Today... Just Kiersten and I were the only members of the family that didn't have somewhere else to be...
We planted trees. Kiersten made me smile. She drove the "Mule" and I drove the "Bobcat"
Thanks Kiersten.
Tough Road
We did not get the most rain in the region this time around...only .29", but we knew that a semi that was delivering an order to us from Oregon would have trouble on our Meade County, South Dakota road. So we met the driver in Rapid City and transferred the portion of the load that was ours to our outfit and figured we would be better off. But the road proved challenging to our crew as well especially the last 4 miles after coming over the breaks. The trailer wanted to slide off the "Johnson Hill". We got it straightened out and then proceeded cautiously the rest of the way home. I know we live in the gumbo, but it seems like we could find enough gravel somewhere to handle just over a quarter of an inch of rain. Maybe I will earmark the property taxes I pay this upcoming week to gravel
OVER ON THE EAST RANGE
This photo was taken about 50 years ago over east. The dam has since washed out and it was not needed...until now. :) The decision has been made to repair it and make it a '''Wildlife Pond". It has been fenced to keep livestock away from it. We believe it will be an attraction to waterfowl with tall grass left for nesting. We are especially excited about the potential of stocking it with fish since it is located only about 150 yards from where our RBR kids camp outside. I can see a lot of youngsters coming up with a great reason to get up at sunup and go fishing. Chris Emme of Summit Construction is here to begin the dirt work as soon as possible and weather permits. Rainbow Bible Ranch has several "Stewardship Projects" such as this underway. They all take money. If you would like to be a part of the these projects, let me know. We would love to have you as part of the team.
Mulies in the Playground
We had company this morning...Ten head of mule deer came in from the north and worked their way across the RBR playground and up to the house. They were quite intrigued by the cats. Then they quietly headed south toward the breaks. Of course they found and apple tree to nibble on as they moved.
LOOKING AT BULLS
Rachel, Danny and I went north to Bowman, ND, today to take in the sale at Stuber Hereford Ranch. Sure saw some very nice cattle. The Stuber Family are to be commended. I remember the first time that I visited the Stuber Ranch. It was many years ago, with my Dad and Johnny Nelson. Possible that Edgar Harrington was along as well...I am not sure. But I was just tagging along with these men that certainly enjoyed looking at and raising good hereford cattle.
Saw a lot of those sort of folks today as well. I did visit with Cole Elshere and his fiancé, Kyndra, briefly and suggested that they should have registered at Stuber's "wedding registry" :) ... a couple of good registered Hereford heifers would make a great wedding present. :)
Nice to visit with Marc and Jill Hotchkiss and Art Handel... I am nearly convinced that these folks just show up at all these sales where they can get in line for all that good Hereford beef that is served at dinner time.
Dobesh Ranch Branding
JUST KNOW... EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT
A dear friend once asked me “Do you ever look up at Orion and just know that everything will be alright?” It seems nearly every time I look up and see this beautiful constellation I now ask myself that question… It somehow makes me feel so incredibly small in this vast universe, and at times I have found myself truly wondering if everything will be alright. But there I stand in the darkness looking up at the stars so far away and I am humbled when I realize that the One who has held that constellation and every other star in its place since the beginning of time, also holds my heart. That the God who spoke all of creation in to being, also speaks to me. The One who knows every drop in the ocean, also knows every worry and care that I have ever had. The God that pushed up the highest mountain, and dug the deepest valley, is the same God that breathed the breath of life in to my very lungs. The God of the whole universe cares so deeply, that He calls me His child and allows me to call Him Father! If I am being completely honest, I often wonder why... Why would a God that majestic care for someone like me? I clearly don’t deserve His grace and love that He pours out so graciously on me. I think of the verses in Psalms 144 where it says “Lord, what is man that you take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that you are mindful of him?” Who are we that God desires a relationship with us? Truth is, I don’t deserve it. I never have. Never will. But, He absolutely wants to fellowship and be in relation with us. In fact, that is the basis of our existence. His love for us is so deep, that His Only Son came to die for our sins. Not because He had to, but because He chose to, and because He loves us. The choice we now have is how will we respond to His love. Who are we to deny God’s grace and mercy towards us? We should realize that the greatest thing we can do to thank Him, is to offer our lives and our whole heart to His service. We will never be able to repay Him for His sacrifice, but all He asks us for is our love and our obedience. As the world loads us down with worries and stress, and the devil is constantly screaming lies to us, we must come back to the core truth of His love. I won’t pretend that I always understand it, but I take rest in the promise that I KNOW that the one who holds the stars in place, also holds my heart. And because of that, I trust that everything will be alright…
In The Seventies
The temps were in the seventies today...the cattle were hot...the people were hot...and yes we probably said something like, "This is too warm and dry for this early and I have never seen the grass so green at this time of year." But we enjoyed a picnic, the northern chorus frogs were singing, the birds were sure talking and the food and fellowship was superb...and did I mention the sunset. Wow.
APRIL PICNIC
What an amazing evening and an amazing supper. Danny grilled the steaks (Lonetree Ranch Hereford Beef) and they were delicious. New York Strip and Top sirloin...and Robin made a great salad which had some of my favorite vegetables...you know like broccoli and bacon. Yes bacon happens to be one of my favorite vegetables. :) It was an amazing evening in April...hard to believe...but we sure enjoyed it.
The temps were in the seventies today...the cattle were hot...the people were hot...and yes we probably said something like, "This is too warm and dry for this early and I have never seen the grass so green at this time of year." But we enjoyed a picnic, the northern chorus frogs were singing, the birds were sure talking and the food and fellowship was superb...and did I mention the sunset. Wow
JUST THINKING
Just thinking...
