We made it to Martin, SD last night and set up the campers in the dark. You really have to do that every once in awhile and it turned out to be a good thing, as by 1 am the wind was blowin and by 9 am there was already over an inch of rain.

So today, because we weren’t gonna be cutting, Myron and I did some driving and settling up. Nebraska came and went rather quickly but it holds so many friendships for us.

35 years ago, we pulled into Sutherland, Nebraska looking for work. I wish I still had one of those business cards of Myron’s that’s said “no job too small”. We unloaded the machines for 38 acres of wheat and cut for Bud and Arlene.

They took us in and since then we have cut wheat and picked/trucked corn for many a friend over the years in the Sutherland area.

This year, I didn’t get to have coffee with Arlene at her kitchen table. Instead, I went to see Arlene in the nursing home in North Platte.

She is doing well and we will enjoy each other’s company next year, as well.

Over all these years, she’s fed many a crew member with her delicious kuchen, rolls and pies and I know I have treasured our long coffee visits about family, friends, kids and harvest!

Exactly 40 years and one day apart in age but forever friends. That’s one of the things “harvest” has given me over all these years…new and old friendships that fill my heart and soul! Totally worth all the blood, sweat and tears of the miles, fields and all that goes with it.

Thanks, Arlene. God Bless.