TIME FOR TEA
There is always time for a tea party with the Reinhold family. Here Julia and Kiersten figured the time appropriate right in the midst of ironing. For all of our friends "across the pond" or you "Downton Abbey" fans... we thought that you may appreciate this setting.
Six Months Ago
Six months ago this evening, I nearly stepped on this rattle snake as I jumped out of our John Deere tractor. I was wanting to finish planting a field of wheat before it started to rain. I did not accomplish that goal and as I unhitched the grain drill... the snake never moved. It just lay there coiled ever so tightly. I never once heard it give the characteristic rattle either. I used a pitchfork that Rachel had brought me to pick it up and again something quite peculiar... the rattler's tail was vibrating ever so fast and yet no sound. It was beginning to rain and it was time to head home. Twelve hours later, the rain turned to snow and together with the wind... A STORM was birthed. Our lives would be forever changed.
Some call it Atlas, some call it the Cattleman's Blizzard and for many of us, it will ever be "The Storm". What was to ensue was a terrible loss and yet for those of us that have endured "The Storm" we have also realized something to gain. Certainly we do not take for granted anything or anyone. Perhaps our hearts ache more for others during painful times, but equally they rejoice as well.
"We are tired". I have told many that were not in "The Storm" that they will never fathom what took place. I know that for certain, because most of us that were in the midst of "The Storm" still cannot fathom it yet. It is almost surreal. And yet, we see evidence continually that "The Storm" impacted us greatly.
The Rattler in this story had the potential of being a silent killer of my own being that evening six months ago. And "The Storm" proved to be just that to many creatures across these vast hills and plains. And yet I survive and not only I. Today, I give testimony to ONE that is greater than any "Storm". And certainly God Almighty can sustain me. Storms of Life will happen. I am thankful that I know the ONE that can calm any tempest that comes our way.
THE "ONE" THAT IS GREATER THAN...
Six months ago this evening, I nearly stepped on this rattle snake as I jumped out of our John Deere tractor. I was wanting to finish planting a field of wheat before it started to rain. I did not accomplish that goal and as I unhitched the grain drill... the snake never moved. It just lay there coiled ever so tightly. I never once heard it give the characteristic rattle either. I used a pitchfork that Rachel had brought me to pick it up and again something quite peculiar... the rattler's tail was vibrating ever so fast and yet no sound. It was beginning to rain and it was time to head home. Twelve hours later, the rain turned to snow and together with the wind... A STORM was birthed. Our lives would be forever changed.
Some call it Atlas, some call it the Cattleman's Blizzard and for many of us, it will ever be "The Storm". What was to ensue was a terrible loss and yet for those of us that have endured "The Storm" we have also realized something to gain. Certainly we do not take for granted anything or anyone. Perhaps our hearts ache more for others during painful times, but equally they rejoice as well.
"We are tired". I have told many that were not in "The Storm" that they will never fathom what took place. I know that for certain, because most of us that were in the midst of "The Storm" still cannot fathom it yet. It is almost surreal. And yet, we see evidence continually that "The Storm" impacted us greatly.
The Rattler in this story had the potential of being a silent killer of my own being that evening six months ago. And "The Storm" proved to be just that to many creatures across these vast hills and plains. And yet I survive and not only I. Today, I give testimony to ONE that is greater than any "Storm". And certainly God Almighty can sustain me. Storms of Life will happen. I am thankful that I know the ONE that can calm any tempest that comes our way.
WIND BORNE NOSTALGIA
By Victor Johnson
The schoolhouse - are we standing where it stood?
Not a thing remains, foundation stone or bit of wood.
The playground, scene of simulated hard-fought battle
Is now a quiet grazing ground, for cattle.
Since we played here, we've said farewell to Sister, Dad and Brother;
And yesterday last rites were said for our beloved Mother.
Memories, like northern lights, flick onto the mind's clear screen.
They come on brightly, then fade out making way for a different scene.
On west of us a quarter mile, where some of us were born,
Is pasture land. Without the house it looks a bit forlorn.
The lower dam is there, but if the path still shows it's dim--
I mean the one we followed, racing down to swim.
A little further on, a shaggy sentinel remains;
One tree! For eighty years it's stood in cold, and drouth, and rains.
And over all, the western wind still blows.
The same strong wind that in our childhood drifted high the snows.
Mom's love for the prairie ended here.
She said the winds were too severe;
The lashing hail or swirling dust
Flew ahead of a gale that would blow it or bust .
The rattling door, like a mad drummer's roll,
Hammered Mom's patience, exhausted her soul.