Perpective...
According to Time Magazine in April 2016 every man, woman, and child effectively owes $42,998.12 due to debt of USA. However another thought to ponder...the average Class of 2016 graduate had $37,172 in student loan debt, up six percent from the previous year.
And then to add to the quagmire...how about credit card debt per household and then break down this high interest burden for each member of the household?
I am just sharing my thoughts today...not looking for debate or even opinion. :) I am probably correct to assume that others of you have been pondering this as well.
MORE THAN A CEREMONY
We sang, we prayed, we rejoiced, we remembered... Aunt Dorothy Gapp's funeral was not just a ceremony but a recollection of God's grace and a life well lived. The family and friends then proceeded from Sturgis to Elk Vale Cemetery, a historic graveyard in Elk Creek Valley where the Ft. Pierre to Deadwood Trail once lay. Members of Aunt Dorothy's family have already been interred here along many others from the 1800's. Grave markers include a soldier from the US 7th Cavalry to those of a family that had once been buried in nearly unmarked graves that is now overlain with concrete and is part of the runway at Ellsworth AFB. There is something special about a country cemetery on the plains. So many surnames one recognizes as neighbors and yet so many stories that have been lost in time. I couldn't help but contemplate the eternal well being of many that had been laid to rest there. I am grateful that hope may be had when one trusts in Christ rather than depend upon our ability where we fall short. Aunt Dorothy knew her human shortcomings and was confident only in her salvation in Christ. "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
Photos by Robin Lee Reinhold
NIGHT CHECK
I just returned from the 2:00 AM check to see if any cows were calving...Pretty quiet, which is OK by me. I don't do many night checks anymore as one of the "next generation" covers that territory more often. But tonight, one was not feeling quite on top of the world and I thought it would be good to volunteer.
So many memories go through my mind as I walk that path and then through the cows...I have been doing it for nearly a half century. Even when I was younger, I did not mind doing the night checks. I find when I am nearly all alone in the dark...I think of others that I have shared these experiences with. Generations deep up to the present. I also recall experiences and horses and cows and yes I never go out at night without looking for Orion or the Ursa Major or the North Star. Tonight, there were no stars to be seen, but the clouds were not heavy enough to completely blot out the light of the moon.
I find myself thinking about God and Scripture and the natural things of this world when I am in this setting. Politics and the sensationalism of the news seem distant. As I carried my flashlight to work my way throughout the darkness in the midst of the calving pen, I thought of the verse, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." from the book of Psalms, chapter 119. Seemed appropriate to ponder the LIGHT in the darkness, but I also thought of Isaiah 40:31, "They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength..." That was good to remember. I did not need to go further into that verse even though I love the content dearly. I was in no place that I needed to run or take wings as an eagle and fly....I was just quietly going about the springtime ritual that at times may be a chore of checking cows.
My time outside went quite quickly as there was no action taking place. I took some time to admire some of the babies that had already been born and there were a few times that I paused to observe livestock in other places. I must say that I had a few thoughts of others in the cow business that may be out doing there timely task of night checks. I thought of a neighbor or two. That is good.
Well, I am finally feeling the burden to rest. I don't need much sleep, but sleep is good and it thwarts off "grumpiness" the next day. :) I won't have to count sheep tonight, nor baby calves....I just think I will drift off and count blessings along the way. Good Night from the Lonetree.
Kenny McNenny...
Kenny McNenny always made people feel important and even though our paths didn't cross as often as I would have liked...he left an impression on me.
When I was 6 years old, I stayed overnight with the McNenny kids (we didn't do overnighters that often) and Mr. McNenny came into our room at bedtime and did animal shadows on the wall from the light that came through the doorway. I was impressed. I always felt that he understood my childhood "infirmities" because he had a son named Larry that had struggles as well.
And when I became an adult, Kenny and his dear wife would often encourage me by saying that I could certainly do well in public office..."maybe one day?" When Kenny would introduce our family from the floor of the legislature, you just knew that he was proud to know you. There is a void in the community...true. But all are better because of a life well lived.
Sunrise to Sunset
Winter Sunrise on the Lonetree Ranch
Robin went out this morning to capture some beautiful scenes. There was a low fog in the breaks.
Robin's first words to me when she came in, "I worked for these pictures...I stepped on a snow drift and went through up to my waist".
Temps are well below 0. "Thank you, Robin"
And now the sunset
Steak n Gravy
We eat quite well around this place...but tonight was a special meal. Tomorrow Molly flies back to Oregon for school and Robin and I will be taking a little trip for a few days. Tonight we had "Steak and Gravy". Long time favorite of the family... Lonetree Ranch beef, homemade bread and thin gravy.... "Oh it was so good"
UNCLE TOM & AUNT MIRIAM
Yes over 60 years...
This is my Uncle Tom and Aunt Miriam Reinhold and one of their girls. Uncle Tom sort of looks like Gene Autry. My Dad's brother, Tom, was a cowboy. For a while they lived at Hereford and then for awhile on a ranch near Otumwa, SD. I heard numerous stories of cowboying capability. Keith Smith, who lives at Hereford, loved to share stories of his abilities. My dad told how Uncle Tom drove a herd of horses from Alkali/Hereford to Otumwa by himself, over a hundred miles. Tom and Miriam moved to Waxahachie, Texas where Aunt Miriam taught at a college. Uncle Tom and Aunt Miriam were always an inspiration to me.
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.