Yep…still here.
That’s the question that’s asked a lot by everyone we come in contact with who knows we shouldn’t still be here. Here it comes…next question…”when are you leaving?” I just shrug my shoulders, squint my eyes and say, “I don’t know.”
Here she sits, The Yellow Beast, waiting for something to happen. I can sense she’s just as ready to see a wheat field as I am. We both have to be just a little more patient. We really DON’T know when or what we’re doing right now. The wheat we were going to help with in Texas was zeroed out. A couple of weeks later, we find out job #2 (Arnett, OK) has been zeroed out. Why? Drought, mostly. Just not enough rain to keep the plants growing and doing what they’re supposed to do. There were also the late season freezes thrown in for good measure. So, maybe there’s a job #3 – in Oklahoma – but we were told to wait two weeks before we call. It’s been two weeks. I hate to even ask Jim if he made that call yet. It’s scary. It’s scary not knowing what you’re doing and it’s a big letdown when the farmer on the other end of the phone says, “don’t come – there’s nothing to cut”. I think that’s the reason Jim hasn’t called yet. If job #3 doesn’t pan out – we wait to see the outcome of job #4 (Garden City, KS).
Now what?
Well, we wait. And, I’m trying to be patient. But, when you see loaded combines and combines in wheat fields, you start to get a little antsy. It sort of feels like you weren’t invited to the party and you have to observe from the other side of the fence.
In the meantime…
I’ve become a mama again for the 5th time. Yep, you heard it right. Kinda old aren’t you? Yes, but wait til you see my baby:
We haven’t named it yet. Callie and I are mothering this baby together. I have to do it while she’s at school and she takes over when she gets home. Poor thing was thrown in a ditch by a mean human and left to die. A neighbor rescued it about a week ago. He must have thought I didn’t have enough to do because he drove in the driveway, knocked on the door and handed me this pathetic little creature and a bag of colostrx. “You have a bottle, right? I called Jim and he said you did”. Well, I didn’t but I had an eye dropper. And, so it began. Eli has even gotten in on the job. I had an all-day bus activity one day this past week and Jamie was given the duty of feeding our unnamed creature. One thing I do know…Eli does not like his mama holding this baby! Jamie said he just wouldn’t leave it alone while it was on the floor so the box had to sit on the table most of the day.
Oh…we celebrated Mother’s Day. It’s always so good to have ALL the girls home even if it’s only for an hour or two. They showed up with flowers and cards. We took pictures, I made iced tea and we attempted to use the metal detector Jim gave me for Christmas a couple of years ago. (Someone has got to show me how this thing works!) And then they all had to leave. The hardest part is watching them back out of the driveway.
Poor kid just isn’t loved by anyone!
Eli and I climbed up in the Beast and pretended we were cutting wheat. He LOVES it! Sure hope he can come see us and we really can cut wheat together this summer.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, 2014!
How did you celebrate Mother’s Day?
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! 🙂