"Get Anything or Not"
The breaks have so much big and little bluestem (the red grasses) that with the snow on the ground... "It is beautiful". It is not uncommon to have little bluestem, but over the last few years the big bluestem has multiplied extensively. The added moisture has played a huge part in contributing to that.
Hunting is a family affair. We had five of us in the rig today and Caleb is the only one with a tag to fill. Really we all love the outdoors and hunting on the ranch is very fulfilling whether "get anything or not".
Deer hunting this snowy afternoon on the Lonetree Ranch. Saw lots of deer. It was agreed that we all missed Molly, our fellow hunter, who is off in at Bible College in Oregon. Just seemed right to be having Tillamook Cheese made at the great cheese factory on Tillamook Bay just south of Cannon Beach. Molly has been there a couple of times already. Looking forward to having you home in a couple of weeks. Be sure to bring some more cheese home.
Attitude of Gratitude
Todays “Attitude of Gratitude” … Today (and everyday) but especially in the past month and a half. I have found myself thanking God for blessing me with incredible Parents.
Thanks, Dad and Mom… for teaching me to SEEK TRUTH. And to set my standards high, for telling me to never settle for less, and teaching me to be a little stubborn… (you might not believe it, but I think my stubbornness might be a good thing. ;)) And for showing me how to value each moment that God gives me. Thank you for sometimes forcing me to THINK. And most importantly, thank you for teaching me and showing me what it means to follow Jesus. I will be forever grateful.
Clouds are sure pretty
We took a quick drive over north this evening and Julia took along the camera. Caleb was in the combine picking up a little more alfalfa seed. We then went to check on some of the fall calving cows and then on the way home..."well, the clouds were sure pretty". Then we got back to Rainbow Bible Ranch and enjoyed supper with Harold and Linda Narum of Amidon, ND. A good evening.
A Nice November Afternoon
It was just so nice this afternoon. Not an ice tea day, but good coffee with family...and feline...and canine... "Oh it's a family thing"
Well Fred the scarecrow has withstood some windy days this fall on the Lonetree Ranch. Julia had a nice visit with him this evening.
We have few petunias and one mum that just won't quit, even with some frigid nights. Kiersten and Tiger pose for a photo. I love the flag...in a few days we will observe Veterans Day. It is not a day just to wave the flag but a day to honor and show allegiance to the fundamentals of what our nation was founded upon.
Midnight Ponderings
About 1:30 AM...one of our children was not feeling real well. Robin went to get something to help her to feel better. Oddly, I have not slept much since. It is now 4:15 AM and I realize that i have been pondering some of life changes that our family has endured in the last months. We have grieved and still are. We have observed strong minded become confused. We have said "see you later", to family members as they continue on their life journeys. We have experienced fantastic opportunities. And we may be even a bit tired from the long haul.
I have been blessed by great parents and great "parents in law". I particularly am drawn to this photo this evening as I think of my Dad, Tige Reinhold and Father in Law, Jack Paulton. Dad is in glory and Jack has certainly slowed down. I loved how they were friends: of one another and of mine. I so appreciated their Godly example to our children. And I am a better man because of their confidence in me.
So many great talks in the past... and perhaps that is a longing even in these predawn hours. I find myself even now with tears in my eyes and a prayer in my heart to our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. He is my constant... even when times are changing. He is my confidant... when others are no longer around. He is my sustainer... even when my heart and body aches. He is my provider... as always He supplies my needs. He is my healer... when pain seems to overcome. He is my friend... and I have so many...but He is always here. He is my encouragement... when courage is needed to rise up. When I am disheartened... He fills my heart with joy.
So this morning Dear Jesus...Thank You. I may feel overwhelmed but you are overwhelming. And now Dear Jesus... I am overwhelmed by all that You are. Your grace is sufficient for my weakness and when I am weak, You make me strong. TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE.
Who Me?
A devious little sister with a spray bottle full of water.
The prowl...
The act...
The satisfaction...
The innocence...
The Act…
The Satisfaction…
The Innocence …
Autumn on the Ranch
Autumn on the ranch. Made it pretty late in the season before the first killing frost... still pretty.
Nice Job Danny
Danny did a great job of harvesting this nice buck pronghorn antelope. Very nice shooting...very nice buck. Congratulations Danny from your family.
As a Dad, I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of the hunt and this special moment. Our family has not been able to travel far and wide, however we have always wanted them to have good hunting, fishing and other good experiences on the ranch.
We are blessed and I most of all. Danny, I thank God for you.
Faces
Faces - Our days of work on the ranch have so much personality.
IS IT A DREAM
Is it a dream...? Is it a job...? "It's a dream job.
We call it the "Family Tree"...You know Tigger had one, from Winnie the Pooh. We ride by it a lot. Quite appropriate as we rode out to bring in cows as a family. Took a beating two years ago during the Blizzard "Atlas"...but it still here and so are we... Testimony to the staying of The Almighty and determination of the family. To God Be The Glory.
Rachel and Joey...What a team...
It was really quite a morning.... as we gathered...one moment in full sunshine and the next...a bank of fog would roll over like a wave. It was like we were performing on a movie set.
The making of good horses and good hands...Character building situations. Danny really likes the paint horse, Chuck and Julia loves her paint horse, Louie. And they really like those Hereford Cows. More than once the comment was made, "Grandpa would sure be having fun if he were here".
Robin does a great job of catching moments with her camera. When Molly was a little girl, she prayed for a little brother to wrestle with. Then Danny was born. Yes there has been numerous wrestling matches, ... not as many as there used to be...But now her little brother is her big brother and also one of her best friends. It has been a great journey watching these two grow. And now Molly is heading to the West Coast for College...She will be back...She has a calling to pick up on next Spring... And yes Danny and Molly will miss each other.
