others hand, just read about and know of each other. Yes, he’s a rarity and I’m pretty sure he knows it too and he wishes more of our country’s leaders believed like him (as do I).
I wish there were more like him too. It would make more people want to step up and do the job! If they would just go back to having the idea that they’re there to SERVE the people rather than SERVE themselves things would be a whole lot different!
What did u think of congressman Frank Lucas from our great state? He is on the local radio station quite often and I really enjoy hearing from him. And that view looks amazing!
I have never got to personally shake his hand but I’ve been in his office and visited with his staffers. I enjoyed listening to him at the Ag Day luncheon. He appears to be “real”! And…in that city, it’s hard to find. The view WAS amazing!! Absolutely a chance of a lifetime!
Kinda like us lol. We’ve haven’t actually met and shook each others hand, just read about and know of each other. Yes, he’s a rarity and I’m pretty sure he knows it too and he wishes more of our country’s leaders believed like him (as do I).
I wish there were more like him too. It would make more people want to step up and do the job! If they would just go back to having the idea that they’re there to SERVE the people rather than SERVE themselves things would be a whole lot different!
very cool, thanks for letting us “take the tour” with you
You are so very welcome! I hope I did as good of a job as our tour guide did.:)
Your blog continues to be a great source of insight and information. Succinct writing and great photos make for easy reading. Thanks for telling the stories of agriculture and rural life!
This just made my day! Sometimes I wonder if it’s getting to the people it’s intended to get to! I guess it has to one. Thank you for letting me know you’re out there! And…that I’m efficiently telling the story.
Hi, I know that you have a unique interest in Massey combines. At one time I heard there was a museum that was looking for old combines in Canada? don’t know if you ever heard about this or not, anyway my great uncles have a Massey 82 that has been in the shed since the last time they used it, probably 12-15 years ago. They have both passed on and I was wondering if you know if anyone wanted it. I won’t sell it to the junk man, and I kinda hate to have it just sitting there if a museum wanted it. I know a combine museum is a stretch I guess. I live at Dunbar Ne, I’m not for sure if you can see my email on here or not but if you know of anyone who may want it let me know. Or any other ideas.
We still have my grandpas 410 that he bought new, in the shed as well, maybe I could start a museum.
thank you for your time
Chad
Hi Chad! Thanks for leaving your note. I don’t know where the best place to take something like that. I could put the word out there on our Zeorian Harvesting & Trucking FB site and see if it leads anywhere. Send me your email address and/or phone number in case someone does want to visit with you about it to jz45239@windstream.net. Dunbar, huh…not too far away from us!
What a fun trip and what great pictures! I have never gotten to go to a diary either, but know I feel like I have. We had a milk cow when I was a little girl. I remember watching dad milk her in the evenings and then swing the bucket upside down and not spill a drop. Awww the memories of our youth. Thank you for such a wonderful post!
Thanks, Laurie, for the note! You’ve been around more of the real thing than I have. I wish I could have experienced something like that! And, thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your weekend. Sounds like it’s gonna be a NICE one!
Bring on the sunshine!! Have been waiting for this kind of weather! Enjoy your weekend too!
Do hope this little one decided to make its appearance soon! Remember being a week over with out last and it not being any fun! Tell Jamie to hang in there! Laurie
She’s a trooper! I spent most of the day with her because she had to have baby’s heartbeat monitored. I was glad I could be with her all day. Made me feel like I was needed. 🙂 We’re hoping this baby comes soon!!
Hope that healthy little baby arrives on Jim’s birthday…as in 12:01 Tuesday morning would be fine. Wishes for all to go well and an easy labor for Jamie.
Margaret
Thanks, Margaret! We had a day of monitoring and walking and wishing yesterday. Maybe it’ll happen today (9th). I hope so, for her sake!
Had been thinking of Jamie wondering if the newest addition had made an appearance yet. A new cousin! (yes I know how far down but a cousin just the same) Waiting for a picture when possible!
Picture has been produced. He’s pretty new in these. Will update tomorrow. Thanks Karen!
So well written as always Tracy and sincerely hope all goes well. When my children were born and 50s and 60s, fathers were excluded as you are experiencing. We would wait alone to get the formal message from medical personnel…its a ________ and all is well.
Ugh!! Dave, it was a horrible, horrible wait out there! I just wanted to be there and couldn’t. But it’s over now and we have a boy to spoil!!
AHHHH! Waiting is so hard. So very excited for you all!
It was the WORST!
Congratulations! God Bless you all!
Thanks, Mike! It’s a stage of life that seemed like an eternity away only yesterday.
Congrats to the Z Crew!!
Thank you, Holly. I’m sure this little boy won’t be spoiled at all? Hope he learns to love trucks and combines!!
Congratulations !! Curt and Jamie…welcome to the family Baby Eli …Great Grandma Barb…
Congratulations, he’s beautiful! I’m glad to hear all are doing well. Harvest season will truly be bittersweet this year. You better stock up and get all the hugs and kisses in that you can now! 🙂
I’ve already told Jamie I am going to make her sign a contract stating they WILL be coming for a visit sometime during the summer! That was the FIRST thing I thought of when she told us she was expecting when we got home last September…only 6 weeks to hold a baby.
Congratualation …Grandpa Jim, Grandma Tracy, Aunt Jenna, Aunt Taylor, Aunt Callie..
Thanks Mom! Hope you get to feeling better so you can come meet your great-grandson!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Called Doris to let her know as well.
Thanks for doing that, Karen!
Wonderful news. Happy for all of you.
Thank you, Christi!!
Waiting is the WORST! I know the feeling! I am so glad all is well! And a GRANDSON! I am so happy for all of you! I can’t wait to get in on the spoiling!!!!
Can you believe it, Pohney?? A BOY! He is such a little punkin. He’s already stolen my heart and whatever he wants, I’ll make sure he gets it! 🙂 I hope you get to meet him one day.
Yay, he is so precious !!!
So glad you guys were able to come hold him and hug him and kiss him! 🙂
Congrats to all of you, Tracy! What a blessing…beautiful boy!
Thank you so much Lou Ann! I just can’t believe we’ve moved into this stage of our lives already. It’s the best!
Congratulations! Happy for your whole family that you have this wonderful, healthy boy joining you! I’m sure he will be quite familiar with the inside of a truck and combine as he grows up. And think of all the spoiling his gramma and aunts will give him! Glad Jamie and Curt did well with the delivery. Not easy being the mom/gramma in the waiting room tho! Best to you all!
Margaret
No, Margaret, it wasn’t easy being in the waiting room but was sure fun to get the call from Curt when he said I could come in and meet my grandson! It was so good to be able to see Jamie and know she was ok. Oh…I’m sure he’ll know what a combine and truck is! I’m already counting down the years before he can come ride with me in the truck. And you know, I bet Jim’s a little ansy to get him in the combine with him! A boy….
He is beautiful!! Congratulations to the Z family!
Thanks, Laurie!! We sure waited a long time to get to experience a little boy. I just can’t believe he’s finally here! We’ll have so much fun together in the dirt and the wheat fields!!
Boys are attracted to dirt like metal to a magnet! And anything with a motor on it is great! 🙂
And now you have a sweet little guy to celebrate!!!! God is so good and little Eli is so blessed to have a wonderful, CRAZY FUN family to spoil him!!! Called Mom when I got home from work—she was pleased to hear the fun news. Love all that dark hair—he`s a keeper.
Blessings,
Ross & Judeen
God is SO GOOD! I struggled with not being able to be in the room and be there with Jamie but once Curt told me I could come meet my grandson, all the other stuff just disappeared. He’s so beautiful and Jamie did such a great job! He’s an awfully good baby. I’m sure Jamie wouldn’t care if you stopped by and visited. I’ll be here for a little while.
I have followed your post for almost a year and have learned so much about what you do. I have to say though, this morning I read your post and sat at my desk in tears. I had already read the next post so I knew your happy news but reading this post as a mother of a teenage girl it made me cry. (just glad I arrived at work early and no one else was here!) Glad all is well! Congratulations to all!!
It was emotions that just overwhelmed me at the time and HAD to write them down. Sounds like I may have effectively written down how my heart was feeling! THANK YOU for letting me know you are out there and that you’re learning more and more about our way of life. Feel free to stop by again. I enjoy hearing from my readers!!
Congratulations!!! I know you didn’t realize how much LOVE your heart could hold until you see your first GrandBaby. I’m very Happy for you. Will be waiting to hear all the wonderful news. A Little Boy will fit into your life completely.
Oh Earlene!! I had no idea just how wonderful grandbabies are! Having your own kids is amazing but those other little guys are something else! He just makes my heart melt! I’m certainly going to go through withdrawals when I have to leave him in about 5 weeks! I told Jamie I was going to make her sign a contract stating she was GOING to come for a visit! She reassured me they would. 🙂
Hey Tracy!
Finally catching up on the blog. That’s great that you got to visit Prairieland. If you’ve never had their milk, you need to give it a try. It’s costs more, but it’s really good. Hy-Vee is usually where we get it. They are carrying it in the Omaha Hy-Vee’s now too!
I learned that the product was there the day we went to the dairy. I’m going to be looking for it from now on! We got to have a taste of the chocolate milk while we were there – the BEST chocolate milk I’ve ever drank!
Thanks NE Wheatie for such a fine job on this blog, we WILL promote this!
You’re welcome! I hope I retold the story correctly. It was so interesting to me! I didn’t even know we had such an awesome place so close to home!
Of course you’re a proud Grandma…it shouldn’t be any other way! He has beautiful (can you say that about a boy) dark eyes. I’m sure the inside of the trailer will be plastered with pictures of Eli all summer long. 🙂
Oh Margaret…you’re so right! The cottage on wheels WILL definitely be getting a few new pictures on the walls!
I think a boy can have beautiful eyes…
He is one cute dude!!
Uh…Yeah!
Tracy….there is only ONE word for this entry…AWESOME…!!!!!!. You still take my breath away….
I’m sooooooooo proud to say “yup thats my daughter”…..love you….
Thanks mom! 🙂
Go Big Red. I can’t wait for football season!
ABSOLUTELY!!
What a cutie!! Tell Jamie nice job!
BEST BLOG POST EVER!!!!! 🙂
THANKS!!
BEST BLOG POST EVER!!!!!! GBR!!!! 🙂
[…] Nebraska Wheatie visits the Dairy […]
Hey!!! thanks for including me in your blog list of articles to read!! I learned ALOT on that field trip.
So wonderful!
🙂
Tracy getting home from work tonight and reading your entry..maybe it’s being so tired..my tears tonight ..again telling you how proud it makes me..after you and the girls left..Gma and I sat and just smiled at each other…she ask me if I would like a kleenex…we both had tears ..I said yes I will go get some..she said here I have a couple in my sleeve..she then said ..such a darling baby
boy…and I really like his name…then she said I remember taking care of you and Tracy after she was born..we stayed with Gma and Gpa Dickson for two weeks…and the pictures of her holding Eli
looking into her eyes…I will remember those moments always….all I can add is thank you Jenna,
Taylor and Callie for making my Mothers Day..and Gmas..so wonderful… thank you…and….
Thank You Sweet Jesus……….good night…..Grandma Barb……….
Jamie….I’m so sorry ..so sorry…THANK YOU.. for bringing Eli …with out you we would not have had the 5 generation picture and happy Mothers Day to you..and to Tracy also…see this is what
happens when one gets old…;)….Hugs and Kisses XXXXXOOOOO Gma Barb…..
Happy Mother’s Day to you too, Mom! Love you!
I hate to hear y’all lost some of your jobs. It’s still in the air whether we’ll have a wheat crop or not. Some of it is already dead but some is somehow still alive. It’s a tough crop surviving drought, freeze, and extreme heat. We had two days of 90° the first of the month that turned to 30° with snow. This last week has been hot with yesterday reaching 100° for our graduation. I came to Oklahoma City today to page for one of our state reprentatives. Western Oklahoma wheat, as you know is awful. Quite a few acres have been bailed. East of Woodward is completely different though. It’s green and headed out. I just hope the freeze didn’t harm it too bad.
You didn’t graduate, did you? We’re supposed to start near Shattuck – if it survives – but we were told it would be later. However, if it keeps up with the 100 degree temps, it may not be too late. It’s gonna be a tough year!
No, not yet. I just finished my sophomore year of high school. “If it survives” is a line heard a lot this year. At this point we’re only using one combine. Unfortunately, even irrigated wheat is harmed in our area from the freeze. It’s two extremes- extra early last year and late this year.
Just too cute!
We sort of think he’s the cutest baby EVER! 🙂
The name “Eli” and the word “cute” mean the same thing!! What a picture! 🙂
AGREE! 🙂
I really thought after visiting Tx and Ok last year it only could go better this year for those farmers and harvesters, unbelievable it’s even worse from last year!
Oh I know, Hendrik! It just doesn’t seem to want to get out of this drought condition. Every year is different – that’s for sure!
Can you not see that this is the sign that it is time for you to come harvest in Canada?? It’s soooo obvious =D
I’m always the one to say, “lets go!” I can’t convince the other half. I’m telling ya, you and Lynn need to start working on him now!
Was wondering what the status of the Z crew was. Good update! Have no idea what it must be like to have to wait, when you are so used to rolling right now. Like you said, God is watching and there is a plan, we just don’t know what it is. Stay safe and here’s to a good harvest!
Thanks, Laurie! It’s comforting to know I don’t have to be the one to try to figure things out. I know He’ll take care of it just fine!
Change is hard bt so rewarding 🙂 Happy harvesting, Tracy! May God richly bless you-all and may he preotect and keep the Eli and the rest of the family at home!
Sorry, protect and keep Eli and the rest of the family safe at home (Phew, can you tell I just woke up?)
Gosh, Melody, guess we’re both sort of out of it. I just saw this note. Wish I would have seen it when you posted it. Thanks for the encouragement!!!
Thank you, Melody, for your words of encouragement. Telling the two older girls and my “little man” goodbye was much harder than I anticipated. I hope the time away from each other doesn’t seem too long!!
Can not wait to see where the “wind” takes the Z crew this year!
I’m SO GLAD you’ll be taking the journey with us!
Me TOO! I am very excited to read your updates! !
Hope all your travels are uneventful. Can’t wait to see what the summer has in store.
Thanks, Anthony! I hope it has more in store for us than it looks right now. Guess we’ll soon find out!
Tracy, you are a good woman! And, today we talked about the little Wheatie with the Lemmenes Custom Farms shirt! He is fortunate to have a grandma love him like you do! Remember change is what brought the little guy to you! Hugs and safe travels!!
Aw, Lori, you’re such a wise woman! You’re RIGHT! Change IS what brought him to us. It’ll take a little while to get used to the new “normal”. Thanks for being such a wonderful friend!!
Z crew…I had such a fun evening…many memories of years past..while I drove back home..and a few tears as well…PLEASE all of you..look twice and once again…while driving those huge “rigs”up and down the roads…..and remember this…You’re all in God’s care..Let him have all your worries and cares,for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you…I will miss you all….BE SAFE…..love and kisses XXXXXOOO … mom / Gma Barb
Thanks mom! It’s hard to leave the driveway without the full crew (and keeps getting harder each year) and I know they miss being with us too! You be careful this summer too!! I love you.
That new dodge looks sweet! Did it replace the red and white dually? Harvest is coming fast here. I’m getting anxious to climb back behind the wheel of the big best
Sorry, posted by accident to soon. I’m ready to climb behind the wheel of the big beast again. Have a safe summer and harvest!
Yep, it replaced the red/white dually. No one will know when we’re in town now. 🙂 Have you gotten behind the wheel yet? We got rolling right away but now we’ve run into 15% moisture.
No, not yet. Finished gettin’ the combines ready yesterday and serviced one of the semis today (since we only need one this year unfortunately). Might test some tomorrow. I think it will go, if not it’ll be pretty close. But we’ve got a wedding to attend tomorrow so we gotta work around that. Wait and see testing may get pushed to Monday.
Have fun at the wedding? Anxious to hear how things roll your way with test cutting! 🙂
I can see why it’s so hard to leave your little Facebook friend…he’s grown so much and only gotten cuter!! I got tired just reading about your long drive in the heat and camping at the elevator and the railroad tracks. Hope you get a chance to catch up on some sleep. 🙂
New Claas combine arrived in Meridian, ID last week, but not to the farm yet. Needed some parts installed first…and a spit shine! LOL We have one pivot of wheat this year which will be ready later in July…that will be it’s first test field. Then alfalfa seed in late Aug/early Sept. and corn for cobbage in Oct.
I’ll be thinking of you all summer on your journey. Be safe.
Margaret
I’m so excited for you guys and your new CLAAS combine!! Thank you for your note AND for following our journey. Prayers are ALWAYS welcome! Let me know how that new machine reacts to its new home.
I woke up to the rain this morning too! But it was at 5:30 am here…only ten hundredths in that storm but we just got a second round dumping just under an inch and a half! I’m ready to cut some wheat but we’re soooo dry I’ll take this any day. Guess we won’t be starting tomorrow.
Sounds like we may have gotten 1/2″ of rain out of the storm cloud last night. I can’t feel bad about that! The yellow beast (and me) will welcome the break…for a little while.
I woke up to the rain this morning too! But it was at 5:30 am here…only ten hundredths in that storm but we just got a second round dumping just under an inch and a half! I’m ready to cut some wheat but we’re soooo dry I’ll take this any day. Guess we won’t be starting tomorrow.
Sounds like we may have gotten 1/2″ of rain out of the storm cloud last night. I can’t feel bad about that! The yellow beast (and me) will welcome the break…for a little while.
That same storm hit us early this morning too. There’s lighting to the west so we might get more tonight. After having 2″ over the last 3 days and running out of shop projects, we decided to take the day off, hooked up the boat, and headed to the lake for the day. It was a little chilly but still a blast. I think it’s safe to say we’re both ready to cut some wheat!
Going to the lake sounds like a PERFECT way to spend a waiting-for-wheat-to-dry day! Wish we knew someone around here with a boat and a lake (that has water in it). Did more hit last night? We missed any showers now for 24 hours. Probably won’t be able to start anything today – but maybe tomorrow.
If it was my boat I’d take ya but its not, we were just invited to go with my uncle. It was great. Shoulda stayed another day cuz there’s not much to do while waiting. Tomorrow is probably the day to try it for us too. The rain missed us last night. The wheat is dry now we just got to get the ground to dry out.
Did you cut today???
No, dad thinks its still too muddy and him and my uncle are having us do other things like side dressing corn, planting milo, and spreading manure for next years wheat crop. I guess Monday is the day to make a go at it. This past Monday was until it rained.
Did you take a drive to Southwest Idaho today…rained off and on all day…and we thank you!! 🙂 Hope things dry out soon so you can get back to work!
Margaret
🙂 – no drive to SW Idaho but it would be great to see! Maybe it was just the fact that you read my blog at just the right time. The sun is shining this a.m. and we’ve gone almost 24 hours without rain; maybe tomorrow we can try it again. I think about how the days could have been spent at home holding Mr. Eli. Oh well…
Eli is so cute, can’t wait to meet him.
Hope you can cut soon, been raining here too. The country is so pretty and green. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Mardrie
Hi Mardrie!!
I’ve still got your email that you sent to me highlighted in my inbox to remind me to answer you. Seems like it was so crazy busy before we left home and now it feels like we’ve been gone for months – not just a little more than a week. I’ve heard it’s been raining and we’re holding out for hope for good wheat to cut there. Sure won’t be the same without Charlie O! Maybe we can go try our luck at fishing again 🙂
Hi ZCrew……such a cute pix of “THE MAN CHILD”….I had yesterday (Wed) and today off work..
I mowed the yard and edging yesterday just before the RAIN…wished I would have had time to put
the fert/bug stuff down but another day…anyway Becky called about 2ish and asked if I had plans for the evening..nope..was I still going to the farmers market at the park..yes..(best garden I’ve ever had…no weeds,bugs or watering.. ;)….got my baking done as well…best wheat bread EVER..yum-yum!!!! so I met her at 4;00 and helped set up/take down her bottles..I took my sleeping gear along and I spent the night with her…we were up until 2ish watching her Night Blooming Cereus
flowers bloom..she had 9 flowers…plus a couple bottles of wine….up at
8 and sun bathed until 1…then she back to the bottles and I went to see
Eli then on to Gmas…I took the Baby announcement pix of Eli to her…
remember no pix.son her board….I was putting it back in the enevelope
and she said…put it up there by her clothes pin with the blue bow!!!!!!
was with her until 5;45 pushed her to the dinner hall..again now make sure Eli’s pix was still there….she just smiled and said to find out where Tracy”s are….OK…I am really sun Burned..(tan)….be safe…mom….
Hi just me again…thought I’d better explain the “bottles” to everyone..my sister Becky has three
Kiln’s and she recycles wine/beer and other bottles …this is her site..RebeccaGifts.com….Becky
said then it will refer you to Etsy…and you will see all her bottles….thanks
Oh, my, mom! You’ve been busy. Sounds like you’re not staying out of the sun – like you should! Tell Grandma hello for me.
Love you!
So like all of this..another day for us all!
When do you expect to start cutting wheat? When we went through the central part of the state just a little over a week ago, it looked like you should have a nice crop to cut!
Miss the wheat
Thanks, Mike.
How is the yield? We were out in OK in December. The wheat looked pretty rough then.
There’s like an imaginary line down the middle of the Midwest. Anything West of the line is POOR. Anything from the line West, is amazing. The yields we’ve seen in our area is 10-15 bushels. We’re working on some now that may not even make 10. The drought and late season freezes really took a toll on the wheat from TX to WY. It’s a really TOUGH year for the custom harvester – and no safety net to fall back on. That’s the hard part! One day at a time and a lot of Faith!
Love the pics…they say so much on “Wordless Wednesday”. 🙂
🙂
Like very much, beautiful!
Thanks, Karen!
Started cutting wheat yet?
Beautiful pix “Z Girls”,,,I am so very proud…my ..Mother,,,and my …Great Grandson…mom…
🙂 Thanks, mom!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! What a great look into your time in Oklahoma! Hope all goes well in KS. 🙂
Thanks, Laurie!! Each stop certainly holds its own adventures. It’ll be fun to see what’s in store at the next one!
Absolutely love the sunset pictures! That’s by far my favorite time of the day in the field. We got started cutting Monday and have hit it hard ever since. We finished our own wheat Thursday and did some custom work yesterday then picked up a job east of Hooker near Turpin. Its the only irrigated we are cutting this year so I’m enjoying cutting something more than 10 bpa. We made the 30+ mile move last night and got two loads cut. I had to come out early this A.M. to dump the grain cart on the farmers truck and now I’m just enjoying the cool morning waiting for it to warm up and start cuttin again. Have a safe move to Deerfield!
Thanks, Ethan! Enjoy that good wheat! Always fun to watch it roll in the bin. I, too, am enjoying the cool morning and clouds. We all look so forward to harvest and then before you know it, it’s over again for another year. Lets hope next year is better for ALL of Oklahoma.
OnJun 29, 2013,
Thanks for sharing your season, it’s a tuff one.
You got that right! But, you keep moving forward with the hope that maybe it’ll be better than feared and it’s always, “maybe next year will be better”. I’m just THANKFUL to be out here doing the job we’re doing for our farmers. Glad to have you on board with our journey!!
Welcome to Kansas! We are hard at it as well. Chris is here to help, that is a BIG help! Today was not a very good day with break downs. Doug’s combine gets a new radiator in the morn. Chris had a minor break down, but fixed quick enough to finish here at home. Headed for Lebanon sometime tomorrow.
How’s the harvest going? Are you ready for it to be over already? 🙂
Rain today, catch up day, after days of haying. Got to fish one day with Billy, it was great. You will be pleasantly surprised when you see the wheat in Garfield County…and all the beautiful green grass! Have a great week. Mardrie.
Those catch up days are definitely needed by the time you get one! We were in need of one. I needed to get paperwork caught up but sure didn’t want one necessarily right now. We didn’t get any rain – ran into green wheat. We’re just short of finishing here by 80 acres. Jamie, Curt and Eli are flying into Denver on Thursday to spend a few days with us. Sure hope things work out so we get to Limon and are able to spend time with them. It’ll work out…it always does. I wonder if the green grass will still be as beautiful by the time we get there or if it will look like typical Garfield County by that time. If you have grass to cut and bale, I’m SURE you’re busy!! (which means so fishing for you :)) Good to hear from you!!
We finished cutting last Saturday…or so we thought…then we got a call asking us to cut more. My brother and I were headed off to FFA alumin camp though so I missed out which left dad to cut it. We have run shelbourne headers the past couple of years now. They are certainlay different. Its odd not being able to see the header do anything, just wheat go in and straw be left behind. We left for church camp at Estes Parks, CO today. We made a stop in Limon for supper and are now in Denver for the night. I was supprised, some wheat is already cut in the area while there is still quite a bit standing. Have a great week!
Hi Ethan!
Are you still at church camp? We just got to Limon and we’re set up again in our new home. We got here just in time for a nice little rain shower. The wind blew more than it rained. A bit of trouble with the computer on the combine so we left it in Garden City until they can get it fixed. Probably have to go back after it Friday. Jamie, Curt & Eli will be here late tomorrow morning. CAN’T WAIT! Hope you enjoyed your time at camp!!
No, we made it back home about 9 pm. We were so close but yet so far away, I could see the service pickup and “nasty” sittin at the campground from the interstate but that’s as close as we got. Take care and I know you’ll have tons of fun with your vistors!
Oh…that’s just weird! You were literally that close and couldn’t stop and say hello. And you recognized the two vehicles – awesome. Hope your time at camp was fun. That’s one thing I wish my kids could have been a part of. Sacrifices, I guess.
Ya, I hated that I couldn’t stop. My hopes of meeting you went up when I read you were in Limon but there was no stopping our bus driver or youth pastor-they were set on getting home. I’ll just trust that God gas a better plan. Camp was great, I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. I’m blessed to be able to usually take part in and finish harvest before camp and get the best of both worlds.
[…] “I know I’ve mentioned this before but I’ll mention it again. Harvest towns take on a different “feel” when harvest is over. The hustle, bustle that harvest brings is gone. The town has settled down to its normal daily activity. The talk inside the café had even switched from wheat and harvest to something completely different. It made me want to move on, catch up with the harvest and be a part of that world again!” Read the whole blog post here […]
Hi Heard you on WIBW radio this morning and decided to find your blog. My husband is a row crop farmer in Eastern Ks. We have a few cows too. (I have a home day care so, don’t help farm very much.) I’ve enjoyed reading some of your past blogs and look forward to following your journey. Thanks for writting it. Dian
Hi Dian!
I’m so glad you took the time to look for my blog and that you enjoyed it! I try to update it as often as I feel I can give it a little time. I love to write and it seems there’s quite a few people who enjoy what I write about so it’s a win, win situation. I tried babysitting other kids about 20 years ago. I hope you’re appreciated by the parents – it’s not easy! Take care and check in once in awhile (if you want to).
Tracy
I know your busy, If you have a chance to answer this one I’m a little curious if you need to set your combine different when using draper headers? I know the combine is designed to handle some straw with the grain for proper threshing.
Chad
Per Jim, you might change your header configurations in your computer for weight and the way things work. But threshing settings wouldn’t be any different. (we’re not that busy that we can’t answer a question – thanks for asking!)
I could not agree with you more. While there are a few bad apples in every situation, farmers I know would never do anything to jeopardize their way of life. They love it to much to shoot themselves in the foot. The problem is education and too many people’s disassociation with agriculture. Even in my home county here in Nebraska, there are kids today that don’t know where their food comes from. That is scary. I am proud to have grown up on a farm and am able to work with Ag producers every day. I am also very proud that my children know where their food comes from because they know Ag. My parents just took some calves to butcher yesterday. I told my oldest daughter about it and her response was, “I can’t wait until thy are done. I bet it tastes good!” It made me smile.
Spot-on! Education is exactly what this country needs. Unfortunately, it appears the public would still choose to see the farmer and the farming practices as evil and I just don’t understand. Do they not realize that when it’s impossible for the farmer to do his job and he is forced to quit our food supply will be outsourced to other countries? And worse yet, when they realize what damage is done and they want all the farmers to come back and feed them, it’ll be too late. I feel sorry for our future generations unless people begin to wake up – soon! We live in rural Nebraska, as well, but they still have no understanding even of what we do in the summer. Those of us who have children who do know their food doesn’t just appear on the grocery store shelves are lucky! Thanks for leaving a comment, Anthony!
I start school the 15th as well. This summer flew by way to fast. Before we know it we’ll be in the field again cuttin corn. Hope you have a good and safe time the rest of the summer.
Scott is probing for soil moisture.
Oh, Ethan, you’re so right! The summer has just zoomed by! And when fall harvest starts, I’m not involved with the harvest world anymore and that makes me sad. Guess I’ll get to hang out more with Eli. 🙂
SPOT ON! Scott was probing for soil mosture. He couldn’t even get it to go in as much as an inch. Yikes! He said he could remember when they would do that and most of the rod would go down nearly to the end of the rod and you can see how tall it is.
That’s beyond being dry, that’s almost desert conditions. Most people don’t comprind how dry it really is in this dust bowl area-or how tough wheat is. I don’t know of any other crops that can grow and produce grain on just a couple inches of water. It’s crazy to me that its been drier than it was in dust bowl days. That just goes to prove how much better our farming practices have become since then.
You are absolutely right! The only reasons we’re not seeing the dust blowing like it did in the “dirty 30’s” is because the farming practices are so much better. Otherwise, I’m afraid it would be bad…really bad! Let’s hope next year is better for everyone involved in this horrible drought!
Wow. What a lovely, lovely post. Thanks and peace, John
Thanks, John! The next couple of days are going to be a little tough for me so I specifically appreciate the reference to peace!
That is a long time not to see your kids. I hope all travels are safe.
Did you not finish the last 400 acres if you are already cleaning up?
Thanks, Anthony! No, not 400 acres. We did have to leave about 120 for the farmer to finish. They were able to get back in the field today. Big storm clouds rolled through and headed to Western KS. They really need the moisture too!
I do enjoy your posts, I can’t believe Limon had so much rain! And thank you for a pic of my mountains, I miss them so. Doug and I are trying to figure out a way to get back out there shortly.
I’m so glad you enjoy reading my words! 🙂 Hope you get back out to your mountains soon – I love them!
Thank you again for sharing, you paint such great pictures with your words right along with the pictures you post! I love those wheat pictures, it looks like very good wheat!!
Aw, Karen, you’re too kind. I just type what pops in my head. I’m lucky it comes out the way it comes out then, I guess. It is very good wheat. I spend a lot of time behind the wheel of Frank. I’m going to guess 65-70 bpa.
The wheat looks amazing. What is it making? I have always wanted to go to Montana and see Big Sky Country and the big fields. Someday maybe!
I’m not sure. I’ve been spending all my time in the truck. 🙂 if I were to guess, an average of 65-70 bushel. I know you see 100+ at times on the monitor. Pretty slow going, that’s for sure. I LOVE Montana! It’s a great way to end the season.
When you get a chance, do you know where the Wheat Harvest Movie will be showing in the area. I live Near Dunbar Ne,,,so I was hoping it would be shown in Lincoln or Omaha. I would love to see it. Custom cutting is always something I have been interested in.
Chad
Chad, I don’t know where the movie will be shown for sure. I’m sure it’ll be shared with everyone when it’s known on the FaceBook page. I’d just keep checking on there. I know it won’t be until March 2014. Thanks for stopping by!!
I hope the farmer hasn’t heard your request for rain! Harvest in Belgium is done with very high yields too! We wish you and your family a good season’s end!
Hendrik and Anita
We went to Belgium. It will be three years ago in February. It was cold! But I loved seeing a different country. We got to tour the New Holland plant and stayed in Brugges. I would love to go back some day. Maybe when it’s not so cold!
Since you guys are quite busy in the summer you won’t feel the heat over here. We’ve got comparable weather like the mid-west but not those extremes. The last 7 years we took a road trip in the US with Chicago normally as the beginning of our trip and we’ve been to wheat country from south to north and we allways go in the beginning of july so it doesn’t interfere with our farm work over here! I enjoy your blog alot and perhaps we can meet in the future somewhere on the harvest run! Take care!
Greetings,Hendrik and Anita
I will count on that meeting taking place one day! PLEASE let me know when you are back in the states and we’ll plan on making it happen!
Hi…and goodmorning,,, this will make Grma Dickson smile…..it will remind her of when she was
young girl and would go to the pasture for the cows…..”give a whistle”…and they came to her…
I have today off but have yard work to do…I will visit her on Saturday…on my way home last Saturday..I stopped by for a few minutes to see the “girls”..Curt and Eli…it was such a nice evening..Be safe …love and kisses ….XXXXXXOOOOOO….mom
Tell Grandma hello for me! I bet Eli has grown a lot! I’m so anxious to see him again – and the rest of the family, too.
Love you too, mom!
The tater tot casserole is sooo good – I was skeptical the 1st time Mark made it for me. It wasn’t what I was used to eating growing up since it has broccoli & tomatoes – but I love it. So this is the way my girls are growing up eating tater tot casserole !! LOVE and MISS you guys – see you soon !!
And so the tradition continues. 🙂 I LOVE and MISS you too! It won’t be long now!
Mrs. Zerion! I am Mega Weeding McDonalds’ mom! I so enjoyed reading your post! Yes…..the people that are no longer with us in Jordan, is overwhelming. I live 6 1/2 hrs. from home (Jordan!) now, and when I go back to visit, I sure do notice the void left by people that have passed on!
What a small world! I’m so glad you left me a note. This little town means so much to me. The people have been so good about welcoming our family as part of the community. I miss those who are gone so much!! Jordan will forever be an important part of the Zeorian family and I thank the people of the town for making it home!! Thank you so much for letting me know.
Tracy
Hi Tracy……I will be going out to visit Mother (Gma D) she will be happy to know you on are in Jordon….she worries so much about the machines on the road…this note made the tears come
to my eyes too….guess its called the “sentimental journey”……I’m sure you remember the trips for parts…the rattle snakes on the road..they looked like ribbons. again…Its don’t cry because its
over smile because it happened….is the “Hell Crick Bar” still making that gooooooood chicken?
Gma H….really liked it….and the store she took us to for your school clothes….yep the memories
have a way of coming back…..be careful…love and kisses….mom…
Yep, the Hell Creek still has chicken 🙂 I don’t remember the store – unless you mean Ewy’s and, no, that store isn’t here anymore. Haven’t seen many rattlesnakes anymore although I know they’re surely here. Tell Grandma hello for me! I love you too, mom!
I like reading your harvesting adventures and of course……Tracy!
Stories never die and…….. stay forever!!
Thanks, Lion! It’s good to hear from my #1 fan. How are things in your neck of the world??
Tanx tracy…I,am fine thank you, shouldnot complain!
Tomorrow ,is first of September.
Give it another ,3 weeks most of the wheat and other produce,s is cut by that time in Europe.
They had excellent conditions during harvest, weatherwise….although the nights starting to get moisturie at the moment.
Compaired to last year’s ,wheat-price has come down here?
Halfway Sept ore later….they will start chopping Corn.
That sounds about like the grain schedule here. Although, the fall harvest has begun in the southern states, most fall crops for the central and northern states won’t start happening for 3-4 weeks. I don’t know for sure, but I think the wheat prices here have gone down too. Chopping corn has already begun in places in US.
When I was on the harvest crew Montana was my favorite stop! Even had my appendix out in Shelby.Would love to go back again.
Oh…not a good experience to connect Montana to. 🙂 Montana is our favorite stop, too. We look forward to getting here every year. The people are great! When were you on a harvest crew?
I worked for Farris Brothers in 1991 and 1992. Got to take the family to Montana in 2010 on a camping trip and we were able to meet up with them in Billings.
