Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Harvest Season by Merri Maywether


It’s harvest season.

To the people working in the field, it means long hours. They talk about things like bushels per acre, moisture levels, and protein.  Semi-trucks full of wheat, barley, peas, and lentils drive by our house. It starts at sunrise, and the rumble of the trucks can be heard long past sunset.

Before I started working at the school full time, I cooked for the harvest crew. Two times a day, for six or more weeks, my role entailed preparing meals for ten to twelve people. Over time I learned, this person doesn’t like green vegetables, that person loves bread. All of them loved dessert. 

I especially loved the day-to-day conversations that took place when I ran to our local mercantile for butter or milk. The aisle didn't matter. The same conversation carried over the shelves. “What are you cooking tonight?”  

I cannot tell you how many times in front of the canned vegetables, menus were changed. We all had something planned, but that new recipe that Lisa, or Gail, or Nancy found on Pinterest sounded so much better. 

Now, I spend the day with the children of everyone involved in the long days. I quickly learned school is different during harvest. The younger kids want farm stories. The kids who read chapter books will check out their quota, so they have something to read when they ride along in the field. For six weeks, those time, distance, and rate questions in math make sense.

The best discovery: I was still a part of the recipe exchange. So while things can change, there are some wonderful constants in our community.

I don’t know if you can tell, but I love harvest season. It is a time when people are patient with each other. Everyone recognizes the value of others, and I get some great food ideas. 

So, to invite you to the experience, I'll close asking...What are you cooking for dinner tonight? 

🏠

I wrote a scene in Welcome Home that is a true to life scene in our grocery store. Abigail goes in thinking she can buy what is on her list, she leaves with the beginning plans in place for a friend trip. Here is the synopsis of the book

Time changes people...and every once in awhile it can heal a broken heart.  

Against her better judgment, Abigail Cahill is coming home. Abigail's family is set on proving that she belongs in Three Creeks with them. Their childhood best friend, Kent Parker is willing to help them give Abigail a proper welcome. 

From the beginning, Kent makes it clear that he has zero interest in a serious relationship. Who cares that every time he is around Abigail he has the urge to punch anyone in the face that looks at her? 

Abigail is okay with having the small town hunk as a pal for her mini-adventures. She's not so thrilled that he chases away any guy that takes an interest in her. 

In this feel-good, love story, Abigail discovers the beauty of second chances and the meaning behind Welcome Home.

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | B&N | Google Books

For a limited time, Welcome Home is available for 99¢


4 comments:

  1. During harvest season, I love making a big skillet stir-fry of fresh veggies from the farmer's market. I sometimes eat them just as they are, and other times I'll serve them over rice. Yum!

    Your book sounds wonderful, Merri!

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  2. What a lovely blog post, Merri! Like Donna, I enjoy making use of whatever is fresh and locally grown at the nearby farmer's market.

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  3. I used to garden, and I miss that. I should have done so this year since all of our trips were cancelled. But here in Arizona you have to start early before spring or everything fries in the summer heat.

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  4. Dinner tonight will BBQ burgers. I love fall. It's my favorite season. What part of the country do you live in? I'm in Oregon and it sounds a lot like where you are when it comes to harvest.

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