34 Hours

Garden City, Kan. – Taylor notified me earlier last week that she, Colten (her husband-to-be) and Callie were coming out to see us over the weekend. I sort of held my breath for the first couple of days thinking something might happen and they wouldn’t be able to make it. But, made it they did! They arrived at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday. They left home at 6:30—after Taylor got home from work. And, me being the excited mom, I sat up and waited for them. I knew if I went to bed, I wouldn’t be able to sleep because I’d be wondering where they were. So, my heart did somersaults for eight hours waiting for their arrival. I’m sure Callie was sick of my “Where are you now?” texts. Her final one just minutes before they opened the door of the cottage was, “HERE!” Once they got in the door, we all settled in for the night. It felt good.

Z Crew: Because it's what harvesters do!

We made some headway on this circle of irrigated wheat on Saturday. Once we got most of the twisted and lodged wheat cut on the north side, the south side was a breeze!

Z Crew: Because it's what harvesters do!

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Z Crew: Because it's what harvesters do!

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Z Crew: Because it's what harvesters do!

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Z Crew: Because it's what harvesters do!

I love seeing the elongated shadows begin to creep into the rows!


The heat has been pretty intense the past couple of days. I feel sorry for Jim as the truck driver because he’s always on the go with moving the trucks where they need to be. This usually entails some walking, which is good, but when it’s nearly 100 degrees and the humidity is high, I almost feel guilty for sitting in the air-conditioned cab of the Beast. And I’m usually cold. When the shadows begin to get longer, I know the scorching heat of the day is nearly over and the golden hour isn’t far behind—my most favorite time of the day!

The kids spent the hottest part of the day in Garden City. I needed a few groceries and that gave them the excuse to visit their favorite store—the Crazy House. Looking at their large inventory of boots is always a fun way to kill some time! 

A familiar sight, and one I took for granted, was the arrival of the meal wagon. More than the food, I was excited to get to do what used to happen all the time—a meal in the field. Taylor and Callie fixed our most favorite harvest casserole in the whole wide worldTater Tot Casserole. Why is it that food just tastes better in a wheat field? 

Z Crew: Because it's what harvesters do!

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Z Crew: Because it's what harvesters do!

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Z Crew: Because it's what harvesters do!

For a little while, it felt like old times!

Z Crew: Because it's what harvesters do!

So typical of the two of them—trying to catch the perfect shots! (I wonder where they get that from?)

Z Crew: Because it's what harvesters do!

I can never get enough of these gorgeous sunsets…ever.


And just like that, it was over. Saying goodbye is so very hard for me. The same heart that was doing somersaults 34 hours ago was now feeling like an elephant was sitting on it…very heavy and it hurt. I know I’ve said this before but this just confirms it. The years go so fast. In the blink of an eye, what felt would never end and would always be, is over. And then what you have left is memories. Life is a collage of events that are one day looked back on as memories. Why can’t I appreciate the events and happenings while they are occurring as much as I do when they’re over?

We all left the Cottage at the same time today (Sunday). The kids headed home, and we headed to the field. I loved having them here—even if it was for a brief stay. It just felt good…for 34 hours.

All Aboard Wheat Harvest™ is sponsored by High Plains Journal and New Holland Agriculture. The Z Crew can be reached at zcrew@allaboardharvest.com.

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