In 1974, my grandma asked me if I’d like to go along on harvest with her and grandpa. I would be her helper. Helper for meal preparations, laundry, grocery shopping and visiting with other harvesters. I thought, “wow, this sounds like it could be a lot of fun”. I remember thinking how much fun it would be to keep the floor of the trailer house clean. Silly thought, huh! Little did I know that decision would lead me on my life adventure! My husband was one of grandpa’s hired men – 1975 and 1976. We married in 1982. Jim was an electrician when we got married and had no thought of becoming a custom harvester. However, I believe God had a different plan for our lives. The fall of 1982, Jim spent his entire life savings on a combine. The rest is history! He went along with my Dad and Grandpa for several years without me. We had our first daughter, Jamie, in December, 1985. Jenna was born in April, 1988. I remained home with the kids secretly wishing I could be on the harvest route and craving that way of life, as well. That wish came true the summer of 1990. At that time, Jim and I made the decision to go on harvest with our one combine. Dad had decided he needed to go back to his old job to be eligible for retirement funds. Grandpa and Grandma were getting old enough that they were staying home. We bit the bullet and headed out on our own. We have been on the road every summer since. Our girls have grown up on the harvest trail - not knowing what it’s like to be home during the summer months. Jamie got married April 2011 and Jenna graduated from college in December 2010. They no longer travel with us. Taylor and Callie are still a part of our harvest crew.
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/
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.
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