Ah…good guys!! And a camping trip to Glacier? Nothing better! Harvest certainly has a way of bringing new experiences and new people into your lives – for everyone who has gotten to experience it! There’s usually two kinds of people who when you talk to them about harvest either say, “I wish I would have gone” or “that was the best experience I ever had”.
Beautiful photos!
Thank you!!
I went to your site. I see you’re in Montana – on the west end. Too bad you can’t come to Eastern Montana and see its beauty, too! Enjoy your trip to the mountains – I’m jealous.
Thanks! I haven’t been to Eastern Montana in a long time. Maybe I will have to add it to my next trip! I was in Havre for the weekend and its off to Glacier tomorrow for a few days.
Ah…Glacier! One of my favorite places to be. Safe travels and have a great time! Loved your pictures of the branding, by the way!
Thanks!
How does the time fly so fast? It seems like just last week that we got out of school but here we are in September already with corn harvest just about a week away for us. The scenery is spectacular there. Certainly different from the flat and dry plains here! Have a good rest of the harvest and safe trip back home!
Boy…you’re telling me, Ethan! Seems like we just left for Oklahoma and was getting comfortable back in the cottage. Now, it feels like home and will be hard to leave! I’m anxious about going home and still feel the harvest let-down now that it’s coming to an end. Best of luck to you with your corn harvest – will it be a less than hoped? Jim will start soybean and corn harvest after we get home. My harvest adventures will be over as soon as we get home. 🙁
Thanks! The fall crops are looking really good around here this year. We’ve had about 6 inches of rain in the last 3 weeks which helped a lot. The milo (sorghum) looks excellent this year (we haven’t had any the last 2 years due to drought). I feel for you because I know what its like to miss out on harvest. Will you be going to Husker Harvest days?
We’d sure like to try to make it. Jenna will be working the CLAAS booth and we’d love to see her in her world. So…we’ll see what happens. Are you?
Unless something comes up we’re going. We’ll have to meet up if we both go!
🙂 Yes, we should! Jim always likes to go on Wednesday (if he can).
Thats the day we were thinking about going so maybe it’ll work out!
Do you have a twitter account? If you do, make sure and dm me when the time gets closer and we’ll just try to make this happen! Twitter for me is NEwheatie
no, but I recently got a facebook so I’ll do it that way
Ok. 🙂 That works, too.
Thank you for your writings. The history of the praries is so interesting. Keep up your hard work and enjoy seeing your grandson and family upon returning home. Over and out from Wagga Wagga Australia
Leonie,
Thank you for leaving a note. I will most definitely enjoy seeing my little guy and the rest of the family! I’m so glad you have enjoyed following our journey this summer. Once I get home, I will continue to blog but it won’t be nearly as exciting as the wheat harvest is. Australia…one place I would dearly love to visit some day!
I am a grain broker working with farmers to obtain the best price for their commodities at the time they wish to sell. I have plenty of grower contacts for yourselves if u wish to work over harvest here in Aus anytime soon. Over and out,
Probably won’t happen any time soon, Leonie, but maybe come for a visit SOMEDAY! Maybe, in the meantime, you can send me some pictures of what it’s like over there.
Chow!
Your posts are always interesting to me being a printer but married to a farmer! HAHA
Hi Jan!
So glad to know you’re following along! Now you can get a better idea of what we do and where we are. 🙂 Thank you for leaving a note. I’m glad to know you’re here!
Been following your blog for several months, very interesting and very enjoyable. Hadn’t realized
all the work and dedication required to be a custom combiner.
Jim,
I’m so glad you found my blog and have been following the journey! Did you know anything about the industry before following? Our business is only one of many but I know every harvester out there is a hard worker! My Grandpa was one of the hardest working custom harvesters I knew! Thank you so much for leaving a note. Let me know if there are any questions I can answer – I’ll certainly try anyways!
I was also my Dad’s handy man. Got wrenches and did the zerks with grease on all the equipment. I thought that was a very important job, which it was, and enjoyed doing anything to help. Mom was truck driver. Dad always wanted us, Mom and I ,to wear jeans. Never really liked shorts anyway. That is great that you and Jim can work together. Just looking down from the steps in the picture makes me agree with Jim about you falling.
The fall crops here in south central Kansas are looking good. Corn, maize, cotton, beans. Some have grown something that looks like hay grazer. across the road from us was cut yesterday and it must have been 10 feet tall. he planted before we got the month of rain. It really grew and thick. Not sure what he will do with it, may bale it will see shortly.
be careful each day and for all you farmers that read this same for you, be careful and watch your steps. a few extra seconds may keep you from getting hurt. Sharon Drake, Winfield, Ks. Aug. 3, 2013
Sharon,
I haven’t heard from you ALL summer! So glad you decided to check in with me. And, so glad someone else can understand my weirdness of enjoying the equipment. Seems like Central and Eastern Kansas certainly had amazing wheat – maybe the fall crops will be the same. I certainly appreciate the job of the farmer! If it weren’t for them, my refrigerator would sure be empty.
Take care!!
Love this story! Especially as it involves a ND farmer and his girl. 😉
I know…isn’t it great!!
Hope the rest of trip is a safe one. Hope you are enjoying the heat as well. The last few days have been low 70s during the day and into the mid 40s at night here in ND. It has been so dewy in the mornings that we can’t combine until 2 or 3PM and then we are done by 9 because the straw gets tough. Thankfully 225 acres left but chance of rain Wednesday. Hope your harvest journey went well, always kind of sad when there is no more harvest updates from you. I thoroughly enjoy them. Enjoy your off-season!!
Thank you for the well wishes!! It’s been perfect travel weather since we headed back to Montana. Maybe the hot, hot days of summer are finally over. The end of harvest is a great letdown for me. It’s almost a depression of sorts. But, having the kids and Eli to go back to will help. Seeing combines rolling in the fields near Pierre, though, made me want to stop, unload and be a part of the action. My harvest days will be over once we get home. Jim’s will continue in the soybeans and corn. It’s always an adjustment going back to the “normal” world. Thank you for following our journey again! I will continue to blog but its not nearly as exciting as the wheat harvest is. Good luck with getting your final acres cut!!
Hope the rest of trip is a safe one. Hope you are enjoying the heat as well. The last few days have been low 70s during the day and into the mid 40s at night here in ND. It has been so dewy in the mornings that we can’t combine until 2 or 3PM and then we are done by 9 because the straw gets tough. Thankfully 225 acres left but chance of rain Wednesday. Hope your harvest journey went well, always kind of sad when there is no more harvest updates from you. I thoroughly enjoy them. Enjoy your off-season!!
Thank you for the well wishes!! It’s been perfect travel weather since we headed back to Montana. Maybe the hot, hot days of summer are finally over. The end of harvest is a great letdown for me. It’s almost a depression of sorts. But, having the kids and Eli to go back to will help. Seeing combines rolling in the fields near Pierre, though, made me want to stop, unload and be a part of the action. My harvest days will be over once we get home. Jim’s will continue in the soybeans and corn. It’s always an adjustment going back to the “normal” world. Thank you for following our journey again! I will continue to blog but its not nearly as exciting as the wheat harvest is. Good luck with getting your final acres cut!!
Hello!
I am new to your blog thanks to College Aggies Online, and I am sad I have not started sooner! I really like how you have set this up, and I love your sunset pictures! I am glad you display in this post how hard and dedicated farmers work for their goal. Now being a student in Iowa, I am around corn and soybeans, but not much wheat. Is wheat the only crop that your family does?
I can’t wait to follow your blog some more!
Hello Kristin!
I’m so very excited that you found my blog! I am honored that you feel it’s something you are wanting to continue to follow! I love what we do and I hope it comes across in my posts. I love agriculture and would do anything to promote the people who feed the world! We chase the ripening wheat during the summer but we come home to cut soybeans and corn. Unfortunately, once we get home, I am no longer needed in the field and continue to do what I can from home for the girls and substitute bus drive for our school. I’m so behind with my posts. I have intended on getting caught up with pictures of our journey from Montana to home – home back to Montana again. I will get’r done though – hopefully soon. It’s such a transition to make once we get home and we’ve only been home a week tomorrow. Kristin, I’m curious how you found me on College Aggies Online. Did someone post something? Just wondering because I’m so excited to be involved with ag’s next generation!
Thanks for posting a note. I’m anxious to hear from you again.
Hello!
I am so sorry it has taken me so long to reply! College is keeping me busy! For College Aggies Online, our assignment for the week was to select an agriculture driven blog and read through it and comment on one of the posts. You just happened to be the blog that I selected! I am excited to connect with you as well!
I’m curious now. Which blog did you read and comment on? Were you the only o e that chose my blog? What am honor! Thank you!!!
I simply love the scenery you guys travel through, we visited that part of the US a few times and we still want to go back to that country what you guys call ‘fly over country’. Keep those pictures coming!
Thanks, Hendrik! My scenery pictures will be a little more limited now that we’re home and our harvest journey is complete for another year. However, hopefully, I’ll have more throughout the year. 🙂 Thanks for following along!!
I simply love the scenery you guys travel through, we visited that part of the US a few times and we still want to go back to that country what you guys call ‘fly over country’. Keep those pictures coming!
Thanks, Hendrik! My scenery pictures will be a little more limited now that we’re home and our harvest journey is complete for another year. However, hopefully, I’ll have more throughout the year. 🙂 Thanks for following along!!
Think you are in love with Montana!!!! I like it also so can understand as I have gone to Montana for many years as a part of test programs both in grain and alfalfa.
I would move there in a heartbeat…if the rest of the family would follow!
Think you are in love with Montana!!!! I like it also so can understand as I have gone to Montana for many years as a part of test programs both in grain and alfalfa.
I would move there in a heartbeat…if the rest of the family would follow!
[…] Nebraska Wheatie visits the Dairy […]
Loved this story. Especially the photos! Belle Fourche is one of my favorite places. I’ll bet it’s a lot whiter there today!
Thank you, Sonja!! I can’t even imagine the mess they had in that area last weekend! Ugh!!!
The photos are heartbreaking!
Yes they are! And I’m afraid most Americans don’t have a clue and probably don’t care about it.
What a wonderful story and the amazing pictures! Thank you for sharing. I love seeing how our clients operate.
Well hello there, Joyce!! So good to see your name here! How in the world did you find my blog? You’re a little late to follow the 2013 journey but you’ll be with us next summer! 🙂
My oldest turned 14 yesterday! I don’t know where the time has gone.
It definitely goes WAY TOO FAST! Wouldn’t you like to go back and hold that baby just for one more day?
🙂
If you think your kids grew up fast, just wait till you see how fast the grandkids grow up! Enjoy every moment to the fullest!
Thanks, Judy!! I can ONLY imagine. I’m wondering where the past 6 months went and how can Eli be that old already?
How fun! Love this! Happy Birthday to your “baby” Tracy!
Thanks, Laurie! Hold those little ones just a little longer the next time they jump in your lap!
Hi Callie….Happy Sweet Sixteen………..Hope you had a good time…and it looks like you
had a pretty birthday cake…..hugs and kisses…love you soooooo much…..Gma Barb..XXXOOO
I think you have a great life, Tracy! Thanks for sharing it 🙂
I think I have an awesome life, Melody! Thanks for following our adventures.
>
Hi Tracy,Jamie,Eli…..What a sweet picture….one thing I know…Eli really was a “HIT”..with my gals at work…Valeen talked about him all day at Sams…was fun having you share him with me at work
hugs and kisses…XXXXXOOOOO gma barb
Rain was heard here last night too. I think back to April and May of this year and it was raining, (what felt like) non-stop. Planters were halted all across the Midwest. Rain does mean so many things, doesn’t it. Loved your journal entry from 1992!
Thanks, Laurie. 🙂
Yep, made me wish I had kept a journal all those years!! I was just so bad about making myself sit down and do something like that. Having this blog has helped with this job now. And, to put it in print, all I have to do is push a button.
I have all my “calendars” from at least the past 10 years, probably longer. I told my husband one day that these were not to be thrown away. It is not much, but it will be fun to look back one day and see what we were doing. 🙂
OH!!!!!!! THANK YOU! You just reminded me about all the calendars I have stashed away. I have every one since we started this journey during the summer. That makes me feel better. 🙂
Reblogged this on Housewives of Rural America and commented:
We are looking forward to hearing from Tracy Zeorian also known as Nebraska Wheatie on FRIDAY! I had the pleasure of meeting Tracy this summer while we were traveling through Montana. She references our meeting in this post. Tracy is a lovely lady inside and out and we had the best time talking and sharing about our lives. I originally met Tracy strictly via social media and online, when we met it was like we had known each other forever! That my friends, is the beauty of social media! I love this post from Tracy for so many reasons and I must say, I can totally relate with my husband bringing home all kinds of “treasures”… Enjoy!
A steering wheel and a nap…makes a guy happy! Thanks for posting the pics of Eli…that boy just keeps getting cuter and cuter!! 🙂
Oh, Margaret, don’t I know it! He was here today and when he looks into my eyes, it just melts my heart!
What a sweet angel!
Ah, yes, freebies. 🙂
My husband has worked for a New Holland dealer for 10 years and I recently left a job at a John Dealer to work at home. We have so much blue/yellow and green things laying around when in fact we love and run Case IH. Technically IH. Ha. Our stuff is old. I was just thinking this morning how I need to make a huge John Deere EBAY bundle and get rid of it all! A part of me holds on to it in case I want to go back to work there.
Excited for your future posts! You are a lovely writer and your story is amazing.
Isn’t it crazy how fast these freebies can accumulate, though?? My goodness – I should have a room in our house just for those. 🙂 Well, if you’ve followed us long enough, you see we run the yellow brand and Jim wears the BTI John Deere shirts every day. He catches A LOT of flack about that.
Thank you for your vote of confidence in me. It’s good to know there are people who enjoy what I write about. And as far as the story – there are a lot of custom harvesters out there that SHOULD be telling their stories too! Thanks for following our journey!
[…] early days of harvest by visiting my NebraskaWheatie.com blog and reading posts such as this one, “Why I Am the Way I Am”. This is the reason that when I finally got back to the wheat field and the combine, I was in […]
[…] scenes from j & t’s excellent adventure-parts 3 & 4 (cont.) (nebraskawheatie.com) […]
[…] scenes from j & t’s excellent adventure-parts 3 & 4 (cont.) (nebraskawheatie.com) […]
[…] what? another week is gone? (nebraskawheatie.com) […]
An extremely cute child. You are very blessed.
Oh…I KNOW I am blessed – in so many ways!
Norton, Kansas brings back memories. I know I have hitchhiked through there at least a few times over the years. I believe Norton is west of Phillipsburg and east of Oberlin.
Here are a few hitchhiking stories of Kansas:
“Greensburg, Kansas”
http://hitchhikeamerica.wordpress.com/2012/10/13/greensburg-kansas/
“A Providential Ride to Manhattan, Kansas”
http://hitchhikeamerica.wordpress.com/2012/09/20/a-providential-ride-to-manhattan-kansas/
“A Hitchhiker, a Knife and a Piece of Paper”
http://hitchhikeamerica.wordpress.com/2012/07/21/a-hitchhiker-a-knife-and-a-piece-of-paper/
Yep, you’re right on the money for where Norton, KS is. And we have wonderful harvest friends who went through the tornado in Greensburg. I never felt so sick to my stomach as I did the morning I woke up and heard about the town being wiped off the face of this earth. They’ve certainly come back, though. Interesting stories you have!
Congratulations! It’s well deserved, I always enjoy your blogs! 🙂
Doug – you are one of my first followers and probably one of my most loyal followers! Thank you so much for the kind words. They really do mean the world to me! How are things going for you?
Things are going ok here. I’m keeping very busy these days so I’m staying out of trouble, for the most part! Lol Work is slow, but getting ready for winter and two teenagers fill my down time! Keep up the good work, I’ll be looking forward to your next blog.
Good to hear! I’m in DC right now. I came here representing US Custom Harvesters. I could (and should) write a blog about why I was here – immigration reform. It’s been very interesting! (I’m so glad you’re still following the adventures of the Z Crew!!) I need to take some time and get something written.
Just read this and was reminded of saying the other day that sometimes I pray for rain in the fall just to see my husband for little while outside of the cab of a Claas. Its the little things sometimes. And its almost lunch time here so that means grabbing the cooler and going to the field.
I understand about that – praying for rain for time with your husband/family! There are a lot of times that rain is so welcome (for more than one reason) and then, sometimes, there’s the times that we really didn’t need anymore! Tell me about your harvest and where you’re at. I would LOVE to hear more about it!!
Tracy…..I am so very proud,and pleased…and I am sure Gma Hancock would be too..she is
smiling and of course Gpa Hancock would be too..keep up the great work…..mom….
Thanks, Mom! Sometimes…I just wish I could talk to them one more time.
Love ya!
Very cool! It’s always fun when your work is recognized! I know I look forward to following you in the future. So glad we have crossed paths!
It is GREAT when your work is recognized. I don’t have 1,000’s of followers so when I actually see that someone read what I wrote and they liked it, it encourages me to keep on keeping on! 🙂
I’m glad we crossed paths too, Kelly!
Super-cool Tracy! I can’t wait to read the post that got you ‘pressed’. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Sonja. You’ve already read the story, though – 🙂 It’s just the same one again.
I have been following your blog for about a year and half. Your stories have made me laugh out loud and yes even cry at my desk! You are a very moving writer and I have enjoyed following your story and your girls. As a “city girl” I find your story amazing. One question. I have always wondered as I read your post. How do you work out school with your girls? I know they leave early or join you late. Do the older girls take care of the younger or do you have family that stays with them while your gone? Just curious how you juggle this part of your lives?
Hi Diane!
You have given me the encouragement to keep writing. 🙂 Seriously! Thank you for your kind words. Sometimes I just haven’t any idea of what to write about and when it’s all said and done, even I can’t believe how much I wrote and what I wrote about. God definitely uses my fingers!
Well, it’s much easier now than it used to be. When the two older girls were still in school, we had Jim’s sister keep them a couple of times. We’ve had friends keep them for us, too. Now that the two older ones are on their own, the two “younger” ones have been staying with Jamie, Curt and Jenna (the three of them had been sharing a house). Jenna just recently purchased her own home (same town as Jamie and Curt) and Taylor is excited about moving out of here and living with her. This leaves only Callie still at home. Next summer, she’ll have her pick of which house to stay at. My guess is she’ll want to stay with Jamie because of Eli. There were times (a very long time ago) when the two older girls started school in Jordan, MT and stayed there until we were done with harvest and then got right back with it when we got home.
It certainly has been a “juggle” at times!!!
I like your posting, I am a farmer.
Thank you!! And thanks for taking time to just let me know you read it. 🙂 I appreciate you following along with our adventures. Where do you farm?
Such great advice and wisdom in your words. A rainy day here today to, so this post is so fitting to me. Behold I will be be turning 35 here in a few weeks and use moisturizer every day and use it on my neck too. 🙂
Ah…you’re just a youngster! 🙂 keep using the moisturizer, Laurie. Someday you’ll be so glad you did. And do one more thing…give those kiddos an extra hug!! Did you relax on this fine, rainy day?
If you only knew how much gray hair I cover up every six weeks, you would not call me a youngster! 🙂
I got caught up on my picture editing, which was a nice relaxing thing to do. The 4-year old snuggled next to me and we had a great day on the couch listening to the rain.
Mmmm – sounds like such a wonderful way to spend a rainy afternoon! I think I have WAY more gray to cover up! I’m going to have to make a decision here soon. My hairdressers (aka my daughters) are all leaving me and when they do that, they don’t like to help me with my hair anymore. So either I start paying for it be done like every 4 weeks or just go gray. And I’m not talking a LITTLE gray – I’m talking like ALL gray. I’m just not sure I’m ready for that yet.
Me either!! Let’s dye our hair forever! 🙂
OK!!
I love this more than I can even begin to describe.. Thank you! Thank you for sharing your story, thank you for sharing your wisdom, Thank you for just being you! I know God had a plan and purpose for us to come together and eventually for us to become closer through trials and hardships. I feel so blessed to have gained the women in my life thanks the Rural Housewives and I am SO proud you are one of them! 🙂 I feel like I should tell you that I love you, because I really do! Not if only we could get together regularly, I’d just love that!
Aw, Jenny, you and the others that I have come to know because of this silly blog continue to amaze me when you tell me how much you enjoy my words. 🙂 Funny, because I was drawn to you and your story and now here we are. The feelings are mutual! I adore you and would love to spend a day here and there chit chatting about life over coffee and/or a glass of wine. I’m here for ya…whenever you need me! I love you too, kiddo!
Great sage advice! Your mind is sharp like a tack! Thank you for your encouragement for I am half way there. 😀
Thanks, Abraham! Just keep on keepin on!!!
Rainy here in Northern Illinois also. I decided to leave the dairy barn early and let the daughter and hired hand finish the cows with the excuse that I have tons of bookwork to do. I’m thinking about the bookwork but I found Facebook and a cup of coffee called to me first. Thanks for your article. I think I will share it with my younger Facebook mom’s.
Thanks, Brenda! I’m so glad you were “led” to my thoughts. I hope it gives you some encouragement on this dreary day. Best of luck with your bookwork (I think I would rather be in the barn). Thank you for all you do, by the way, with the chores of being involved with agriculture. What you do is so important to the rest of us! Hope you check in again sometime.
Have an awesome day, Brenda!
Great post from a fellow Nebraskan! Thank you for the reminder to enjoy every minute with your loved ones. It is hard to remember to do that with all the hustle and bustle of life.
It IS hard. Because life just takes over and things have to done and projects completed. BUT, if you can remember that once or twice more often than you do now, maybe my words have been taken to heart a little more than I think. A fellow Nebraskan? Where are you from? 🙂 I’m glad you found me.
We’re over here in Lincoln. Not born and raised in Nebraska but it is home now. My husband grew up on a grain farm in Iowa and I on an acreage in Illinois. We both come from a long line of farmers.
Well, shoot – we’re neighbors!
Thank you for this post, Tracy! Thank you, thank you. I am tucking this away to pull out and read on my off days. Being a newlywed is hard sometimes.
My mom just turned 52 yesterday. My mother in law will be 53 this coming December. They are two of my favorite people to spend time with. Since I have gotten married, I also spend a lot of time hanging out and talking to my friend’s mothers as well all in the same age range. They are such positive, influential people. Not because they are older than myself, but because they have taken the time to learn all of these things that you have listed. They are positive, upbeat and know how tell me when I need to blow something petty off.
My friends and I all worry about providing good meals for our husbands, making sure the houses are spotless, etc. I think we get each other more worked up trying to be perfect than anything. I am definitely in that stage of a newlywed where I try to be super woman and obsess over all those little things. I feel SOOO guilty when I throw grilled cheese on the table rather than a lasagna. So silly, I know!
I need women like you in my life to remind me that life is too short to fuss over the small things. You definitely touch more lives than you probably realize 🙂
Thanks for your comment, Kelly! PLEASE, please, please don’t fuss over those small things! It’s just not worth it. Trying to be perfect will eat you alive. I tried that. It didn’t work. I don’t think God intended on our trying to be something we’re not. Sometimes, after a hard day, even Jim knows he better just grab a bowl and a box of cereal – anything to fill the void. I’m here whenever you need an older ear to listen! And, yes, I think I have no idea how many lives I touch. I give all glory to God – He provides the words, I just provide the fingers. 🙂
I wish you a great day and just remember to do the best you can – not ALL you can!
[…] 15, 2012 was from a paramedic who was accompanying Jim in the back of an ambulance. I wrote “In a Split Second” while sitting in a hospital chair reflecting how fast a person’s life (and what feels […]
[…] have as much equipment to put away. I know in 2011, there was no trailer house to deal with (because we sold it) and I think last year we were short a header or something. This year, though, everything needed a […]
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Did you listen to the keynote speaker at the convention? Her name is Karen Ross. That is my Aunt (Dad’s sister).
No, Anthony, I didn’t. We just participated in the Trade Talk and eat. 🙂 I wish I had listened to her now, though!
I visited. 😉 Your grandma was a smart cookie.
You’re RIGHT about that!!! And…I sure miss her. Some days a whole lot more than others!
Ha! This cracks me up. Love your posts, Tracy! Your husband laid in bed several nights in a row trying to figure all of this out? 🙂 I am sure mine does too!
We have a similar storage set up in a very similar style building over at my husband’s grandmother’s house……. and in FACT, instead of repairing or replacing a grain bin, my FIL suggested we start storing corn in that hut again! (They did back in the day when the feed mill was still in business) Not sure where he is planning on putting all of our equipment! 🙂
We decided to take the risk and build our place (house/shop) at a young age because of all the advice given to us by our parents and their friends. I am so glad we listened! Our 75 year old neighbor is just now building his dream farm shop but he plans on retiring soon?
And I don’t think you and your husband are too old to build a shed! see above comment about 75 year old neighbor building his dream shop 😉
Well, Kelly, I have to give it to ya…SOMEONE listened! Good for you and so glad you get to enjoy your new home for a LONG time! Our little house was going to be our beginner – it’s probably going to be our finisher, too. Oh well.
I’m glad you enjoy my posts and it cracked you up! My posts are definitely a view into our world and what goes on in our household! But…I wouldn’t want it any other way.
And, above all else, I’m glad you don’t think we’re too old to build a shed. I guess if we compare ourselves to your 75 year old neighbor, we are still young. 🙂
Would like to have you as Featured Farmer on my site. please email me judi@farmnwife.com
Hi Judi!
What an honor! I emailed you but with the holiday, who knows if I actually sent it. 🙂 Did you receive one from me?
Love this- this is a great idea! I’ve always been a fan of tangible address books and calendars. I don’t do well with those things being digital. There is something about writing them that helps me remember them way better than putting them into my phone.
And, they’re more likely to be saved. I feel the same way with pictures. I think you’re more apt to look through a photo book than you are a CD or computer file. A GREAT way to save the pics but how often does anyone take the time to look at them again. That’s one reason why I LOVE this blog so much! I just click the button and turn each year into a book – something my grandkids can read one day and see the pictures all at the same time. 🙂
You export your blogs? What a great idea! How do you do that to make it into a book!?
I do. It’s kind of expensive but I decided it’s the only way I’m going to be able to keep history for the girls. I go to Blog2Print to do mine. I know there is also another place called Blurb.
My wife has kept a travel log of trips we have taken over the last 20 or so years. Where we stayed things we saw and places we have eaten. Makes great memories just like your address book.
WONDERFUL! I’ve often times wished that I had kept a daily journal prior to this blog for the harvest journey. SO MANY memories that get written about and the feelings of what you’re going through at the time. I did keep a daily calendar, though, and have kept those. One reason for this blog…it gives me the opportunity to express what’s in my head and then something for my kids to read one day and, hopefully, make them smile.
My address book is lacking! I want one like yours! It seems like I have very good intentions of adding addresses, but all I seem to get done is keep the return address label from an envelope. Great post Tracy!
Thanks, Laurie. It’s not too late! Just start today. Once you get those address labels written in your book, you won’t have to change anything until they move. Then…just cross it out and write it under the last address. 🙂
You are right about the history. I have 2 that we have had since we been married, 44 years. The more I look the more it has a life of its own. We keep journals for Harry and I . One for our Son and Wife. one for each Grandchild.Helpful when wanting to remember dates.
The duck tape is like your family with the Love that holds it together.
Have a great Thanksgiving Sharon Drake
Hi Sharon!
It’s been a while!! I’m so glad this spurred a comment from you. 🙂 I wish I had kept journals. I did keep one – while I was pregnant with Jamie. I gave it to her while she was pregnant with Eli. I wish I had done it with all the kids but I didn’t. Guess life got too busy and priorities didn’t include keeping a journal. Maybe a little laziness, too.
I LOVED your comparison of the duct tape to the love of our family. So very, very true!! I am so BLESSED!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Harry.
Read your article in the MacDon book. I can relate to that. There is nothing better than sitting in a combine. When the sun goes down and the lights come on, you shut the door and you are in your own little world. It is warm, the glow of lights from the monitors, and lights across the prairie as far as you can see. This what western ND is. LIFE IS GOOD!!
Life IS good! Even better when you’re sitting in the cab of a combine. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who feels like this!
Read your article in the MacDon book. I can relate to that. There is nothing better than sitting in a combine. When the sun goes down and the lights come on, you shut the door and you are in your own little world. It is warm, the glow of lights from the monitors, and lights across the prairie as far as you can see. This what western ND is. LIFE IS GOOD!!
Life IS good! Even better when you’re sitting in the cab of a combine. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who feels like this!
Looks yummy! I do a sweet and sour chicken that you bake in the over and make your own sweet and sour sauce out of ketchup and brown sugar and vinegar. Now that I mention it, that may be what’s for dinner tonight!
Mmmmm – that sounds interesting (and good)!! Thanks for leaving your comment and for visiting my blog. Hope you’ll check back again (and let me know you visited).
Happy Thanksgiving!
Looks yummy! I do a sweet and sour chicken that you bake in the over and make your own sweet and sour sauce out of ketchup and brown sugar and vinegar. Now that I mention it, that may be what’s for dinner tonight!
Mmmmm – that sounds interesting (and good)!! Thanks for leaving your comment and for visiting my blog. Hope you’ll check back again (and let me know you visited).
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Jim and Tracy! Read your article on MacDon Magizine Thanksgiving morning and really enjoyed it. The Zeorian family is very unique. My family and I are custom harvesters in Florida. I would like more information on joining the US Custom Harvesters Association.
Look My wife up on Facebook: Donna Conrad (Cover Photo is large family on New Holland Combine)
Hi Bill!
Thank you for leaving your comment and your kind words. We are really no more unique than other harvesters. We just seem to be in the spotlight more than others. Maybe not a good thing…but it’s a great way to tell the story of the custom harvester.
I will look your wife up on Facebook and give you more information about the organization. We’d LOVE to have you join the USCHI family! It would be great to meet you at the convention in Wichita (March 6, 7 & 8).
Take care and God bless!
Bill,
Did she change her picture? I’m not seeing a picture of the family and combine. If you’d rather, you can email me at uscustomharvesters@gmail.com
Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving—I wish you and yours many blessings.
Thank you, Kevin! I hope you had an awesome Thanksgiving holiday, as well!
God Bless!
I love your post and your entire way of doing things. You seem to have the priorities in life that are harder to find in people these days. Looking forward to more! And that stove is great!!:). Happy Thanksgiving!
Kate
Aw…you are now my most favorite person in the whole wide world! You LIKE my oven. 🙂 Thank you for following and I look forward to hearing from you again.
God Bless!
Happy Thanksgiving Z Crew!!!
Thanks, CountryLINKed! Hope yours was OUTSTANDING! The day in our little house was THE BEST!
Well, as long as you and your family like the sweet and sour chicken this way , sounds like you have a winner.
The minute rice is just that minute rice. I used to do rice the longgg way. Found I had to have lot of water while cooking and I would rinse it off with cold water and add lot of fresh water and let it continue to cook, then when soft , rinse . But it takes quite a while and I have been known to get busy with other food for the meal and so had to throw it out because it got burndt. I think the main thing is to have a lot of water with the rice. So I just make sure to have the minute rice on pantry shelf and spend time with other things. It is ok.
We had an oven like yours, finally got to use either the stove top or microwave. Also crock pot and I were good friends. Now have new stove and use the oven very little.
Glad you are all ok . Great weather here in south central Kansas,very cold,but no snow or rain. Cotton and maize yet to harvest. Take care. Harry and Sharon Drake
Well, as long as you and your family like the sweet and sour chicken this way , sounds like you have a winner.
The minute rice is just that minute rice. I used to do rice the longgg way. Found I had to have lot of water while cooking and I would rinse it off with cold water and add lot of fresh water and let it continue to cook, then when soft , rinse . But it takes quite a while and I have been known to get busy with other food for the meal and so had to throw it out because it got burndt. I think the main thing is to have a lot of water with the rice. So I just make sure to have the minute rice on pantry shelf and spend time with other things. It is ok.
We had an oven like yours, finally got to use either the stove top or microwave. Also crock pot and I were good friends. Now have new stove and use the oven very little.
Glad you are all ok . Great weather here in south central Kansas,very cold,but no snow or rain. Cotton and maize yet to harvest. Take care. Harry and Sharon Drake
Soup sounds delicious. tell Jim HIS cleaning the carrots makes the soup taste better. That works with Harry , when he is fixing something. Sharon Drake
I’m positive the soup tasted better because Jim actually helped with the process!
Soup sounds delicious. tell Jim HIS cleaning the carrots makes the soup taste better. That works with Harry , when he is fixing something. Oh yeh, I like your bread box. My Mom had 2 and I have them love them. Sharon Drake
That was my 96 year old Grandma’s bread box. It means a lot to be able to see it on my counter every day.
Husband Ron has an address book like yours…but about 3 times as big. He nearly goes into cardiac arrest when he can’t find it! I tell him to look under a “few” things in the back seat of his pickup…and that’s usually where it’s found. 😉 He would be lost without it. Occasionally he goes thru it to weed out or change addresses/phone numbers. Sometimes this saddens him because family or friends that are no longer here. But it brings back good memories of them.
I totally understand the feelings of being sad when you go through something like that! And here I thought I was the only one who had something like this. 🙂 Did you have a good Thanksgiving?
Looks yummy. As far as your rice question. I use Riceland rice mostly bc its available at the grocery store I use. I only use the water and rice on the directions. I skip the margarine and salt. By skipping the margarine the rice is usually sticky like at a Chinese restaurant and my kids love that. Just use twice as much rice as water and you should be fine! Bring it to a boil then cook covered 15-20 minutes. I also try to sneak in brown rice since it’s better for you. I usually get busted though and someone complains!!
Thank you, Diane!
I will have to look for this brand the next time I’m at the grocery store and try it. It sounds like something even I could handle.
Looks yummy. As far as your rice question. I use Riceland rice mostly bc its available at the grocery store I use. I only use the water and rice on the directions. I skip the margarine and salt. By skipping the margarine the rice is usually sticky like at a Chinese restaurant and my kids love that. Just use twice as much rice as water and you should be fine! Bring it to a boil then cook covered 15-20 minutes. I also try to sneak in brown rice since it’s better for you. I usually get busted though and someone complains!!
Thank you, Diane!
I will have to look for this brand the next time I’m at the grocery store and try it. It sounds like something even I could handle.
I enjoyed this, thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Charlotte!
Great post, loved the video and picture of dad
Thanks, Dad!! Did that old video bring back any memories? 🙂
Harry and I live in south central Kansas. We were raised on farms. Wheat harvest was always a happy, but busy time, because there was also alfalfa hay to put up . Dad always baled the wheat straw. Then there was oats to cut and bale. The oats was soo itchy of it all.
Seemed there was always someone in need of help during the summer. Usually got sick or hurt and all the farmers would gather at the farm and get harvest done and sometimes it was the plowing that needed done. The women would fix meals every day until the work was done and keep things going at home .
Thank you for the video. Liked the sign that said “that’s all folks”.
Dad told of working on Thrashing crew all day and then go home to do milking and such for them selves. Sugar was in short supply and Mom would send a jar with him to share at the meals, because she knew the lady doing the meal would have very little for the meal for tea.
Thanks again for the video and your time in Canada. Sharon Drake. Dec. 7, 2013
Hey there! Congratulations! You’ve been nominated for The Shauny Award for Excellence in Blogging! Please see my blog for instructions.
Truly enjoyed this post and video — thanks for posting it!
Why thank you, Brett!! This means a lot to me.
Great film of yesteryear from a Aussie grain farmer.
I’m glad I shared it! I wish I could say I had something to do with it. It is truly a treasure!!
taking a quick visit to all the Christmas in the Country ladies–what a fun journey you have benn on–Your grandma’s offer reminded me of Holly Martin’s column this week in the High Plains Journal–about inviting visitng family, or neighbors to do chores or see the hidden gems of rural life.
