This land is owned by Farmer Steve; that house is where he and his family lived until sometime after the mid-70's.
I tried to imagine what it must have been like to live in such a place, with a view of the Missouri River bottoms that goes on for miles. What was it like to awake in the morning to this scene? But of course, it's the river bottom, so no doubt it flooded at times.
I rode near the river, just because I don't usually see it at this time of day; and I can never get enough of the river.
As I rode along the dam, I saw quite a little crowd over at the next levee: Farmer Steve was planting something, and his son was burning dead weeds off the dam. His wife had just driven down to see how he was doing...
.... along with a couple of grandchildren. Now, here's what I really regret: The kids petted Blue on the nose and I forgot to take pictures. The oldest girl asked if she could ride Blue, and I told her yes, as long as I led him. She was all smiles. Then the tiny, youngest girl wanted to ride, so we put her up in the saddle and told her to hold on. Her face was wreathed in smiles. "Oh, I wish I had a camera," the grandma said.
I pulled out my camera and handed it to her.
Unfortunately, she didn't press hard enough; so the picture didn't get taken. I found this out after I got home from my ride. And that little girl has a million dollar smile, believe it.
Hopefully they can bring the kids up here to my house before long, and we'll try again.
I discussed the old farm house with Mrs. Steve; she told me the flood of '73 ran them out of that house, and said that they are still trying to make up for damage done and money lost in the flood of '93. I'm so glad I don't farm for a living.
She agreed that, yes, it was a lovely place to live... except for the flood factor.
As I rode off, Farmer Steve went back to his planting.I'm very appreciative of the fact that these people welcome me on their place to ride my horse. Great folks.
(Click on any pictures to make them larger.)
