As I was driving home from my morning childcare drop-off routine, I snapped this picture of a crop duster flying right next to me. I’ve probably seen a thousand of them, but each time one is this close, a sense of thrill runs through my blood and I can understand why children are enthralled with planes.

I will recount a story for you, but I’m removing names and locations to “protect the innocent”. Back in 2005, I took an ag tour in the south. We explored cotton gins and almond groves and drove cotton pickers. The highlight of the trip was when we interviewed a crop duster and in passing, I mentioned that I’d like to go for a ride in one. He said, “Hop in!” It only had one seat and me being 5’10”, it was a snug ride on his lap. I had to be careful not to move my foot and trip the cable because it would open the door. Nerve-wracking!

We skimmed 20 feet over a cotton field … up and over a shed … and up to the sky again. It was thrilling.

This was certainly a story I shared with my mother AFTER the fact or she would’ve made me quit my job right then and there.

Until we walk again …