We got back in the field late Tuesday morning. I was definitely in some sort of funk all day due to missing the girls and the mountains. By the end of the day, though, things sort of started falling back into place.

The people we are cutting for are more like family than anyone else we work for. In 1992, we took a leap of faith and headed to Jordan, MT when we finished in Nebraska. My grandparents came here for the first time in 1981. We decided we’d come back – hoping to find work once we got here. If we didn’t, it was going to turn into a rather expensive vacation. Jim and Mardrie were one of the first farmers in Jordan to hire our one combine crew. Their two children were college age at the time. My kids were 6 (Jamie) and 4 (Jenna). Mark was our hired man.

Mardrie and Jim took us in and made us feel like family right away. As a matter of fact, one summer while Jim and I had to make the second trip back to Nebraska to get the rest of the equipment, they kept all four girls with them for nearly a week. We’ve NEVER felt like strangers in their home. We helped Jim and Mardrie for 15 summers. In 2006, their situation changed enough they didn’t need our help any longer.

Unfortunately, that’s when it got harder to see them when we returned to Jordan. When we get here, harvest is top priority for everyone. We would usually see them briefly when we first got to town and then Jim and I would make a point of going to the ranch and visiting them for an evening when we came back the second time to get equipment. Most times, we’d end up spending the night at their house and it felt like we were back home. We even had “our room” in the basement. Jim and Mardrie were responsible for our having the BEST dog in the world! Jordan (our dog) was the runt of the litter from their dog. She was the one that was left and was the best one of the litter. I still miss her!

When we finished in Denton this year and Jim made the call to see if we could help them finish their harvest and they agreed, I was extremely happy. On Tuesday while I was at the grain bins dumping Frank, Mardrie pulled up in her pickup, jumped out with her arms wide open and grinning from ear to ear. It was so good to see her! I told her while I was dumping, I was reminiscing about the times she and I would sit in the shade of the bins waiting for whatever we were waiting for and trying to keep my kids entertained (she also drove grain truck). Or looking out at the strips of wheat and remembering the time I helped Taylor and Callie (they were both pretty little) pack flat rocks to build a “house” on the prairie. My kids love Jim and Mardrie (and so do I)! So many memories…so many GOOD memories. I told her I felt like we were home again. What a great feeling! I know it may be a onetime deal but I’m certainly going to enjoy being a part of their family again for the few days that we’ll be here. It just feels good!!!

Somewhere on the edge of one of these strips has the remains of our “house”. Taylor, Callie & I packed flat rocks from the field to the edge for the foundation of our prairie home.

Look familiar, Mark?

I’m a sucker for a nice sunset!

When we finished cutting Tuesday evening, the weatherman was predicting cooler temps and the possibility of rain. I was hoping BIG TIME for a rain day. I got my wish! It cooled down and spit rain periodically all day yesterday. I had a full day of cleaning the cottage, laundry, going through mail, paying bills and getting caught up on different projects that involved the computer. It was 2:00 a.m. this morning before I ended my rain day. It’s easier just to walk out the door every day! Unfortunately, with the girls away, it’s not nearly as easy to walk out the door and know all the other details are being taken care of.

Yesterday’s skies – all day!

Today, we are back in the field. It’s a gorgeous Eastern Montana day! The high is 72 degrees with very little wind. When it does blow, there is a chilly bite to it. Last night’s low was near 40 degrees. Larry told me today his mom (Mardrie) said the low at the ranch was 30. It’s beginning to feel like fall is trying to sneak into Montana. A subtle reminder that summer is nearly over and going home is inevitable. Today was Taylor and Callie’s first day back to school.  I’ve thought about them all day wondering how their first day of being a senior and freshman went. A new normal has begun for them!

I wonder if the people in that plane know they flew over the grain that could quite possibly be in their next loaf of bread? Do they care?