At night she'd awake with the place still as death.
The wind was resting and catching its breath.
It was rough! Yet the wind had a gentler streak;
It added rich tone to Dad's sun-darkened cheek.
And though in the winter its chill cursed the range,
Just a day's warm Chinook brought a marvelous change.
Once, when the rains came all through the spring the grass grew tall and strong,
And the wind made the shimmering grass-waves toss with a loving, whispering song.
We loafed in the warm wind and hunted wild flowers
And the land and the sky and the clouds were all ours.
At night when Mom kissed us and tucked us in bed,
When a quiet "good night" and our prayers had been said
Then the sweet gentle wind, blowing soft and serene
Sang a hushed lullaby through the west window screen.
School days and homework took our time as we drew into the fall;
We'd trudge along toward the one-room school with body and mind in a stall.
But on windy days we'd open our coat and hold it out like a sail.
With a good cool blast pushing strong on our back, we sped up the hill on the gale.
In the winter we raced our battered sleds on the far side of the hill.
There never were such polished drifts as went through the west wind's mill.
It would build and smooth and caress those drifts with a hairdresser's care and skill.
To carve out a white-walled tunnel in one, you needed a miner's drill.
Cold winds, warm winds, winds with a searing blast;
They kept our minds pre-occupied; the years went by too fast.
Those winds, plus time, removed our tracks; once more the grass grows green.
And the rains, pushed hard by the roving winds have washed the prairie clean.
We won't relive - we can't relive - the good old days of youth;
The sighing wind reiterates this old and solemn truth.
For life itself moves through this place like jet streaks in the dawn.
One Book likens life to a vapor puff; it's here, and then it's gone.
The soul returns to the giver, God.
And the body's entombed in the wind-swept sod.
The plain stands serene in its age old pose.
And over it softly, the west wind blow
Lucas Stolhammer
We are so glad that Lucas N Melinda made it home. Lucas has been in Rapid City Regional Hospital for a couple of weeks. God is doing a mighty work on this road to recovery. Please keep this fine family in your prayers. It has been a long winter for them as well.
Lucas has been a dear friend for many years. First as a camper at Rainbow Bible Ranch and then working with the Lonetree Ranch for about seven or eight years. "What a hand". And one day he caught the eye of Robin's niece, Melinda. Now he doesn't call me Mr. Larry, but rather Uncle Larry. "I like that". Lucas and Melinda have three great kids, Connor, Carli and Waylon. They are blessed.
This photo was taken about ten years ago. Danny is tucked behind me. And Lucas' horse Buck... well Connor is riding him now. "Looking forward to having you back in the saddle again soon, my friend."
MY DAD...
My Dad is a great man. He has not received many awards in his life journey but he has many rewards awaiting him when he is inducted into the Halls of Glory. A gentle giant... Dad has been a big man in my eyes and in the hearts of many. Dad has had more than his share of wrecks and his heart has ached many times, but not due to foolishness, but rather because he is in the battle. My Dad is a leader that has taken his lead from the Almighty. He loves Jesus and he is a lover of God's Word. I have appreciated his willingness to let me move through the passages of life as he has taken the role of encourager and as a partner. He is one to bless, even if he is in the shadows. Many of our conversations end with a thank you and a "God Bless You, Larry"
This photo of my Dad (Tige Reinhold) was taken with our son, Danny when he was about four years and Dad was still farming. And at the end of a long day in the tractor, Dad would still take the hand of a child... And what a picture that was. Dad's giant weathered hand engulfing that of the youthful.
And yes aging has taken it's toll on the shell of this great man and his mind is not as sharp as it once was... but his heart and his love... Oh my. We are blessed.
BALANCE IN ALL THINGS
My mother was and is great lady. She truly cared about her appearance and was classy in a Godly sense. A cancer survivor of more than twenty years, breast cancer did finally make a reappearance and Mom left this earth in 2004. I believe that my mother would say... "Balance in all things". Many "campaigns" become gimmicks and gimmicks tend to trivialize over time. Cancer care and cure deserves our attention... but let us not abandon principle.
This is a photo of my Mother, Vicky Reinhold, taken with our son Caleb at the end of a long day in the kitchen at Rainbow Bible Ranch. A month later she was told that the cancer had returned
AG WEEK - A CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURE
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURE DURING AG WEEK 2014
Agriculture is generations deep on the Lonetree Ranch. This is Emanuel Reinhold's bother, Harry. Harry would be my Dad's (Tige) uncle. This tractor and plow turned over some buffalo sod in the 20's. National Ag Day celebrates progress, while appreciating the work of those before us.