Thank you, Amber, for taking the time to leave a note. It HAS been a fun journey – sometimes a little tough. 🙂 I’m so glad she asked me to go with her! It definitely created a direction for my life.
[…] each one of you reading this probably has several. I just picked a random assortment of both agvocacy done directly via social media, and those using social media to share what they have […]
Don’t worry! I totally felt the cold temperatures. 🙂 I have never been anywhere that cold and don’t know if I could do it. Looks like a great trip for you and Jim.
We really had a good time. Of course, any time you can get together with friends it’s a good time! (the time just goes by too quickly!)
It always does!
Merry Christmas in the Country, Tracy! It’s nice to meet you online.
Best,
Emily Grace
Merry Christmas to you too, Emily!!
Love all my new blogging friends. Take care and make memories.
Tracy’
Thanks for the nice email. Merry Christmas
Thank you, Leonard! Merry Christmas to you too!
Hope you ALL have a blessed Christmas, the best of time with Eli, he will love ripping the paper, and that the year of 2014 is an awesome year. Love, The Bakers
Thank you, Bakers! As you now know…your Christmas card is going to be late. Hope you guys have a great Christmas – maybe a little less COLD!! Love you!
Wish I could see you all again this year! Sometimes we must just dream, but what is Christmas without dreams! Love you all and have a very wonderful Christmas with the little guy. It is going to be great watching him do his thing with all the colored paper.
Wish we could see you, too! Christmas this year will be fun with Mr. Eli, that’s for sure! Have a very Merry Christmas to you and all of your family.
Love you, back!
Tracy, Very much enjoyed visiting this page and reading about Eli’s baptism. I’m with you girl, it does bring tears of happiness and joy seeing our girls as they have grown up with their own families now. We can sit back and pray for our grandchildren and believe the Holy Spirit is within them. Love reading your posts! Miss you my friend…….. Jody Mains
Hey, Jody!!!
Thank you for letting me know you were out there reading. 🙂
We certainly have had our trials, haven’t we?! And just think about how very far back we go with our kids, church and all that goes with it! Your family is BEAUTIFUL and congratulations on your recent marriage!
great to follow you guys, even not being on the road! Congrats on the baptism to you and all your family. Hendrik and Anita, your Belgian followers!
Dear Belgian followers (Hendrik & Anita),
You’re awesome!
Tracy
P.S. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for the Christmas song and Merry Christmas to the Z crew!
Thanks, Sonja! Looks like you were pretty darn busy the past month!! whew! Hope you had time to enjoy Christmas.
Thanks so much for this! I’m in the thick of it right now with my five year old son who pouts and whines anytime he has to sit in the “big church.” I want for my children so badly to come to love God as I do – this gives me encouragement!
Just keep pushing through! You can do it. They watch you more than you realize. It will pay off. I promise! God will bless you for your persistence and dedication in teaching the next generation.
I love that you were a part of this and that it helped to jump start your Christmas spirit! Leslie did a great job!
Thank you for the part you played in this! Yes, she did do a nice job! 🙂
[…] And now that the Christmas in the Country link up is happening, you can get to know Lesley via the nice gift she sent to Tracy at Nebraska Wheatie […]
A letter explaining the gifts and telling a little about herself…why didn’t I think of that?! #regret haha. And don’t feel bad about finding it hard to get into the xmas spirit. I find it harder every year and probably for the same reason as you: the commercials are blasted earlier and earlier every year.
The commercialism of Christmas really takes the fun and the true meaning out of the whole season. One Christmas, i think I should convince my family to skip the buying stress and just come home for a day of relaxing and time together!
That’s what my family does now. We just get stuff for my niece and nephew and a gag or funny gift for someone if we happen to find something appropriate.
When was that custom harvesting movie going to come out? Really looking forward to seeing that, because I live near to the Foslien’s and have worked with them for 14 seasons so far. Nicest neighbors I’ve ever worked with. Since I sold my cows I’ve switched to green tractors because of the flak I would endure if I’d kept my red machines…….Dave T
Sent from my iPad
>
It will be premiered at the Ag Day celebration in Washington, DC on March 25. As far as additional showings and what cities, you can visit http://www.greatamericanwheatharvest.com or watch their Facebook page for more updates.
Harvest definitely gets in a person’s blood!
Thanks for leaving your note!
Foslien’s ARE some of the best people you could ever know!
Thanks so much for sharing – what great gifts! I’m sensing chocolate was a theme to many of the gifts… and a great one at that! It’s so fun to see the variety of what everyone sent and received! My post is finally up if you want to take a second and link up – thanks! http://unchartedrhoade.blogspot.com/2014/01/christmas-in-country-gift-exchange.html
It was a fun, fun FUN project!!! Let’s definitely do it again. Thank you for all the work it took to do at such a crazy time of year!
How cute is all that! LOVE IT!
I KNOW, right?!
I too am a member of AAW and an officer with Lesley. Happy you joined!
Thanks! I’m anxious to see what it’s all about.
Tracy….. Love this post. I am just now getting caught up on a lot of blogs. I am so behind on your’s. My apologies!
I love this because it reminds me of my grandmother’s address book and my mom and I going through it after she passed away. Right there in our hands was all of her friends, family and loved ones. All the people she cared so deeply about. There were notes and other fun finds as well. Same with her cookbook. My mom kept the address book and gave me the cookbook. Those two books are more special than jewelry or anything else that has been passed down.
I have been keeping my own address book since I was a kid. I converted my addresses into a better book shortly before I got married. I love that book. I have so many friends that ask me for my address over and over everytime they want to send me something and I want to say “GET A FREAKING ADDRESS BOOK!” 🙂 But that would be mean………. and you can’t be mean to someone when they are sending you something. Right? 🙂
I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas, Tracy!!
I think you should buy them one for Christmas and begin it with your address! 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to read my stories and for being so good about letting me know you’ve visited!
We had a fantastic Christmas! It was the next day that was really difficult. My house went from noise and chaos to just me overnight. I was a little blue until I made myself suck it up and get back to working on something other than feeling sorry for myself. I love the noise of family!
I hope you had a great Christmas, as well. And we’ll both look forward to the new year!
Everything is so cute! I love that over mitt!
Thanks, Brandi! I tried to leave a comment on your site but it kicked my butt 🙂
Weird! What’d it do?
Nope, I’m wrong, Brandi. It wasn’t your blog. I can’t figure out how to comment on the blogs that are on different formats than wordpress. I don’t have a google+ account and that’s where things get frustrating.
I’m here … but all I know to say is that I’m thankful I have more than a decade before I have to do this. Yikes.
Just soak it all in as much as you can now! Because one day, soon, you’ll be looking back and wishing you could hold those babies once again.
My precious friend!! I went through this with each child that left my protective nest! I felt a huge empty hole that did fill – and then swelled with the pride of knowing that our gifts have moved on to being independent and succesful!! I believe that God loaned us these beautiful kids to shape – to do exactly what Taylor did – to move on!! I did shed a few tears for you reading this and reliving those moments when I had to let go!! Now as they return to you for special visits – you will hate to see them go, but enjoy them even more than you ever did!! Hugs!! And, we will celebrate soon!!
Your comment made me cry. I’m so thankful that I’m not weird for feeling the way I do. Like I can’t let my kids go – because I can and I know they will be just fine. Mostly because of the experiences of the harvest and the responsibilities they have had to endure. It’s just so hard for the changes and for the pain of not having them here with me. Thank you so much for your caring and thoughtful words!
Your comment made me cry. I’m so thankful that I’m not weird for feeling the way I do. Like I can’t let my kids go – because I can and I know they will be just fine. Mostly because of the experiences of the harvest and the responsibilities they have had to endure. It’s just so hard for the changes and for the pain of not having them here with me. Thank you so much for your caring and thoughtful words!
i love you! (Crying..)
I love you, too, Tate!
Tracy, I have lived my whole adult life with my son Hunter, who will be in college in two and a half years. This made me cry and cry! Thanks for sharing your heart. You are an awesome mom.
The next two and a half years will zoom by. Soak up EVERY little thing you can. Try not to dwell on the little things that seem to bring you grief. I caught myself thinking, “I’ll be glad when…” – DON’T THINK THAT! Because just like that, they’re gone and it won’t ever be the same again. I wish, now, that I could just have captured every day in a video so that now I could go back and watch it all over again!
Thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot to me!
Does it make you wonder how your mama felt when you left home? Mine has always said she moved on alright, but that my dad really struggled. It’s so nice to be loved!
Yes. Although, my mom must have been much tougher than me. It didn’t seem to affect her like it does me.
Hi Tracy…..NO ….It was tough on me as well….and your Dad too…we both cried….I’m sure if you ask him some time he might admit it…but growing up in the 50’s we really didn’t let folk’s know we missed them…….I still remember trust me…Love you soooooooo much….mom….
[…] What is your favorite post and why? My favorite post is titled, “The walls of this old house”. This has nothing to do with harvest but everything to do with what’s most important to me – my […]
So its a year later that I’ve found this but I have to ask. Do they do curling like we do bowling?
I think so. There’s an art to curling. Bowling is lacking that art. It was fun and I’d like to do it again some day but maybe when there’s not such a crowd to watch how silly us Americans look. 🙂
Like to know where in Nebraska you r located. Looking for a cowboy church to attend.
I can’t help you with a cowboy church. Sorry!!
What are you doing in New York
We’re eventually headed to DC on Monday. Callie made a suggestion that we go to NYC for a couple of days before that and I made it happen. We’re going to DC to be a part of the National premiere of The Great American Wheat Harvest. It’s finally done and it’ll be shown at The National Museum of the American Indian and we’ll be a part of it. Click here to read more about our involvment. It’s such an HONOR to be a part of this big event. This is an experience of a LIFETIME!
One more video to watch that will help you understand WHY we got involved.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaUnA8jXrlE?list=UU0qGscMqZfAW6yQB79WYwEw&w=560&h=315%5D
Have a safe trip! Deb Johns
Thanks, Deb!
Brrrrr. I loathe that kind of weather.
I HATE cold weather!
Oh what fun you all must be having, Jim and I loved the pictures. Jim and Mardrie
What an exciting experience for y’all!
Can’t wait to see the film.
I can’t wait for you to see it and then tell me what you think! It’s exciting but what’s most exciting is getting our story in front of people who don’t have a clue. That’s what’s exciting to me!
The movie was great. If you want a fast food lunch before you leave go to Taco Town in Scottsbluff. Those are my favorite cheese enchiladas. They have great Mexican food. Enjoy my neck of the woods while you are there.
I’ve been hearing about Taco Town. I’m not sure we’ll get there before heading east again. But, I know we’ll be back through. I see your brother must have joined us last night. 😉
Thanks for the tip!!
He did attend. He really liked it. Did you meet him or how did you find out? Safe travels back.
He commented on the Zeorian Harvesting & Trucking Facebook page. 🙂
Awesome tribute for your families business. When can we expect to see it in MN?
I don’t know when or where it will be shown after the Colby, KS showing the end of this month. I know Conrad is hoping something will happen with more theaters maybe in the fall or RFDtv. I’d like to see it on PBS or one of the History channels. BUT, I know it will be sold in DVD form. You can pre-order yours on the website:
http://www.greatamericanwheatharvest.com/
Thank you!
You are oh so welcome!! 🙂
Hi Z-crew, we will be in the US again in july, can we see the movie somewhere or will it be available on DVD in the near future?
Hi Hendrik!
I just don’t know what’s in store for the movie. Maybe more showings this fall? I do know the DVD will be for sale this fall and Conrad’s taking pre-sale orders on his website: http://www.greatamericanwheatharvest.com/
A silly thought – while in the states, you should find us and come say hello!
Tracy you and your wonderful family do so much. The movie is a great idea and it came together. MacDon is proud to have been a contributor to this project with key persons very excited with the results.
So it will soon be time for another harvest season as you cope with children moving on to adult hood. They have had fantastic mentors and I know will be quite successful. Such a good story Jim and Tracy, you are richly blessed because you have worked so hard and earned it.
Dave Jordan
MacDon is represented in this movie quite well! 🙂 Did you see all of it in Wichita?
Yep, harvest will be upon us very soon (again). I honestly don’t know where the winter went. Having the house get more quiet is a sad day for me. But, I guess that’s what life is all about. I need to start appreciating my many blessings a little more while they are in front of me rather than when they’re no longer tangible. Yes, Dave, I am truly blessed!! God is SO GOOD!
I CAN’T WAIT to see the movie! I’ve been looking forward to it for quite some time. I saw on fb that Conrad is looking for theaters to show the film in. I’m going to talk to the owner of our local theater, who is a farmer, then get in touch with Conrad and try to work something out for the movie to come here.
Looks like y’all had a good time on your trip. I will be going to D.C. come the end of May on a trip sponsored by our local telephone cooperative. Once I get back I’ll be headed out to start working for Hank Hamil and finally fulfill my dream of going on the custom harvest run! I’m really looking forward to the start of the season and know you are too. Before we know it, harvest will be upon us!
And THANK YOU for sharing your story! You along with the people writing on allaboardharvest.com and other bloggers, like the Kuntzs, have inspired me to be a custom harvester and at last it’s becoming a reality.
Yay for you Ethan! I know how much you’ve been wanting to go on harvest with someone. I’m certain that Hank will be thankful for you. Let me know how you’re doing and where you are. Maybe we’ll actually get to meet this summer. 🙂
The movie is outstanding! I never got tired of it. I watched it like 6 times and each time I watched it, I heard something or saw something I hadn’t seen before. I’m anxious for you to see it and tell me what you think.
I’m so glad we were able to help you in some way to encourage you to do what’s in your heart! I’m just so excited for you!
As a hobby I follow Howard Hales reports on the USCHI site ,plus tune into All Aboard Wheat Harvest. Love the calendar. As an ex Alberta grain farmer I build & collect 1/64th scale farm toys, my star ship collection is MC Harvesting a complete setup. One of our high lights on this years winter getaway was meeting Carol & Donley Duerksen we met on a shuttle bus in Houston TX. Both of our connecting flights were buggered because of weather.
Thanks for taking time to let me know you’re out there, Tom & Sandi!! Sounds like you keep up with the harvesters pretty darn good! Between Howard and the HPJ, you should know where the cutters are and how things are looking! I know Carol & Donley. They’re members of the US Custom Harvesters and I usually see them at the Safety Meeting in Colby, KS. You say you’re an ex Alberta grain farmer. Now what do you do? Do you get to head south every winter (lucky!)?
Leaving the grain farming life style to a career in the golf course industry,I,am a journyman turf equipment tech.Spent 20 years on Vancouver Island, then got an job offer in Calgary on a high end course,plus four of our children are here & the #1 reason for coming back to Alberta Grandkids !!!! We also have three children & five grandkids in the US ,Blended marriage with Sandi & me.In a way working on the maintenance side of golf course’s is another side of agriculture, growing grass & working with Mother Nature. We try to get away south for a couple weeks in the winter. Sure like Texas , South Padre Island fits us well. Tracy & Jim if any of your family wants to experience the Calgary Stampede we have room for them in our home in Cochrane.
We’ve been to Calgary a couple of times for the Association of Canadian Custom Harvesters’ convention. A beautiful city! BUT so cold the first week of December! I don’t know how you northerners do it. WOW! Our part of the world doesn’t have a clue what cold is. Some day, we may have to take you up on that Calgary Stampede offer! And, if you’re ever in the Midwest – please stop in and say hello!
Sounds like a good deal, Where is the 2015 uschi convention going to be held,might have to check it out
It will be in Grand Island, NE. January 27, 28 & 29
Thank’s,was in Grand Island back in 1985,on NH. combine plant tour,our family run Massey’s from 47 to 83. MF’s dealership network started slide in the 80’s , plus rotary tech. was the way to go for clover seed harvesting which fit into our cropping setup.I run a TR85 for 10 years ,the best combine we ever owned. MC Harvesting, my 1/64th harvesting outfit runs 3 NH 8090’s. The tradition continue’s
[…] in my handy-dandy roaster. To understand why I reference my roaster, check out my post, “this darn old oven!“. The comforting smell of the cooking meal overwhelmed us as we entered the […]
This looks so good! I love sweet and sour chicken, but have never tried to make it at home. Now I just might have too.
Thank you for joining in on week #9 of the County Fair Blog Party! Glad to see you back this week!
Laurie
Laurie,
It’s so easy and tastes so yummy!
Now that I have it figured out, I may just have to try to join in a little more often. 🙂
Congratulations on your Champion Food Blog Post at the County Fair!
Hey!!!! Wasn’t that a fun surprise! I hope whoever makes this lets me know how they like it!
This looks so good! I love sweet and sour chicken, but have never tried to make it at home. Now I just might have too.
Thank you for joining in on week #9 of the County Fair Blog Party! Glad to see you back this week!
Laurie
Laurie,
It’s so easy and tastes so yummy!
Now that I have it figured out, I may just have to try to join in a little more often. 🙂
Congratulations on your Champion Food Blog Post at the County Fair!
Hey!!!! Wasn’t that a fun surprise! I hope whoever makes this lets me know how they like it!
Such a beautiful picture of an awesome family. Miss you guys! Love to all, Mardrie
Thank you, Mardrie!!! Looks like you have a graduation coming pretty darn quickly. Can’t believe that! Can’t wait to see you again. Love you!
[…] Callie’s Favorite- Sweet and Sour Chicken […]
[…] Callie’s Favorite- Sweet and Sour Chicken […]
[…] Callie’s Favorite – Sweet & Sour Chicken from Nebraska […]
[…] Callie’s Favorite – Sweet & Sour Chicken from Nebraska […]
[…] celebration of Eli turning one. I was recently going through past posts and re-read several – “Still waiting”, “Soon – Very Soon!” and “The Wait Was Oh So Worth It!”. Reading […]
[…] one. I was recently going through past posts and re-read several – “Still waiting”, “Soon – Very Soon!” and “The Wait Was Oh So Worth It!”. Reading these again certainly brought back […]
[…] and re-read several – “Still waiting”, “Soon – Very Soon!” and “The Wait Was Oh So Worth It!”. Reading these again certainly brought back memories and feelings. Memories that didn’t […]
I am going to have to try your recipe. It looks so good! I love sweet and sour chicken and could live on it if I have to. 😉
I’ve been using a rice cooker for about 7 years now and I LOVE it! Just pour in the rice and water, flip the switch to cook and walk away! Easy and when it’s done, it flips itself to warm. Found mine at Target or Wal-Mart.
HEY!!! I may just have to see about getting one of those. Thanks for your note. How have you been? Jim and I were just talking about your dad and wondering how the wheat looks in your area.
I am going to have to try your recipe. It looks so good! I love sweet and sour chicken and could live on it if I have to. 😉
I’ve been using a rice cooker for about 7 years now and I LOVE it! Just pour in the rice and water, flip the switch to cook and walk away! Easy and when it’s done, it flips itself to warm. Found mine at Target or Wal-Mart.
HEY!!! I may just have to see about getting one of those. Thanks for your note. How have you been? Jim and I were just talking about your dad and wondering how the wheat looks in your area.
Fun times!! Good pictures! JAN
Thanks, Jan!
Tracy it must make God glad to see how you brighten up the world He created! You rejoice in the blessings He gives you. You look on the bright side of life and find the good in people. Your warm and caring nature blesses others,too. Time and time again, I’ve seen you put someone else’s needs before your own,and many times that someone has been me. God must be glad to have you around….I know I am!!!!!…Have Happy Mothers Day…love and kisses…xxxxoooo mom
Thanks for the nice note, mom! Happy Mother’s Day (early) to you, too. 🙂
Great story NebraskaWheatie. Good that all things went well with the visit.You never know when God has a purpose for you and them. God Bless you.
Thank you! It’s times like that you just have to step back and remember there is a God and He DOES have a plan for us. It was a purposed meeting for both of us! God bless you, too.
I will add Michael to my prayer list! God put you in that place, at that time – for His reason!! Our King of Kings has a plan!!
Thank you, ma’am! It was a wonderful reminder of who’s in charge.
God does have a plan! Prayers for Michael are going up.
THANK YOU! I hope he can feel them. 🙂 I find myself thinking of him a lot right now. I hope he is blessed in a large way today.
Great story!
It seems that whenever I’ve been feeling low, the Good Lord manages to put things in perspective for me, too. Kind of a humbling experience.
Will be praying for your new friend Michael…and you, too. 🙂
-Barbara
Thank you so much! And thank you for taking the time to leave me a note. Meeting Michael was very much a humbling experience. I just wish I could have done more than just listen to him. Well…I guess I sort of did – I prayed for him (and will keep praying for him).
What a Blessing, Praying for all the Hurting People !!
Thank you. There certainly are a lot of hurting people – physically and mentally! When I see them, my heart hurts for them. Thank you for your prayers, Milt!
My dear Tracy….I left you a note yesterday…well guess it was after I got home from work..it was a wish for a “Happy Mothers Day”…I am going to send it again tonight…TRACY…you are an Inspiration…here goes..and I did not know you were going in for any medical checks… it was just a wim…my note after the Eli Birthday evening…..any person that knows you will agree….here goes..It must make GOD glad to see how you brighten up the world HE created!!! You rejoice in the blessings he gives you. You look on the bright side of life and find the good in people….Your warm and caring nature blesses others too. Time and time again, I’ve seen you put someone else’s needs before your own,and many times that someone has been me. GOD must be glad to have you around…I know I am…..Happy Mothers Day…hug’s and many. many kisses xxxxxxxooooooooo…I know the feeling’s you felt this morning…caring for Don is when I started making the “glow in the dark crosses”…you know the rest of that story…Tracy…you are a gift from GOD…. mom……..xxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooooo
Thanks, mom! 🙂
Thanks for this post, Tracy. It’s awfully easy to get caught up in the little stuff and forget about how blessed we are.
You’re absolutely right! So easy to dwell on what’s got us down when, in fact, there’s someone there (sometimes literally right next to you) that’s got it worse. I am so very, very blessed – even with my problems.
I hope u all get to the fields soon
ME TOO, Calvin!
And here I was just kidding when I asked you all to come and help with our very little wheat fields. So sorry! I should of paid closer attention to the fact that you all are still here. Prayers going up and fingers crossed that the call comes and you can head to Garden City. I know this has to be so hard for you all and the farmers who have had to call and tell you not to come.
so sad to hear this, 2 years back we saw the same scenery in that area, that’s the 3rd season in a row if I’m not mistaken! Hope you can start soon!
God blesses everyday, and there is a time and purpose for everything. I know you want to be in the fields, but try and enjoy each day you have here too.
Absolutely agree, Dawn, and I know this but when you’ve got travel in your blood and it involves a combine and wheat, you get a little impatient. I am thoroughly enjoying my extra days with Eli and the family! 🙂
It is hard I’m sure. I can’t even imagine what it’s like. Hang in there, you WILL get on the road this year, God will provide.
Patience and perseverance brought the snail to Jerusalem. Happy Threshing
Thank you, John! But, as I told Dawn…the gypsy blood in me is just “itching” to get that combine down the road and in a wheat field. In the meantime, I am thoroughly enjoying the extra time I have with the kids that won’t be able to tag along.
Have faith better days coming . Farmed for 50 plus years northern illinois and having hundreds of thousand invested we always look forward next year will be better. Enjoy your and allboardwheatharvest website thank you
Thank you, Allan! I’m glad you visit both of them. Agriculture is definitely a “there’s always next year” sort of industry. Unfortunately the farmers we cut for are going into their third year of drought and this one is the worst. Will keep the faith and know God has a plan and a purpose – just have to remain patient!
Loved the picture of you with the girls and your Grandbaby by the combine! He does need to get to ride when you are cutting wheat and get mesmerized by the reel of the header. Shawn and crew did leave today but not sure what job they have left either due to the drought. We have had such a cool wet spring here we can’t get seeds in to plant so just the opposite. Wish we could share some of the moisture….Happy trails when on get on the road.
Thanks, Deb. It’s just such a strange, weird feeling knowing we should be going someplace and we’re not. I know we’re not the only ones. Will hold onto the hope of Kansas wheat needing us to show up. Keep your fingers crossed for us. And I’ll do the same for Shawn & Company!
You always have the best photos! Beautiful family and oh my gosh… that kitten! Makes me miss having a cat! 😉
I keep praying for the farmers everywhere.. Such a crazy year!
I could send the kitty to you. According to Jim, it’s NOT going with us when we leave. Thank you for the nice comments on the pictures, Jenny! 🙂
Praying!
The whole “ripple effect” is startling when you take a minute to truly contemplate.
Y’all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Barbara
Will pray for rain for my friends out west!! It’s something we definitely take for granted here.
I am in awe of your lake comparison pictures. Very sad!
It really is sad! Isn’t it interesting how we all take for granted something as simple as rain.
Thanks for putting that so eloquently!
🙂
Wow, that’s popcorn fart dry!!!! Here in the Cochrane, Calgary area it’s been a cold wet spring ,seeding around pot holes. It has been warmer & dryer in the Peace River country of Alberta than the southern part of Alberta.
Missed seeing your little kitten, did you end up camping out Saturday night with the kids?
We sure did! 🙂
[…] who are heading out to bring in 2013 with a bang…BE CAREFUL! We’ve already seen what a “small” wreck can do to a person’s way of thinking. Have fun and here’s to 2013! New trials, new […]
[…] all that goes with it! As for me…my heart’s in the country and small town living. Read “When Community Comes Together” and you’ll understand where I’m coming from. On a side note, Marcy is doing VERY […]
The girls had a great time, Thank You !
YAY!! 🙂
It’s weird how the animals know bad weather is coming. I’ll never forget the night of March 10th, 1986 (I did have to google it to get the correct date 🙂 ). Livestock all over the neighborhood was restless that night. The neighbors roosters crowed almost all night, their sheep and calves bawled all night, and my hogs were up all night banging lids and grunting. It was very unsettling to say the least! The next day, my sister and I had just gotten home from school, both our parents were at work, I would have been 16, her 15, when a storm hit, and we heard one of the scariest roars I’ve ever heard to date. It sounded like it was directly over the house and comparing it to a freight train wouldn’t have been far off. About 30 minutes later we learned that the same storm dropped a tornado on the town of Lynn Indiana just maybe 12 miles north east of our farm and did some really serious damage. The animals knew something was coming, just like the dogs you wrote about.
So, maybe what we should start doing is paying more attention to the animals and maybe not so much importance on the weatherman 🙂
We were fortunate with the storms last night. Those in parts of Omaha and further north weren’t so lucky. I’m certain they’re dealing with cleanup mode today. At least it’s not as hot as it was 34 years ago on the day after.
Thanks for sharing your memories, Doug!
It’s sad to see all that damage but it’s tough times like that that make people stronger. Were the combines damaged bad? Reading this reminds me of Walt loosing all his machinery to a tornado in the movie “Race Against the Harvest”, and I believe he was in Nebraska at the time as well. It also reminds me of Hank and his family suffering through the tornado in 2011 though his family didn’t fare so well.
Glad to hear you didn’t have bad damage last night from the storms.
No, the combines were parked in an area of Grand Island that wasn’t in the path of the storm. They were lucky that way. I remember that movie. 🙂
And…I can’t even imagine going through what the Hamil family went through and I’m certain continue to deal with. That story just broke my heart!
It broke my heart too. When I was first given Hank’s name I searched him online but the only thing I could find was the news story of loosing his two boys. At that point I knew they were some extroindary people and there would be a lot I could learn from them.
They’re GOOD people! Strong faith. Now…weren’t you going to go on harvest with them? Did you?
Yes I am going with them. I just got back home today from DC and head out tomorrow to meet up with them.
OUTSTANDING!!
What did you do in DC? You’ll have to let me know what you’re up to and how you’re doing and if it’s all you thought it would be. I feel like your mom – sorry! Just anxious to hear how it goes. I’m glad you’re going with them and I wish you all the luck in the world!
I went on a youth tour sponsored by the Foundation for Rural Services and by my local telephone cooperative. This is done every year with telephone cooperatives sending 1 or 2 youth to DC for a week. There was 105 of us from across the nation and our time was spent touring the major national monuments as well as some educational classes on the world of telecommunications. It was great getting to meet so many people from across the nation.
And thank you!! I’m super anxious to get started! Hopefully we can actually meet somewhere along the trail this summer 🙂
Sounds like a great experience…a lot of kids! You guys are the next generation of leaders and I appreciate that you did something like that.
Hopefully – we usually see Hank’s vehicles in the Garden City, KS area. Not sure what’s going to happen for us this year – even there.
[…] tears to his eyes when he thinks about the men it hauled during WWII and the battles it fought. Jim’s dad served in WWII as a young man so this holds a very special place in his […]
Beautiful. Brings tears to my eyes. Remembering so many other plane rides…
Those are all GREAT memories!! So glad we have them to go back to. Love ya!
What a great present, you didn’t say where the flight was? Omaha, somewhere in Nebraska, or did I miss that?
Oh, sorry! Maybe I need to make an “edit”. We were in LIncoln.
Awesome pics! What a great gift! We’ve also been enjoying some of the things we miss out on. It was nice to see flowers in bloom that I haven’t seen for awhile! Safe travels!
It’s crazy…but good to know we’re not the ONLY ones who are not on the road yet. When do you expect to head south?
We’re hoping to start moving equipment Wednesday to Ness City, KS. I won’t be able to go for almost 2 weeks, not sure where we will catch up.
Hmmm…I hope somewhere, sometime we have a chance to meet!
Being a HUGE war history geek, this is SUPER cool! Love all the photos! And what a GREAT present!
🙂
[…] overwhelming (to say the least)! So, I kept denying until Sunday afternoon rolled around. After the B-17 plane ride, I had to just tell myself I MUST get busy. Jim was being pretty insistent that Tuesday morning was […]
[…] our farmer also has a Shelbourne Stripper Head (to see what I’m talking about, click here to view a Shelbourne Head) and uses it to cover his dry land wheat. The stripper head removes only […]
Kittens are cute and playful at that age. I know waiting to do a job in agriculture is more stressful than the job it self. That trailer and load you saw was probable 750 to 1000000 lb load it a days job to get ever thing ready and check 100 and some tires
I thoroughly enjoy watching that little kitten play. I remember my Grandma telling me her grandma told her she could sit and watch kittens and little kids play all day long. I understand what she was talking about!
We’re hoping if it doesn’t rain maybe we’ll get to start cutting wheat maybe Monday or Tuesday. Just a few more days…
100 tires – yike!
Love your blog!
Thank you! Thanks for taking the time to leave a note and letting me know you were here! I look forward to hearing from you again. 😉
That’s a separation tower headed for the oilsands in northern Alberta, it’s not unusual to see a rig of that size and bigger on the highways of Alberta.
Thanks, Tom!
Maybe you could explain to me what they do with a separation tower. That thing was HUGE!
They use to separate other Hydro carbons from the oilsands with the use of heat & pressure. It’s like a moonshine still in a way
Very interesting. Thank you!
Hi Tracy……so Mr. Lucky looks like he is happy…..just to let you know…Papillion had 7.72 inches of
rain….it was a torrential rain storm….sure glad I got the gutters cleaned out….my street looked like a river..and it runs down hill…the water was terrible..worked today late Sunday)…so I’m headed for bed….just checking in…love and kisses…mom
[…] We had just poured some coffee and was “fixing” to have a cinnamon roll when I heard it – Bub’s cry. I went outside to see what was going on only to witness him in the dog’s mouth. I rescued him but it was too late. It’s been a rough day! If you haven’t been following my blog for long, you may not know about Bub. He was rescued by a neighbor and brought to my house when he was about 2 weeks old. I bottle fed him and fell in love with him. There’s a picture of him in my last post, “just tinkering”. […]
Tracy…………..nothing I can say to stop the memories of that darn cute baby kitty….while he was with you kids….he was loved….and your neighbors little girls loved him too…….I wish for you too..
Gma seems to be getting better…I will go visit her tomorrow afternoon, after I get the yard mowed
and the flowers planted…..hugs ans kisses xxxxxxxoooooooo…mom
Thanks, Mom. A sad day, for sure.
Sadly, this was more or less the result the two times we took cats on harvest, too. Very unfortunate for you and for the kitten. 🙁
It just sucks!
[…] them and packaged them for me. I, again, had the better part of that deal! These cherries make the BEST cherry pie. Because you are my friend, I will share my cherry pie recipe with you. The recipe can be found […]
Sorry about your kitten. It’s not easy losing a special friend. We had an 11 month old dog go missing in 2011 while harvesting fall crop in SD. I still miss her tremendously. Our crew started in Ness City on Sunday and described a very similar storm.
The sky has been green and the yard light has been on for over 30 minutes with round #2. Hail and lots of rain this time!
Sorry about the kitten it is always sad day or two. We go through it every year a stray dog or one or two get run over. Glad to hear you got started to combine
Well, we DID get started and then the rains came. We just had another 1.5″ of rain this afternoon. Oh well…
God will provide.
A raincation is that a Nebraska Wheatie isim !!! Do you have it copy righted??? Love it . Talk about backwards weather in Alberta , southern part maybe +20c to +23c northern part +27c or better,Inuvik NWT. way inside the Artic circle was +28c yesterday. Let’s hope the wheat you’re cutt’n is 60lbs after the rains
I don’t think I’ve heard anyone else talking about a “raincation” so maybe it IS a Nebraska Wheatie isim. 🙂
Now, you’ll have to tell me how to turn C into F to better understand your temps.
The wheat was 64 lbs prior to the monsoonal downpour.
I’m so sorry about your cat. What an adorable sweet creature.
Love your blog and reading about your wheat adventures. I pray that your heart heals from the pain of losing your cat.
Oh, Hilary…
Thank you so much. If I keep my mind off things, it’s ok. But, when I think about just how sweet he was or see a picture of him, it makes my heart hurt all over again. The prayers will help, I’m sure. The pain of losing something or someone you love can almost be more than a person can bear. Without faith in God, I don’t know how people can get through the loss of a loved one.
Oh God, how I am missing this…bad weather and all…='(
I’m sure you are!!
I can’t imagine having to deal with that sort of heartache.
We look forward to reading about your adventures from your home and out to the harvest fields in the south. It opens a new world to a Canadian prairie farmer who dreamed of following the harvest run ..
I’m so very glad you enjoy it and you let me know you’re out there! 🙂
Hope I’ll be sharing some pictures from the field one of these days. However, until then, I’ll continue to give thanks for the much needed rain!
Are you going to get a 5 day special on your raincation or do you have to have 7 days all inclusive ,like Mexico !!!
Not sure. If it takes the 7, we’ll take ’em. 🙂
Enjoying your blog, but I am hoping for you, as I am sure you are that the rains will be done and you can get busy in the fields again soon. Will love to see a few wheat cutting pictures soon!!!!
I will be more than happy to share some wheat cutting pictures. 🙂
However, I am thankful for the rain. This country has needed it for years!
Thanks for letting me know you’re here, Deb, and for taking the time to leave me a note,
OOps
oops, hit the wrong key!
I was so sorry to hear about your kitty, isn’t hard to lose them, they can be so much company.
Pictures were great of the storm clouds etc.,my gosh the rain! Loved hearing your voices on the video! Also enjoyed the fishing pictures, it reminded me of the fun we had catching bass that evening at my brothers resevoir! Hope you catch a trout while you are waiting for it to dry up. Mardrie.
This made me smile. I was just thinking about you while I was out there trying my luck at catching those darn trout! I still find myself thinking about that little guy and a pang of hurt rushes through my soul. I know it will get easier but sometimes I just wish we had a pause and rewind button on life!
Sure hope the storms stay away from the Jordan area so we have a reason to come up. I’m anxious to see you guys again!
