Answer…I don’t know.

That’s the question – and the answer – that seems to be fairly common for us these days. Everyone in our world knows that we should be getting ready to leave – and wondering why we’re still here. We have the “extreme weather” to thank for our sudden stop in action. Remember that “extreme” cold weather we had about three weeks ago? We had snow in May, Texas had a severe freeze.  The freeze put a halt on the pre-harvest work. Jim made the phone call to the fellow harvester we help. When Delaine saw that it was Jim calling, he didn’t even say hello – he answered the phone with, “I don’t know”.  The “I don’t know” was later changed to, “we’re not needed”. The insurance adjuster visited the wheat fields only to find the wheat crop MIGHT yield 4 bushels to the acre.  Not enough to justify the help of a custom harvester. It had to be a disappointment to our farmer but an even greater disappointment for us. No wheat…no income.

So…Jim called job #2. At that time, it looked like we may still have something to head to Oklahoma for – but it’s later than normal. Remember last year? We were cutting wheat on May 16 and began the journey south with our first trip on May 3. What a difference two years can be! What about after Oklahoma? The next two stops beyond that one are very “iffy”. The drought AND the freeze have taken care of quite a few acres in Western Kansas and Eastern Colorado. This may be the year of a summer vacation that we’ve never taken. We’re hoping Montana will have a crop to head for in August.

When are you leaving? I don’t know. 

So, what do we do? Well, the number one thing I think about is the fact that I have a brand new grandson that could be held. And, the stress of loading a trailer house and making the transition from this world to the harvest world can be put off a little while longer. I was reminded by a fellow harvester recently, “We don’t always get what we want but we do get what we need”. (Good lyrics for a song) I will remain faithful that God knows what He’s doing and it will all work out.  And…it’s just a few more days I get to watch Eli grow.

My last post was April 26. I’ve been chasing a tail that’s a bit too short these days! My schedule has recently included bus driving, office work for US Custom Harvesters, a graduating student and a baby. Two of those calendar fillers have been eliminated – the bus driving and the graduating student. Maybe I’ll be able to get that tail caught after all.  

Graduating student – another one down and one to go. Taylor graduated on May 11. The day snuck up on me. I wasn’t completely ready for the emotions that hit. While sitting in the audience, I kept reliving the events that had taken me to that gymnasium for the past four years of Taylor’s high school experience and the tears began to flow. I didn’t remember being this emotional with Jamie and Jenna. I mentioned this to a friend of mine and I believe she hit the nail on the head when she said, “but you had two little girls needing your attention”. That I did! And I think she was right. When Jenna graduated, I remember thinking I had seven years before I had to think about Taylor’s graduation and Callie would be three years longer.  Geesh, those years crept up on me! I recently read a blog (A Holy Experience) which could have been written by me with a substitution of she and her for he and him.  Ann Voskamp’s post,  “25 Things Every New, Middle & Graduating Parent and their Grad Needs to Know” so beautifully explains the feelings I have experienced with graduations – all three of them. If you’re a parent and you read that blog, I’m issuing a warning – you might need a few tissues before you finish!

Taylor handed those of us who had been influential in her upbringing – up to this point in her life – a rose. Yep…I had a hard time keeping my eyes dry. 

CONGRATULATIONS, TAYLOR!!

The day ended with a really nice party in the garage. The day before graduation was perfect. The day of graduation was cold and windy. The day after graduation was perfect. Doesn’t that just figure! We had people stop by we hadn’t seen for a while and some that completely surprised us. Fellow harvesters from Oklahoma showed up at the ceremony and surprised us all! Let me tell you, when the harvest world and the “normal” world collide…it’s just weird. It was so good to see you Misener family! My brother, Matt, made the trip from Sidney, Nebraska and Dad drove from Lexington for the day. Thank you to all who helped us celebrate the end of one life adventure for Tate and to encourage her for the next one that’s about to begin.

MOTHER’S DAY 2013

The very first one for Jamie, the 27th for me, the 51st for mom and for grandma – 70+.

Eli meeting his great-great Grandma for the very first time.

Brand new hands, young hands and the hands of experience.

It was a big day for such a little guy!