Yes, as I said, "Sure beats sitting in the office doing paper work. My horse Trigger offers "Triggernamics"
Time to loosen the cinches and thank the horses as we prepare to work the chute. Not everyone needs to be on horseback for the upcoming chores.
OUT AUTUMN TREK TO THE HILLS
Robin and I enjoy the moments of family and doing things together as a family. So much is out there to "steal" those moments away. Sadly, too often, we as moms and dads allow that to happen. We must fight to keep the family for God's purpose and never allow anyone or anything to hinder that which has been entrusted to us by The Almighty.
Midnight weather report...We saw some nice rain on our journey in the northern Black Hills. We were delighted to receive nearly .75" of rain through this evening here at the ranch. This photo is just out of Sturgis a couple of miles. Pretty country. And I am proud to be in the photo with our son, Caleb. He is a blessing to the family.
His name is Larry, too. Very few places equal ideal for Ponderosa Pine than the Black Hills. It is good to see resources (timber) being utilized rather than burned. Larry moved up from Texas in 2008 after 30 years in the oilfield. He loves it here as he hauls logs to several different mills around the Hills. He told me how he had been seeing some of largest elk this year and where he had seen tremendous fall color. I invited him to Men's Day at RBR on October 10th and also "requested" the larger logs be taken to the mill and then brought to our place. As we parted company, we shook hands. He apologized that his were dirty...It is good to shake a hand that has been working.
We are not always able to be in the same picture as someone has to be behind the camera as well.
Some have mentioned that we ought to do "reality TV".
"Riiiiiiiiiiiiight" ...not on your life. However, we don't mind sharing select pics from select activities that are part of our daily family life. Hope that you enjoy.
Yes we left Sturgis on our journey with a cup of coffee and after some rugged roads and beautiful country... our dinner included pasties made by the Kings in Lead,SD. Certainly a tradition going back to the many miners that worked Homestake and the other gold mines in the area. Meat pies that you hold in your hands.
When we got into Spearfish, we stopped at another favorite place...for a cup of coffee. The Green Bean Coffeehouse...we started going to this place when it was called by another name. Setting is still as inviting...the Reinhold kids love it as much as ever. Continue to build memories
Yes they are called the "Hills". But this "island" in the midst of a sea of grasslands and plains...Mountain grandeur to be certain. Our round trip of around 130 miles again reminded us of the wonders of this place we call home.
The Reinhold Sisters...with Mom. At another one of our favorite places. The D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives is certainly a treasure for our region. I told Robin if I was retired and lived closer that I would certainly volunteer here.
Rachel and Molly have pretty much accepted that their little brother...is, yes taller and bigger and they look shorter next to him. They pretend to be bothered, but their giggles give them away. Danny just has a quiet smirk.
By the way, Danny is 15 and 6'2" and yes he has passed his Dad up as well.
Roll 'em
Roll 'em, Roll 'em, Roll 'em...
"Rawhide"
The Lonetree Ranch version...
Julia is becoming quite a hand. There are so many opportunities to learn on the ranch.
Willie...what a pony!
Kiersten....what a girl!
Opinion by Kiersten's Daddy.
Photos by Kiersten's Mommy.
Faith and Farming
We all took a little break to fill the drill as plant wheat. We could sure use some rain... Faith and Farming..."It is just that way".
What a beautiful evening to be planting wheat. Stewards of our Awesome God's Creation. I looked at Robin as the sun was disappearing behind the horizon..."It's a good life.".
Branding Day At The Hackens Ranch
Branding day at the Hackens Ranch at Viewfield, SD. Dean and Tammy Hackens are dear friends and we always enjoy our time with them. We will post some more photos that Robin took throughout the morning.
Brandings work best when played as a team. and each person realizes the importance of their contribution. I will be honest, I have seen some brandings with way too many spectators and at times it may be best if they would go contribute effort elsewhere. I will say that yesterday was a pleasure. with all working hard.
Someone has to watch the gate...."Not always easy". With saddle horses dragging the ropers last successful loop and young calves just plain missing momma. Kiersten and Julia, you did a good job.
The Boss...someone to call the shots. Dean Hackens, Thanks for letting us work with you. Our kids get so amazed at how much fun we have at your place. "Maybe, its your stories?"
Rachel will sometimes take "matters into her own hands"
TEAMWORK
I had a great time yesterday with Dean and Tammy Hackens. Robin and I count it a privilege to have known them for so many years. It was a blessing working working with so many fine young people as well. "It's a good day to be alive." :)
If anyone is trying to figure out my expression...I was probably working through another one of Dean's stories.
We had a good day yesterday...
Another piece of the story...36 years ago the Reinhold family branded in the morning on the Lonetree Ranch. My Brother Lee had invited some friends out to help. They had just returned from the State Track Meet. Lyle would be leaving for Idaho the next day and he had some friends out as well. Both the boys had their girlfriends. at the place, tool.
As many of you probably know, that afternoon played out in a way that would change our lives forever. After the hard work was done, we went fishing. A storm blew in and my two brothers Lyle and Lee along with our good friend Wayne Brost died in a drowning incident.
Yes branding time during May stirs up the emotions and memories. God's grace has sustained through many of life's storms and we press on.
Where the deer and antelope play...
"Where the deer and the antelope play"
We took our friends , Todd and Melanie Ellis Hofer, and their family up to the top of the breaks last evening. The country is looking beautiful. The nice moisture that we have received this month has been a huge blessing. Thank You God!
