"BORN IN A BARN..."
Julia walks into the tack room off the calving barn... I joke with her as she leaves the door behind her open, "What, were you born in a barn?"
Without missing a beat, she replies, "No, but I feel like I live in one".
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April Blizzard 2023... Calving Season on the Lonetree
April Snow 2023 on the Lonetree
Good Moisture... Cute calves...
April Snow 2023 on the Lonetree
KOLACHES FOR THE RACEHORSES
When Robin and I were married...the Reinhold Family added a little "Bohemian" genetics. Czechs are known for kolaches and other fine food. I love kolaches. And today Robin "fed the racehorses" a special treat. Prune and Raspberry... Oh they were so fine. Thank you dear Robin.
'SUPPER WITH THE "RACEHORSES"
"Feed The Race Horses"... A phrase that I coined a few years back. To get to performance out of the best equine athletes, one has to give them the best diet to match their activity. Our crew goes hard here on the ranch nearly all the time and certainly when the weather tries to "beat on us". Last night I volunteered to help Robin with supper... after all she is quite a "race horse" as well. I made one of my favorites that my mother use to make. Oven baked chicken... "Turned out pretty good"... if I say so myself...And served up "quite pretty" too.
ANOTHER APRIL STORM... RECOLLECTION
April 4-6, 1997...
We called it that... the April 97 Blizzard. As many you know, we (Robin) reports to the National Weather Service as an observer. Our station is Hereford 12SW. That April storm had lots of wind as you can see in the picture of the snowdrift. We had 17 inches of good wet snow... and then over the course of the next four days we had another five inches... and it stayed cold throughout the week. That proved pretty hard on the calves. We lost a considerable percentage of our calf crop along with eight cows that had drifted into our big dam and drowned. One cow made it though about three feet of water and I when I rode up on her on horseback, she was completely covered with ice. She sounded like jingle bells when she walked. She did survive however.
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I have included two more pics that show the result of sufficient moisture... Plenty of water and grass and the wheat crop was good as well.
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Not everyone can handle living in this region... however we choose to... and we are better for it. And I believe the we understand a little better than most of who is really in control.
A STORM IS A'COMING
Do we take these storms seriously... Top photo is of the snowfall forecast... throw in 40-60 mph winds.. pretty serious if you are in the livestock business. The bottom photos are of my folks by their house after the April 6, 1997 blizzard.
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I hear so much about how folks are tired of the weather... News for you.. "This is life in the north country". Our family and our neighbors in ranch country have seen many of these situations for last century plus years... Grit... Determination and Strength from the Almighty and faith. Is it a challenge? "No doubt." But is what we do ... and it is who we are.
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Counting blessings along the rugged path of life. We know that this is life. We will be diligent about care of what has been entrusted to us. Snow brings much needed moisture. Yes the 97 storm was tough... but grass and crops were good. It is what it is and we choose to weather the storm... or the storms. It is what we do... and it is who we are.
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Praying and Trusting God... It is what we do... and it is who we are.
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Time to head again...
Spring Snow
To many... They don't understand the need for spring snow... They also do not grasp the challenges. But the is cattle country... Where the weather is more than a topic to pass the time. I sort of get amused when people that are surrounded by asphalt and concrete talk about their "mud room". Our back porch has seen nearly a hundred years of boots and overshoes.. the Reinhold family has dealt with all sorts of weather here on the ranch. Don't feel sorry for us... This is the life we choose.. It is a good and rewarding life. You can pray for the babies.. in this case the calves. We would welcome that.
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Yes we did notice the headline of the Tri-State Livestock News.. . Pretty accurate.... Oh by the way... the digital age has at times cut into our supply of newspapers to set wet boots on. Never use to have that problem.
SPRING SNOW
To many... They don't understand the need for spring snow... They also do not grasp the challenges. But the is cattle country... Where the weather is more than a topic to pass the time. I sort of get amused when people that are surrounded by asphalt and concrete talk about their "mud room". Our back porch has seen nearly a hundred years of boots and overshoes.. the Reinhold family has dealt with all sorts of weather here on the ranch. Don't feel sorry for us... This is the life we choose.. It is a good and rewarding life. You can pray for the babies.. in this case the calves. We would welcome that.
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Yes we did notice the headline of the Tri-State Livestock News.. . Pretty accurate.... Oh by the way... the digital age has at times cut into our supply of newspapers to set wet boots on. Never use to have that problem.
MY DAD...
Repost form 2014
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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, about ten years ago, when 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.
DANNY FINISHES WELDING TRAINING
We had quite the day at GPWA!
Our first 2 students graduated today! Danny Reinhold and Thomas Shirk are now graduates of Great Plains Welding Academy. Thank you for all your hard work and great luck in your careers!!
THE MUSIC OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
By Larry B. Reinhold *** March 23, 2023
Frolicking light of green and red and white,
Prancing and leaping and having a ball.
Seems to be moving in rhythm of a distant symphony,
And I hear the yip and howl, the yip and howl of the coyote's call
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Streams of light reaching the Great Bear of the night sky.
High in the sky these northern lights are amazing to all.
And then I listen for the music of the silence,
And the yip and howl, the yip and howl of the coyote's call.
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I follow a beam of polar light over my shoulder.
And seemingly the journey of Orion comes to a stall
And just as an old friend we stop and watch and listen,
To hear the yip and howl, the yip and howl of the coyote's call.
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Again I stand amazed by the drama of Aurora Borealis.
I glance to the west, where the stage was not at all small.
Venus and the Crescent moon play second chair and hear
The yip and howl, the yip and howl of the coyote call.
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I am now feeling the chill of the night as it replaces
The thrill of watching the spectacle from heaven's hall.