It raining here in northern illinois also . we have about 3.5 inches in the last week my cousin lives about 20 miles west she has got over 11 inches wished caused a lot of erosion
Oh my goodness! We’re all getting a lot of rain right now! There’s nothing we can do about it except enjoy the down time. Just wish I was closer to Eli. 🙂
I was so enjoying reading about your latest travels and unique history and then to read it’s the end this summer. I’m so sorry you won’t be cutting any more wheat this season.
We have been getting it here, too. More than 4 inches at our farm and 7 about 15 miles from us. The only difference is that we were already saturated. It’s not harvest time here, yet, but much of the crop didn’t get in due to the excessive moisture. We’d sure share with so much of the south that is bone-dry! Stay sunny on these cloudy days!
So good to hear from you, Sonja!
We have to believe that it will all work out for the best. I can’t believe just how crazy this weather has been. So many tornadoes and crazy weather patterns.
Hopefully, it will be out of its system by the time harvest rolls around there. Something tells me, though, its just going to continue following the harvesters.
So true, you hands down across the Medicine Line ( CND/U.S. border ) need moisture. You can have the best land in the world , no H2O no crop. My old neighbours thought I was crazy when we would have a wet harvest , I would say – don’t complain this moisture might all we’re getting for next year!
Unfortunately, all too often we harvesters forget it takes rain to grow a crop. We get too concerned about getting a job completed so we can move on. The rain is good any time it comes!
What a year! Great pics. Love the mudflap! We’re hoping to cut this afternoon around Ness City, KS. It continues to rain at home. We have mushrooms in our grass which is getting to be very tall.
We ended up getting 1/4″ overnight and this morning. Probably won’t be much going on again today. 🙂 It’s very comfortable, though. Have the trailer house opened and giving the air conditioner a break.
We got 2″ over night plus 60 70 mph winds a lot down corn. and tree branches we gotten 6″in last 2 weeks some areas have twice that amount . A month from now we wish we could get a rain thats farming
Exactly! It just doesn’t come evenly throughout the year (wish it did). It comes all or nothing! Sounds like you’ve got your own set of problems!!
Great pictures Tracy! I now they are loving the moisture, but wish it could of come much earlier in the year. We have begun wheat harvest here!! Very excited. Opened up one field last night and will be heading to the field here in a bit to continue. Have straw to bail off of it and then planting beans. Going to be a FULL day. Happy Harvesting!
I don’t think we’re gonna get anything done today. Woke up to sprinkling on the roof and 60 degrees. It’s still only 65 and it’s nearly noon. Wearing my sweatpants and sweatshirt. Is it really July 2?
P.S. Best of luck to you with your wheat harvest!! Enjoy!
I spoke too soon. 🙁 Ended up clouding up and got a bit of rain. Made the moisture too high to continue. Going to give it another go tomorrow. Trying to convince my husband that he needs to bail hay and I need to run the combine.
Our high today was 70! Can not believe it is July 2nd. Supposed to get down in the 50’s here tonight. Have never said this, this time of year, but stay warm!
No kidding! It’s 60 degrees now – almost midnight. Crazy, crazy weather!
Maybe we’ll both be cutting wheat tomorrow. 🙂
Enjoyed reading your excerpt! Reminds me of the days back in the summer of 1978 that I cut/drove truck for Merel “Rip” Van Winkle out of Argonia KS. We ran from Altus,OK to Cut Bank, MT. We had 3 IH combines; 2 915’s and a “brand new that year Axial Flow IH 1460 combine. We hauled grain with Chevy C-65’s to the elevators, each had a 500 bu. grain body on them. Quite a sight to see at 18 yrs. old being from upstate NY then.
I was on the road with my grandparents that year. 🙂 I understand how things have changed…that’s for sure! I wish my Grandpa could see today’s combines. He would be amazed to say the least – and the size of the headers. So glad you let me know you were out there and have enjoyed reading my tales. 🙂
God bless!
Some of the engineering on equipment is a head shake, what kind of update has NH figured out on those fuel lines ?
Take those plastic clips off and throw them away. 🙂
we still getting lite showers ever day, friday and saturday some sunshine in northern illinois. hope jtim got fuel leak stop. I had same trouble on red combine and how a simple repair can take so long . we got a murder on the louse in area killed man in rockford and woman at rest area on I39 2 miles from use. HAPPY 4 july Tell jenna and sister be careful
I’m sure your area has had enough rain for a while! I hope when it quits it doesn’t quit for a year! Yes, Jim got the leak fixed the same day he realized there was an issue. Jenna made it. Now to get the other two here with us. 🙂
Oh gosh…I hope they find the creep before he kills again. That’s scary!
I guess it’s about time to say hello. Talked to you at the GAWH movie at Scottsbluff NE. We had some cool temps for 2 days like 45 degrees for lows, in July! Wheather man says the highs for the next 3 to 4 days could be mid to upper 90s. That just might kick the wheat in high gear around here.
Well…hello back!
I hope it doesn’t kick it in gear too fast. We all still have plenty of work to do in Kansas. 🙂 Once the harvest starts, it sure doesn’t stand still long – unless it rains. With our late start, the summer will be over before you know it! We’ll probably make our way through Scottsbluff on our way to Montana. If you see us, stop and say hello!
[…] pasts and all the different stops we’ve been. I recalled this list in a previous post, “Celebrating the 4th “Wheatie” Style“. I was amazed at the number of different places we’ve been for the same day of the […]
Sure nice to see you finally got into some good wheat, hope it will continue and the weather is cutt’n style hot & dry !!!! Canada’s Big Day is July 1st. In all the years I farmed ,there was only a very few Canada Day celebrations the land & Mother nature come first.
Good to hear from you again, Tom! It’s good to just be cutting!
[…] Hold onto that moisturizer though. Because, Tracy says. […]
You always take such awesome photos! 🙂 I just adore you! Glad to see despite working, you had a great 4th!
Did you get Frank’s starting problem solved hope it was something simple &easy to fix.
We did!! I haven’t had time to sit down and write a full blog but since you asked…it was a starter issue. We just had to replace that and he’s good to make the trip to Limon, CO!
[…] them and packaged them for me. I, again, had the better part of that deal! These cherries make the BEST cherry pie. Because you are my friend, I will share my cherry pie recipe with you. The recipe can be found […]
[…] Hold onto that moisturizer though. Because, Tracy says. […]
[…] I just knew he was going to tell me there had been a wreck. After going through the emotions of his wreck over a year ago, I didn’t know if I was ready to hear that again. “Can you or Callie […]
Harvest is always rush rush time to get to next field. Like your pictures of harvest. Last mentioned about murderer close to use he hit a tree in wisconsin had drugs in his system. Hope all goes well for you colorado
Thank you, Allan! Sure glad to hear they caught the bad guy!
What was Jim’s opinion of the S670, Sure is nice that you’re into good wheat again. Boy that Callie sure has a lot of nerve wearing a Lexion hat in a NH combine !!! There is only one shade of yellow for the wheat fields it’s New Holland, I tell that to our old neighbor & custom harvester in the Rycroft Alta area they run a Lexion we sure have a giggle over that !!!!
Jim’s opinion of the S670 was the cab was nice and relaxing but a little noisy. He didn’t say much more than that. He’s pretty happy with his NH combine. Callie got that hat from Jenna (she works for CLAAS). 🙂 The wheat here in Colorado is probably the prettiest stand of wheat we’ve seen in a really long time.
[…] amount of rain they’d had since this crop was planted. They said the most they received was right after we finished last year. That produced enough rain the roads were washed away. They received very little moisture through […]
Nice flowers – I’ve always to bring flowers on the run! Love the ‘chopped’ shirt! Hope you were able to enjoy a day off!
Your post sounds the same as I have done hurry up and wait. I have played throwing rocks at posts or utility poles have not played dollar bill game how do you know the winner. Rain last night again cold 49 -50 degrees this morning mowed lawn afternoon got stuck in low area
Sounds to me you’re in Colorado. 🙂 Guess it’s raining everywhere now. We got a bunch more rain this afternoon. Went to Colorado Springs and wanted to take a drive in the mountains only they closed the road due to high water. Geesh!
I’m not sure how they determined the winner. I guess the one with the highest number of numbers. Does that make sense?
This is a Peace country ,Alberta thing . Dirt lump skeet , you hold a lump in your left hand & one in your right, vise versa if your a south paw. Throw one lump in the air with your launching hand , wait till the target is coming down , then line up your best shot with your missal hand!!!!!
That sounds like a fun one to try the next time we’re out there waiting for the wheat to dry!!
Thanks for sharing!
[…] got close to the city, we were given the option of shopping or taking a drive in the mountains. The last time I gave the girls that option (last year), we nixed the shopping and headed for the hills. We […]
I love your writing and your beautiful pictures. Your family is so much fun. Can’t wait to see your grandbaby and Jamie. I am sorry you will be in the field but they can come here and I will enjoy them.
🙂
Thanks, Linda! I love YOUR family! And now you’ve met Jamie and Eli.
Any suggestions for where the harvest might be this weekend? My daughters and I fly into Denver on the 26th and head up to the Badlands via Ogallala and Martin that same day. I would love for them to see what harvest looks and sounds (and smells) like. I did it myself for 2 summers about 30 years ago.
You will be in perfect territory for harvest! I would guess around the Hemingford, Chadron and Ogallala areas harvest will be happening. A big harvest town for Western Nebraska would be Chappell and Kimball. They’re starting to do some cutting in the Wall, SD area, too.
Good luck!!!
Thanks! We actually stopping in Ogallala so it sounds like we should be able to find something going on around there.
Have a great time!
Eli visit and getting back to work after a boring 4-5 days is a great joy for all. The chisel plow marks in wheat field is interesting to learn about.Your experience def is a sticky material is not the highlight of the day I got that to look forward to I traded for a year old combine that takes def. Have a good safe week. t
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my time with Eli and Jamie! The day was not a very good one. The DEF is a sticky, white mess when it gets on anything! Good luck with that!
Thanks, Allan!
Super job on the blanket, our Daughter Julie used to sit in front of the dryer and wait for her blanky. Cale our middle son had a way tooo big white & green afghan. The B in smaller size’s was dragged onto all the farm equipment he could ride safely with me. Does NH. have a printed fabric. Hope your Grandson enjoys his B.
The blanket I made wasn’t more Mr. Eli. It was for another baby – our farmer’s sons had a baby just before we got here. I hope he loves it. All four girls had something special they had to drag along with us whenever we went somewhere. 🙂
Hello Z Crew, Harvest is just getting started here in the Hemingford NE area. I got to haul the first load to town today. For once I actually picked the right week for vacation so i could get in some harvest. Ever hear a silly idea, take vacation to sit in the hot sun and get all dirty. On the down side , won’t be able to make the trip to MT this year, maybe next year. I heard on Harvest U.S.A that a crew is already around the Hardin MT. area making dust fly.
The wheat is on a crazy schedule right now. There are harvesters all over the place trying to get the crop cut. Some are having to give up a job or two to make it to the next one. We’re hoping to be finished by Saturday so we can continue with the rest and move to Jordan. Enjoy your vacation! I know there’s a lot of people who do it. When the harvest gets in your blood, there’s no going back!!
For some reason, every comment made on your blog is posting to my reader…. just thought you would like to know.
Oh good grief. Thank you! I wonder what that issue is all about! I’ll check into it and see if I can get it stopped.
Are they still being posted to your reader?
No.you must have fixed it!
No, I am not seeing it anymore. I have seen that happen a few other times with other bloggers.
Oh…that’s good! Thanks for letting me know.
Doesn’t get any better Gramma , you and Eli cutt’n wheat !!!!
You know it!!! 🙂
Being that dry & hot does the farmer you are cutting for have a fire system in place. eg. tractor with disc & water wagon?
Yep! But it wasn’t so dry that they felt they had to haul around the water wagon.
Sure do enjoy your cutting videos. Beautiful looking wheat crop..
Thanks, Albert! I’m glad to know someone is looking at them. 🙂
I love reading your stories and seeing the pictures! The ones with Eli are extra special. Wishing you a safe harvest and travels.
Margaret Smith
Stateline Farms-Parma, ID
P.S. I caught your little comment about the cab being “a bit smaller” next year! 🙂
Hi Margaret!
Its been a while. 🙂
I’m so glad you’re still following along on our adventures. How’s those CLAAS combines working for you?
Yep…a new member of the family will be joining us in the fields next year. Can’t wait!
Good to hear from you!
You have such a good memory Tracy! All the people you meet, places you’ve been and things you done this past year and you still remember we bought a Claas combine! The combine has done well. Harvesting wheat right now. Alfalfa seed by the end of August. I always try to follow your family and their adventures. Love seeing the pictures…Eli has grown so much! You’ll soon need an “extend-a cab” on your combine! You and your family are a great group! Hope the rest of your harvest time goes well…be safe. 🙂
Margaret
I remember you because you’ve been so good about sending me words of encouragement AND the connection with CLAAS and Jenna. 🙂
So glad you’re still following along on our adventures.
I here you Tracy, We miss are grand kids dearly. Isn’t so nice to cut with a great farm family & good yields to boot!!! Hope this stop in Limon made up for the loss’s of TX.&OK. What are they saying about the wheat in Jordan MT? Congrats on the smaller cab for next year Gramma Z !!!!!
The wheat in Limon will certainly help! I’m certain, though, that it won’t make up for what we missed the first part of the summer. Oh well…
It sounds like the wheat in Jordan should be good – if the storms stay away.
I’m really missing my little guy tonight. He just adds so much joy to the room! Yep…another little one in the cab with us next summer. You’ll have to keep following and see what we have this time. I’m hoping for a brother for Eli.
Love your photos as always! I love the summer heat and I can just feel it radiating off the field. Reminds me of OK during the summers and the “oceans” of wheat, it’s a magnificent site.
🙂 – aw…thanks, Dawn! I’m glad I have successfully captured what it’s like to be in the wheat fields!
Safe trip Tracy
Thank you so much, Pat! It was long and uneventful – a good thing!
So glad we got see you and visit for awhile in Limon. Have a safe trip up to MT 🙂
I agree, Casey! I hope things get straightened out for Ryan and the rest of your harvest season is better! Hope to see you in Grand Island.
God bless!
Is the A/C in Frank tuned up for the trip or do you have to use Ukrainian style A/C—-All the windows open !!!
Frank’s air worked good – when I needed it. Otherwise, it was such a beautiful day, I enjoyed the smells of the countryside with the windows open. 🙂
That picture of Eli watching you unload in the dark brought back memories of riding with Grandpa in his cramped little Gleaner K all those years ago, and for a minute there I could even smell the inside of that dusty old cab again. The thought of the memories Eli is making now and the memories yet to come for him make me extremely envious of that little tyke! Thanks for stirring up a few old memories and keep up the good work out there. Good cutting in Montana!
I can so relate to grandpa’s and combines! I can still remember standing in my grandpa’s combine watching the corn “dance” into the header. I love those memories. We were so lucky to have gotten to experience them!! I hope we can stay involved long enough that Eli will share those same memories as you and I have with our grandpa. Thanks, Doug!
Enjoy your posts last 2 days. Clean up is always the worse of any joy. Great pictures and your prays were answer for a safe trip,hope all goes well at your stops in montana
Thank you, Allan! We made it to Jordan. Jim and Callie are on the last leg of the excursion. They had to go back to Mile City after the header. We should be back in the field tomorrow.
Prayers were felt and appreciated!!!!
Hi,Tracy,Jim,Taylor and Callie. ..So thankful that you are in Jordon….memories of the Broadus sign
taken of You, Mark, and Matt…then Jim.when he started with Gpa /Gma Hancock….I was always glad to get to Jordon…first stop was getting..”Hell Creek” chicken…all besafe…and look out for the Rattle snakes.. yikes.. there so many up there”.just hated to walk around the fields..remind the girls to REALLY …watch…gives me goose bumps thinking about the drive you and I had to take to get repairs….I’ll just be happy when you are back home …safe and sound…hugs and kisses
XXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..mom…..
We haven’t seen any rattlesnakes up here for quite a few years. Maybe they’re all gone. Hoping to make it into the Hell Creek sometime while we’re here to get some of their chicken. 🙂 Been busy since we got here so haven’t seen much. The girls will be heading home sometime soon.
Love you too, mom!
Its a great read keeping up with you guys in the U.S. Distances travelled are similar to what are travelled in Australia and the crops yield a little better or so it seems. Hope all keeps going well for all of you
Thanks, Mike!
So glad you took the time to let me know you’re following our adventures. We were able to host a couple of Australian harvesters this spring and thoroughly enjoyed learning a bit about your country. I want to come visit!
All you guys will always be welcome down under.
SWEET!
[…] I went back to the Cottage to get Jim’s lunch. While we cut in Montana, the wheat is either hauled to a grain bin for storage or semi’s are hired to haul the grain to the nearest elevator. The nearest […]
Tracy, it looks lonely out there. I sure enjoy seeing the pictures though since I have never been there. There is a lot of wide open space for sure. You can sing and talk to yourself to the top of your lungs to keep you entertained. Missed you guys this week.
I don’t even know what I think about all day but the day goes fairly fast. I really enjoy being in the combine – sorta like Wes 😉 does. I think I could sit in there every day and not get tired of it. I once questioned if it was a sickness! We ALL miss you guys. Just doesn’t seem right. And now we have to wait a whole year before we see you again. Darn!
What are the cropping practices in Jordan & area, notill-continues crop or 50/50 summerfallow ? In 1981 when you first started cutting in Jordan were the elevators closer ? Oh Tracy you need to be colour co-ordinated I think some NH yellow & blue on your nails !!!! That tea reminds the tea my Gramma Lazoruk used to make. I sure am enjoying your blog.
Typically it’s 50/50 summer fallow. However, it sounds like the farmer we’re cutting for right now is going to go to no till. A good year…lots of good tall straw to help with the snow!
Nail polish?? That’s not for me. 🙂
So glad you continue to stop by and leave me a note, Tom!
Would a stripper header work with notill in that area ?
I don’t know much about the stripper header but I would guess so. Does the straw have to be plenty tall?
All the stripper header takes is the heads & maybe abit of straw. Ask the Roland crew about how the stripper preforms on a CR. Check out this site Finch Engineering, these Aussie’s have good handle on keeping the combines going with long hauls to the elevators. Worked there in 05 .
Glad you are back “home” in Jordan, will stop by when you are not so busy.
It will be SO GOOD to see you and get caught up!!
(maybe another fishing date somewhere down the road?)
[…] in my handy-dandy roaster. To understand why I reference my roaster, check out my post, “this darn old oven!“. The comforting smell of the cooking meal overwhelmed us as we entered the […]
[…] early days of harvest by visiting my NebraskaWheatie.com blog and reading posts such as this one, “Why I Am the Way I Am”. This is the reason that when I finally got back to the wheat field and the combine, I was in […]
[…] of life began for me 40 years ago this summer (good grief, I’m OLD!). You can read more about me and my history by visiting my NebraskaWheatie blog but for now I want to share with you something a little more […]
[…] been a great journey and I have come to appreciate so much more about what it takes to tell a good story. Conrad has […]
So glad you got to have Hell Creek chicken!
🙂
Hope to get there again before we leave.
Nice pictures! It goes way too fast! I am also not looking forward to the reality of the clock world.
It DOES go too fast!!! Way too fast!
That mama next door will believe you, but she’ll still be frustrated and probably thankful to go to bed at night. 🙂
And for those quiet moments that I’m not good at dealing with right now. 🙂
Enjoy your pictures and post. One thing for certain there is not a set routine with ag related jobs. I have no children to experience the feeling parents go through as years go by. Good to here all going well other than a few rainy delay
Thanks, Allan!
Love the MT skies! Your posts have sure brightened my days. Light rain in NE this morning. Hi to all. Bill
I’m so glad to hear this, Bill! 🙂
Time stands still for no one, as we get older our family is more loved & missed, How are the yields in Jordan doing, hope that’s last of the short raincation.
Boy…isn’t that the truth! And another day ends.
The yields are doing really good! What usually makes 15 – 20 is making 30 – 50. Everyone should be happy! 🙂
I know the girls are going to miss you as well! Safe travels!
Laurie – Country Link
Thank, Laurie!
Tracy, I know just what it feels like when they all leave home. It still feels a little like that here after harvest is over and they go back to their respective homes and families. Hopefully your harvest will go fast and you’ll be back home with them soon and then enjoy every part of their lives.
I love what we do and I miss it when it’s over. BUT…I love being with the kids. When they were all with us all the time, I didn’t know how good I had it!
[…] comes to a stand still at the end of the day, I jump out of the cab and use my handy, dandy “harvester’s secret“ and clean my windows. Jim is usually finishing unloading the truck into the grain bin. Once […]
What beautiful places you get to see, visit, work in Tracy! Thank you for sharing your journey!
I KNOW!! I am the lucky one, that’s for sure!
[…] comes to a standstill at the end of the day, I jump out of the cab and use my handy, dandy ”harvester’s secret“ and clean my windows. Jim is usually finishing unloading the truck into the […]
See you have been very busy since girls left a lot of chores to tend to. Harvest is the same in mid-west with bottle neck at bins, dryer or elevator time is always a factor at harvest. Beautiful pictures as always you are a lady of many talents. Do you get to pull a pup trailer behind semi in montana
Thanks, Allan! I love taking pictures and passed that along to each one of the girls. 🙂
We aren’t doing much hauling with our semi up here. The farmer hires a couple of local truckers to haul the grain from here to Moccasin. That’s where the elevator is.
[…] Continued from previous post, “that bed has NEVER felt so good“… […]
[…] Continued from “and then it rained“… […]
Missed your blogs! Glad your absence was due to work and the usual aggravations. And glad you are finding wheat. Still no rain in our part of ENE.
Bill
Thanks, Bill!
Good to hear from you. It looks like we’re in for more rain starting tomorrow through the weekend. I’ll send it to you! Also colder temps – Saturday’s high only 55.
Some days a person cannot do anything right Elaine and I had a freezer quit about 2 weeks ago lost steaks ,roasts,ice cream and misc.items still have not got replacement . Hang in there better days ahead.
You’re right, Allan! Some days it just seems like it would have been better to stay in bed. It’s times like these that I have to question what lesson God is trying to teach me. Maybe not to get so frustrated. 🙂 I certainly feel your pain with the appliance situation! You hang in there too and thanks for checking in!
Now I’m really sure I need to road trip to Montana.
EVERYBODY needs to make a road trip to Montana. But…don’t overlook the ruggedness of Eastern MT. It’s gorgeous! Now you know why this is my favorite state (although I’m still a Husker at heart).
Your pictures just get better every post could look at them all day. Hope quits raining, getting combine stuck is no fun, have a few bad memories. Good luck till next time
I love taking pictures – always have. I think I passed that love down to the girls too. We haven’t gotten the combine stuck – no mud. It is supposed to rain for the next couple of days.
Thanks, Allan!
No matter how many spare parts you have on hand, you never seem to have the one that actually goes out. 🙂
That’s a fact! It’s a good thing we’re not broke down very often – especially around here! 🙂
You have such a good eye for landscape pic’s.I bet Montana tourism would like some of them. That one grain bin is classic that’s probably older than you and me put together. Talk about old grain bins back in 1928 my Stegmeier grandparents put a steel bin together,gramma was very pregnant at the time, a day after they finished the bin, Fred shows up my Dad. Funny how a picture will jog ones memory on family history.
When we saw that bin, Jim said that was a one-of-a-kind. 🙂
Looks pretty rough and has probably held lots of grain in its time.
So glad you like the pictures. Maybe you’ll really like the ones I will have with the next posting. I probably should have a watermark on my pictures but I just haven’t done it. Oh well…
I remember back when I was in high school and praying for rain! We had a dry harvest and cut 21 days in a row with no break. I started looking at every cloud wishing it would dump on us. I’m sure my farmer-uncle was pretty pleased to get the work done, but we were sure all pretty cranky by the time we were done!
And so worn out! I guess I’m just getting too old or maybe have too much going on at the same time. The rain days are catch up days every time! No rest and I guess that’s what I need. One day of nothingness!
[…] those of you who know nothing about how the unloading goes, I’ll try to explain. The red auger carries the wheat that’s coming from the back of […]
Tracy, I love your pictures and your stories. I am sorry but I did laugh a few times and then I felt badly for you. I am so sorry about the fridge and the water and the beast breaking down but if you didn’t have all that, you wouldn’t have any adventures to write about. I thought a date night in the field with sandwiches and sleeping in the truck sounded like fun! You guys hang in there and Jack said if you want to find dry land, come back here. Ha Maybe you had better not tell Jim we said that. Keep on keeping on.
I’ve tried convincing Jim we should come back to CO and help. I wish I could get the job done. I think Jack needs to call him again. 🙂
I thought the date night sounded like a GREAT adventure! I’m glad someone else thought so too.
Sounds like we’re supposed to get like 4″ of rain beginning tomorrow. I’m sure it will be several days before we can get our 4 hours of cutting done, now. Good grief!
Tell your family hello and give that littlest guy a kiss for me!
I recall putting wheat in a customer’s storage facility, which in fact was a boarded-up former hen-house. We used a John Deere Model G to power the auger, it was impossible to restart so I would just idle it down low between loads (puh-pow….. puh-pow…..) As the ‘bin’ started to reach capacity, I had no alternative but to climb in and shovel. I’ve not felt the same way about chickens ever since.. (Carrington, ND 1981)
I enjoy your blog, and appreciate your perspective on a unique way of life – one that I was a small part of over three decades ago..
Thanks, Jim! And I appreciate you sharing your story and memories of over three decades ago! I think we’ve got it much easier these days than you did!
[…] than just staying put, I decided to climb that hill I mentioned in one of my last posts. Maybe it was cool enough there wouldn’t be any snakes waiting to […]
its hard to imagine today that once Massey Ferguson was the ONLY combine to own
Absolutely! And so many people still love them. They’re part of Ag’s history. And, I guess you can’t take those old harvest memories away from those of us who spent time in them. 🙂
Tracy,
There was a photo of a restored Massy combine on Facebook. It was about the same vintage as the one in your photo of your grandpa and the combine loaded piggy back on the grain truck. I would have like to link it over to you on FB but couldn’t and didn’t download it.
Those 760’s were quite a machine in their day. Lower profile then any of the competition of the same capacity and a larger grain tank ta-boot.
Always enjoy it when you get the time to show the surrounding countryside in your post of FB and your blog.
Do you mean the old picture of Grandpa and his combine loaded on the truck and ready for harvest? And we think we have it tough these days! 🙂 We never had a 760. Grandpa always ran 750’s and our very first machine was also a 750.
I’m so glad you enjoy the pictures. Sometimes I worry that I put too many on there. I enjoy pictures so I guess I assume everyone else does too. Well, at least I know there’s a couple of us that do now.
i am retired now can;t see to enough combine pictures you do a very good job with both pictures and stories the picture of the old 750 brought many memories for me i had a 750 and 860 i had duct tape in the same places. I started with a massey super 27 some good memories some bad. Keep the the pictures and stories coming
So glad you enjoyed the pictures and story. Those old combines just bring back so many memories! Almost sad to see them just rusting away. 🙂
Enjoy last two post of Montana and Missouri river breaks and what it was like 100 -150 years ago.Our church celebrated 150 year anniversary about a month ago and a lot of old photos of early days were on display. My buddy had Massy combine like your grandpa my first self propel combine was a M M with a cab .before that it was a Case pulled by a M M U tractor what memories.Good luck don”t get stuck with your last few hours of combining. 7 inches rain takes time to soak in.
I’m thinking Jim is in no real hurry to get back out there to see if he can stay away from the mud holes. We don’t normally have to worry about getting stuck around here. What a year!
Tracy, I love traveling with you on your adventures you take us on. I love seeing it all through your eyes and your writing. A friend of mine read your blog and she said, “we live in 5 star homes today.” How true and we don’t even realize it. Sorry about the rain but enjoy your time off. We have been having rain also and we love it!
I see that you’re still getting good rain. That’s awesome! Unless, of course, it messes with the proso! The adventures have pretty much come to a complete stand still. Not much to share when it’s all about TV and a couch. 🙂 Maybe I SHOULD share those adventures, too. The sky is clear and the sun is shining today. That’s a good thing!
So glad you joined the Country Fair Blog Party last week! Great pictures from Montana!
Laurie – Country link
Thanks, Laurie! Guess I’ll have to post another one or two. 🙂
LOVE these pics, Tracy. Montana was on my list of places to go before but it moved up a few places now! Congrats on the Grand Champion win 😀
Thanks, Melody! You definitely need to move Montana up on your list! It’s such a beautiful state! Maybe one day, when you come, we’ll be here too and we can actually meet (although I feel like I already know you)!
[…] You can find more old pictures if you visit the post titled, “boredom produces old harvest picture gallery“. […]
What a wonderful post! Hope you are able to continue and finish harvest without mishap.
Why…thank you, Kevin!
Now we’ve decided to escape the confines of the Cottage and headed to the Montana mountains for a few days. 🙂
Will get back to finish when the ground is dry.
The old Ford still looks good.. The interior even looks good. 1973 would have been about the year My uncle would have bought his GMC 6000 and dad bought his 1951 International L160. About 1977 I bought a 1964 Ford C850. The rearend went out of the L160 on me in 78 and it was replaced with a C50 Chevrolet mid harvest. The frame of that truck was long so we made the old 14′ bed into a 16′ and added a hoist. The grain elevator was about 20 miles away and from the third week of September to the end of harvest just before Thanksgiving I’d log about 2,000 miles on each of those trucks. I know that is nothing compared to the miles you log each year but it kept me busy back then hauling corn and beans away form a JD 6620.
After Jim and I bought Henry from Grandpa, we had the seat re-covered. We did nothing to the rest of it. I’m so glad the current owner loves it as much as we did!! And, it’s so much fun seeing it once in awhile.
Beautiful pictures as always just keep getting better.Hope you get done in a couple days. Sitting around is more stressful than the job itself. Pray you don’t get stuck that no fun as we all know. Be careful.
We haven’t sat around for the past several days. We decided to escape for a few days and headed to the mountains. You can count on a blog with lots of pics to follow! Hoping maybe once we get back, we’ll be able to get to moving again.
You have this amazing knack for finding the importance in simple, everyday things and I just adore it! Your posts leave me with my heart almost welling up with emotion. The memories, the love, the passion! Love it!
p.s. having met you and Jim both, I can TOTALLY hear this dialogue going on throughout your post! 😉
Aw…you haven’t any idea how much I respect what you have to say about my writing! Thanks, Jenny. If I can stir you that way, maybe I do that to others, too. 🙂
Loved the old harvest pictures. Some of my fondest memories are of the hours I spent riding on that ledge behind my Dad in the 510 Massey. We had an 850 next, then went to Case IH. Dad is 89 and is determined to run a combine again this fall. It his favorite time of year. Look forward to your posts on All Aboard, and your blog. Hope you can finish up harvest soon, and have safe travels home. Here in northwest Missouri, we have had 14 inches of rain since first of August. Not a typical summer.
These darn combines and trucks certainly bring back great memories – just like a favorite song! When you hear it, it takes you back to a certain time and a certain emotion. That’s what the combine and harvest does to me. Thank you for taking the time to let me know you read my blog and that it stirred an emotion inside of ya. No…harvest 2014 has NOT been a typical summer journey!!!
Trust me, we love your pictures as much as we love your accounts of life on the harvest trail so keep them coming. 🙂 Unfortunately I don’t have such fond memories of Dad’s 300 or 510 Massey Fergusons. They were both so worn out by the time we got them that all I remember about them is busted knuckles and learning new cuss words from Dad and Gary (the dealer who sold dad both Massey’s) as simple repairs turned into major undertakings. But, they were solidly built and once they were repaired they did a good job. And let’s not forget that the 300 ran quite a ways while on fire so Dad could get it away from standing corn and to a place the fire department could get to it. Lol
It’s so much fun reading everyone’s accounts of what they remember from harvest past. And…isn’t it silly what will spur them to come front and center of all other memories? Thanks for telling me yours, Doug! And, you can be sure – those pictures will keep coming. That’s guaranteed! 🙂
I know that old grain truck smell real well! Grandpa’s old ton and a half Ford had the same smell, only he kept this old rag in there on the seat that he used to wipe the dust off the windshield with so it added a smell of corn and soybean dust to the mix! Great memories! 🙂
It’s a bit weird, I know, but I almost wish I could just take that truck home so I could jump in the cab and smell the days of being 12 in a truck that would end up meaning so much to me 40 years later!
Great pictures, so glad you had a little trip and also glad you are about finished so you can move home to your girls. I am sure you have missed them a LOT by now. May God bless you as you are finishing and traveling. Jack said to tell you is you want to swing by this way again, there is plenty of proso to pick up. LOL
Thanks, Linda!
It sounds like we’re gonna be packing up and heading south within the next couple of days. I don’t know why it’s always so hard to go back to the “previous” life even with kids and grandkids waiting for us. It almost makes me mad when Jim is in such a hurry to go back. Maybe another year we’ll be able to come help with the proso. Good luck with that and if you ever make it to Eastern NE you better make sure and give us a holler!
Beautiful pictures, sunsets are the best. What history and time period those old pull combines come from? Good to here you are dune or almost dune and did not need tow rope. Have a safe trip home.
You know, Allan, I didn’t walk down to those old combines. there was a lot of tall grass and a barbed wire fence between me and them. I opted to just capture their beauty from on top of the grain bin. 🙂 We never had to use the tow rope so I guess it was good that we had it along with us afterall. Thanks for the wishes of a safe trip home. It will start happening within the next day or so, I expect.
[…] us from the beginning, you know it was a late start due to drought and late season freezes. We made it to Kansas on June 18th. Our typical summer runs 110+ days. It will be good to get back home and be reunited […]
And ours is just starting…
I wish we could come help!
I`ve loved reading your blog all summer—-what an adventure and you`ve chosen to share it with words and pictures!!! Beautifully done—-God gave you a very special talent, Tracy—–safe travels.
Well, Judeen! Good to hear from you again. I’ve wondered about you and if you were still following us. 🙂
Glad you rode along with us this summer!
See ya soon.
Calgary & area has reservations for a snowcation for a couple of days, 1cm. but it could more,lets hope not. Have a safe trip home
A snowcation…LOVE IT! 🙂
Sounds like it’s supposed to get a bit chilly here in these northern parts. Even talking possibility of rain/snow here. I know we’ll be around here for a few more days. Jim likes to really clean up the equipment here and he’s pretty thorough. Thanks for the safe-trip-home wishes, Tom!
Hi Tracy….Geeeee, Oh how I remember how sick you got…..and how strange..visiting with Gma last week she ask how Jamie was…she just remembered how sick you was, and she came to help you, she hoped Jamie was never that sick….I’m going out this afternoon, I got her three new long
sleeve shirts for pj tops. we are having storms today..I did get my yard mowed last night after work…I only had the yard to finish back by the shed…and just when I was finishing..a down pour!!
and when talking with Gma about your love of the travels..reminded her of the Gpa/Gma coming
to Grand Island to settle Grand Island in1857 on the wagontrain….It’s in your blood she said!!!!!
guess I’d better get going….be safe…tell Jim hi hugs and kissesXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOmom…
Yeah, it was NO FUN!
Tell Grandma hello for me.
Love you too!
[…] sized oven to cook in. After I mentioned the items the girls and I cooked in my post, it began only 17 days ago, I had a couple of people ask me for the recipes. If you read the post, you’ll also […]
[…] we had our traditional meal ready to go: grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, pasta salad, beans, chips, cherry pie and Jenna’s Krispie […]
Your post about 9-11 very good and to the point. I remember it very well and the crowd in church on Sunday only repeated on Christmas and Easter. I was in Nebraska last week Lincoln tractor testing station, Grand island case plant tour, arch at Kearney to movie GAWH Wednesday night great story little emotional at times but to the point. The story needs to be told ,hope it gets to the midwest. Talked with Jenna i think we both were depressed with weather at farm show.
