THE REINHOLD BOYS
The "Reinhold Boys"...
They have been around for a number of generations on the ranch here in Meade County, South Dakota
Started with Emanuel and his brother, Harry in the early 1900's. Their parents were Carl and Eva...Swedes in the "old country of Minnesota"
Then their was Emanuel and Hazel's boys who are pictured here...Carl (Dick) the oldest, Earl (Tom), Paul (Brownie) and Marvin (Tige)
Then we come to Tige and Vicky's boys... Larry, Lyle and Lee.
And today we have Larry and Robin's boys...Danny and Caleb.
It has been fun...being part of the "Reinhold Boys"
CLASSIC...
This time of the year finds one recalling loved ones and the impact they had on one's life.
"Classic"...some may think that I am speaking of the car...No, I talking of my mother. Of course this photo is from a day gone by, but my mom lives on in my heart and in eternity.
Mom was a Depression baby...she grew up in the small Eastern Dakota town of Avon, South Dakota. Her mother from Ireland, her father of German descent and of an early day Dakota Family... Her brothers fought in World War II...Her sister was her partner.
Mom went off to a university in South Carolina for a time and returned to South Dakota, West River , this time. She was home only for a short while, when a young cowboy showed up on the family's doorstep. He had heard that Voreta Rae Bangert, who was now called Vicky due to roommates in college giving her that nickname, played the piano. And this young man straight off the Plains of Dakota led a youth group near Big Bend west of Rapid City needed someone to play the piano when he would lead choruses.
She agreed...and the rest is history :) And Oh yes, Vicky, my mom, said she would "never marry a rancher"
CHRISTMAS BLIZZARD 2016
"MEMORIES"
Christmas Blizzard 2016
Fierce winds, lots of snow, cold temperatures, no power, Christmas Joy, Family Together..."Counting blessings"
The morning after the Christmas 2016 Blizzard. Robin captured some great images as she always does.
The stock fared well in this storm. Different than Storm Atlas when they did not have winter hair. Some pretty big drifts...70+mph winds moved things around pretty good. And the day after was beautiful.
The girls thought this little guy needed his ears warmed up a little. He liked it...Perked right up.
Snow Sculptures - Christmas Blizzard 2016
Photos By Robin Reinhold
Sculptures by "Prairie Wind"
The Original Homestead Shack...No on live here now, but 90 some years ago, this was home to the Reinhold family. Can you imagine living with your family on the wide open plains during a blizzard?
"It's 'Snow' Fun"
The Day after the Christmas Blizzard 2016
Reinhold kids enjoying the great snow.
Robin Reinhold - Photographer
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS
I won't kid you, "We don't always see things eye to eye"...But we always love each other. The stresses of life and of the season may seem at times overwhelming, but take time to count your blessings. For me... to realize that love came down at Christmas...that is high on my list and well...God has blessed me with "my Robin"...that is another great blessing. And I am overwhelmed with joy as I have watched the hustle and bustle of our six children this past evening...
Yes everyone is in bed, except me and as I listen to Christmas music and think of the many folks out there that have blessed me over and over the last years..."My blessing list just get's longer" And that just has a way of doing away with some of the stress of life. Thank You Dear God...For this wonderful time of the year.
OUR GOOD FRIEND HARRY KEENEY
A couple of days ago, our dear and longtime friend, Harry Keeney, celebrated his 80th birthday. This photo shows Harry about eight years ago, at one of our fall brandings doing what he has done so well for all his life...being an example. This day he was teaching some of the younger boys how to throw a loop...In this photo we see Harry with Mason Sandal. I have known Harry and his wife Janet all my life and I am better for it along with countless others...Happy Birthday dear friend....and if Dad was here...he would echo those same sentiments.
BLIZZARD WARNING
Christmas has us seeing plenty of red...
Blizzard Warning in Dakota for Christmas...Stay safe.
SHE WAS OUR AUNT ILA
She was our Aunt Ila... Never married...She told us nephews and nieces that she was an "Unclaimed Blessing". Her antics made us laugh, Her poodle, Wolfey, was her buddy in later years...Secretly us kids enjoyed that silly dog, but again we loved to tease Aunt Ila about her "worthless dog". We loved to hear her squeal as if she was upset at us....She wasn't.
In later years, she was struck by Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) syndrome, a rare disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your nerves. Paralyzed from shoulders down, she fought back and actually returned to her little home.