Agriculture in the North country is neighboring... helping one another. A sense of community beyond barb wire and beyond borders
On this National Ag Day... speaking personally, I am thankful for those family members that enjoy being stewards of God's Creation. Thanks Robin
National Agriculture Day celebrates the future of the industry as well. And we are excited because there are some phenomenal young people seeking a future in Ag
National Agriculture Day recognizes the people that have poured their sweat into the soil. Our neighbor Kenny McNenny has ranched on the Belle Fourche river for a lifetime. He has also served the community in the South Dakota Legislature. Agriculture is made up of people. It is a science and an art, but for most it is a calling.
On this National Agriculture Day... realize the blessings that God has bestowed upon this land of ours. Cattle on the Lonetree Ranch is just one example of utilizing the varied resources go the vast landscape of America.
These are photos from one of our favorite fairs. The Butte/Lawrence County fair is nestled in the big cottonwoods along the Belle Fourche River at Nisland, SD. American Agriculture has deep roots that proves to be the foundation of what it is today.
The livestock industry is huge in South Dakota. On this National Ag Day, I thought I would share a photo that Robin took when we working yearlings at our neighbors ranch. The Kammerers is one of the old time families that have been in the business for over 100 years. National Ag Day is easy to celebrate, because Agriculture is made up of people that don't quit. Riley and Jimmie Kammerer are some of those people that we are blessed to call friends
Agriculture is about neighboring... even across state lines. We were so impressed by so many that were there to encourage us after the Blizzard Atlas. This photo shows some dear friends from Wyoming. Happy Ag Day... America is blessed to have such a strong agricultural industry, whether on the range or in the laboratory.
Western South Dakota has more than it's share of good cowboys and cattlemen. We have appreciated the Bill and Karyl Sandal family of Philip, SD. In fact the grandkids are some of our children's best friends. Agriculture is by and large a family business. America is blessed.
Today, March 25th, is National Ag Day. We are blessed to be not only in Agriculture, but have many friends that are as well. A long time family friend who is not only a competent farmer but also a dear brother in the Lord is Tom Young. Tom and Joanne Young's daughter have both been a part of Rainbow Bible Ranch. Tom lives at Onida, South Dakota and has served as president of the National Sunflower Association. The Agricultural Industry and the United States of America are better because of the Young family.
Here's how you finish off the first weekend of spring.
The horse has long been a partner in agriculture
RANDY BENDER AND THE BUSINESS CLUB
Later in the afternoon, we enjoyed a visit from Randy Bender and members of the Business Kids Club in Sturgs. What a great idea... and what a great bunch of kids. Speaking for all Larry-Robin Reinhold AndFamily, at the Lonetree Ranch and Rainbow Bible Ranch... "You kids rank pretty high in our books".
Let Me Tell You About Swift
Some of my favorite horses... Swift, Trigger is in the middle and a Pony/QH named Cookie who doesn't know what quit means.
Let me tell you about Swift. I bought him from Alan Leer in 1989. As a colt, he ran with the herd of horses that Leers had for the movie, Dances with Wolves, which was filmed over the Alkali Divide on the Belle Fourche River. After the movie was done, Allan sold him in his production sale in Sturgis. The colt did not look to good as the summer and then a fall blizzard took the bloom out of most of the weanlings.
I rode him calving in 1992 and we had some pretty tough spring weather. The only way to get around was on a good saddle horse. Dad and I rode a lot together that spring. Swift did great. In fact, over the next couple of years he earned quite a reputation on the Lonetree Ranch and with the kids at Rainbow Bible Ranch.
His registered name was Troubled YoYo. I liked the name Swift better as Dad had a favorite bay horse with that name in the 1960's.
Swift was my main horse for a number of years until a scar under his neck that remained after a nasty cut which he received in his "movie days" began to affect his breathing. I retired him to the camp string where only more experienced riders were given the privilege of riding one of "Larry's saddle horses". He was quite popular.
He was not ridden much in the last couple of years due to his breathing difficulties, but he still ran with the camp string. He always carried his head high entertaining memories of days gone by. And he would get his frisky moments where he would run as if he was an unbroke horse.
We turned him out in the breaks with all the other good horses of the RBR camp string. The good prairie grasses of the Dakota Plains would do them all good as it would prepare them for the coming winter months. Life was good.
And then from seemingly nowhere came a storm. On that October Day, which will not too quickly be forgotten when the Plains and Hills of Western South Dakota would be ravaged with rain, snow and wind in the what would be known as Atlas, Swift died. And not only Swift, but tens of thousands of cattle, horses and other animals met their demise.