Well, well!!
I’ll have to ask Jenna about her visit with you. You had quite the trip then, didn’t you? I’ve never been to the Arch in Kearney. What’d you think of it? And I’m so glad you got to see the movie. Conrad did such a great job of telling the story. I’m so proud of how it turned out. Sorry about the emotional parts. Jenna makes me want to just sob every time I watch it!
The arch was interesting for me telling about history of pioneers starting in Illinois and Missouri heading west and following Platte river into Wyoming where Mormons headed south to Utah,49ers went west for gold rush and others headed northwest Also all the hardship along the way 1 in 20 didn’t survive the trip
Very interesting! I’ll have to try to get there sometime!
[…] The day we left home. Silly, I was trying to work through leaving the “real” world and jumping into the “harvest” world. (I’m shaking my head too) – the transition from “real” to “harvest” […]
[…] Something we’ve done a lot of this summer – waiting for the wheat to dry. Once we got to Colorado, this waiting game continued only waiting it out with the family we helped cut was way more fun than when you’re by yourselves – let the games begin […]
[…] that I was wishing for a rain day. And, then it happened and caused nothing but problems – kaput! […]
I feel the same way about our camper! Life IS so much easier! I really believe I could live in it year round and be just fine. I love being able to clean the entire place in 30 minutes top to bottom. Best wishes on your journey home! We start our own field today!
THANK YOU! At least I don’t feel quite so odd, then. 🙂
[…] Once we arrived at our first stop (which is usually our third stop), the battle with the clouds began – our EXTENDED raincation […]
[…] While we were in Limon, Jamie and Eli flew to Denver and spent a week with us. Curt missed his family so much, he left home a couple of days earlier and joined up with the crew mid-week. It was so much fun getting to share the combines, trucks and tractor with Eli. He was in little boy heaven! However, the goodbye had to come and that’s not easy for this grandma – the goodbye will be hard […]
[…] we were able to get back into the field and finish the acres we had left 12 days earlier – and those montana sunsets While we were waiting, Jim surprised me with a three-day drive through the mountains. One day, […]
[…] Tater Tot Casserole […]
I smiled when you wrote that “your hubby may take better care of the equipment” Do you remember eons ago when we jokingly thought if our pajamas would be JD green or Case red or in your case now NH yellow we would get some attention from our guys?
Just a random memory from the old days…. 🙂
YES!!!! Linda was going to put Case IH on a bag and wear it out to the field. I remember!
Love it all, EXCEPT…. The part where you were in Billings!!!! Remind me to shake you for that next time I see you 😉 I’m glad you’re home with all the kids. Love you!
I knew you would say that! BUT you know who I’m married to!
I love you too!!
Oh yes I know…. Which is why I say it with a smile on my face. Tell Jimbo I am very sad and disappointed in him. Give him the guilt trip:) tell him I came and visited the trailer a good 15-16 years in a row. And then some… Lay it on thick:)
Ok…I’ll TRY!!!!!
Oh Tracy, you just make me smile and my heart full of joy to follow your day to day life. It will never slow down at home. Your family is growing which means more things to do and more people to follow. It’s all great-but busy! Enjoy your holidays coming up with Eli and waiting for the new one. Be sure to let us know. Love to you all!
We sure dont have much more waiting time for #2!! Only 5 weeks (or so) to go. It gets too crazy sometimes, Linda! Hope your holidays are wonderful too. Love you!
You have one beautiful daughter, hhhhhum I wonder where she got her good looks from , In my eyes , Taylor you sure look like your Dad! Happy 20th Miss Zerion !!!!!
Happy Birthday Taylor!!
Thanks, Laurie!
So glad the trek home was a good one for you and Jim. Enjoy the upcoming holidays and your family!
Laurie
Thanks Laurie!! You too. The holidays will be here before you know it!
[…] I DON’T believe we should all stop eating wheat – simply because of the ridiculous claims that are being reported through our media […]
Very well done.
Thank you, Neil!
Great presentation, Having lived on Vancouver Island for 20 yrs, a haven for tree huggers & granola crunchers , I had many discussions & arguments about GMO crops.My question to them ,how much of your disposable income is spent on food ? With out the use of advanced agricultural technologies you’d be paying a whole hell of a lot more & the selves of the stores will be pretty thin of produce.
And…maybe…just maybe that’s exactly what this country needs to experience. We’ve had too much for quite some time now. When a few more are hungry, they’ll be wishing Agriculture was still feeding them! Thanks for your comments, Tom. I hope someone who doesn’t know sees my post!
Great job! I just hope it reaches the right eyes and ears. This is a good wake up call to those who think anything about agriculture is simple.
Thanks, Sonja! Maybe I posted it on a bad day but it just felt right. If it’s meant to be seen, I have faith that it will. It certainly was thought about for a long time and wouldn’t go away. 🙂
You give the uninformed a lot to think about. We grow popcorn along with corn and soybeans. The popcorn is non-gmo, so I know first hand how long it takes to clean a combine. I take at least one day, and two if time always, let alone the auger wagons and trucks. The gmo crops might have some drawbacks, but with them the chemical and insecticide use is greatly reduced, which in turn is good for the enviroment. Keep up the good work, and happy holidays.
Thank you!! I appreciate hearing from someone who knows first hand!! I know we clean the combine before each move and we could blow and clean for an entire day. Sometimes, we still find soybeans or corn in crevices midway through the summer.
Very well put together article on gmo verse non gmo crops. Being a Illinois farmer which is 100% gmo along with every other corn and soybean farmer the positive out weigh the negative. I can relate to your pictures which are the same for corn and soybeans also. Old picture of grandpa combine and 4 row cornhead in down corn and muddy condition , been there and done that a few times.
Thanks, Allan! A lot of negativity about GMO food and I wish we could just help those who believe the untruth become more educated!
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Hi … Allan again reading Farm Word paper last night there is two articles on gmo go to http://www.farmworldonline.com pages 8&9 and 10&11 also.Great thanksgiving.Thank you.
I would love to read it, Allan, but unfortunately I can’t because I don’t subscribe to it.
Very nicely written and provides a down to earth and practical problem in implementation. I do have three doubts though.
1. The whole assumption is that we know GMO is not unhealthy and that it meets the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) standards. This is largely true. But what if isn’t? What if we know a few GMOs are problematic. Would you still hold your view?
2. The problem of grain segregation has already been addressed in the organic world. Why not in the GMO world? After all, Europe has successfully dealt with this. Why not us?
3. The argument is often made that GMO crops use more chemicals and fertilizers, increasing the cost of cultivation to the farmer. This is passed on to the consumer. But non-GMO crops use far less chemicals and less expensive ones too and yields are easily comparable. So is it really true that GMO grain segregation will cost more than non GMO crop cultivation? Perhaps it will cost less.
I am unable to answer all your questions, but I would like to comment about the differences between organic and Europe seed separation. In both cases, the amount of seed would be significantly less. In 2010 only one GMO crop was approved in Europe, a variety of maize resistant to the European corn borer. Currently 49 different GMO varieties have been approved. Spain is the largest producer of GMOs with 20% of its Maize farmed. This is about 340,000 acres. In the United States, 169,000,000 acres were planted with GMO crops. Since Europe has fewer acres and fewer varieties, it would be much easier to keep separate. I don’t farm in Europe, but I assume that those farmers would only use their own equipment and custom harvesters wouldn’t be involved. Home storage could be used instead of communal graineries where contamination would occur. This is similar to what occurs for organic crops in the United States. The small percentage grown is much easier to keep separate.
I would also like to address your third point. GMOs almost always have higher yields. That is why they are popular with farmers. They often use less chemicals, especially insecticides. The cost difference for the farmer isn’t the only cost we are talking about here. That is just one step in a long process to the consumer. We plant it and we grow it. Then it is harvested. If we use custom harvesters, instead of owning expensive equipment that’s only used two weeks a year, they have additional costs. The truckers, barges, and trains have additional costs. The graineries and factories have extra costs. And if an accident happens and contamination occurs it will also cost money. An average farmer only receives about 12 cents for every dollar spent at the store. The rest is transportation and processing costs. We aren’t the ones passing the costs onto the consumer. The market fluctuates and we sell at what it goes for. If I have a bad year, fuel prices increase and my production is low, I don’t get to say I am charging more for my product.
Another brief response to the third point. GMO crops do indeed require fewer chemicals overall (and yes, particularly with insecticides), and the use of glyphosate-resistant crops means the farmer also has to physically cultivate the soil less. Every trip of the tractor through the field spends fuel and time; effects wear and tear on the equipment; and results in soil moisture loss, a particular problem in droughted areas. The growth habit of some crops, notably beans, means they can’t be cultivated late in the season to control weeds. Pre-GMO, crews of roguers would walk the fields and individually remove weeds. Finding a crew of roguers is now difficult (very, very few people with other options want to walk beans anymore) and is cost-prohibitive compared to aerial spraying.
I thought this was a very informative post. I do have a few thoughts with regard to @Ashok’s doubts.
1. Replace the word “GMO” with organic, particularly problematic when it comes to environmental concerns. I wonder how the argument would change then?
2. The extra costs associated with organic grain production has been and is paid for from the marketplace via marketing labels versus all consumers’ and taxpayer dollars. Scientific consensus as you noted is that GE crops meet GRAS standards. Thus, to force a government mandate to pay for someone else’s whims or fears is unethical, particularly when the burden of those increased costs would be felt the most by those who can least afford them.
3. The statement is not supported by evidence. GE crops have higher yields, use less toxic and less pesticides in general, allow for reduced tillage and less topsoil disruption and ultimately a smaller carbon footprint. If they didn’t, why would they be so dang popular amongst farmers? Farmers who are interested in keeping their businesses viable and sustainable for generations to come.
Just my thoughts in response to yours. I’m a dairy farmer who relies on GE crops to make the grain we feed our cows. Otherwise they are completely grass fed with respect to forages.
I have to, again, remind you that I am not a farmer so I appreciate the views of the comments from those who actually do the work involved in getting the grain in the ground, caring for it until it reaches the point of what I do understand – the harvest. I’ve thought about your questions for quite a while, Ashok. I will address the comment about a “few GMO’s are problematic”. I would have to see the science behind this before I would comment one way or another. What I do know and believe is that farmers who grow grain, whether its GMO or Non-GMO care about what they do. It takes a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears (and not to mention expense) to put that crop in the ground. They do this for their family and they do it because they love the life they live. I don’t think there is one farmer out there that would ever do anything that would cause harm to their family, to their livelihood or to fellow human beings. That’s why I question GMO’s being problematic. They feed their families the same food we eat.
I don’t know enough about grain segregation in Europe – let alone their rules and regulations. What I do know is that there are a tremendous amount of acres planted and harvested in this country. Not all farmers can afford the expense of owning and operating the combines, trucks, tractors and grain carts that are necessary to get the harvest in. That’s why they hire the custom harvesters. The custom harvesters travel from job to job with their machinery to replace the farmer in the field. I don’t see how grain segregation will be an easy chore if GMO labeling comes into play – especially if there is a “zero” tolerance policy in place! Not only will it NOT be easy, I don’t see how true segregation can take place.
I find it interesting that after I wrote this, I found an article in the Genetic Literacy Project that supports what I wrote about – http://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2014/11/24/food-scientist-bruce-chassy-although-some-gmo-sympathizers-embrace-labeling-its-a-disaster-in-waiting/
GMO corn and nonGMO corn, once they are grown, cannot be distinguished from each other once the corn is grown … How would there be a way to test for “GMO corn” in the food chain or on equipment?
Labeling would create a nightmare of epic proportion for farmers and food producers.
I don’t even want to think about what a huge mess that would be!! No one understands. They think all you have to do is slap a label on something. No cost involved or problems…yeah right!!
[…] via (gmo) labeling the harvest – nebraskawheatie. […]
[…] some GMO sympathizers embrace labeling, it’s a disaster in waiting | Genetic Literacy Project (GMO) Labeling the Harvest | Nebraska […]
This reminds me of when we had an ice storm and we without power. Luckily it was before we had kids. The boys are not as amused when the power goes off as we are. 😉 Thanks for linking up to the Country Fair Blog Party.
You’re welcome! Funny how something like an ice/snow storm creates so many memories!!
[…] that was started way back when was the yearly visit to see Santa Claus. I wrote a post about the very last picture of the four girls with Santa. That’s already been three years ago. Gosh, a lot has happened in those three years! Today, […]
What a wonderful post!! Your family keeping the traditional decorations from generations ago is so cool. My dad made ornaments from walnut shells while he was home from school with the mumps. We always hang at least one of these on our tree. He turned 80 last September! Thanks, and Merry Christmas
Those ornaments (like those of your dads) are the very best in my eyes! It creates a tree of memories rather than just a Christmas tree. Thank you so much for your note, Kevin! Merry Christmas to you and your family, as well!
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you too, Leonard!
Enjoy your post and the traditions your family carries on over the years. I learned a little about my German heritage which I know little about. Which you and Jim & your 4 daugthers a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Thank you!!!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you, too, Allan!
Merry Christmas from Idaho to you and yours Z Crew! And what a special one it is to have little Miss Nora Grace (Grace is my mother’s name…she will be 96 in Feb.) with you this year! Thank you for sharing your Christmas traditions with us! Have a happy and healthy 2015!
Thank you, Margaret!
It was a WONDERFUL day. All the kids were home under the same roof for the entire day. It was the best Christmas gift they could have given me!!
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Oh Tracy, your writing is beautiful filled with beauty, warmth and heartfelt love. I loved seeing your trees and the girls ornaments. I too saved my boys’ ornaments which went with them after they were married. I thought my tree would be a little bare but I just keep getting beautiful and special ornaments from my Sunday school kids and dear friends and now grandkids. I am like you, I love my “homey tree” and with each one I pull out of the box each year I remember and have fond memories of the person it came from. Totally agree that without those, it is just a tree. Merry Christmas to you and your special family. Spoil those grandbabies all you can-we are!
Great post to send out the old year and ring in the new! May 2015 be full of blessings for you and your family, Tracy!
Thank you so much, Melody! I never even thought about it that way and should have! 2015 will be a fine year…I just have a good feeling. 🙂
What a little shmunchkin !!! Your family is truly blessed, Here’s to safe & rewarding 2015.
Yes, Tom, we really ARE truly blessed! I just don’t ever want to take it for granted! I’m looking forward to 2015 and know it’s gonna be a great one! Happy New Year to you and your family, as well!
Tired to send you some pics of our outfit (1/64th scale ) on the net must have had a JD glitch !!.. will send you some photos this week . Also in Ukrainian Nora is a Chaira – Pete-Nick , roll ‘re tongue to have the sound. It means a Little Angel !!!
What a precious joy she is. Eli looks like such a little man sitting beside Mom and looking at what has come into his life. Happy New Year Z Crew! 🙂
Thank you, Margaret!
He’s adjusting. 🙂
Melinda is a very good friend of mine and I do believe that she made most of that. She’s a sweetie and Christmas in the Country ROCKS!!!!!!!!!! Great loot! And I know Amber as well, I am positive her little ones were excited about their gifts, what a great idea, my person doesn’t have kiddos, (she’s a lot younger than us) I wouldn’t have thought of that, kudos to you! 🙂
I love everything I received! Melinda said she made everything. What a gal! As far as remembering the little ones, I just know my kids would have been doing 15 years ago. 🙂
Loved your page! We have a greenhouse business/crop farm just across the border in NW Missouri…look forward to keeping up w your adventures!
Thank you, Julie! I’m excited to have a new person join our journey! It’s a bit slow now but it’ll pick up in a few months…promise!
These farm mamas rock! I love both the gift you sent and the one you received. Thank you again Tracy for participating this year.
Laurie
Your gift giver was so darn creative and talented! What a special gift! Thanks for participating and sharing again this year, we loved having you!
Gifts from the heart. Aren’t handmade gifts the best? Happy new year!
Yep, they’re the very BEST!
Thank you and Happy New Year to you too!
Seize the day indeed!!
You can fight Him and try to choose your own path in life, but it usually does not go well, I can attest to that! I’ve been doing a lot of looking back the past few weeks and I’ve noticed that I almost always take the easier of the two paths before me, and I’ve started looking at it like this. When life leads you to a fork in the road, there’s usually an uphill way that contains challenges and obstacles but yields fulfillment and happiness. Then there is the downhill way that looks easy, but usually has even harder challenges and obstacles that you can’t see because “someone” blocks then from your view and it leads to bitterness and misery. The more easy paths you choose in life, the further you sink, and the tougher life gets. When you consider man’s view of where heaven and hell are located, above and below, it becomes apparent who places each path before us. I’m speaking from experience here, because 9 times out of 10, I have chosen the easy path in the past, and I’ve been miserable and bitter. I’ve chosen a few hard, uphill paths here the past few months and life is looking much better! This latest path was extremely scary, so scary that I almost chose the easy way out again, but I bit the bullet and moved uphill, and an exciting new adventure has begun.
Maybe that’s a weird way of looking at things, but, I’m a bit weird.
Absolutely right, Doug! And DON’T listen to the voice that tells you to take the easy road and run away from the challenge. It’s a loud voice and one that tends to be listened to the most. That’s why that path is so much wider and carries more traffic. Keep up the good work, Doug! I’ll be right next to you on that narrow path…we can walk together!
This is a great post and I have shared it. Your words are ones that I sometimes say in my head to myself. Thank you for posting this today. God bless your journey and the path that lies ahead!
Thank you! I think those words were brought to mind for more than just me. I was simply the messenger. So glad they were a blessing to you! Thanks for taking the time to let me know you liked it!
Well said , Tracy . When you believe in yourself & going down the field that you have chosen with love and commitment the Lord is there with you. Life is not a easy harvest , we all know its has a few rocks hiding in the stubble & a soft spot we can’t see . When faced with adversity and take it on full bore, it seems the hill wasn’t that big after all. It’s always darkest before the dawn . When its to tough for everybody , it’s just right for me. a couple of family sayings..
Talk about family how’s that grand daughter coming along , did you get the pictures we sent you ? Will be sending you a book ,Quest for Eden, Our pioneering grandparents challenge , it has a custom harvesting story in it !!
I DID get the pictures. Sorry for not acknowledging!! They came at a time that all I could concentrate on was what was in front of me. I apologize. I have them sitting on my desk with all intentions of getting back to you. Agreed! The darkest is just before the dawn. Nora and Eli are both growing way too fast! It should be about time I share a photo or two!
No worries , I knew you were busier than a one armed paper hanger with the convention , Did you make some head way in D.C. ?
I certainly hope so!! We can only do so much and in the end it comes down to the government.
Well said!
Thank you!
“What am I trading my days for?”
Good point, Tracy.
Just keep swimming!
Thanks Karen! I will only if you promise there’s a life preserver waiting on the sidelines!
Well put and preached, Tracy!
Thank you! I’m honored by your remark.
Well presented, Tracy! I’ve just been through a rough week and your words were what I needed to read right now. I’m going to print this so I don’t forget.
Oh my goodness! My words in print. How awesome is that! ❤️
This is really wonderful. I grew up on a farm in Benchland.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂
I LOVE this area of Montana.
Great story and photos. I remember the first bottle calf I raised. My parents decided to sell her when she was young, as she probably wouldn’t turn out to be much. I was devastated. I supposed it taught me at an early age that you love something as fiercely as you can, because you never know the fate or duration of the relationship (animal and human).
And you know…I’m still that way. Go back and read the story of last summer about that silly cat that I was bottle feeding. It took me DAYS to get over the hole that was left in my heart. UGH! I suppose I’ll be like this forever. Thanks for sharing your story with me.
Loved this story—-so indicative of the Tracy I know!!! Wow—a celebrity among us.
Happy Easter to all you guys,
Love & blessings,
Ross & Judeen
Thank you, Judeen! Good to hear you’re still “out there”!! 🙂
We raised a bird once too. It had blown out of a nest, during a storm. We thought it might be a robin, it was a sparrow. It lived in a cage in the bathroom for the summer. My husband feed it worms. It would “talk” to him and fly through the house to find him. We went on vacation and when we got home “Birdy was dead. I’m sure we left him food, but I don’t remember what. My husband was in sad for days.
Thank you for sharing your story with me, Dian! Funny…I guess I figured I was the ONLY one that had ever done this. 🙂
Never seen picture of anything like that, sparrow was at peace with you. A long cold winter in northern Illinois. Getting ready for spring work. Wish you an family a blessed Easter week.
Thanks, Allan!
A great event in your life, Yes you kind’a look like a hippie but a bit too young. You have to meet my Wife Sandi,She ‘s a real Canadian Hippy , hitched hiked from Ontario to Alberta in 1971, Spent 20 yrs. Banff AB. moved to Vancouver Island —-Hippy Central , Then fell in love with a haywire ex Alberta farmer. Sandi loves the land .
Well, I was a bit too young to be a TRUE hippy. 🙂 But I guess that was the style in ’73 anyways. You’re wife sounds like the true hippy.
Tracy I wrote you a note but it did not go so I will send this ..maybe it was to long yes I have the letter and the feathers you sent in the letter to “Rudy” telling him how “Chirpy died….and how Mrs.Cutcliff was impressed with your writing abilities…”The Old Man”..story about your Great
Grandpa Koch….she kept a copy for her files….”Mr. Rudy”that wrote the story of you and Chirpy
told me this….His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches over me…..love and kisses XXOO
mom….oh Gma D said to tell you hello…and she giggled when we talked of Eli pointing to you then me and then to her ..Ga..Ga..Ga.. so sweet she will be 97 this Nov….WOW…be safe…mom…
Thanks mom! 🙂
You can certainly add writing as one of your gifts. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Missy! 🙂 I really do LOVE to write when I feel like I can work it into my day.
[…] of brevity, I’ll just include the steps required with no further explanation on my part. This post by a harvester goes into more detail and explains just how much of a burden will be placed on farmers and […]
Quite a Sunday School lesson in this post!!!! Not sure this could be covered in half to one hour though.
Well written as always Tracy. About the bullies, just remember what Forrest Gump said— “stupid is as stupid does.” Frank G.
LOVE IT!! 😉
Thanks, Frank.
Thanks for sharing! What an awesome example He set for us to live by, that reminder and encouragement was just what I needed to hear today.
Great! I’m glad it helped you, Ethan! 🙂
Hope you’re doing well – what have you been up to lately?
We’ve been great, we’re gearing up to start planting corn in a week and a half to two weeks. I’ve also been busy with school activities as the year (and my high school career) near an end. It’s hard to believe I’m a senior already, but like they say, time flys when your having fun! Before we know it, harvest will be upon us. And how have you been?
I’m reading this as Tornados flattened a few Illinois towns as well as a huge swatch along your path! It is helpful to see the rebuilding they did! I grew up in North West Kansas (Colby) but am now in Virginia! Thanks for linking this up at Country Fair Blog Party!
I can remember that day as if it were yesterday. Thanks for reading it and for leaving me a note. I have a great harvest friend in Colby.
Have another great run you guys! Love to follow the journey ech time!
Thanks!! And I’m glad to have you join us!!
Hi great post even thou harvest 6 week away cant start to early. Know what Jim goes through remember working on trucks and corn sheller in zero windy weather. Got first shop in 80s and lighting hit it 5 -6 years later.What a mess to clean up. Built new shop 4 years ago but still like to work out side every thing you do inside you have to clean up after. I know he will be ready in time.
Great move on the service truck , it will be big time saver.Our first official trap wagon ( service truck) came to being in 74, a 69 chev 1/2 ton . It was also my shag’n wag’n soooo I would have get it all cleaned up before a weekend date & have put all tools, oil & other goodies back in it next morning!!
Beautiful pictures of the Grand Canyon, my aunt taught school in Winslow, AZ about 20 years, in the late 40’s & early 50’s, so really enjoyed all of your pics & story!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment. I felt like I overdid the pictures but just couldn’t decide which one(s) to eliminate. Glad you enjoyed them.
Tracy and Jenna..your pictures of the Grand Canyon are “awesome”…the light of the bright sun on the snow is simply beautiful..the colors on the rocks gave me goose bumps..the pictures are the best that I’ve seen..they should be made into post cards…It was a beautiful day the Lord is always with you. I did chuckle at the deer ???..donkeys??? on the side of the road….time for
bed…love you both so much and Happy Birthday early Jenna…Gma Barb…I enjoy your pictures
and travel stories…its like I’m there too…
They were elk all lined up eating after the snowfall. Glad you liked the pictures, mom!
Beautiful pictures of your trip to southwest with Jenna .I have great memorys of Grand Canyon and Tombstone AZ from some 40 years ago none with snow on ground . There is so much to see and time runs short. You have a lot to be proud of I have seen Jenna work some of the best
Thanks, Allan!
Nothing beats taking your grandkids to see baby farm animals and being able to expose them to the life of agriculture.
No kidding. I was just amazed by little Ruby and her story.
Great day on the farm and good experience for Eli .The struggle of calfs and also lambs that are born outdoor in bad weather.
I happened to stumble across your blog by accident, and have been browsing on it all night. I love hearing about another woman’s life on harvest and all the things that go along with it. I work for a large custom harvesting and farming company in north central Nebraska, and I’m the only girl that works in the shop and goes on the road. Definitely makes for some interesting stories and experiences. Looking forward to your next post!
I’m so glad you found me! 🙂 And excited that I’ll have a fellow harvester along for the ride. Thank you for taking the time to leave a note.
[…] was 97 – she had just turned 94 when I wrote this post about celebrating her birthday. I knew she would have to leave us some day. It just happens. For the past several years, Grandma […]
What a tribute, Tracy. Be comforted in your loss, knowing that it is as temporary, eternally speaking, as it is hard.
Rest eternal grant her, O Lord, and light perpetual shine upon her.
Thank you! I know I’ll see her again and that’s what brings comfort to my heart.
Death is a fact of life none of us can escape, but it doesn’t make it any easier to handle. I’m sorry for your loss! Just remember you will see her again someday!
Yep! That’s what definitely helps knowing when the pain hurts so bad now.
Thank you!
This reminded me so much of my own Grandma, who has been gone 10 years now. She also let me stand behind her in the chair or on the couch and do her snow white hair. Prayers and thoughts to all of you.
Thank you so much!
Your post brings back memory of mother and dad. Dad died in 82 laying beside a truck he was working on .Mother never did any farm business was a new life for her. Mother lived to 2010 she was 96 and last 3 years was in a nursing home and had same thoughts when is lord going to take me. Elaine and I were there to see her and last words was we love you. What a shock when nursing home called hour latter she had passed away. We express our sympathy.
Thank you!
Grandma’s are special part of ones life,our prayers are with you Tracy.
Thanks, Tom!
Beautiful words, Tracy. My Grandma Heil lived in that home for five years, also, so long ago. God’s peace to you, and love and hugs from me.
Thanks, Karen. That means a lot!
May God`s love & peace comfort you & your family, Tracy!!! Your Grandma has received her greatest reward—-HEAVEN!!! Reason to celebrate a lovely lady and a life well lived.
Absolutely! 🙂
Love ya!
Seen a little deeper into your soul, my friend and know that my prayers are with you
🙂
Thanks, Nanc!
My Dear Tracy….your words are like music….the comfort I get from reading “your words” about my
Mother …..gives me such comfort..and helps to soothe the sorrow…I was fortunate to be with her..
I was there at 10:00am…with both my sisters…and then around 2:00 my brother arrived..and we were there with her all rest of the day..evening was coming and Shirley was so weary and Dave too..they both wished her goodnight and told her they would be back in the am…she knew they were going to rest….I spent the night with her..the staff ..the kindness they gave her…I prayed with her..The Twenty-Third Psalm..I know she heard me reading it to her ..the strain on her face relaxed…it was 3:45 the nurse came and gave her the pain medicine..they turned her and again she held my hand…this time I read her the Lords Prayer.. and I fluffed the wet wash cloth and held
it on her forehead..she liked that..then about 4:25…she knew at this time her death angel must be there with her to
give her the wings to go to heaven to be with Jesus..she sighed…and.. and she “was home”..I too
will miss her….she got her wish…Praise be to Thee, O God……..mom…..
Beautiful. Simply beautiful. – Victoria Ward
Thank you so much, Victoria!!!
Tracy, I am so sorry for your loss, your tribute to her was beautiful, she was surrounded by love and now she is in the arms of Jesus and loved ones in Heaven. I lost my sister earlier this month, and although I know she is in a much better place and with our family in Heaven, I miss her, and my heart aches. Thinking of you, have safe travels. Love, Mardrie
I’m so sorry, Mardrie!! I’ve been thinking about you so much. I wish I could have been with you yesterday for your party. We’ll be back soon enough. We can chat then! Love you!!
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for your beautiful tribute to your Grandma. As I was reading it, I was annoyed about the wet weather and being behind with planting and reading your post put things back in perspective. Some things aren’t as important as we think they are at the time. Your faith and family will see you through this tough time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Have safe travels this summer, and look forward to your harvest updates here and on All Aboard.
Thank you so much!! The weather is messing with a lot of people. Harvesters are in Texas and Oklahoma just waiting to get started. We won’t head that far south but even the first job for us this year is gonna be behind. Either too much rain or not enough. I wish you luck with the planting. Nothing more frustrating than when you can’t do the job you’re wanting to do. Good luck!
Another Faith Building Year-for sure!! Farmer’s, just like harvesters live from day to day and each year the weather gives them something to talk about. haha I asked Jack the other day what they would talk about if God didn’t supply many different weather issues. Loved your outlook.
You have made the right decide there will be a lot of stuck combines and truck and repair bills to go with it. Working in those condition you will lose your faith .Be patient and god bless.
To the folks in TX. OK. tell the Lord please send those rain clouds north,we are weez/cough/fart with sparks dry. There are 51 forest fires burning in Alberta today.
This is excellent! Something I hadn’t thought about before, but read about with the Oregon law passed recently regarding banning GMO in one county – how would any agency really be able to regulate the labeling of GMO crops? How can it be enforced? Since the only difference is in the seed used, is there any way to tell if the harvested item is GMO?
I’m not a farmer, of course, so I don’t know the specifics of how the two different types of corn look. I would say you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference by looking. It would take testing. Testing means more labor and more money involved. It would be a trainwreck! I just don’t see how it can happen and be a cheap option for the farmer (or consumer). The amount of manpower and paperwork would be ridiculous!
Thanks for taking the time to leave your note!
[…] https://www.nebraskawheatie.com/gmo-labeling-harvest/ […]
Mud puddles and grandsons ,now that’s a good combination .Our two buddy’s Caleb 3 1/2 & Ethan 2 1/2 Caleb goes out with a croc on one foot and a rubber boot on the other.I was at Megan & Nathan’s for fathers day so Ethan is showing papa Tom how he can ride his bike — straight to a puddle no less !!! But the bike was’nt making the right effect so with his good clothes & new shoes into the H20 we go!!! Got to Love it. Talk about goofy weather we had lumpy rain ( snow,rain) mix yesterday with a severe wind a real gully washer . On Thus. it was +30c with twister warnings for east central Alberta. We are still super dry here, have only had 11/2 in. since March. in the Cochrane area. So raincation season has started already, bugger ! Good job Taylor & Callie on the move . Cute portable flower garden Tracy.Praying for cutting weather for the Z Crew.
Good to hear from you, Tom!
We managed to have three good days of cutting with our 8 machines around Dacoma/Alva before the rain started. Thankfully we’ve got a good crew this year- their idea of fun is currently an 8 person game of monoply in our hotel lobby!
Seems the wheat acres that are being cut are all over the place!! What a summer. A good crew will make the summer so much better! They either fit in or they don’t. I remember how much fun some of the crews were when I was a kid. It makes or breaks the summer.
That picture of Eli i think i did the same thing a boy thing. Good to hear you all had a safe trip. Hope it quits raining we are having the same problem in northern Illinois.
I think we may have finally got a break in the weather! Sounds like near 100° by the weekend. That should allow us to keep going for a while.
Just a thought , is it possible that the elevators in OK. get a grain dryer in their setup.would sure help the the crews cutting wheat that have another job to go , instead of sitting for 12.5 %
I’m not sure if they have those because MOST of the time the sun does a grand job of drying the grain. It just hasn’t had the intensity needed. More trucks are coming in the elevator today with highs near 100° this weekend. That will help us keep going and maybe the moods will get better.
I look forward to your blog posts about harvesting every year. It seems like such an adventure. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoy them! And I’m glad you’re following us on our journey. Thank you for taking time to leave a note. I appreciate it (and you) so much!
Just wanted to ensure you that you are not alone when it comes to the feeling you get when you sit behind the wheel of a combine. Over the past few years of reading your blog, I’ve always felt that you are the only person that I have ever come across who can accurately express the same feelings I get about combines. And for the longest time, I thought I was the only one! So even if it is wierd to some, its not to all! 🙂 Happy Harvest!! Wish I was there!
YOU HAVE JUST MADE MY DAY!!! 🙂
Thank you for being in the same boat as me and letting me know I’m not as weird as I think I may be. I just had someone ask me yesterday WHY I loved it so much. I couldn’t pinpoint the reason. I just do. Thanks for following our journey and thanks for taking time to write your note!
Beautiful day here and I hope you had the same. Fingers crossed for more sunshine to head your way!
The summer sun is gearing up with some intense heat the next several days. Supposed to be pretty darn warm with 0% chance of rain. We should be able to get done and moved to Garden City with no problems (keeping my fingers crossed).
Great insights of all kinds!
Aw, thank you! 🙂
Glad to hear you are started. I can’t imagine the mud.
The combine seat is one of my most favorite places to be as well. I LOVE harvest!
Can’t wait to follow your journey again this summer. Good luck.
Thanks for checking in, Anthony. I just had someone ask me yesterday WHY I love the combine so much. I couldn’t answer her. I think it’s just because it’s my little piece of the world and I can solve all the problems in that seat. 🙂 It’s more of an addiction and I wish I could really place my finger on the WHY!
Wow, I’ve followed the USCHI website since 99 & All Aboard since it started I can’t remember test weights that light ! Tracy, what are the elevators doing with that quality ,is it feed or can they blend it with better wheat ? Here’s hoping the yellow beast keeps on the dry side.
Well, that’s a GREAT question. I think maybe I’ll have to see if Taylor would be willing to do a blog about that. There’s a lot of poor quality wheat around. Arnett elevator wouldn’t even take it so we had to drive the 30 miles (one way) to Shattuck.
Hi Tracy, Yesterday as I was headed home from Nampa, ID (live 25 miles away) I saw 4 Budget rental trucks get off the freeway. As I pulled alongside of them I noticed that each one had an Oklahoma license plate. My first thought was of you there waiting to combine and what the farmers/residents across Oklahoma have been going thru (not to mention Texas). Made me wonder if these 4 trucks (one towing a vehicle) were people that had one flood too many, one drought too many, one tornado too many, etc. that broke the camel’s back and were moving to Idaho. Never found out because they were going one direction and I was headed another. Thanks for this weeks updates and hope the crops and weather both get better…and no mud bogs! Have a good week ahead! Margaret
49 years of being married to a farmer and I’m sure being married to a harvester is about the same…the most important things to be done are those that are on his agenda…whether I know it or not. Somehow we missed out on the class “Mind Reading 101”!! Loved your post Tracy! 🙂
ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! I hope the comment you made, “the most important things to be done are those on HIS agenda” is portrayed in my post because that is so spot on! 🙂
My husband and I have also been married for 33 years and have a cow/calf, row crop operation (including wheat) in Southwest Nebraska. Just so you know, “YOU ARE NOT ALONE!” I’m not much better at reading his mind than I was three decades ago, And I wouldn’t change our lives for any other! Hang in there, I know you have a lot of company.