Aunt Ila was really quite amazing...She took her share of guff, but never let it stop her. She had an undeniable ability to impact childen even though she never had any of her own. She taught Sunday School for years. She had several jobs over her lifetime...A legal secretary to several attorneys, one of which went on to become a member of the South Dakota Supreme Court.
I was blessed to be chosen by her to be her assistant in later life and one day to be the executor of her estate. I still consider that an honor.
Aunt Ila died around 1990 after she had a stroke. That happened not long after her courageous comeback from Guillain-Barre. Even though she was never wealthy here on this earth, her frugality and conscious desire to serve left an appreciable amount of cash that would go to the ministry of Rainbow Bible Ranch. Wiith that financing we were able to purchase the playground equipment which proves so popular with the hundreds of kids that attend camp each year.
I just discovered these photos the other day. With a little Christmas cheer I thought I would share them with you today. Thank you Aunt Ila for your Godly service and if anyone would ask me..."She was far from an 'Unclaimed Blessing' as her life and memory blesses many yet today.
A TREE FOR CHRISTMAS 2016
A TREE FOR CHRISTMAS 2016
The Night Before.... "Thanksgiving"
It is getting late, however Robin and the girls are busy preparing for Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow. Robin made homemade bread to prepare the stuffing. It will be so good and Rachel took on the task of cutting celery and onions. We are looking forward to a fine feast. Oh by the way, Danny and Caleb went over north to check on some cows. Busy night
FT. PIERRE BOUND...
We loaded some yearlings yesterday to take to Ft. Pierre. Looked pretty good following a very dry summer. Just a little perspective for my cattlemen friends...We are concerned about prices...but folks in the middle of Atlas country remember what 2013 and years following were like. And at the same time many enjoyed record prices...and for many in 2016, one didn't have to go many miles to find someone drier than they were. Count your blessings...Just saying.
Time to go hunting
Rachel, Danny, and Caleb spent some time looking for cattle,fixing fence and shooting prairie dogs. I know Danny is enjoying his new rifle.a 22-250.
Robin... You are a blessing
I am so blessed by my wife and partner. Robin has no agenda but to glorify Christ. She is to speak at a Women's retreat this winter and she has been earnestly studying Scripture in preparation for that time. I am encouraged when she runs ideas and insights by me.
Robin...be blessed for you are a blessing
Game against Oelrichs
The RCCS Middle School Comets did a fantastic job today. Good Job Guys. Of course we had our eyes on #50, Caleb Reinhold. Caleb had some good plays including this over 60 yard touchdown run
What a Treat...
Robin had a busy afternoon...went to Rapid City...took Caleb to last football practice of the year, went to the radio station 88.3 KLMP Words for Life to cut an ad with Julia and Kiersten, then back across town to drop the two girls off for piano lessons with Mrs. Nickel and then stop and pick up some feed. Rachel decided to treat us all to one of our favorites, Swedish Pancakes. We are all happy campers this evening.
Our Backyard
True it is not New England...But today on the Great Plains of Dakota (Our backyard) a beautiful rainbow over some very richly colored cottonwoods. A beautiful evening to say the least. To God Be the Glory for His Continued blessings and promises.
Hauling in Hay
Since we are having to ship all our hay in this year...
Our good and longtime friend, Lynn Gray, brought this load in this morning. Lynn has what many folks call a "hay train". He can haul a lot of bales. Lynn and I have many fond memories. Keep pressing on brother.
Robin took this photo...she just smiles at us
I Am Thankful
I am thankful
I truly enjoy family.
I hope you know what I mean
I am thankful
I love that I can work with good people that are committed to their calling.
You know what I mean?
I am thankful
I love the fact that our kids love to work together (and love each other).
Do you know what I mean?
I am thankful...
I love good horses that are alert and not easily distracted.
Do you know what I mean?
Ranch Manager
Since we posted school pics of our younger children...I thought I would post this one of our daughter,
Rachel... Ranch Manager
"May I borrow a rose..."
In summer days gone by, my Dad would go by Robin's roses and on a number of occasions, he would ask her if he could "borrow" or have one to take up to his bride. And even after Mom's passing, he would at times pick one to take to the dining room at RBR. Dad has been gone from this earth for about a year and half now...but at Dad and Mom's house there is a beautiful white rose bush that has endued the harshness of the Dakota Plains. And it has been blooming this fall...One day as I was looking after some yard work there, I "borrowed" one from Dad and took it to my bride...."Here, Grandpa is just returning a favor"