Dana Petersen – L. Petersen Farms
Sometimes, the wheat fields for the same farmer are miles and miles apart. We are currently in the Ekalaka, Montana area which has some amazing scenery. Today was the day that we had to move all the equipment from one side of the farm to the other. We could ALMOST move everything in one trip but we were missing one body! As in a previous post, you would have read that “she” is “skipping” out on part of harvest! As a result, one of the truckers had to do the trip twice in order to get all the equipment to the other location.
So there we were, a convoy of 10 heading through some amazing scenic country! I was glad we were following the combines so that I had time to take in the views at 20 miles/hour. I was at the back of the pack, which allowed me to stop and snap a few pictures! Check out the amazing countryside.
Surprisingly enough, there was wheat when we got to our destination. The crew was beginning to wonder if this was a wild goose chase because we crossed over 41 cattle guards before we found any wheat…side note —- cattle guards (growing up we called them Texas gates)— I learned later in life that the Texans certainly don’t call them that so I’m not sure if that’s a Saskatchewan or Canadian term?
The crew was certain we were only going to find cattle at large, rattlesnakes, dinosaur bones and sage brush…but then around the last bend…the ranch actually opened up to a few thousand acres of glistening gold wheat!
Time to hook up the headers! And guess who gets to do the return travel on this trail to bring out meals….yes me….and this time I won’t be counting Texas gates.
1. Be ready to go at the drop of a hat...sometimes without a lunchbox.
2. Has removed the word impossible from her vocabulary!
3. Can hold a baby, take care of a toddler and drive a tractor or combine all at the same time.
4. Must be able to cook for a crew - large or small.
5. Must be able to read minds.
6. Must be able to banter with a parts man until he realizes you DO know what you're talking about.
7. Must be the entertainment director for those rainy days.
8. Be a wife, mom, friend, helper, cook, problem solver, taxi driver or extra crew hand at all times.
9. Can handle the call that makes you react, "You need what? When?" Dropping everything you're doing to make it happen.
10. At the end of the day say, "I really do love this life".