Thanks, Carol! I sorta figured I would be amongst some great company!! Well…at least we know they are all the same. 🙂
Thanks for the note of reassurance!!
Been married 37 yrs. and same here. Some days I’m better at reading his mind than others. 🙂
Going on 49 years for us. It’s getting to a point that lup-reading is also needed!
You’ll have to fill me in on what lup-reading is. 🙂
At least I’m in great company on this situation!
My dad and I worked and farmed together until I was thirty years old. You could say he taught me my way of thinking and still couldn’t read his mind all the time. If a son can’t read the mind of the man who raised him, how could a wife ever expect to be able to? Keep trying, I’m sure he appreciates everything you do for him, he’s just from an era where men don’t say thank you very often.
That’s a fact…Jack!!!!
Crap, guilty. Lol
Anthony
Just remember we CAN’T read your mind.
Just to let you know, after 3 days of working on haying equipment, I bought more fishing tackle, so we can share!
I CAN’T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!
Sounds oh so familiar – and we’ve been married 50 years.
At least I now know I’m NOT the only one who deals with this!
In to some good wheat, good to go, the clothes line is too cool, work safe,& no Raincations in KS.
No raincation…just a rain day!
Good to hear all is going well and wheat yields are improving. Hope Callie foot gets better so she can enjoy her trip to Chicago. Prays will be with the group. Got to see some of combine cam great,view you make it look easy. GPS is great I use it planting corn
Just keep on rolling…….( well written …. )
Most impotant issue …Having a Save and good Harvest…!!
Thanks, Lion!
If we get home with no missing limbs or wrecked equipment…then it has been a successful harvest! 🙂
Sorry for the Misspelled action…in the last line..!
( Ah you know…. foreigners…!)
Right word should be,
>IMPORTANT<
I sorta figured that was the word.
[…] In 2013, Miss America 2011 spent the afternoon with us in the field. How many people can say Miss America has ridden in your combine? I think Jimbo was a bit giddy…we hit a wall (a big, cement one). […]
Time stands still for no one , thanks so much for the pictures & stories of your 4th of July memories. Is Jim the only Custom Harvester to have Miss America ride in a New Holland combine ? I can remember those pics on All Aboard Wheat Harvest from a few years back , your green hands from unplugging a weed choked combine !!! When I farmed we were always to busy to celebrate Canada Day. As I’am posting this I told me Sandi that this old plow jocky has never seen live fire works,go figger EH !!! Enjoy your 4th of July !!!
Ahhhh you’re missing out! You MUST take time to see the fireworks! I love them.
[…] our farmer in the Garden City, KS area on Wednesday morning (6/24) without missing a beat. If you recall, we finished Shattuck late Monday afternoon and loaded as much as we could. On Tuesday, Jim and […]
Loved reading your post as usual, and seeing the pics, Tracy!!!! But my greatest “treat” this weekend was seeing Callie & Taylor and getting a hug!!! Sweet young ladies—–be a proud Momma!!!
I AM a proud momma! 🙂 All my girls have turned into beautiful young women with lots to offer the world. Thanks, Judeen! Thanks for letting me know you’re still with me.
I live in St. Francis, KS. Friends of the Sparlings in the Seneca HS area. They putme on to your web sight…Never TOO MANY pictures.
Check me out on Facebook.. Philip L Crawford if you like Cowboy Music and Poetry
Thank you, Philip! I’ll take a look at your Facebook page. Sounds interesting!
I made the harvest trip clear into Canada in 1957 with a crew of 2 12ft 55 John Deere combines..Quite an experience..
Ah…so you know all about harvest. Although you had it much harder than we do now! My dad used to go with my Grandpa in the early 50’s and he has quite the stories!
Loved the pictures, see you soon!
Enjoy your pictures and hearing from your operation. Wheat and oats harvest along with spraying and getting hay made in Illinois has been a struggle to much rain over 10 inches in June and July is not any dryer. Enjoy combine cam you make your job look easy with help of GPS. A roomer of a farmer in southern Il netting 2.00 dollars a bushel for his wheat at elevator. Best of luck to you.
Super pics,Tracy .The one of The Z Crew is the best ,toooo silllly. We finally got some good rain in Alberta but still not enough, came to late , hay crops are 1/3 to 1/2 of normal . Here’s hoping that you can get some long days of cutt’n in Limon CO.
Great pictures of work and family. I am sure you hope Eli has that must interest 12 -15 years from know in harvest.
He probably will and we’ll probably be done…
Poor kid!
You’ll need duct tape to keep that proso in the machine. 🙂 Only sort of kidding … it does flow like water.
I’ve heard that! Someone else said using the grease we use for the combine works well too.
I enjoyed your pictures of familiar territory around Redstone where we’ve visited friends who have a cabin there. Larry is an author among other things. Now that you don’t have much to do for the rest of the summer (something tells me you’ll not be idle long), if you’d like to read some history of the area set in the 1800’s, I recommend This Cursed Valley. http://www.amazon.com/This-Cursed-Valley-Larry-Meredith/dp/0967386772
We’ve also attended several excellent blacksmith meetings in Carbondale.
Oh my goodness – those pictures are beautiful & wish I was there to camp with you !!! Hope I get to see you on your trip home, home !!!
We wish you were with us more than once the past several weeks!! Anxious to see all of you guys!
All the talk of harvest and the fair made me homesick for Iowa! I really enjoyed your photos and the story of your family’s journey.
It’s sad when the kids grow up and start doing their own things, but then, that’s what they are supposed to do!
Yep. That’s what they are supposed to do. It’s the changes that are a little hard on me and my heart. I love having my kids around and have thoroughly enjoyed being their mom! What part of Iowa are you from and where do you live now?
I know we’ve discussed this before, but I can’t say it enough, you have the best job in the world! Those pictures are absolutely stunning, I can’t get enough of them and would love to have them hanging on my walls! (Except they would probably make me miss it more!) Lol Enjoy your break until millet harvest.
Thanks, Doug! I’m glad you like them. 😊
And…I KNOW I have the best job in the world. I just need to enjoy each day as it’s given to me!!
Great harvest pictures enjoy all of them. Hard to believe it is over already. Going to miss your trip to Montana. Weather been crazy in northern Illinois also 10 plus inches in June wheat was a disaster low test weights and yields plus disease only worth 1 dollar and some, straw worth more than grain. Hope millet works out for you. Enjoy combine cam great idea you make it look so easy with help of GPS. Best of luck with fall harvest coming on.
Thanks for your note, Allan!! It IS hard to believe it’s over already.
Just getting back on track ,our computer went kapoot ,so had to wait 10 days for the one we wanted. I almost had to go to therapy, not knowing what the Z crew was up to!!!! You & Jim have a blessed family , those Grand Kids are like tooo special , that Nora is so sweet, I think Eli will have harvesting or some facet of agriculture in his blood, a child’s first 5 years shapes the rest of their life. It did with me, you can’t take the love of the land away.
That sure is pretty country !! Talk about being disappointed about not going to Jordan . I was going to take a 4 day weekend and come and visit you & Jim !! Next year EH !!!
Enjoy your post and pictures, you and Jim did a good job of raising 4 1st class ladies. Hope millet harvest is working out for you. Visited with Jenna tuesday at farm show some of hottest humid weather of year. You should have a good harvest when you get back home, eastern Ne,western Io ,S D and Minnesota have some of best crops of nation.
Tracy…I love you so much !!!!! You are an “Angel”..a person regarded as beautiful,and good..
a messenger of God…on my prayer reading flip calendar like yours that I gave you. today’s
message: ….. Father, keep my heart soft this day and fill it with Your thoughts. Amen…….
I will wonder as well if maybe his family will contact you? sending my love..I worked Two hours over time tonight..10 hour day….probably the same tomorrow…..on my way to bed..be safe..mom…
8i
Love you, too, mom. See you soon!
Beautiful!
Thank you! 🙂
Tracy, as always so beautifully written. You have such a warm heart and such feeling in your story. It makes us all stop and pray for this family. You are so beautiful inside and out. I am going to miss you so much.
Oh Linda…
You haven’t even got a clue how much I will miss you! Thank you for the nice comments. You mean the world to me! All of you!!
Tracy? I don’t know you, but I’m Tyler Crawford’s older sister. Oh my gosh. This is beautiful. My mom found this and sent it to me. What are the odds? I cannot believe it! You wrote such a beautiful article. I cannot explain how much this article means to me.
My brother didn’t go out much. He went to work, did karate, and went home. That was his passion….so that was his life. I never could have imagined how many lives he touched. I didn’t know, until he died. That week, I learned so much about him. So much that I wish I had known sooner. He didn’t just go to work, he impacted every customer’s life with his smile and kind words. And now, he’s touched your life too. He’s gone, but he is still “paying it forward.” We said at his service that, to him, the concept of paying it forward was just how he lived. My sister (or older sister) said it even better, he was labeled with a”disability” and yet,he lived the most fulfilling…most memorable…life. A life with more impact than you can imagine.
When I read this article, at first, I was confused…then I thought to myself “great. We picked red balloons…was that more common than anticipated?” Oh….but then I kept on…. this article was about MY BABY BROTHER! Oh wow. I stated sobbing. I couldn’t believe it. My baby brother. He did it again. Shocked me.ever since that day, I’ve wondered….where did those balloons go? Which way? Who found one? What did they do? Throw it away? Google his name? I would NOT have even thought an entire article would be written. And so beautifully?
Thank you. Thank you for continuIng this beauty. Thank you for saying his name again. Thank you for all of this. Thank you.
Will I think of SO much more to say after this, oh definitely. I couldn’t possibly think of everything in one night. This is beautiful. Thank you.
Tyler’s big sister,
Alisyn
My husband and I read this and I of course teared up. We are neighbors of Tyler’s and knew him and his parents very well. It is so nice to see that Tyler is still touching peoples lives even after his passing. If you knew him you would know that that is Tyler. Always touching people and putting a smile every face of every person he talked to. Thank you for sharing this in such a touching way.
This brought tears to my eyes. I discovered your post on a relative’s Facebook page. TJ was one of my cousin’s children. Although I hadn’t seen him since he was a young boy, everyone in his family was shocked and deeply saddened by his sudden passing. It seems that TJ had a big heart and brought a smile to everyone that he met. I can see that he even touched you through this random discovery you made in a Colorado field. Thank you for sharing.
My brother was the sweetest soul on the planet. He loved unconditionally and without limits. It has blessed our family so much to see these words. To see his story being shared. To see even though you didn’t know him personally, it still affected you. Thank you for writing this. Thank you for stopping. Most of all, thank you for the much needed prayers. He was a beautiful person, and deserves to be celebrated.. and I can’t wait to see him again someday. God bless.
Tracy, This is absolutely beautiful and we appreciate you posting this and reaching out to the Crawford family. Jay and Robin are neighbors of ours and Jay is my business partner. Your words were so eloquent and we all can’t thank you enough. Tyler was an amazing soul that always saw the best in people and never had a frown on his face.He greeted anyone and everyone that crossed his path no matter what walk of life they may have came from. He loved kid and would always have pennies in his pocket at work at the local King Soopers so the kids could ride the mechanical horse. The fact that you found those balloons and you have this amazing forum is a testament to Tyler’s spirit! He always had an amzing way of reaching out and making everyone’s day better. Thank you again for sharing and I hope someday our paths cross!
Neat idea Tracy, wheat field dinning at its best. wide open skies, good people, great food , big appetites , what more could one ask for !!! . Did you get the book we sent you ?
Tracy I am Tyler Girlfriend Jasmines mom and this is beautiful , Tyler was a very kind, sweet loving young man who did go out of his way to make everyone smile and he loved all without fault . I still pray everyday for his family he wassuch a beautiful soul
I am Tyler girlfriend for 9 year
We miss you
We love you
We never forget
You alway in my heart
You alway have a place in my heart
I see you one day
I love you so much
I miss you so much
You have me in tears Tracy! What a beautiful thing this is and what a beautiful individual Tyler was.
[…] NEBRASKA WHEATIE – Love in the Shape of a Red Balloon […]
I loved this post and it really touched me, so I highlighted it as one of my blue ribbon winners for the October Country Fair Blog Party: http://www.cornbeanspigskids.com/2015/11/country-fair-blog-party-november-2015.html. I hope you link up again!
Thank you, Val! I’m honored!!!!
Thank you for sharing. Tears of gratitude to be able to say “I knew this fine man”!! What a gifted writer and a wonderful example for all of us. Be PROUD!!!
Thanks Lloyd, for your service!
Bill
Thank you Tracy , Two of my uncles served in World War 2 . Mike & Tom Lazoruk .Mike landed on the beachs of Anzio, Italy. Tom was involved in the niemagen march in Holland. Both came home safe. can’t imagine what is was like for 2 Canadian farm boys from the small farming community of Rycroft AB. In the Stan. there was three Stegmeier’s in that operation at the same time, my brother John ,two of our Son’s Andy & Jacob .Boy they sure enjoyed the care packages sent by the family. When our phone would ring at an off time, my heart would race thinking one of them was gone. Andy suffered from PTSD after his 1st. tour ,but going back for a second tour helped hugely,he was interviewed by the New York times. Jacob serviced the plane that dumped Osma bin Ladin’s body. John was injured by an IED. one of his hands got messed up & his hearing is less. We are so proud of our troops both Canadian & American !!!
Tracy, Jim and family. What a great letter you shared with us on this special day. As we read, and re-read Lloyds letter, we both shared a picture in our minds of him sitting in a tent somewhere slowly and painstakingly wording that letter that meant so much to him and is such an excellent example of the man he was. We were so lucky to have met him, and had men like him saving our freedom for today. He and his family are great people. I will never forget that he also loved fried chicken!!!!! Jim and Mardrie
[…] of a GM crop from a non-GM crop adds considerably to the cost of food. Separate facilities would be required to be built from farm to the supermarket to accomplish that end. Separation of GM […]
Lovely memories! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!!
As always Tracy , super pictures & a year of special events. Eli and our Ethan had the same Halloween costumes !!! Time stands still for no one. May your horse never stumble, Your cinch never break ,Your belly never grumble, Your heart never ache. All the best in 2016!!
HI. Beautiful pictures of harvest and family and all is well. My harvest did not go as plan I lost combine and corn head in fire and 3 months later still not settled with insurance company what a nightmare. Wish Taylor the best on her engagement and future plans.
Oh Tracy, I hope we didn’t haggle you too bad about the exchange! We try to make it fun, there’s quite a bit of commotion behind the scenes (Laurie has lots of stories on me I’m afraid), but we do it because I know more times than not it works out just so – when someone needs a blessing or a friend or just a minute to stop and reflect – that’s when the box shows up and it makes me so happy to have a small part in making someone’s day 🙂 I feel you on wanting the Christmas redo – I didn’t decorate or bake much because of all the home construction and knowing I needed to take it easy on myself this year, but I don’t think next year will be much better with a little one in the house! All we can do it remember the real reason for the season and look forward to the warm weather, right?! Blessings to you Tracy!
Oh Tracy, I have been wondering how you are doing with the preparation for your conference. I hope it goes perfect! You just keep enjoying those Christmas lights in your house. It makes a little joy to look at. What a fun box to receive! I imagine your girls did want it.
And I have been wondering about you.
What a beautiful tree! I don’t blame you at all for wanting to leave up as a I too love to hold onto the season just a bit longer as it always goes so fast! Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!
Hope the Annual Convention goes as planned!
I hope it goes well too!
Tracy, you made me tear up! I always love reading what you have to say, but this one really is beautiful! I am so glad this little box of treasures from Kristin made it to your front porch at just the right time. I can only imagine all of the planning and preparing you have been doing, so to receive a gift like this, had to have been wonderful. Now I want to send you something so that you can take it with you on wheat harvest. 🙂
Blessings to you dear friend!
Laurie – Country Link
Aw, Laurie…you’re the very best! Thank you for organizing this project. It all happened because of you and the others.
Love ya!
I love the pictures!! Especially the one in Colorado and the ones of you and the girls. Such beauties you all are! I do hope you have a wonderful 2016.
Thanks, Laurie!
Yay!!!! I am so glad to read your post. I got your Thank you card and I read it often. Such a sweet card!! I am so thrilled that you liked the gifts. I had fun figuring out what to send you. I hope you can take sometime for YOU when that time comes. Much love and hope your year is a good one. It would be fun to meet you on down the road someday I would agree!!!
You did such a great job of finding gifts I love. And they blessed me beyond measure! Thank you so much, Kristin! ❤️
Tracy, that presentation you and Jim made to us antique tractor guys was wonderful and enjoyed by all. Thanks for sharing your family’s experiences with us.
Thank you, Benny! I certainly appreciate your kind words.
Be sure to watch here for more updates of where we are and what’s going on.
I was living in Grand island at that time and was stuck in west GI until the twisters quit wind was still a problem as i was waiting for a train in water running board deep when the front end of my car came off the ground. I lived on east 7th st. but I had to get home cause my dog was chained up outside and both me and my dog were scared to death. She was alright thank God. A very scarey time. Lot of memories. Judy Ruff. Great story. judyruff49@gmail.com.
Thanks for sharing your story. One that you’ll NEVER forget! It sure doesn’t seem like it’s been 37 years ago. I’m glad you enjoyed my memory of at “event”!
That realization that none of your family will be on the farm is the hardest part. My family has never been anywhere but on the farm but I am probably the end. Both of my children do not want us to sell the farm but they each have very good off the farm jobs and families to keep them busy. It is a day to day thought. I enjoy reading about your experiences too.
Thank you, Paula! Mostly for taking the time to write me a note. I so enjoy hearing from the people who actually read my “stories”…and enjoy them. I certainly understand the day to day thoughts about life and changes. God bless you!
Well, spring is maybe , somewhat here on the eastern slopes of the Alberta Rockies , we are soooo dry here we need moisture either rain or snow. Was driving around the Golf course today testing a utility vehicle I had repaired ,the cottonwood has catkins & the popular tree’s have the scent that spring is in the air. Boy those things brought memories of spring time on the Farm !! Funny how certain moments bring back lifetime experiences. Have a Happy Easter !
Happy Easter to you and your family as well, Tom!! Crazy weather in NE today. Blizzard to the west and north of us. Tornado watch for us until midnight. Spring in NE!!
Thank you for your workshop at the Gathering of the Green. I really enjoyed your presentation and spending time with you and Jim. Can’t wait til the DVD arrives.
Thanks, Brad, for being one of those responsible for getting me there! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and your group! I have heard so much about the Gathering from Dan and his family for so long. It was fun to be a part of it! And I think it has inspired Jim to do something with the two old tractors he has hidden in the corner of the shed. 😊 Let me know what you think of the movie!!
Thank you Tracy for sharing this story over at the April 2016 Country Fair Blog Party! Calving in the winter months can always lead to stories like this. What a blessing little (now big) Ruby is and what a great thing that Harvey got to help take care of her.
Laurie
Hi Tracy.. I guess it must be the weather..I have had the “blues” as well…I spent all night dreaming of Mother….and have looked at pictures all day….your message today and pictures
are wonderful…Taylor…you are awesome..and congratulations Callie. Your dress is beautiful.
and Happy Anniversary 4-17-2016 Tracy and Jim…
Thanks, mom! 34 years…how can that be?
They say time marches on and they mean it! I just wish I could find the guy keeping the cadence and ask him to slow it down! Margaret’s going to be a junior next year, has her own car, a good summer job at the pool and is doing so many things on her own now. She’s needing dear old dad less and less these days, and while I’m proud of her for being so independent, it hurts to look back and see how fast it’s all flown by, and how soon both of my kids will be on their own… I feel your pain, I really do! Soon you’ll be starting it all over again with the grandkids though.
Having the grandkids is awesome!! They love you so much and it just makes my heart burst. But there’s something about having the kids in the same house with you day after day after day. And being a part of their world. When they leave, it’s never the same again.
Good thoughts—you are so gifted with words!!
Thanks, Judeen! I’ve just got the fingers that put the thoughts that come to mind in action. 🙂 It’s all God.
Your blogs are always so interesting and well written. Thank you for all you do.
Thank you, Jan! I’m glad you enjoy them.
You are a wonderful writer and God speaks to you much clearer than I hear Him! I wish you were here walking with me. I have not been as motivated as in the past and I need to walk!
You have NO IDEA how much I could spend time on the road walking with you! Thank you, Linda!
You have a big & wonderful heart, don’t let someone tug at it, because you’re so gifted , make sure you keep yourself hydrated on your cruise around Manley. When I was farming the wind in the spring would stress me a lot ,then at harvest time I was looking for wind to keep things dry. Get a good pair of rock proof treads !!!
Thank you, Tom. I’ll keep your suggestions close to my heart.
Tracy….I so enjoy coming home from work..and turn on nebraskawheatie….you know reading your
words.. reminds me of “John Boy Walton”…we watched that years ago…The Waltons…..you do have that gift of writing….GOD GIVEN……I am so proud you are my daughter…. love you ..mom.. 🙂
Thanks, mom. ❤️
Tracy…..did you happen to see the “heart” rock in the first picture you took? its above the word they’re dumb….and the last picture just below the word removed it…..:) mom…..
Wow I never tire of reading all about the past and pioneering custom harvesters and their lives, my website hopefully a tribute to them all!!
Would it be possible to feature some of your lovely photos on my site yellowswirl!?
Kind regards Colin cloude England
Sure. I wouldn’t mind, as long as you give me credit for them. 🙂
Absolutely my pleasure! To feature your photos and give you and your family the credit you rightly deserve for your hard work every season harvesting the crops to feed the world!!
Kind regards colin
Jim and Tracy Thank you for sharing your memories!! And beautiful pictures! Combines are a big part of my life! Particularly the Massey models! To which I still use here in the UK and I consider myself lucky to be able to continue to bring in the harvest.
Kind regards
Colin Cloude
I’m really glad you enjoyed my memories. 🙂 Please stop back again. Hoping that when harvest gets started, I’ll be posting more stories.
Good luck and all God’s blessings!
Thank you so very much, Frank!
Good luck and best wishes to you and your crew for a successful #harvest16
The weather around the world seems to have gone mad and here in the UK it’s been a very wet and cold 4 months of 2016.
Keep that ‘beast’ moving when the wheat is ready.
Jono Dixon @sunkfarmer
Well, Jono, we probably won’t have much of a crew this year. Just me and Jim. As far as the weather goes, it’s crazy here too. It was snowing in Western Kansas and Nebraska and Eastern Colorado on Thursday. Cold and rainy for most of the time we were to Texas and back. Warmer in North Dakota today than it was in Nebraska. Just plain nuts!
Amarillo by morning Amarillo the Z crew will be there !! Super on a good start, so glad those farmers are getting some rain, We are soooo dry here the frog’s are pack’n their own water, reminds me of 1981. It’s Alberta & the weather is so fickle with EL Ninoe ,we are on a heat wave 85f or better for the next 3 days, way to hot for this time of year. Got to finish up the header for you & Jim , It’s a Canadian creation !!! will be on 1/64th NH 9070.A piece for the cottage ( Harvest Hilton )
You’re awesome, Tom. Yes…85° is WAY too hot. I think our high for tomorrow is 60°.
Are you going to carry the on board camera again this year?
Yep!!!
Always nice to read your blogs! Love hearing about your experiences!
Thanks you, Jan!!
Always interesting Tracy
Thanks, Dave!
All SO true. Plus everyone’s so on edge that the standard volume is shout and the standard mood is crabby. Once you’re out of the driveway, everything is way better.
You summed it up much easier and better than I did, Karen!! 😊
[…] there’s this one if you prefer to get it from a farm perspective. Getting grains from the fields to the plant is not […]
Yep, you are entering a new phase of life and I agree you have prepared your girls well for moving on into adult life.
Tracy,
Being a sentimental guy myself, its hard to read what seems to be pain in the words that you type! Coming from someone who has followed you and your family since 2009, its almost heart breaking to think of the Z Crew not being all together on the harvest trail. It’s even harder to read the words “retirement” and begin to think that one day the Z Crew might not be on the trail at all! I can’t imagine my own summers not including my evening check up on you guys just to see where you are and what progress that you have made. Change certainly is not easy, but I know that God will certainly bless your path moving forward! I can’t tell you how excited I am for the harvest season to kick into gear. Even though I’m from Indiana, I certainly feel like I have the heart of a “Nebraska Wheatie!” And hope that some day, some how, I find a way to join the harvest run and manage to bump in to you along the way lol. Wish you all the best this harvest, and for the many harvests that I hope are still to come! Your such an inspiration to me and many others, keep up all that you do!
Thanks,
Craig
Hi Craig!
Ugh…I owe you an email. I still have the one you sent to me months ago highlighted to answer. I’m so sorry! Thank you for being able to feel my pain through my words. I know it’s supposed to be this way but it still hurts. And it could be so much worse. I know, I get that, too. I just have to face each day as it comes and figure out what’s next and do it in a grand way. I was hoping the time would be filled with an outside job doing what I love to do the very most…telling the story of the custom harvester but that wasn’t to be. I’m still waiting for God to open the doors to fill that void. Your words certainly help push the idea of continuing to write about our adventures. It does my heart good to know there are people who really find this journey something worth following. Retirement…that’s one word I really just don’t understand. I don’t want to really see it in our lives for quite some time. And, yes one day, I’m certain we’ll meet – somewhere, sometime! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me!! They mean a lot.
Oh my, don’t apologize! I certainly I understand, and can tell just by following you through social media, that you keep yourself busy. So I never thought twice that you hadn’t replied. Certainly don’t give up on telling the story of a custom harvester! Just because you may not being doing it the way you envisioned or the way you were a custom to, doesn’t mean that God does not have an even bigger and greater plan for the way in which you tell “your story!” Keep your faith, and he will light the way!
Thank you, Dave!! Any words of wisdom you can share with me about the next stage? 🙂
We are at the early stages of this journey, but I can see how quickly the time moves on. Thank you for the post and congratulations to your daughter!
UGH!!!! That’s all I can say. I don’t think anyone can fully prepare you for that last thing. Any of them. We always remember so many of the “firsts”. Maybe there’s a reason we don’t remember the “lasts” quite so well. I’m trying very hard not to take for granted what each day holds and yet, it still happens. I just can’t bottle everything up like I’d like to. Thank you for leaving your comment and for taking the time out of your busy day!! Blessings to you and your next stage, too.
Loved seeing the pics of Callie’s special day. And will look forward to your thoughts and photos on Harvest 16! May you have safe travels while on the “run” !
I missed this. Sorry, Deb! Guess I wasn’t checking my blog very often at this time. As you can see, we got to TX. Now…let’s get that wheat ready to cut!
You always write what I am thinking and your words flow so well. Not sure I like this empty nest either. It was nice to see all of Callie’s accomplishments and everyone the other evening. Safe travels in the near future as you start your harvest journey. Love reading your blogs.
Always enjoy your reports. With Jamie moving into your house, is the temporary while you are out on harvest run or something more permanent?
Oh…I guess I didn’t explain that very well, did I? They are in the process of having a new house built and they sold their other one. It worked out just perfectly for them to be able to move in while we moved out. I probably should write another post explaining that. 🙂
I know those late nights all too well. Glad you made it and are settled! Not sure how I missed the combine cam last year. What a great project!
It was fun last year but it just seemed like with cell service, it wasn’t on as often as we would have liked. Hopefully, this year will be better – hopefully.
Tracy .as always super pics & a great commentary.Eli &Nora tooo cute. Glad to see the Z Crew made it safe &sound ,did your grampa ever cut in the Claude area .What is the space in the elevators like ,will the wheat be piled on the ground or is it going to be some long hauls. May the Harvest Gods be with you & booking for raincation is hard to get.
As we are coming up on one year of living in our home, this post makes me tear up! I remember the emotions that came with building! And I am so thankful in our home build as well everything worked out as it should have!
And I’m so glad that both you and Jamie did it! And you did it with a young family because now, it will be so much more than just a house with all the memories that will be created! Good to hear from you, Jenny. XOXO
It will be beautiful! However, the grass will not be any more fun than THAT dirt!!
NO, I agree! They almost need to keep a fair sized pile just to play in!
So sorry you have had so much time waiting. I hope you are getting lots of sewing done. Can’t wait to see you guys.
Jim’s mom left an unfinished quilt for Nora when she passed away. I’m feeling a blog post…❤️
Can’t wait to see you guys either!!!!
So sorry for your slow start up. So many do not understand that agriculture production is so affected by weather that is completely out of individual control. Nor are producers able to control prices either.
Right!! Maybe being able to share this story – of waiting- will help tell that story.
I know what you going thru being a northern Illinois farmer the hole spring has not been normal The crops were looking good until the last 2 nights of storms 6″ rain got about 25 acres that will drown out. Keep your faith and hope tomorrow will be better. Enjoy your posts and pictures are always the best.
Thanks for your words of encouragement, Allan!
Jim & Tracy so glad that every thing is safe & sound. I here you Allan Z ,our spring weather has been so swingy one week we are in the 90″s the next, well today we had frost & a frost warning tonight ,hope the canola won’t get cooked have had only 2 3/16in of rain all spring . It is sooo dry here the frogs are packing their own water!!! Alberta weather !!! Have you & Jim ever had the same experience with storms in your cutting years ? So a short raincation ( fingers crossed )
We’re hoping to get back in the field tomorrow. Tom, Jamie told me we received your gift. Thank you!! She said she would bring it with her when she comes to visit. We’ll get a picture by the real one and share it with you. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Sounds like plan, Will hang the pic down stairs in Grampa’s farm !!
Glad to here you are that you on working at second stop,hope the Z crew gets into some of that 60 + wheat those test weights are amazing.Heard Rob Holland on the Harvest report the other day,he said it was the best wheat they have ever cut in Kansas,30bu straw & 60 -70 bu. yield ,Mint !!! Here Cochrane AB, we finally are getting some much needed rain picked up a 1/2in last nite really spotty,downtown got a gully washer yesterday up on Bow Ridge just a dust settler. The hay crops are 1/2 to 1/3 of usual. Work Safe & keep the header in the Wheat !!!
We too a field trip yesterday day with friends and family – we loved it! This operation is so thoughtful about using everything they can and not adding anything to the “dump”. They recycle and use their water four times – eventually their well water ends up back in the ground is some form – truly a real cycle of life and usage here. Cows are calm – I think they feel like royalty 🙂 Tour guides were part of the family, Cliff and Vickie – really enjoyed them and what a great life they have – I’d changes jobs any day to get away from the desk and be out in the elements with these animals. Thanks for a great time!
Always enjoy your blogs! So glad you and Conrad got to hand out the free DVD’s to the FFA chapters! And you got to talk about your life long Custom Harvesting!
Thanks, Jan! It was a great time. And, yes, I love talking about what I do. 🙂
I miss seeing the blue jackets in Kansas City. We were home to the FFA convention for many many years. They are great kids.
I really wish my kids would have had the opportunity to have been involved with this program. I know they would have enjoyed every minute of it!
GREAT story—-many thanks for sharing your talents—-we appreciate you!!
Oh, Judeen, you’re welcome. You’re so good for my soul. 🙂
Oh, Tracy! You shared your experience in Indy perfectly! I am very honored to have made your blog post, too! 🙂 Yes – once again – that “little wheat plant” correlation is the best…I love it!
🙂
I enjoyed meeting you so much! I just know if we lived much closer together, we’d probably have a lot of fun together!
What an interesting way of life! I’m from NYC and I know nothing about harvesting but it sounds lake a lot of fun. I was wondering – harvesting sounds like fun, but who does the planting and how long does it take?
The farmer does the planting and taking care of the fields until the crop is ready for harvest. As far as how long does it take? I’ll give you an idea of the cycle. When we finished cutting wheat in Colorado this fall, there was about a month window before the planting of the 2017 crop happened. Planting began late September and we won’t harvest it until July. It will weather the winter months by going dormant. When spring arrives, it will come out of dormancy and begin growing again. You can see more about our 2016 harvest by visiting the All Aboard Wheat Harvest blog. I’m excited to learn that you’re from NYC and found my blog! I hope its done its job…to educate you about where your bread comes from.
Super stuff ,Tracy ,when are you & Conrad going to have sequel about the life of Custom Harvesters?? Yes .you and Dawn look like sisters ,must be a Nebraska thing !!! Did you get a chance to check out some of the sites in Indianapolis ?
Thanks, Tom! I guess you’ll have to ask Conrad about that one. I would love to see more about the custom harvester out there. 🙂 Yes, a Nebraska thing, I’m sure. And, no, I didn’t have an opportunity to do anything in Indianapolis except the convention. That’s usually the way it is when you attend one of those. Thanks for checking in!
wicked to see you in action, doing what you love best and recounting your journeys thru the wheat fields….. go Blue Jackets…
Thank you!! 🙂
I really enjoyed your videos from your harvest this summer. Thanks for letting us tag along and will be looking forward to next year. From my family to yours, Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas!!! Carrie McGinnis, Comanche, Texas
So sorry, Carrie! I just realized you had left me a note and I just saw it. We had a great Thanksgiving AND Christmas! Now looking forward to a new and different year – hoping it’s one that could be a little easier on everyone. Seems I’ve heard quite a few people say they’re ready for 2016 to be over. Thank you for following along with us and I look forward to June and the wheat harvest!!! Happy New Year!
What a great post ,Tracy , I work with young people about same age as Laramie , some have worked at the golf course for several season’s so you get to know them quite well. One special young Lady is Mikayla turned 19 this year , I wish more of her generation would have a Mikayla work ethic . It was her first year with us, She is a second year U of Lethbridge student. that has her header in the wheat all the time. God Bless are young Women & Men
Yes, Tom, God bless our young women and men! Especially those who have their header in the wheat ALL THE TIME!
See you guys next year, have a great holiday season!
God willing, you most certainly will! Thanks for being our loyal followers!
Always fun to read your adventures Tracy! Keep it up!
Its been over a month again. I guess I need to get into a routine with this again!
Tracy…the pictures so beautiful…and of the girls,gorgeous. Eli and Nora are sooo cute.
This writing…always a joy to read. “A smile happens in a flash, but the memory of it can
last a lifetime”. Be safe driving the bus… mom
Thanks, Mom!
Oh Tracy, as always your writing carries me away! So many blessings to be thankful for, some sadness thrown in and things to pray for. I love your writing, we love your family and are so blessed to have you in our lives. Yes, beautiful girls, adorable grandkids, smiles and tears. Can’t wait to see you again. Love you so much.
I finally just looked at my blog for the first time in a while. Thank you, Linda Love you too!
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful event! Felt like I was there. Happy New Year!
Thank you!!! So good to hear from you, Sonja!
What a wonderful day!! Congratulations to the happy couple!!
Thanks, Laurie! You’re always so good about leaving a nice comment. Makes me feel good about sitting down and attempting to write once in awhile.
Heck I figgered you & Jim were taking the winter off and soaking your toes in some sun & sand , we haven’t heard from you in a bit . I knew that Taylor was going to have their special day in Nov. so was waiting for a full photo shoot & more, Well Tracy as usual ,your the best !!! Love the Wedding theme, Congrats Taylor & Colten !!! Since I’am on here we’ve got are Midwest March holiday planned,will ring you up in the next while, Just a Funcation with Kids & Grandkids !!!!
Thanks, Tom. Been a bit busy and it seems the blog is always the first to get pushed aside. I have several other posts I want to get on here before much more of 2017 gets going. When will you be in the States?
We will be in the States for 13 days Mar.16th to Indianapolis then driving to Lake of the Ozarks Mo. for a week or so Andy is stationed at FT. Lenard Wood then north to your end of world will be flying out of Omaha on the 29th.Just looked at your blog today and your heading to some sun & sand SUPER!!! where abouts ?
Sounds like a fun-filled vacation to me!!
