Category: Ranch Slants
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It’s Random Acts of Kindness Day!
Recently, I have developed “a thing” for finding out and celebrating unusual holidays and celebrations. It started out a few years ago when I wanted to know what else was celebrated on my birthday, May 27th. I found a few sites that listed the more popular as well as unusual days worth noting and celebrating….
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A New Purpose For A Plain Old Rock
Every ranch kid (and ranch wife) has picked his or her share of rocks out of a hayfield and I’m guessing most of those kids probably have no interest in picking up any rock for the fun of it, doing any rock hunting, or collecting rocks. We still drive past the rock piles where our…
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South Dakota Farm and Ranch Life in Poetry
Anytime I discover something that becomes a part of my favorite things list, I want to share it with others. I met farmer and cattleman Bruce Roseland of North Central South Dakota at the South Dakota Festival of Books back in September in Sioux Falls. Bruce writes free verse poetry about everyday things that pertain to…
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Atlas’ 1st Anniversary
A year ago today, winter storm Atlas began with rain, then turned to rapidly piling snow overnight. I was not at home, but rather attending the annual Women in Ag conference for our area 30 miles away along with many other farm and ranch women. My family was home and rode out the storm mildly. Our…
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Wrestle Like a Girl–Cowgirl Style
This past weekend we held our branding and after processing the whole day with my husband Art several different times, we determined that this year’s branding was probably the best we’ve ever had, or at least that we can remember having. For starters, we had excellent weather. Myles helping bring in the herd for sorting….
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One of My New Favorite “Little Things in Life”
I’m big on acknowledging the little things in life that make me happy. One of my favorites is the moment after I’ve sat down in a comfy chair or our couch with a cozy blanket on my lap and I open the pages of a brand new book to start reading. I love the crispness and…
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The Modern Day Ranch
America’s ranches may have gone through some changes over the last 150 years but ranching is still going strong and continues to be a great part of western Americana. From the start of most of America’s ranches, hardy women have been a crucial part of the operation and women have contributed in numerous ways. I…
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A Rancher’s Desk
A rancher’s office is outside so naturally his desk is located in his pickup. You can learn a lot about a man by the desk area that he keeps. For instance, hair covering the seats and floor is an indication that his office assistant sheds a lot. A rancher’s desk has essential office supplies needed to…
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Our V.I.T. (Very Important Tool)
I recently wrote a column about twine cutters. They are a necessary implement in the wintertime for feeding cows hay that comes in round bales. Since these bales are held together tightly with nylon twine, a sharp-edged tool is needed to cut the strings. Most guys will just use a pocket knife. My husband likes…