I lower my gaze and I turn my back and yet continues the music
The yip and howl, yes the yip and howl of the coyote's call.
Working Stock Together
Whenever I hear about a "tense atmosphere" while working cattle... I just shake my head. We love working stock together as a family. Slow and easy and quiet... generally we have riders on horseback. This was the case the other day as we sorted the first calf heifers from the older cows. Calving has been going fairly well thus far. It is a good way of life. Thanking the Lord daily.
Cold Snow?
Cold snow... "Is there any other?" The answer is "Yes". You see an inch of snow at 32 degrees provides about a tenth of an inch of precipitation. When that thermometer hits single digits and lower.. the moisture content is greatly reduced. Some have been mumbling about the snow, but we must remember that according to the drought monitors, much of our region is still in need of moisture. I know we are here at the ranch.
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Robin took these photos this afternoon shortly before sunset. I think it is beautiful. And you know what? Even with the cold weather... some of those massive drifts from way back in December are melting. And the good news is... there is water trickling into our big dam (Reinhold Lake). We will need a lot more. Many will say that they will take it in rain, but in our area... March, April and into May... it will be snow... and more than likely "warm snow" . Praising God for much needed moisture. Meanwhile, enjoy the view.
Happy Birthday Kiersten
Happy Birthday to our Dear Kiersten Rae. You have rounded out the family so very well. Each day we smile with you and often smile at you. You are a joy, indeed. Mom and I sure do love you and we pray that you will recognize God's abundant blessing that He has in store for you.
AS FOR THE MEMORIES
Hunter's Harvest Buffet is so much about recollection and camaraderie.
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This photo is of my brother Lee Allen Reinhold. Most of you have not met him. I am blessed with great brothers. Yes, I nearly stated, "I 'was' blessed with great brothers, but they live on in Glory as well as my memories. Lyle and Lee were not just blood... they were dear friends. Comrades.
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We loved to work together and we loved to hunt and fish together. Activities, that not only built memories but also character and ethics. All of which were based upon a biblical foundation endowed to us by our parents.
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The story with this photo involved us three boys and our pastor's son. We had our own "Big Buck Contest". We all pitched together to purchase a very nice hunting knife that would go to the winner. My brother, Lee, took the challenge very seriously. We were not surprised. He had exhibited his hunting prowess on numerous occasions. A long story short... Lee won the contest. A very nice whitetail buck was the result of Lee's diligence. And yes, Lee got the knife. He claimed his deer with a .30-06 that belonged to Dad and was his main hunting rifle. We have always liked the "nought six" for hunting deer or pronghorn antelope. However, this is where the story begins to take a turn. As us boys grew older and more active in the field with rifle or fishing pole, we wondered why our Dad slowly stepped back from being the main one to "pull the trigger". We honestly thought there was something "a little bit wrong with him". But now I understand somewhat better the chapters of one's life, as well.
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A couple of years after this event, my two comrades died. Lyle and Lee left this journey on earth and I was the only brother left. I became the heir of the trophy knife. I eventually became the owner of the .30-06. But my most treasured inheritance from my sportsmen family are the memories and the life lessons along the way. Those that enter the field and fish the waters with dignity and heart felt ethics and understanding walk away with more satisfaction than just "killing something". That also defines the pleasure of those gathered by the fireplace or around the supper table with rewards of a successful hunt. The experiences and the memories reach right to the heart.
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You may wonder what has become of the trophy knives... the rifles... the stuff of life that has come to me. Well, I have given them to the next generation. They claimed them, and the stories that came with them, with gratitude. They continue the legacy of the hunt. As for me... I have stepped back... sort of like my Dad. And I smile... and sometimes shed a tear of thankfulness. And as for the memories... I hold them near and dear to my heart. And yes any time that I am able to share them with someone else of like mind... I certainly will. I have been blessed.
A DISTURBING TREND
In light of a disturbing trend that has become all too present...
Some good Scripture passage that are exhorting to myself....
and perhaps you as well. LBR
1 Thessalonians 5:11 — Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Ephesians 4:29 — Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Hebrews 10:24-25 — And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 — Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Philippians 2:3-4 — Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Romans 14:19 — Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
They Rode Some Big Horses
They rode some big horses in those days. The gentleman on horseback would be my Great Grandfather, Nels Jensen. He and his wife Bessie had a ranch on Rapid Creek, east of Farmingdale, South Dakota. He was of Danish background and lived for a time in a Danish community near Swan Lake in SE South Dakota and then moved to the Circle Star Ranch around 1912. They raised horses and cattle along the banks of Rapid Creek. Their oldest daughter, Hazel, would eventually marry a Swede by the name of Emanuel Reinhold.
Nels Jensen 1869-1945 Bessie Washburn Jensen 1879-1970
I Like This Pic of My Dad
I like this pic of my dad and one our bulls from the seventies. Notice the haircoat. Curly and yellow... but more than that... Dad never wanted to lose that Hereford Hide and Hair. Comes in pretty handy in the harsh conditions of the northern plains.
WE NEED THOSE SNOWDRIFTS
Why we need those snowdrifts... You notice I did not pose that as a question...
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This is photo from straight west of the ranch headquarters. I took it from the top of the windcharger tower looking west in about 1975. We use to run a half mile of side roll irrigation on the nearly 80 acres of alfalfa. We also had 30-40 acres of ground that we flooded. However, we finally sold the irrigation system. Too many years where our big dam (Reinhold Lake) would not receive enough runoff to enable us to irrigate. Drought is a killer. We need our watersheds to have plenty of snow in the draws and on the sidehills to run water.
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FYI... The watershed (acres of drainage) for our reservoir is around 2500 acres. Also of interest... the irrigation system pictured was half mile long and put out a 1000 gallons per minute. We aimed at about 3 to 4 inches in a twelve hour period