Thank you for letting all of us join you thru story and pictures of the pre-wedding and wedding! Exciting time and congratulations to Taylor and Colten!
Glad you could join us, Margaret! One more out-of-town guest we can add to our list. 🙂 THANK YOU!!
Very nice, Mama. Colten and I laid in bed and read the post. We love you!
Awww…
Love you, too! XO
Your pictures show what a family can do to make an outstanding wedding. Everyone contributed based on pictures and that involvement enriches the enjoyment. This is simply another outstanding event of your family. Thank you for sharing.
We (family and friends) really did all pitch in, Dave, and make it what it was. Not much for outside services, except the band and photographer. It was truly a “pitch in and get’er done” event. And for that, I have to give all our helpers credit because it turned out beautiful!
Thanks for sharing. It makes us feel like a friend even though we may never meet physically. Your last statements made a little liquid roll down my cheek. It is a wonderful experience to gain a new ” son”.
Oh…
I’m so glad you feel that way! Who knows…we may meet someday. I think now you understand why that is one of my most memorable details of the day. Thanks for letting me know you’re out there reading my tales, Paula! Happy New Year to you!
You never disappoint, Tracy—-you have a “God-given talent”—thanks for sharing!!! Blessings in 2017!!! So excited about little baby dear who will be joining our neighborhood!!
Well, I don’t see that “God-given talent” but am so thankful you do and you enjoy it. 🙂 Baby…ahhhhhh sounds so nice, right?
Wishing you and your family a very happy, healthy, loving 2017!
Thank you so much, Margaret! That means the world to me. I wish the very same for you and your family.
🙂
Loved every picture! I can see your gang is loved everywhere as much as you are in Jordan. It’s been a pleasure to watch your family grow thru the years and hope to continue to do so. Congratulations to Taylor and Colten.
Thanks, Carol! I certainly miss seeing you and everyone who meant so much to me over the years. Thank goodness for facebook and other social media outlets, huh! Hope 2017 is a good year for you and your family. Who knows…maybe I can get Jimbo talked into a visit to Jordan one day!
Great family pic’s Tracy. The place Taylor & Colten have is like sooo Nebraska !!! Seems like this past fall was the time to be making babies,Our Megan is due in July , My crony Missy is having her first at the end of June & your Jamie in July also. The cycle of life continues !!! Oh by the way July babies rock my Mom will be 90 on July 16th this year.
Sounds like we’ll both be busy taking care of grandkids!! 🙂
Tears that celebrate a wonderful young man. Thanks for sharing your journey with us!!
It certainly IS a journey! Thank you for following along with me.
That was very hard to read but job well done ma’am, well done.
Thank you, Steve. It wasn’t hard to write, I just wrote what was in my heart. I’m glad you could feel the emotion and I appreciate the kind words.
Beautifully written.
Thank you, Jackie – that means a lot to me.
Wow, what a post. This was a well written piece that shows your true emotion. Prayers and comfort to his family still. I cannot imagine the heartache and pain of losing a child. Thanks for writing this Tracy.
Anthony
I can’t imagine the pain and heartache either. It’s one thing for someone like me to feel that pain but the pain the parent must endure would be the worst. I don’t know if anyone could really do it without having a faith in God and knowing you will see them again one day. Please do pray for Wes’ family. Thank you so much!
I live in Simla and this tragic death hit many many hearts very hard. The Maranvilles are great people and a huge part of the comunity. Thank you for writing such a heartwarming piece.
I know it hit many hearts. I witnessed that at the funeral. That gym was packed! I love the Maranvilles so much and I know their loss has been a huge testimony to so many. I honestly don’t believe they (or any of us) would be able to get through something like this without knowing there is a God and He carries us through something like this. Thank you for leaving your note, Tammy!
I didn’t know Wes. My daughter did, her son, Shane, played basketball at school too. But I was there when it happened. I lived in Denver at the time, I have now moved to Simla to live out my retirement years near my family, but my daughter, Melissa, was having problems with her back at that time so I was spending a good deal of time commuting between home and here. When it happened my first thought was, “It can’t be serious, there are so many people there. They should be able to help him.” I was wrong. Your story is so moving, so well written and the pictures bring him to life for me. Thank you. He’s ok, you know. He’s happy. It’s us who hurt. He wouldn’t want that.
Yes, he’s okay and he’s happy and he’s in Heaven waiting for the rest of us to join him. You’re right…it truly is us who hurt and I’m thankful for that hurt. It means I was able to love him…even for a short while. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing YOUR story!
What a wonderful tribute Tracy .Sometimes in ones life there is someone that touches your life in way you can’t explane. God Bless .
Yes, you’re right. And he certainly touched mine and so many others. He had a kind and gentle spirit.
Wonderful testimony Tracy. You have so many gifts to share.
Thank you, Carol!
Thank you so much for this wonderful article written from the heart.
It was most definitely written from the heart. Thank you!
Oh, Tracy, this must have been so very difficult, but necessary and healing, to write. A wonderful tribute to a special young man!
I won’t lie…I cried a few tears but it was very helpful to write. That’s why I started it with saying I had to write it. I hope Wes knows how special he was to me – I never told him face to face. Who would have thought I wouldn’t see him “next year”? Thank you for your kind words, Sonja. It means a lot!
I guess God needed a grain cart driver in heaven so he chose the best mankind had to offer. Thanks for sharing this young man’s story. Now he’ll live on in the hearts of those this post touched as well as the hearts of those who had the honor of knowing him.
Well, he certainly got one of the best!!!! Thank you for leaving such a thoughtful note, Doug! I can only hope I did him the honor he so deserved. It’s not often someone as young as he was leaves such a lasting impression on anyone. He was truly a gift from God.
Oh. This is so sad. You gave him a wonderful tribute. I’m so very sorry for your loss!
Thank you so much!! He was an amazing kid…loved by everyone he came in contact with.
well that was an interesting read… are you feeling the cold now?? we are certainly feeling the heat…and the humidity here in Queensland, Tracy. good to see and hear all that is going on.. I have spent first 10 days back housesitting for friends, then back to my caravan and house …. then the work started… I am out in garden weeding and trimming anytime after 5am but only last till 8am by then way too hot…. back out at 4pm till 7.30pm-ish…
Warwick has been out driving trucks oversize loads mostly… had the 2 weeks off over Christmas/ New Year… and were off to New Zealand to see other grandkids… love to you all from Australia
Kelly!
Good to hear from you! It seems so weird that you’re dealing with heat and we have a temp of 16 degrees (F). And that’s warm compared to what Katie Dilse is no doubt dealing with!! I’m jealous of the weather! Maybe one day, we’ll have to make it over to see you. 🙂
Don’t work too hard!!!
Hi, I came over from Wanda’s blog, Minnesota Farm Living. Regarding your disclaimer at the very beginning of the post that there is no gmo wheat in our food system. I thought wheat was one of the crops in the US that are gmo? So the wheat flour we buy on the grocery store shelves or any of the processed foods that contain wheat are all non-gmo?
Correct! There is no GMO wheat in our food system. There are 10 GMO foods – soybeans, innate potatoes, papaya, canola, sugar beets, arctic apples, alfalfa , cotton, summer squash, corn (field & sweet). A couple of good sites to look at are “Ask the Farmers” and “AgChat”. Thanks for leaving your note!!
Thank you so much for your reply! 🙂
Aileen, you may find this interesting…
https://www.bestfoodfacts.org/what-foods-are-gmo/
Interesting link! Thank you for that! 🙂
You’re certainly welcome!
amazing girfriend!
Thanks, Nanc. Your words also made me cry!!
Well a belated Happy Birthday Tracy! I’m glad your girls made it special for you. Those two little words do mean a lot when spoken from the heart by those you love, I found this out personally last October. Here’s to many more birthdays for the both of us! 😁
Thank you, Doug! Happy belated birthday to you, as well! Cheers!!!!
Happy belated birthday! Glad you had a special day!
Thank you, Darcy! It was a GREAT day!! Definitely better than I deserve!
Dear Tracy…I am so “Happy” ..Jamie, Jenna, Taylor, and Callie had such a fun “Happy Birthday”
surprise for you….and Eli, and Nora..had a fun Birthday cake for you.sending my love.mom..XXOO.
Thanks mom! It turned out to be a very special day for sure!! XO
Happy belated birthday 🎉. I’m glad you got to get together with your girls! My kids are still little so I try to listen to your words of wisdom! Time has already gone too fast for us!
I am so glad we were able to make the evening turn into what it was! It was just what my heart needed. When my kids were little, I honestly never even thought about the day when they wouldn’t be running around this tiny little house and creating chaos and noise. And then, all at once, it was over. Hug those little ones extra tight tonight (or tomorrow) and just remember the future holds a quiet house for you one day, too. What I wouldn’t give for a day or two of the past. Even if it meant cleaning up after a sick kiddo!! A person tends to remember the “firsts” but it’s the “lasts” that really should be paid attention to. And…sometimes, they happen and you don’t even realize it.
Happy belated Birthday Tracy. OMG yours is on the 28th ,I just turned 60 on the 29th. this means you will be getting a card at the end of Jan. from Alberta for years to come. Birthdays are measurement of time not how we look & feel about life ,Grandkids keep us young at heart,and full of Love. HarvestHer is a neat site, always log in to see what’s going on. God bless you Ladies!!!
Thanks for the words of encouragement, Tom! Happy belated birthday to you, too!! January is a good month. 🙂
Thank you Tracy, yes January is a good month !!
Wonderful tribute!
Thank you, Matt! He was a great kid and deserved that and more!!!
Just read it again!! Because it’s really good! 😊
Thanks, KB! 🙂
Belated happy birthday! i collect belt buckles. Does the custom harvesters org have one?
Thank you, Leo!
Yes, the organization has belt buckles. You can visit their website – http://www.uschi.com
I found the site for the buckles. Thanks. Wish they had buckles from the 1960;s. Even though the org did not exist then Has Jim started equipment work for the 2017 trip? Stay safe.
Nope, he hasn’t started anything yet. 🙂
Thanks, Leo!
Peach Pie.. what a delicious idea! thanks for sharing it on our PiDay Link up Party! we are so glad you came!
A good apple pie recipe is so great to have on hand! Thanks for sharing it on our PiDay link up party!
I am terrible, I pick the cherries out and eat the cherry “goo”! lol! Thanks for sharing at our PiDay Party
I ordered the 1983 buckle and the DVD. It is a home run. Hats off to your family and the rest of the featured crews!
Well, you’ll definitely have to let me know what you thought of the movie. Have you already watched it?
The movie is terrific. I have watched it twice. t brought back so many memories of the years of following the harvest in the 1960 & 70 s.
🙂
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for posting your thoughts Tracy. Brought up memories of my childhood…small town, neighborhood kids and fun times with friends…that I haven’t seen in so many years. Have a good spring!
Margaret
Thanks, Margaret! I didn’t expect the feelings any of this would bring to the surface!!
Great post, Tracy! I think we all go through this at a certain stage in our lives.
Thank you!! I suppose. I just never realized how very fast it would go between youth and old age!
PS…your flowers and gardens look amazing!
Once again you have put words to feelings I can’t quite articulate. I’m glad the post took you to where it did. I hope you and your family have a beautiful Easter.
Thank you, Missy! Sometimes I have to wonder what thoughts might go through my head and find their way to my fingertips. Hope you have a wonderful Easter with your family, too!
Been following your family on all aboard harvest for several years. If meeting you in person it would feel like seeing a long time friend. Just discovered Nebraska wheatie recently. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!
Hay, Tracy, bout time you experienced some Canadian winter weather !!! Winnipeg ( winterpeg) has some of the craziest weather in Canada. Did Jim & you talk to the Macdon engineers about their headers and what improvements they should make . On the 1/64 scale side Spec-Cast has a Macdon Swather out , have one on order, finely I can figure out the divider boards ,have the reels from TractorFab. So some Wheatie South of Omaha will be get;n a treat before 2018 roll’s in . What did Jim & Kent think of the Elmers grain carts,Canadian made EH!!!
All of the guys who toured Elmer’s were IMPRESSED with the grain cart – especially the tracks. Thanks for your note!
Super !! That new setup is the ticket ,mint job Jim , Organization is 90% of the battle . Since you have The Beast, The Cottage & Frank . I betcha Tracy you’ll have a name for the it . We are envious of the greenery you have , Watching the weather forecast tonight ,this will be the first time since 2007 that the Calgary area will not hit 20C /70F. in April snow & rain the rest of the week. The only thing green around here is the chives in the garden & John Deere equipment !!! Ora Love it !! Soccer is a big thing for little guys here too ,plus it’s not pricey like hockey.
I’ve been trying to think of a name. I’m certain it will come as we use it. I guess the only thing that would keep me living in the northern country would be roots and family. So, I’m guessing that’s why you’re still there. 🙂
Yes, your rite Tracy, the crew at the Golf Course were whining about the weather.I said look we don’t get hurricanes, no big time twisters, no earth quakes, no massive mud slides, so some cold & snow is easy to take. Yes we live at 3900ft asl. plus on eastern slopes of the rockies . It’s just a late spring here.
Kids are looking great…growing way too fast! Your new trailer and storage box will be a big help…bones and muscles get tired quicker each year! Enjoy your little ones before harvest travels start.
Thanks, Margaret! Yes, they just keep growing and so is their family. New one on the way – due to be here the middle of JULY. I really am excited about having that storage unit!!
Kudos on the new trailer and storage unit is the storage unit from a moving van truck? How will it be mounted to the trailer? Great secure space.
Well, I’m not sure what it’s previous life was. 🙂 Jim secured it down with quite a few large screws – I think.
We are farming in eastern PA. Most of what we hear from the middle of the country come from farmers and harvesters like you. A few farm magazines may carry an article and other farmers posts on fb. Thank you for sharing your struggles and hope with us. At the present we have had rain, sometime hard rain for the past 8 days. Our fields lay in water, but thankful for no flooding. High wind caused some local damage but not wide spread. We are not as bad as Missouri. But the weather is a part of farming.
Oh my! It sounds like you’re up against your own weather issues! Good grief! How in the world are we supposed to get done what we need to get done if the weather keeps messing with us? 🙂 Thanks for your note and I’m so glad you made the effort to say hello! God bless!
I’ve heard of the devastation in your area but like you said, not from the news stations here in Central Illinois. I am on the Women in Agriculture Facebook page and there are many women and fellow farmers in that area that posted of the damages or relief offered.
I pray God finds you work, whatever way you can. God Bless!
Why isn’t there any concern about where the food comes from? UGH!!! Somehow, we’ve got to figure out how to sing beyond the choir…right? Thank you for your prayers. They are most appreciated!!! Most appreciated!
Hi Tracy, You popped up in my twitter feed back in January & caught my attention. I’ve been trying in vain for 30 years to get my wife to drive one of our combines. Well done & keep up the good work. I’ve enjoyed reading your story and looking at the pictures of Zeorian Harvesting and trying to estimate crop yields. All the best for the coming 2017 harvest run.
Thank you, John! I don’t think you’re probably gonna get her talked into driving if you’ve been working on it for 30 years. 🙂 I’m awfully glad you enjoy my stories…that does my heart good! Pray for the harvest and the harvester (as well as the farmer) this year. I’ve got a feeling it might be a tough one!
Tracy, I was working under one of mine yesterday…. thought about the same thing happening….. you can never have too many pieces of timber !!
Extremely thankful Jim was not underneath, and that he is safe !!
YES! Me too!!
Pretty sure Jim will never do that again!
Yes, Tracy .Jim could have had a wreck. My Father was killed in a farm accident in 1983 involving a grain truck hoist. SAFETY,SAFETY.SAFETY!!!! Were is your first stop going to be on the 2017 Harvest run,Oklahoma or Texas ?
[…] came through for us. It’s irrigated wheat and is doing quite well considering this is the wheat that was flat on the ground due to snow the end of April. It’s yielding more than 70 bushels per acre and the test weight is very good (60-62 lbs). […]
So glad you found the acres around Garden City! Prayers that a plan does come through for the Z Crew.
Thanks for the prayers, Laurie! That is why I just know He’s got something more planned for us. 🙂
Sorry for ur loss of acres. Retired farmer-trucker here. Been following your family on AAB since way back with Jenna. Read your beautifully worded post couple days ago. Wouldn’t began to offer advice because I’m not walking in ur shoes. Notice you mention God ocassionaly. He is aware of your situation. Maybe He’s preparing you for something different. Only HE knows. He is trustworthy. We’ll be praying for you.
Lyndell & Judy Wood
Thank you for your kind words, Lyndell & Judy! I have thought about that – something different. I’ve also thought maybe it had to happen to us so I could be the one getting the word out for the industry…who knows. Whatever is next will be a step of faith…and a lot of patience. Thank you for the prayers – they’re appreciated so very much!
Miss you ! Keep meaning to call, so happy you keep us updated here. Good luck finding more work 👍🏻
I miss you, too – all of you!
Prayers from Church Road!!
Thanks, Judeen! They’re so appreciated!
So sorry to hear about your short season struggle. Praying something good opens up for you yet this year. I just completed chemo again and am quite weak. David Jordan
Thanks, Dave! I’m sure sorry to hear you’re having to deal with chemo again. Darn it!! Please check in again and let me know how you’re doing.
Hugs to you!!
Tracy and Jim….keep the faith…I’m praying your work here for the fall will be ok…Matt is sending you pixs of the hail that hit my house last night about 10;30 then again at midnight…I have roof damage for sure…probably siding on the north, west and south on house. I picked up the hail on the front porch and yard. the ground was covered with the huge hail stones…..It was terrible…I keep wondering whats next……call you tomorrow about my hospital visit this morning…hugs and kisses XXXXXOOOO….mom…… I will show you my ice when you come home….good night….
Love the blog
Wonderful news! Happy for your whole family. Congratulations! 🙂
Good to hear from you, Margaret! Thank you so much.
Congrats! You are indeed blessed!
Bill
Yes we are, Bill! Thank you for your note.
Always enjoy your adventures. Good luck with your Montana harvest. Glen used to have a couple Gleaner combines that were older. Beautiful family!
Thank you, Jan!
Beautiful family. I’m glad that you were able to be there and to share in the experience and hold your new grandson.
Me too, Brian, me too!
Congratulations, gramma! Always enjoy your posts. God is good ALL the time!
And ALL the time, God is good! Thank you for taking the time to send a note!
Congratulations on new grandson. Safe journey west and God’s blessing on all.
Thank you!
Congrats Gramma & Grampa z !! Ben Joseph has a good strong & gentle ring to it .Love the pictures that Taylor has taken, Glad you’ve got work up in Montana ,If this heat wave continues it will be the hottest year on record for Calgary & area .we’re talk’n +36c or better next week .if we don’t get any rain in the next two weeks .it mise well not rain at all & have a early small yielding harvest, Wheat that was seeded May 5th is all ready turning and it’s the end of July not a good sign ! Have safe trip to Montana.
Always good to hear from you, Tom! Thank you for taking the time to write your notes! Praying for rain for you and your land, as well.
Tracy and Jim..Congratulations on Baby Ben…what a nice surprise while I was in K.C. ( your Aunt
Shirley) turned on her computer and we read your page…the pictures >>Taylor <<< took are darling..Ben is my Great #3..what a blessing….be safe ….mom……
[…] a month ago, I stayed with Eli and Nora while Jamie, Curt and Ben were in the hospital. But, as soon as they got home late Wednesday night, it was time to go back to work mode. There was […]
This is about twelve kinds of fun. <3
Thanks!
[…] Post, “Segregation of a GM crop from a non-GM crop adds considerably to the cost of food. Separate facilities would be required to be built from farm to the supermarket to accomplish that end (Entine).” […]
So close but yet so far, that’s great you & Jim got to check Banff out ,Cochrane is a hour north ! Still bummed out that we couldn’t have hooked up when Sandi & I were in Nebraska this March. Will have to plan a meeting place in the near future. Love Nora’s dress . Sandi has made lots of clothes for the grandkids ,now it’s American Doll gear. Looking forward to the Combine Cam pick’n up millet .
I don’t think I’m going to get to run the combine cam…sorry, Tom. 🙁 Hey…but there’s always next year in the wheat! Thanks for your note.
Retired farmer/trucker so it’s easy to feel a kinship. Was never on harvest run but have experienced similar machine/truck/equipment problems u have related. May God grant u safety and a great finish to ur harvest season. Without detail our last two years have been new ground for us. Judy experienced kidney failure and had a transplant in January (living donor). It’s amazing to see the handiwork of God in all this. Thanks for sharing your life’s story and struggles so openly. God bless. Lyndell
Oh my…Judy (and you) have certainly had a huge trial to overcome. How wonderful is the miracle of organ donation??? Thank you for your encouraging words! I know God has a plan and I just have to be patient with seeing the outcome.
Great pics. It’s always great to be with family!
Yes!!!!
What a great surprise and weekend! 🙂
Oh my gosh, yes! It was the best!!
Sounds like you had a fantastic time on your mini vacation! What a great surprise Eli was! Always like to read your interesting adventures!
Thanks Jan! 🙂
Love Eli’s t shirt .Canadian EH !! Did you pick up some goodies for Nora & Ben when you were Banff. Looks like a good time was had by all !
We did! I found some cute ones at the Canadian Superstore – I love that store! Jamie sent me a picture of all three of them in their Canadian shirts. 🙂
Got to post it Gramma !!
[…] from my last post, you know we had a Labor Day weekend excursion to the mountains while Taylor, Callie and Eli were […]
Thank you Tracy for sharing your life and pictures with all of us. You will never believe this, but I just finished writing you a letter and then saw this email come through. I still think we are kindred spirits in so many ways. Love you guys so much!!
Kindred spirits…sorta think you might be right. I’m glad you enjoy my pictures! Received your letter a couple of days ago. Thank you!!
Welcome home! I’ve heard placing bars of Irish Springs bar soap around keeps the mice away – they don’t like the smell. An inexpensive thing to try. 🙂
Interesting!! Certainly worth a try!! Thank you.
Yer, cutt’n perfect with these pic’s Tracy. In my eyes Eli sure looks like Jim. Glad you made it Home, Home on the safe side, Good to see the Beast is into the Nebraska Harvest !!!
Yes, I think Eli looks like Jim too. And Eli looks like his mama!
Tracy , looks like you had a fun afternoon with Eli and Nora..they are soooooooo cute.My birthday flowers are so pretty,still after a week. You and Callie have a safe trip…have fun…love and kisses
mom….
It was a LOT of fun!! They are so good for me!
LOVE all of this because it`s you & your family Tracy!!
Thank you, Judeen!
Love the pictures Tracy !! Grandkids are so much fun!!! Who had a bigger day Gramma or Eli & Nora ? That Ben is toooo cute, sure has a head of hair!! Waiting for the next parts of Nebraska Wheatie on how to remove the hide off of a feline .
Thanks for your note, Tom! Those darn kids make life way more interesting than just the two of us. As far as having a bigger day? I think we will equally share that competition. In the end we were all happy and had a great day!
Glad to see you back to writing. Love to read all your blogs! Grandkids are the best!
Thank you, Jan! Yes…those grand kids are the BEST!
OMG Tracy…I know EXACTLY how you feel! I have to go back to September 29…and it`s the same…so much has happened and catching up seems so daunting. You have given me inspiration to get it done…of course, it will have to be after the toy auction…and the toy show…and…
Well, you know…
I guess you just have to DO IT. I don’t know why I’ve let so much time go…just did. I’m glad I gave you the inspiration…now just go DO IT! 🙂
Enjoy reading your posts especially the history of your harvesting stories and how other farmers face the up and downs of life. Thank You, Dan Quigley from Ireland
Thank you, Dan. Seems I really have to be in the mood to do the memories. And, it seems lately, I find myself thinking about those memories and the people who are/were a part of them. Maybe it’s because my schedule has slowed down. Maybe it’s because I’m older. Maybe it’s just because I find myself cherishing the days that are now part of who I am.
Tracy….PLEASE ..do not stop writing…..you remind me of the “Little House On The Prairie”
stories…maybe someday someone will make your life into a book series too…love and kisses
XXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…mom
Thanks, Mom. I doubt that anyone is going to be making a book series of my life. 🙂
I love your writing it is authentic, it’s easy to read, and it is real. Just like you.
Thank you, Dawn. I guess me being me is the easiest thing I can do…whether it’s wrong or right.
Aawww, look at you two adventurous ladies! What a wonderful experience. Cant’ wait to hear about the trip home. I would have gladly gone with you if Callie hadn’t. 🙂
It was a great trip, for sure! Just spending the one-on-one time with Callie made it wonderful.
Thanks for sharing your pics and memories. Got me to thinking of the past. I’ve lived in the same house since 1963. I too wonder where time has gone.
So, I’m not the only one. 🙂
The memories are so much fun to relive through pictures and video! I’m so glad I was always taking them. If I didn’t have them…I’m afraid a lot of things would be gone.
That was a really good story. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Jared! I’m glad you enjoyed it and even more happy you left a note!
Loved it—-celebrate the memories!!
I wish I could just go back…for a day or so.
Keep on writing Tracy, and taking pictures.
Always fun reviewing the past.
Bill J
Thank you, Bill! I’m thinking maybe I should dig out my photo albums and start reliving harvests past – seems to be something everyone enjoys seeing and I enjoy reliving. 🙂
Tracy ,of all your Nebraska Wheatie posts this to me is the best !! You should write a book on the stories of Custom Harvesters and their families experience’s. How is Ben doing ? our Harrison is inching his way around on his elbows ,almost 8 mo.old. Time Stands Still For No One !! Stay warm ,we have had a big dump of snow this week ,was -40f with the wind chill on Fri.
Thanks, Tom! I guess I’m not the only one who likes to relive the past once in awhile and see the “olden days”. 🙂
Ben is sitting up on his own now and started saying “da da da da”. Babies are so much fun. He’s almost six months.
love this, I like the pictures of how you guys started out!
Thank you!!
What a fun look back!
Thank you Darcy! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Tracy…See I’m not the only one that keeps encouraging you to write your family story. I remember your junior high teacher telling you that when you wrote the story about your Great Gpa Koch,s
“hands”..while sitting with him on his big porch.I think I gave your school papers to you some time ago…another memorie….keep up the good work….. 🙂 mom
Thanks mom. 🙂
Isn’t that a CRAZY thought? To think about how many times prior to meeting someone did they actually cross paths? Especially with harvest. Thank you for leaving your note, Tony Mayer. (Something happened to your comment, Tony. I can’t seem to find it now.)
[…] had a nine-day window of time before Callie and I had to be back to Vegas to pick up the Nebraska Wheat Growers’ Mobile Baking Lab from the convention […]
Excellent as ever
Thank you, Wade! And thank you for taking the time to let me know you’re out there!
Such fun memories—happy for the both of you!!
It was such a wonderful time!
What a NEAT trip! And I need to check out the wheat websites to see the inside of the lab – you have me curious! 🙂
It was a GRAND time! I hope you can find a picture of what the inside looked like. It was very much like a small kitchen – sink, large mixer, oven, cupboards, etc. And it smelled so good. 🙂
So glad you had such a nice time! Beautiful trip!!! Thanks for sharing! Those times are precious!
Great family shots, this summer we’ll be travelling from Chicago to Utah and back, Hendrik’s plan is to go and see the harvester crues, We hope we find the yellow beast too on our way!
Yes! You’ll have to let us know if you’re close to us at any time! It would be fun to meet the two of you
Super pics Tracy !! Those Grand Kids are sure growing ,Ben sure looks like his sister .Was at Megan’s & Nathan’s on Sunday to see the Boy’s , Ethan 5 & Harrison 8 1/2 mo. Ethan made Grampa the best Birthday card ever it’s on my tool box at work . Do you have Muttin Busting at Rodeo’s in NE, ? Eli should try it . Harrison is at a soooo cute stage ,Megan let him feed himself tor the first time last week end he was a happy little guy, plus he is almost crawling ,discovered Keeda’s water bowl was having a blast splashing & drinking till he got busted by Mom !!! With Grand Kids life just wouldn’t be rite !!!
Thanks, Tom! The kids certainly ARE growing – like weeds!
love hearing the news you have a great family and you are leaving great memories for the little ones cant beat farming life. all the best for 2018
Thank you, Dan!
I Hear Ya Tracy. Our weather is ever changing, we had the 3rd snowiest winter since 1896 here in Cochrane & area. Had a big grass / stubble fire south of Three Hills today, All that snow then fires ?? Lots of no till so this will happen , the weather dudes say 18 is going to be the 5th hottist year on record up here. The Lord is always testing us.
First, thanks for being honest! Your sincerity is felt throughout the post. I hope that things have a way of working out – your faith is wonderful! Also – have you ever explored cutting in the PNW? We seem to have more and more acres here custom harvested, but I don’t know how someone new breaks into that market….
Thanks for your note, Darcy! I’m sure things will work out and if they don’t, what’s the worst that can happen? We sell out, I guess. PNW – I’m guessing that’s Pacific North West. That’s a long ways away from home and I’m not sure what time of the year your crops are harvested. We have to keep in mind that fall harvest starts here at home about the first part of October. And, as you mentioned…how do you find the acres – especially if you don’t know anyone?
great roadtrip,could be one of our roadtrips, can’t wait toll july to be on the road again in that area!
YES! You should definitely stop and see the Arch, if you can. Take the time and see some of these amazing little “gems”. I guess you just have to find them.
Yes, Nebraska holds so many treasures .Read a great book on the Oregon Trail ,the author Rinker Buck & his brother did an road trip with 3 mules an rebuilt wagon ,era of the ones used on the trail. A super read, this was in 2012. Taylor has such a gift !!! Thank you so much Tracy for sharing your adventure.
Thank you for your comments, Tom! I appreciate you taking time to check in!!!
Thanks for the story! Your yard looks great…love this time of year! 🙂
Thank you, Margaret! The blooms on the trees are already drying up and losing their beauty. Too much wind and too much heat. Will have to wait a whole nother year before I can see and smell them. 🙁
Super pictures. Tracy !!! Love the colours ,the earth is waking up for another year,hope it is good for Farmers & Harvesters.
Thank you, Tom! Now…if it would JUST RAIN!
Loved your description and pictures of the Kearney Archway. Ken and I will have to add that stop to our bucket list. It was wonderful getting to spend the weekend with you, Taylor and Callie. Enjoy your spring weather!
YES! You will definitely have to add that to your bucket list, Jeanne! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you and Ken, as well! It feels like we have known you forever and this is only the second time we’ve ever seen you. Who knows…maybe one day, we’ll get to MI and see you! I hope your trip home was uneventful!
Such a fun read & great pics as usual—love u gals!!
Thanks Judeen! You’re good for the ego. 🙂
Love you too!
Wasn’t it fun? I knew you would love it! Thanks for sharing pics and your story with us all. Love your yard-so beautiful! My apple trees are in full bloom now so maybe we will have apples again this year.
It was so fun! I really enjoyed it. The blooms on the trees are already gone – too much heat and too much wind. Makes me so sad!
I must respond to your comments about hugs. I grew up in a family of non huggers. Married a hugger. After attending the same church most of our married life Judy has converted a somewhat reserved group of people (including me) to huggers. It’s not unusual to hear someone hollar hey Judy, where’s my hug today. Really enjoy your blog and harvest stories.Thanks for sharing.
This made me smile, Lyndell! Good to know that maybe something good will come from all of those hugs given out…some who want them and some who don’t! Thanks for reading my words and for taking the time to let me know you’re there.
towns here in rural Ireland are dying a few big stores and the small traders loosing out everything is happening in Dublin its like two different worlds. I enjoy reading your posts the past seems better than the future looks hope Im wrong. all the best from Dan
And once again…sounds like we mirror each other! I’m so glad you take the time to read my stories and thoughts! Sometimes I have to wonder if anyone takes the time. I’m glad you let me know you do. 🙂
We toured the archway shortly after it opened, evidently it has evolved a lot! We get to Kearney often and must make time to tour again, Thanks for the tour! Lots to enjoy in Nebraska in the spring (between winter and humidity!) It’s better than drying up and blowing away.
Yes! You must take time to tour again. I’m pretty certain you would love the experience! Nebraska spring usually has lots of wind but it isn’t usually hot and no humidity. And when, and if, you make it to our area, will expect you to stop in!!!
You should be a tour guide—loved the pics!!
I am already a tour guide…a virtual tour guide. Hopefully, my pictures have spurred some wanting to see in person what we saw in person.
You are a wonderful tour guide. Loved your tour of Tecumseh. Unexpected start of the day turned out beautifully.
Thanks, Jeanne! The love of history is something I can blame on my Grandma. I can pass on the wars and the world history but the time era of the pioneers and later just intrigue the heck out of me. I really enjoy Lewis and Clark history! The day turned out to be a GREAT one, that’s for sure!
Good read. I read all of your posts!
Why thank you, Jared!! I’m glad you took the time to let me know you’re there and you’re reading!!
Chuck and I enjoyed reading this post. What an interesting town with a great museum and beautiful court house!
Thank you, Carol! And thank you for taking the time to let me know!!!! I’m sorry that it’s taken me this long to find out what a treasure Tecumseh truly is! I know where I will go the next time I’m in town for a track meet, that’s for sure.
Oh Tracy, that was so much fun to read! I loved hearing the stories of the past and the history that comes with them. Thank you for sharing.
The Bubble Gum Bandit !! Love it !! Your Gramma ,sounds like she was a real straight shooter!! Thanks for giving us some more history of being a Custom Harvester,
She was a great teacher and probably didn’t even know it. Wish I could sit down with her over a cup of coffee. Especially about the upcoming harvest and just how uncertain everything is.
You ,Tracy are that Gramma today !!
Estebon Saskatchewan is actually Estevan. This is where we farm. That was a great article. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the heads up on the name change!! I corrected it. Glad you took the time to read and even more glad you took the time to write your note.
[…] taking over Grandpa’s harvest business was what he wanted to do. I found an article that had been written and published in the Sidney, Nebraska Telegraph. So many things have changed since […]
Hugs to you.
Thank you!
We are so sorry for the way things are this year for you. There are so many difficult issues to deal with. Chuck and I will pray for you and ask God to give you wisdom, encouragement and work!!
I hope I don’t sound like I’m whining. Just wanted to let everyone know why we weren’t leaving yet. It’s sort of the same feeling I had when I had to wave goodbye to the rest of the crew as they were pulling out on the highway and I knew I had to stay home, home. Thank you for the prayers!!
Sorry to here of the negative effects that the crazy weather and changing times are causing for a great family in a very challenging industry at best. I pray that God continues to bless your efforts in 2018 and beyond.
Thank you, David! I know we’ll get through this. Because I just know who’s in control. It’s just a very sick-to-your-stomach feeling watching and knowing everyone else is heading south without us. Although, I do know it’s not just us feeling the strain of what harvest18 is doing to the custom harvesters right now. It’s definitely not like it used to be when we left home and knew what stops we had and where we would be. Just stick with us! Hopefully, some good adventures are in the plan. 🙂
Muito triste o que esta acontecendo com vocês .Que DEUS os proteja e abra campos de trigo para a colheita de 2018!
Translation of what Ricardo said:
“Very sad what is happening to you. May God protect you and open wheat fields for the 2018 harvest!”
Thank you, Ricardo! We’ll take whatever God provides and be thankful! It’s just so scary when you can’t see the whole picture! When it’s over, maybe we’ll be able to say, “Now I know why it happened that way!”
Translation to Ricardo – Obrigado Ricardo! Nós tomaremos tudo o que Deus prover e seremos gratos! É tão assustador quando você não consegue ver a foto toda! Quando acabar, talvez possamos dizer: “Agora sei por que aconteceu assim!”
Good morning Tracy….Things always seem to work out..great pictures..Nice pix of Gma/Gpa and
Grandkids…and the picture of “Happy Father’s Day ” 2012 nice picture of your Dad,Mark and Matt
enjoyed the up date…be safe….love you..mom 🙂
Hi Mom!
