Harvest Days

The long awaited harvest happened. These two were riders with me rarely but in the tractor often. Andrea enjoyed spending time with her dad. Merle as Mark's copilot almost everyday all day. They were good sports and enjoyed afternoons at grandma Saunders too. 

After a day of working we would gather around to plan for the upcoming day or week making sure we had the supplies needed for the next project. 

I drove 2-8 loads a day most days. These two were so sweet to welcome me home. 

Andrea loves to have her picture taken and be part of whatever is going on. She is a big helper and likes to know what's going on and who's going hither and yon. 

One day at the farm when I went to get the truck I found them hand feeding the cows. We had been given a truckload of potatoes and rocks. The cows love potatoes. Usually we chop them up and let the cows eat them at will. Merle found this pointy stick and found the cows would eat them right off. That was more engaging than just watching them eat. 

They are creative and love the independence of being at the farm. Lots of possibilities to imagine and try out as the guys work in the shop. Mark had several large repairs this harvest after all his work on the feeder house, replacing all the gathering chains, and welding all the holes we thought the combine would be bullet proof for this season. Not so much. First a slip clutch that runs the feeder unit burned up. Lloyd and Greg got that apart and ready for repair while Mark was in LA. Then the hydraulic hoses that operate the unloading auger burst. We got those fixed and they lasted about a day or two and blew apart coating all the new belts replaced prior to harvest in hydraulic oil making them much too slick to turn. We got the hoses repaired and steam cleaned the machine a few times and were back in business.  Then they noticed the pully arm, bushings, and belt were bending due to a worn out pin. Mind you all the parts expected delivery time was about a week out. We were so thankful when they showed up in days not weeks. And when we could harvest parts from a donor combine a neighbor owns. We had windy mornings and were able to do up to 20 loads a day maybe even 22 one day. Those were huge and only because Anna, Mark, and Reed were all available to switch around and keep the equipment rolling. 

After the last repair of new belt, bushings, and pin we were able to finish. What a relief! I'm so thankful for Mark being so capable repairing the machines. Greg was able to keep things going at the shop somewhat so we could keep customers there happy and we got the corn delivered to the feedlot. I didn't have to work full days and we managed. We are very grateful for all the hands that helped. 

Millie freshly painted my toes after her mutual activity one Wednesday. 

Anna and I delivered pumpkins for the Ontario FFA harvest festival. Also waiting were horses. Anna being in the know about horses these days introduced Andrea who was so happy. 

The kids school is clearing out the library, my kids bring home many of the discarded books. So we have a more and more complete home library thanks to the school. 

I even had a turn in the grain cart for a few loads, lack of practice and normal getting use to the machines and controls I made a mess of a load but got most the corn on the truck and headed down the road. I'm always thankful to get out of this machine. It is a combine saver and truly the key to efficiency but that high degree of necissity makes me nervous about messing up. 

 These guys make the farm go. They build the fence, care for the animals, drive the grain cart, do water, get parts and tools, and whatever else is asked they are the bright hope of Mark leaving they too are very capable. 

We are all about science and agreed to several test plots at least 15. It is interesting to learn what works better and best on our various soils. We really enjoy working with this man who is very thorough in his work and data collection. 

So between repairs and waiting we had huge days of harvest and were happy with the results. Afton rode with me often to do the getting in and out of the truck. How thankful I am for her help. Millie  and I worked on keeping the food flowing to keep everyone fed. We didn't clean a bunch but did laundry when we could. It's a major push of work and time for all involved. Mark got time in the combine as well with Lloyd providing most of the harvest. But he could come and go as desired. We are just so grateful for another season successfully complete. Now onto the cows.