As I write this post in the early morning, a strong breeze is blowing through the corn fields just outside of our RV. Feeling the breeze on my face and smelling the clean air nourishes my body and spirit. Blue skies are peaking through as the wind blows the hazy air further east. Though the surrounding fields are dry, there is an unmistakable beauty to the endless corn tassels that seem to touch the blue sky.
Day One and Day Two of our western adventure … Success! We traveled through beautiful rural Minnesota across into South Dakota, reluctantly passing by multiple Dairy Queens. On Sunday evening, I had volunteered to Skip, “No DQ on this trip.” We’ve agreed it is time to cut back on sugar. Sure seemed like most little towns had a DQ that was beckoning, but we resisted.
Our hosts for our first night were Jenny and Don Rasmussen whom we’ve met through the SOWER ministry. Until now, we’d only engaged through zoom. We arrived around dinner time to their beautiful family farm in Howard, SD. Steak, salad and incredibly fresh corn, delightful conversation and a tour of their home made for a marvelous evening. As Don prayed a blessing for our meal, he asked that through our evening of fellowship, God would make us “new old friends.” Prayer answered! We felt like we were reuniting with long time, cherished friends.
Jenny and Don’s unique pole building in Howard, South Dakota includes a beautiful home with amazing hickory cabinetry and doors, a marvelous kitchen, a gracious family room, two bedrooms, a loft and a generous laundry room. The first garage houses their motor coach, a pickup truck and Don’s workshop. The large garage door on the side opens to an airplane hanger.
Jenny owns and pilots a vintage 1948 “Flying Station Wagon.” This model was manufactured by Stinson post WWII from 1946-1949 for traveling salesmen, thus its name. A friend of Jenny’s researched names that were common in the 1940s and thus suggested Stella. Jenny and Don have restored this prop airplane with great care. Stella Stinson is a beauty!
To top off our fabulous visit, Jenny and I made a short trek this morning to visit Andy, her buckskin 18 year-old gelding. Petting him and feeding him treats made me grin from ear to ear. We share a love for horses!
Day Two is now done. We’re tucked in at a working cattle ranch in the southwestern corner of SD. This is our first visit to a Harvest Host. Our host, Dennis, will be giving us a tour tomorrow. Strong winds rocked the camper for a while as we ate dinner, but now the breeze is welcomed as it cools down our rig. Tomorrow we head to Wyoming. I think this camping life suits us!
Great fun! Enjoy. Gary
Really appreciate the update! Have fun, be safe and explore.
Don and I were privileged to host Anne and Skip their first night out on this adventure!! Thank you for staying with us and please put us on your route again!
We loved our visit with you, Jenny and Don!