I’m not sure which picture was the 2012 Happy Father’s Day. Or the one with Mark and Matt? Glad you enjoyed it, though! Love you too!
So very happy you are back in the wheat field! Can’t wait to “ride along” with the live cam. Enjoyed your update as always.
🙂
Thanks, Jeanne!
great to see your back at what you love best happy harvesting
You’re right – what I love! Thanks, Dan.
Love your posts! Do you have a lot of wheat down due to high winds?
No. It looks like the wheat is still standing. What we will have is mud to fight. But the high temps that are beginning today will help!
Wow !! those cloud formations are like too much!! Yep the great white combine .not a friendly machine. Here’s a simple Raincation meal ,Salsa chicken .2 beasts ,score them in three places add your best liked salsa in a normal sized oven dish bake for 25min. at 350f ,take out, add your favorite shredded cheese back in heat till the cheese is melty, about 5-10 min. This my design ! So glad the Z Crew has the header in the wheat. Work SAFE ,God Bless !
Yes, Tom, the storms have been amazing – just one more challenge for the summer! Day to day is the only way we can do this job this year. No plans are safe to make because they just get changed. 🙂
Thanks for the recipe!! We’re hoping we can get back to work tomorrow – the machine is unloaded and ready to go!
Oh my goodness Tracy, what a storm! I am glad you are all okay and the damage wasn’t any worse, although, those dents look pretty bad. So glad for your harvest so far, keep on going. Be careful out there. We’ve had some bad storms from Limon on east. Love you guys.
Thank you, Linda.
Hi from up North in Eastern Canada, Brockville, Ontario,,,,i love to read your posts and see the pics, my oldest son worked a season with a Custom Harvestor from Minnesota, started in April til November, it was a great experience for him.
Well hello, Ray! So glad you took the time to write a note to me! I’m so glad your son got to experience the harvest adventure! I know a couple of harvesters from MN. I’m certain one day he’ll be glad he fits in with the group of people who did it rather than saying, “I always wanted to but didn’t”.
God bless!
I am saddened by your losses. I will ask Jesus’ Mother, Mary to hold you and others close to her heart. She lost her Baby as well.
Thank you for your caring words, Arleen!
Beautiful post; thank you for being courageous and vulnerable in sharing! I haven’t experienced miscarriage but was silent about other issues in my life. Agree with you that we need each other and that God has a plan for each of us in whatever we face!
Thank you for your kind words. I think when we remain silent we secretly think “I got this” when, in fact, having support would actually be best. But…it all comes with experience. I can’t imagine going through these life trials without faith in a loving God. 🙂
Beautiful message!!
Thank you Judeen. 🙂
Thank you for sharing. My mother lost a baby between my brother and I 60 years ago. She expressed to me her feelings when I was expecting our first child. At that time it was spoken of even less. Mom says her faith in God and His plan along with Dad was her only sorce of strength and comfort.
Unfortunately, sometimes that’s all someone going through this sort of life challenge has these days too. Because no one wants to speak up. It’s almost like it’s a curse to say you’re pregnant and then lose the baby. It shouldn’t be that way. We all need support. Thank you for sharing your memories!
Tracy, I never knew and I’m so very sorry.
Well, Carol, how would you? I didn’t tell many about the loss. Until now. 🙂 Thank you for your kind words and sympathies. I haven’t seen you yet!!!!!
Think I’ll check the extinguishers on our machine!
That would probably be a great idea, Bill!
Love your posts. We custom harvested back in the 60’s with 2 403 IHC combines with 16′ headers. No cabs. We would start in Alva, OK, stop in Stafford and Hill City, KS then to Holyoke, Co. and one time we went to Kimball, NE. We talked my Dad into going to Cheyenne Frontier Days that year.
THANK YOU for your note, Charles! You are the one who should be writing your memories of early years harvest down! I wish so often that I could talk harvest stories with my grandpa again. Cheyenne Frontier Days…a special treat if it worked out! I remember getting to go a couple of times, as well. So glad you enjoy my words and check in once in awhile. I appreciate that you took the time to write a note!
Thank goodness you had your handy dandy fire extinguisher! Our weather here in Idaho got cooler too…which we’ve enjoyed because we’d been having 100*+ days for too long. And the storm took away the smoke for a short time. It was nice to see blue skies not hidden by smoke…which has returned but not as bad as before. Hope your next few days go well and then a safe trip home. Enjoyed the pictures and story. Take care!
Good to hear from you, Margaret! Yes! Thank goodness for that fire extinguisher…it just wouldn’t have been enough had the fires been anything more than they were. But, this time it all worked out with a good ending. Enjoy your cooler weather and those beautiful blue skies!!
Super post Tracy. So glad you & Robin got it out !! lucky the combine didn’t go up ! Preventive maintenance is a must on a Combine , bearings ,bushings, belts only last so long. One must know what part of the machine wears most & has more stress on it Yes Jim & I are on the same page of blowing off a combine after the day is done. Work Safe !
Thanks for the note, Tom! And for your kind words.
Oh, Tracy! NOTHING worse than a fire in a wheat field! Saw a burned out combine in Kansas while visiting my In laws…..completely destroyed! Glad that didn’t happen to you guys and that everyone was OK!
Me too! But you can certainly understand it a little more after seeing how very quickly everything started. Had the wind been blowing any stronger than it was we could have had a real issue on our hands. Those fire extinguishers do their job, but there wasn’t much left when I got to the second one. Thanks for your note, Norm!
Too bad you can’t bring the old Studebaker back to Ne. It’s been a lone time since I have rebuilt one and that one looks like a fun project.
Oops…just saw this Todd. Guess that ‘ole Studebaker just needs to stay where it’s been for so many years. It’s so grand, though, isn’t it?
Thanks for sharing your life on wheat Harvest enjoyed all the pictures
Thanks, Ivan! There were quite a few pictures! I keep this blog mostly for my kids and grandkids. I will print it at the end of the year so I HAD to include them all. 🙂
Thank you for your note.
Thanks for sharing. I went for 4 years with Peters Harvesting in the 90’s. Those are adventures I wil never forget. Love to read how you all are doing. Now living south of lincoln I still tell people of those adventurers. Enjoy yoir time at home.
My grandparents were friends with Peters’ Harvesting – small world. We are finally settled back into being home and trying to pick a little corn. The weather seems to be the issue for us and a lot other harvesters. Thanks for following our journeys and for leaving a note!!!
Fantastic post Tracy !! Love your pictures ,the best are of Jamie’s photo’s of the crew, they are soooo cute , time doesn’t stand still for that bunch !! Did your Z flower garden make it back Home Home ? A little Rodeo history ,Belle Fourche SD. was the home of Mark & Marvin Garrett ,bareback World champion’s. That big yellow bucket is half of the dump box for a Oil Sands Truck ,maybe a 777 CAT. head’n up to Fort Mac. Alberta. We are going to have our first Stegmeier grandchild in Feb 2019 super stuff !!
[…] until last night, though. Phase three of coming back home is yard work. As you will recall from my last post, phases one and two happened right away. I figured I would eventually get through the weeds and all […]
Yep, Harvest 2018 is a test and then some , Tracy don’t you worry about putting the corn header in the rite row, you will do just fine . It is a lot easier than trying to figger out how some people swath a circle and to open it up. Please keep us in the loop .Work Safe !
Thanks for the nice update… Great to hear that you are getting to enjoy Corn harvest. Soybeans can be a challenge. Nice of you to go the Trump rally. I attended his speech last March at the American Farm Bureau convention in Nashville OpryHouse. Our sorghum harvest in SW Kansas has been delayed by the rains too. ARRO kit sales are going pretty good. I’m going to the Bi-Rotor auction on Monday. Hope to get them bought, but didn’t win the Lottery… so not much chance of that happening.
Well, I’ve got the hang of soybean harvest now. It’s the corn that I’m still unsure of. Beans and wheat are somewhat the same. 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed the energy at the Trump rally. People backing the American way!!
Good luck with getting your bid on the combines. I wish they would have done something with them before his death. I feel bad for him and those of you who put so much time and effort into the idea. It looked like it should have been something the manufacturers should have used. All that work for nothing – or so it appears.
Fun adventure—you are such a pioneer—I so admire you!!
Well, I don’t know if you can call me a pioneer. 🙂
Or just doin what I have to do.
Thanks for your note, Judeen!!!
Tracy, so glad you got to do some more harvesting. Amazing that you find the fall crops so different from a harvesting perspective. I loved that Eli and Nora are getting the experience of the harvest with their Gramma. The tradition continues.❤️ Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Oh my, yes! The fall crops are so different to me. I felt a little more comfortable in the seat and doing what I was doing towards the end of the season. Maybe after next year, I can say I feel even better. Yep…they asked me if I’d do it again next year. 🙂 I’m so glad the kids want to come along. I have such fond memories of riding in the cab of a combine with my grandpa and in the cab of a truck with my grandma. Some of the very best!
Merry Christmas to you guys, too!
Never be afraid of the unknown ,you will embrace it and go forward . Life is a never ending class room ,we are always learning .I knew you would do your best &then some. Love the in cab pic’s of Nora &Eli ,nap time or what !!! Tracy your fall photo’s are MINT . Super info on your fall harvest run ,it is on my bucket list to come down and feel a Nebraska fall harvest . Dad always said if you ain’t —–‘n up you ain’t doing much!! My saying is Experience is a whole lot’a —–up’s Mother Nature sure did test Custom Harvesters & Farmers alike this fall . Next year EH !!
Your words are always so encouraging, Tom. Thank you! I am such a detail person. I probably have way greater expectations on myself than I should. It’s just who I am. Yes!!! We harvesters surely did have a great test with harvest 2018. I hope 2019 is a bit easier on all of us.
Merry Christmas to you and your family! God bless!!
Thank You for sharing with us,,,,,i really enjoy Stories like Yours,,,,,once a Farmer ,,Always a Farmer,,,,,for me i guess. Merry Christmas.
Ray…good to hear from you! Thank you for your kind words. They encourage me to write when I know someone actually takes time to read them. I understand the “once a farmer, always a farmer”. I’ve never farmed but if I had to to totally leave the world of agriculture, I don’t think it would even feel right.
Merry Christmas!
Loved your fall harvest story and pictures…grandkids are growing up to fast! I sent your story on to our son Chris (47)…he does all of our combining…corn, wheat and until a couple years ago, alfalfa seed. You’d hate that Tracy…they have to move SO slow combining alfalfa seed! Son Chris and husband Ron met Jenna a few years back when they were at the Claas factory. We did buy the combine. We don’t do the acres you do, just our own place. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and good harvesting in 2019!
Margaret Smith
Good to hear from you, Margaret!
Yep!! I remember they came to Omaha and met Jen. 🙂 The people who are pros at the fall crop probably laughed at my experience. I was asked to help next year so, hopefully, I’ll have a little more experience with it this time next year. Life is a journey and ya might as well do all you can…before you can’t.
Thank you so much for leaving your note. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! And let’s hope 2019 is good for all of Ag.
You’ll do great next fall Tracy…you’re a quick study. Love to read about your adventures! 🙂
Glad to see your post. I was curious as to how you got along with the fall harvest. We are just down the river from you here in northwest Missouri and still trying to finish corn harvest, hopefully this week. Couldn’t buy a rain all summer and then nine inches first two weeks in October and four snows after that. At least we got the beans out and the corn has stood well and is yielding good for what it has been through. Should have known it was going to be an interesting season when we got six inches of snow on Easter Sunday. Had the same experience with an eagle chasing rabbits on our last day of bean harvest, he even resorted to chasing them on foot, made for a fun couple hours watching him. Your grandkids have a little more comfortable place to nap in todays combines. I can still remember the naps I took in the Massey 510 on that ledge behind the seat riding with my dad. Wonderful memories. Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and lots of wheat to cut next year.
I am also aware of the comfiness of that ledge behind the seat on the Massey combines. I remember quite clearly being in the combine with my grandpa and standing next to him while he was running the combine. And eventually climbing behind him for a nap on that ledge. 🙂 What great memories!! There is a small ledge behind the seat in the New Holland cab. It could provide a great place for a very small child. But a blanket on the floor with a coat as a pillow seems to be the best way to take a long nap these days. Hope you are able to get that harvest done this week. It looks like Eastern Nebraska is in for a warm up of temps – nearing 40 degrees. It will be time to break out the shorts and tank top…HA!! The 2018 harvest has certainly provided plenty of challenges for everyone. Thanks for taking time to leave your note.
Tracy, I know you and I know you did a great job! I relate to the break down, but I am sure anyone else would have had that happen in the same situation. I still love your writing-you have a wonderful way with words which make your stories come to life. So glad you got to do that and also enjoy having those grandkiddo’s spend some time with you. Love you guys. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all!
Thank you for your note, Linda! Good to hear from you. Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas. It went way too fast. Seems like it takes so long to prepare for and before you know it, it’s just over. I sort of need a Christmas music fix about now.
While I enjoyed cutting wheat, I loved the fall harvest most of all. Cool mornings, hot afternoons and bright colors accompanied the bean harvest on our Indiana farm. Late starts and long nights in the combine transitioned into cold mornings, cool afternoons and even longer days as the leaves disappeared from the trees and we moved into the corn harvest. Most years the snow would fly before we would finally put the combine away for the year. As a matter of fact I relived a cold, windy, snowy January day in the combine in a blog I wrote several years ago. So many happy memories from my past are related to the fall harvest. Thanks for bringing some of those memories back to the surface with your posts and pictures. 😊
Merry Christmas and may God bless you and yours in the coming year and keep you all safe and healthy.
Good to hear from you, Doug! I pray you and your family have a blessed 2019. If it keeps you healthy…you’ve had a great year!
I know one storm does not make a winter, but I hope you are getting enough snow and rain to improve conditions over last year. GC. from North Carolina.
I also hope the weather treats us well this year. We harvesters need a year that doesn’t challenge the spirit and the pocket book quite so much! Good to hear from you, Gene. I pray your new year is a great one!
[…] what I have already told and how much I really do have to get caught up on. The last post was about what I learned about fall harvest. And it was […]
Totally LOVED this—heartfelt thanks for sharing your “life`s adventures” with us!! Blessings in 2019.
Thanks, Judeen!!
It’s hendrik, but I still love reading your stories, both from harvest aswell from your family traditions! And your travels, if you guys make road trips you travel the way we do in the US! Lots to see especially if you’re into agriculture! This year, 2019, we will be travelling again from the midwest to Seatlle so perhaps we’ll succeed to seeyou on your run this year! Happy Newyear to youand your entire family and I’m still convincedyou should bundle these stories into a book!
I know Hendrik…others have told me this as well. I’m curious, though, who in their right mind would buy a book with my memories in it? 🙂
I hope we get to see you and Anita in 2019. The harvest seems to have a mind of its own, though. Thank you for taking the time to leave a note. Here’s to a new year…new memories…and good health! Thanks for being such a loyal Z Crew follower.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019 to all Z crew….the pictures are so nice..xxxxxxoooo..mom
Thanks, mom! Love you!!
Great Family Photos, Wish You All The Best in 2019. May Your Yields be High and Your Repair Bills Low.
Love the post!! Those family pictures are blessed and then some. We are having a real easy winter so far -26C with wind chill has been the coldist so far. But March is our worst month up here for kooky weather. Here’s to a safe & successful 2019 !!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on John Kennay. I lived about 3 miles from him about 20 years ago…but didn’t know him. I knew his name, knew of him, but didn’t really know him. In the last couple years we started following each other on Twitter. We commented on each other’s posts when our paths had crossed. It shook me when I heard about his passing, too. Thanks, again.
I just wonder if any of us truly know how many lives we touch in a lifetime? Thank you for taking the time to leave your note, Kevin! If we’re not friends on Twitter…I guess we should be!
Beautifully written—right from your heart—LOVED it!!
She did a beautiful job of saying what was in her heart!
We hear plight ,Back in 1990 we almost our farm yard ,got 7.5 in of rain in 2 days on already super wet ground. God bless you folks in Nebraska.
Thanks, Tom!
Well Written,,,i ve been following this tragedy since it started ..Stay Strong,,,Work Together,,,Be There for Each Other,,,the only way to get by in these times. Wishing All Better Days Ahead, from Your Friends in Canada.
Thank you, Ray, for your words of encouragement! Jenna did an awesome job of putting words to emotions that have been felt by so many of us!
Thanks for the well written blog! Commiserating with your plight and praying for you and for your spirit. Love and best wishes to all!
Thank you, Norm! Knowing people like you are out there to help with prayers means a lot!
So beautifully written! We have been thinking about Nebraska and praying for so many folks we know. We have been wondering about all the Zeorian’s. So glad to read this post. Love you guys.
Zcrew YOU ARE NEBRASKA STRONG. !!!!!!!! Jenna I hope one of the TV stations reads this.
maybe some one will put a “bug” in their ears….it is radio/TV material I am so PROUD…
love you sooooooooo much Gma Barb……
.
[…] an update on Jenna’s t-shirt fundraiser. We have sold 232 shirts. This is getting very close to a $2,000 donation to the Nebraska Farm […]
One of your best post ever Tracy !! Family so special ,Callie going to the land down under mint stuff.Taylor& Colton head’n to Lake of the Ozarks, have been both there .Where about’s is Callie heading to in AUS. ? Sure hope Taylor & Colton have a super time on the Lake . You & Jim are so blessed .
WONDERFUL recap – thanks for sharing your season. it’s so interesting to read about operations so much larger than ours, and your photography is well-done and exciting. clapclapclap. we rent out the cropland on our little farm here, and this year, our new renter is doing just corn and hay. it’s only about 60 acres. both crops have been absolutely beautiful – which is amazing since we had such a late, wet spring. but he got it all prepped and planted at just the right time. probably the only three dry and sunny days we had in the spring. best wishes for your work at home this fall and winter. i’m a relatively new reader, so will be going back in your blog to learn more. –suz in hilly northeast ohio.
I’m sure you’re referring to the larger operations being the farmers we cut for. We aren’t farmers. We only own the one acre our house sits on in Nebraska. Thank you for your kind words about my picture-taking abilities. Photography has always been something I have loved to do. I just never really did anything with it. I just love taking way too many pictures! I hope you’ve gone back to some of my earlier writings and have learned a little more about me and my family. If you ever have any questions, please let me know! My email address is zcrew82@gmail.com. So glad you found my blog!
Tracy
ahhh – no, i knew you were custom cutters, but you mentioned something above about the crops changing at home, so i thought you meant you still had beans or corn to harvest at home yet. that’s why i need to go back in your blog, lol.
a lot of places around here are on third-cut hay now and silage, but beans are still in various stages of green-ness, with only a little bit of gold, because of the late spring planting, and field corn will be well after that. we also have a lot of veg and fruit growers around here, and while the sweet corn and tomatoes have been better than usual, apples and peaches have been ok, but not at good as last year. more than you wanted to know, i’m sure … and thanks for the email address. –suz in ohio
Yes! You’re right!! We do have beans and corn to do at home. Jim and “The Beast” will go help the same farm family he has for the last 30 some years. No trucks are needed so it’s just the two of them. I have never had anything to do with fall harvest until last year. I helped some friends with their fall harvest last year by driving their combine. I had never cut soybeans or corn – more than just as a brief sub while Jim had to do something else. That was a whole new learning curve for me. It takes way more thinking to cut both of those crops – especially when it involved terraces. By the time it was over last fall, I sort of felt like I was getting the hang of it. They asked me to help again this year. It will be good to crawl back into the cab of a combine, especially when it will be very similar to ours. I’ll try to blog about my experiences with fall harvest again.
Oh no! Don’t apologize for filling me in about the other crops that are grown and harvested around your area. I love hearing about all and anything that has to do with harvest.
Enjoy your posts. Keep it up! Charlie
Why thank you, Charlie. With encouraging words like yours, I will keep at it. 🙂
thank you for another season of interesting writings and pictures. I find comparing your years interesting and informative. Well Done ! You share wonderful insights into a life most of us will never know, especially for those of us that grew up on a farm. Thank you for all of your efforts. from North Carolina.
Gosh, Gene, this is probably one of the nicest comments I’ve received. Thank you! I started this little blog thing in hopes of educating others about what the heck we do. Comments like yours makes me feel like all my efforts have been good. And this makes my heart happy. God willing we’ll be back again next summer! I’m learning not to take things for granted – you never know when things can completely change. So thankful for readers like you who continue to read my words. 🙂
Until the “ beast “ roars again. May you always find a strong signal 🙂
🙂
I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog and following the adventures on Facebook. I’m sorry that your season had such an anti climactic ending. I love Combine harvesters, have ever since I was a kid and even got to drive one for a season. 🙂 . You would think with the English weather the harvest would never get done but in my part of England the summers can be pretty dry, if not a bit on the cloudy side. Mark in Northamptonshire, England.
This is the BEST part about social media. To think that someone from England reads what the heck I write (or video) just blows my mind! It’s such a small world…it really is. I love being in the combine. I just don’t understand how someone can sit in the cab every day, all day long and still say that. I honestly believe it’s a sickness of some kind. 🙂
Thank you for letting me know you’re out there, Mark! I appreciate hearing from you!!
As you are probably aware all that rain in the upper Missouri river watershed plus the heavy rains we have had here in eastern Nebraska has caused the river to flood again. Interstate 29 is closed in some locations because of high water.
Beautiful photo’s. Need to put that on our list.
LOVED this. So appreciate beautiful “ranch country” and the kind folks that live & work there!!. Safe travels.
More than love the pictures ,so nice that You & Jim had a great raincation .one needs to see and experience natures wonders .Montana is on our bucket list ,I tell Sandi it’s only 3hrs south !!
My father in law and stepson live in Thermopolis so I’ve been there and taken many of the same photos, plus a few thousand more. 😂 Great little town, amazing scenery. Glad you had a good raincation and glad to see you made it home safely.
🙂
Thanks, Doug! You’ve got good reasons to get back. I hope we can get back again one day and spend a bit more time!
I feel your pain! Many years ago I had a customer decide he could finish his corn on his own so I went from full steam ahead to full stop over night. Didn’t get closure that fall, didn’t get to say goodbye. 😥
To me…that’s the worst! Those connections are sometimes difficult to explain but they’re real and when you can’t have the closure (even with a simple goodbye), it just doesn’t right. Thanks for understanding!
Your’e rockin’ the hair! I really like it and so much less maintainence.
Thank you, Carol! I’m already loving the fact that when the wind blows, no one will see a white streak. 🙂
Hi Tracy. I so enjoy Nebraska Wheatie.
I’m so glad you do, Darlene!
Thank you for letting me know you’re out there reading my words. ❤
Wow—you were really serious—you will look awesome—-those brown eyes will dance!!
A Grand Wonderful You! and your Eyes just sparkle! Enjoy
Thank you, Connie!
Yes, I WAS!
Funny that you mention my eyes because Jamie just said my eyes will “pop” like Judeen’s now. 🙂
Look like a kid again!
Bill
You’re so kind, Bill! 🙂
I LOVE YOUR HAIR! Looks great! Congrats on the grandbaby that’s on it’s way too!
Thank you, Julie! ❤
Same smile
Different hair
Looks great😁
Thank you, Mark!
I love the hair!
Thank you, Marlene!
Looks Great !!
Thank you, Rogene!
Like it makes you Look younger !!
I would have NEVER guessed it would make me look younger. 🙂
BEAUTIFUL! And that smile!
💕
My hometown is Jordan and I get to hear about you and your family and how special you all are. I feel like I know you …. at least a bit from my sisters and Nicole.
I absolutely love that little town and the people who live there! Every time we leave, it’s like leaving home again. Just thinking about everyone there now makes me homesick. Who are your sisters?
I love your new hair style! You look gorgeous!!!
Oh, goodness, Gretchen! You’re so kind. Thank you for the vote of confidence and encouragement!!
Well, It looks VERY nice and VERY becoming on you. I did the same and was glad to let my white show. Good choice. Sharon Drake. Winfield ,Ks.
Thank you, Sharon! It’s very “freeing” for sure! No more will I have to think about someone seeing my white streak when the wind blows. Now my white hair just blows. 🙂
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! All well here; enjoying the weather.
Happy New Year!
Bill & Barb
Christmas Blessings to your family!!
Merry Christmas from NC.
Merry Christmas to you and your ever expanding family. I pray 2020 is a happy and prosperous new year for the Z Crew! 😀
Whew!! Been a bit of a crazy ride the last couple of weeks. Thanks, Doug! I hope the same for you – a happy, prosperous 2020! (Thanks for your note)
So fun reading this & seeing your pics—-you are talented!!
Well, Judeen, I don’t know how talented I am but thank you for thinking I am. 🙂
Thanks for posting so many pictures along with your story of the past few months! Lots of smiles and good times. Congrats on your new granddaughter…a real cutie just like her cousins. Look forward to your 2020 adventures. Take care, Margaret
P.S. Tell Nora I loved her Christmas dress…I wore one just like it for Christmas including the black leggings…but she looked much more adorable! 🙂
Good to hear from you, Margaret! I’m glad you enjoyed looking at all those pictures! You see, I have to post them here because I print each year and this is the one way I can keep my pictures readily accessible. I just let them pile up on me! Thanks for your note.
Thanks for sharing your adventures. Brings me back to the mid 90’s when I went on the harvest 4 years with Peters Harvesting. I really enjoy hearing all the stories and enjoy all the pics. You all don’t live far from me in Nebraska. Makes it fun to hear you talk about things back home too. Thanks again and best of luck in 2020.
I know Roger Peters. Those harvest days are some of the best memories only a few can say they’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. I’m glad you enjoy reading my stories, Robert! And…thanks for leaving your note.
Really enjoyed the photos!! Congrats on the new granddaughter….
Thank you, Karl! I appreciate that you took the time to leave a comment. I’m loving all my grandkids!!!
Limber of the typing fingers for many 2020 entries…. North Carolina
I know I need to be better about posting. It seems like these winter months are just so boring!
Hi Tracy and the Z-crew family. The pictures of your holiday with Jim,and the parties with the family, up dating us all are very very nice. The pictures of Baby Layne and Eli, Nora and Ben
sooooooooo cute!!!! Baby Layne looks soooo much like her mommy, had to get the baby book
out and compare. So happy you wrote the update. mom, Gma,and Gt/Gma 🙂
Thanks, Mom!
So fun to read this—the picture is awesome!!
❤
I so agree with you! Just for awhile to go back and see and be with the loved ones we don’t have anymore. I was very close to my mom’s mom. Gram and I had such wonderful times together. Like you with your grandmother…I know if we’d been the same age we would have been BFF’s! 🙂
Thanks for showing the picture…put it in a special place to be viewed often!
Margaret Smith
🙂
Thank you for your comment, Margaret!
Looks like you had a wonderful 2019. Thanks for sharing your adventures and the many great pictures. God’s blessings to you and your family. Best wishes for more great 2020 visions.
Thanks, Alan!!
Hello from the high risk seats!
So glad to have finally gotten together for “Mexican night”. Was a great evening!
Looking forward to the next one.
COVID has sure spun our world in a different direction! At the risk of being boring I will relate our days events. Had another treatment today, new protocols, but all went well. Another patient, Bob, and I are on the same treatment schedule of the same clinical study and developed a friendship. Today we were discussing events in our earlier lives similar to current issues. We both grew up in the polio era which was completely unknown and only treatment of which I was aware was the iron lung. If you knew anyone my age who had a shrunken leg , it was probably polio. Knew at least 10 kids who were affected with leg paralysis etc. Some are still around. Believe there were fatalities, don’t recall details. That was s scary time! Bottom line is we are very small boats in a very large sea.
Best wishes to all, Bill
Hi Tracy, The pictures are soooo cute…I am so happy you took the kids to the circus. and it tickled me too, that Eli asked you about the circus, He can have the tickets again next year, if they
even have a repeat.It will be a memory from his Great Gma Barb :). hugs and kisses XXOO mom
I like your information I am a farmer.
Good to hear from you, Leonard! Thank you for your words of encouragement.
Stay well!
Everyone wants to get out but we need to be safe
So fun to hear your story. The bows are darling!!
Up here we are safe ,sound & keeping distance .Sandi is in retirement mode , she got throwed under bus by a bunch of directors ,you know the feeling . Hope JIm is feeling better. We try to get out for good walk on the weekends as I am still swinging wrench’s at Lynx Ridge Golf Course , so fortunate to have work in these unknown times . Fresh & sunshine is a must,Sandi try’s to walk every day we have miles of tails here . That Layne sooo cute!!! You ,Jim & Family take care, be safe ,Big Hugs
Enjoyed hearing how y’all are doing. I dropped my Facebook account and really haven’t missed it much. I drop into Harvesther from time to time for updates and stories.
Here in the Florida panhandle we are preparing for planting and secretly enjoying a reduction in traffic. My husband became enraged at the amount of spring break crowds that thronged to the beach and wished for Donald Trumps border wall to be erected at the state line. He got his satisfaction when state troopers started turning vehicles around or ordering them to quarantine in place once they reached their destination.
Me, I’m sad. I miss the chaos we ignored, the fast food, restaurants with a lunch buffet, the availability of hand sanitizers, etc…
But really I’m lost. I miss the local congregation, Wednesday night children’s church, the fellowship and support of gathering to hear God’s word.
And this new normal I am afraid will linger into the summer and beyond.
I pray a smooth start to y’alls harvest year and for many days to come.
Miss all of the Harvesther family!
Sincerely
Tonya Land
Tonya, I sent you a personal email to the address I see on the comment. Maybe you didn’t get it. It’s so good to hear from you!!! I’ve wondered why I hadn’t heard from you. This is such crazy times and seems to be getting crazier! Please check in again sometime.
Your the the salt of the earth. This keeps us farmers going were used to knocks. Hope all well
All is well, Dan! Thanks for your kind words!!
As always Tracy, “FABULOUS”… I wasn’t there with you and family…the picture stories,.gave me feeling, as if I was. have a Great summer..be safe..love you mom..:) 🙂
Thanks, mom!
I’m afraid that this will change us “forever”, I don’t see how it can’t. While I know there will be negative affects from this, I’m trying to focus on the good things I am seeing. I know in this neighborhood, kids are no longer playing outside alone. Mom and Dad are out there too. Families are drawing closer together during this time of quarantine. I also believe all this fear mongering has opened up more Bibles than ever before. Some of the programs I listen to on Bott radio are talking about the higher than usual calls and request they are receiving from people who are finding or rediscovering God in all this. But the biggest thing I am seeing, is that people are finally seeing where the real evil lies in all this and are starting to push back against Satan and his lies. I am praying we come out of this with stronger families, stronger faith, and a stronger nation.
Thanks for another great post and for sharing a glimpse into your life. Can’t believe how far you all have come since Jenna’s first post on All Aboard all those years ago, especially Jim. He’s gone from scowling at the camera to running it for you! He even has his own Twitter account now. Take care, stay healthy, and I hope you have a great summer!
Thanks for a great comment, Doug! I especially liked the comment about “Jim going from scowling at the camera to running it for me”. 🙂 Spot on!!
I’m glad you’ve stuck with us on this crazy journey of ours!
Appreciate your testimony. Prayers for a safe and profitable harvest.
Enjoy your comments. I hope you have a great Harvest this year!!
Great read Tracy, those grandkids so cute !! Looking forward to your Harvest 2020 blogs .Work safe , keep the header in the wheat ,no big break downs & very few raincations
You folks have always amazed me with the extensive moving of stuff. What a task! Be safe, Good Luck!
Bill
Hey Tracy! As you head out, I thought you might appreciate the following “blessing” for harvest convoys. I’m including it in my July Harvest News column, for those heading out or moving from location to location. Best Blessings!
A Blessing of Harvest Convoys
Leader: Today we ask God’s mercy and favor on all who travel the harvest road, especially those among us today. We pray that the Lord will grant us a safe journey to the next ripe field, favorable travel and harvest conditions along our way, and joyous meetings with old friends and new at every stop. May we praise God with every hour and mile that passes, with every act of hospitality we give and receive, with every opportunity to give glory to God with our thoughts, words and actions.
One: God has put his angels in charge of us.
All: To guard us in all our ways. (Ps 91:11)
One: God leads us in right paths for his name’s sake.
All: God leads us beside still waters; he restores my soul. (Ps 23:3)
One: All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness:
All: For those who keep his covenant and decrees. (Psalm 25:10)
Leader: Let us pray. Lord God our Father, you kept Abraham and Sarah in safety throughout the days of their pilgrimage; you led the children of Israel through the midst of the sea; and by a star you led the Wise Men to the infant Jesus. Protect and guide us as we set out to travel; make our ways safe and our homecomings joyful; and bring us at last to our heavenly home, where you dwell in glory with your Son and the Holy Spirit, God forever.
All: Amen
Leader: Let us bless the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Leader: Lord, order our days and our deeds according to your word and your will.
All: Amen
Leader: Let us head out in peace and serve the Lord as we go.
C. Thanks be to God.
Tracy and Jim…be safe,and be extra careful…I will be thinking of you every evening…love you soo
much. hug’s and distant kisses ..mom
Enjoy reading your blogs Traci, safe travels, will keep following.
Tracy so glad every thing is going…again keep an eye out for the ” rattlers “…Oh and I was checking, has any one guessed the famous person from Sharon Ks? My guess is MARTINA MCBRIDE….I had all kinds of little “isims” on my tours, with “moostash tours…it was always fun..something for the people to try and figure out..stay safe nothing new here just HOT..maybe
some rain thursday….we need it..love xxxooo’s mom….
Good to see you’re back! I’ve seen that collage before bur love the Massey and Jim as a youngster of course! So sorry you all left twitter, you have to see through the politics on there and use it simply to keep in touch! Good you didn’t leave facebook too! Well I still love to follow you guys and still hope to meet you guys on the harvest run in the future! We won’t make it to the US again this year because our vaccination is very slow in Belgium!
Some days I do miss Twitter. I deleted when I had just had all the political BS I could tolerate. Who knows, I may set up another account. Some days, it’s just all too much!! Thanks for the note!
Always nice to see the memories! Best wishes for the coming season!!
Thank you, Norm!!
Good to see you blog. Have fallowed you since Jenna blogged on All Aboard Harvest. Being an ex custom harvester I enjoy seeing your blogs. Thanks
I don’t seem to feel like I should write like I used to. Maybe it’s because it’s just Jim and I again and life is a little bit more boring than when the entire crew went with us. I think that’s why I like the videos. I can share what’s going on around me. Jenna was good at her job! She had very large shoes to fill. An ex-custom harvester…someone who knows what the heck I’m talking about! So glad you left your note Allen.
I miss yall videos. Can’t wait to see 2021..
I’m sure being April 9th, you starting to feel that itch returning. Hope yall had a great winter and
God Bless you and Jim and your beautiful family!!
Yes, I know I start to get the itch. Jim probably just thinks about all the work ahead of him to get things ready to make the move south. The winter…trying at times! But we made it! Thank you for your kind words, Scotty! See you in a couple of months!
Super ,Tracy !!! That Ben is a big boy for his age ,Layne is huggable and then some !!! So nice that the girls could get together , Hope you
get to cut in that Montana area this year ,
Oh my gosh, yes! Ben is as tall as both Eli and Nora. They’re all growing much too fast! And that Layne…:) I, too, hope we can cut wheat in Montana this summer. Looks pretty dry right now.
Thank you for the wonderful pics, especially those with your kids and grands. They are so cute and growing fast. That little one’s eyes-oh my, they are gorgeous! We should have seen the picture of you and Jim all dressed up on your 2020 Christmas greetings. It was a beautiful picture! Love you guys (always will).
Good to hear from you, Linda! Thank you for your kind words. Yes, our family is certainly growing. 🙂
Love you too.