The story does not end here... because the memories live on. I am one of many that were blessed by this one creature created by the Almighty to be a blessing. I am better because of Swift. Thank you Lord for lending him to me for a time.
BEST TIME TO PLANT A TREE
The best time to plant a tree is "twenty years ago"... the next best time is now.
I love sharing the legacy of planting trees with our family. This spring will be a banner year for the ranch as we plant many trees to aid in the restoration after Storm Atlas of October 2013. The Reinhold Family,among many others in the Black Hills region would be open to some assistance in tree planting in the process of storm recovery. Rapid City, Sturgis, Spearfish and all along the foothills out onto the surrounding Plains took a huge hit by all the tree damage during the horrendous blizzard.
REALITY OF LIFE
Some of you remember that we had a nice day about the middle of February. We had saddled up some of the new Rainbow Bible Ranchhorses and Julia rode Rasmus, who received a bad cut in the storm, and Kiersten rode Majesty, who along with Flicka miraculously survived the Blizzard Atlas. It was a good day...
But the reality of life settled in again yesterday, February 27, 2014, as our dear old horse Majesty died. She was nearly 29 years old. Majesty and Flicka were kind of our "poster horses" after the storm. They were such faithful horses that touched the lives of thousands. We will continue to "Just Trust" as God brings together the RBR Remuda in what seems to be overwhelming situations.
Cleve is the Chex Chef
I just found "pay dirt". Right around Christmas time Cleve and Carolyn Woods, our longtime neighbors to the south, brought over some Christmas goodies. In the box was a a big container of "Chex Mix". Most people may not know it, but Cleve is a bonafide "Chex Chef".
Well I am sure that Robin thought that I was eating it way too fast and she put a stash in an air tight jar...where I don't look very often... until tonight. Thanks Cleve...
JUST A GOAT... "REALLY"?
A sad day at the ranch. Our famous rodeo goats, "What" and "Why" are no ordinary goats. Yes that is their names. The names promoted conversation.
Yesterday morning "Why" was down. Caleb and Julia took her in to warm her up and after a brief time of seeming to improve... she continued to go downhill. The kids brought her into the porch and were able to get some fluids into her. Late last evening after several blats and the family rushing to the porch, we arrived to watch her die. May seem silly...she is just a goat. But God has called us to be caretakers. Death... more tears in the Reinhold home.
PARADE OF LIGHTS 2013 IN RAPID CITY
SD Stockgrowers Association was honored to serve as the Parade Marshall for the 2013 Festival of Lights in Rapid City! What a fun evening to celebrate the ranching community.
We as a family were given the unique opportunity to ride in the horse drawn wagon that honored this group of fine folks
The BBC Visits the Ranch
We truly enjoyed our time with Sybil and Anna of the British Broadcasting (BBC). One might even say that the day was "lovely".
Anna and Sybil do a program for the BBC called "ON YOUR FARM"
Sugar Cereal Fun
OK just for fun...Many of you that are more academically inclined probably had a favorite childhood cereal that you could spell words with? Not Larry...I always read faster when there were many pictures. So here is my choice of "sugar cereal". Let me explain...
1. My Grandma came from Ireland
2. The Lonetree Ranch brand for cattle
3. With all my heart....(Robin)
4. Of Course the Rainbow...significant of God's promises
5. And last "believe it or not" this is the registered livestock brand for Rainbow Bible Ranch (nearly)
Pretty neat, Huh
Building Corral
We purchased the materials this summer to rebuild some corrals this fall. October was the target date... it didn't happen... Today we worked on our chute and corrals by the barn. It is a project, but when we all work together we make progress. Just hope we get some more nice weather and frost doesn't set in for good too soon.
Oct 2, 2013 Weather Forecast
The strong storm system is still on track to bring heavy snow and strong winds to the area. In fact, it now appears that the heavy snow will extend eastward onto the plains of western South Dakota.
Rain will move into the area Thursday. The rain will transition to snow over northeastern Wyoming and the Black Hills Thursday night and then change to snow over the South Dakota plains on Friday. Small deviations in temperature or track of the storm will make a big difference in how much snow accumulates. This is the updated snowfall amount expected Thursday night through Friday night. The amounts will probably change some as we get closer to Friday.
Strong northwest winds of 25-40 mph with gusts to 55 mph are expected across western South Dakota. This will cause poor travel conditions. Since many trees still have leaves, the combination of wind and snow may result in downed tree limbs and possible power outages.
To see the latest information on watches and warnings, you can check out our web page...