Tag: Black Hills
-
Thinking of A Warmer Place
At least once every year in the dead of winter my mind runs away to a much warmer place and time of year. These escapades usually happen at a time when my toes and fingers never seem to stay warm and I’ve been outside all day. These little mind jaunts are a welcome mental…
-
Dakota Photo
If you’re a history buff, are infatuated with the Black Hills of South Dakota, or appreciate beautiful photography, I encourage you to visit Dakota Photo. Paul Horsted’s photography and books are the best places to satisfy any of the above aforementioned interests. Paul and his family go to the same church I do, his wife…
-
Bringing in 2011 The SMC Way
One of the best ways to bring in a New Year is to spend it at a place you love or celebrate it in a way you enjoy. Or go all out and do both. This year my family and I brought in the New Year at Storm Mountain Center (SMC), which is located near…
-
Imperfect Christmas Trees
A big part of our Christmas traditions is getting the tree, which always creates unique memories. We’re fortunate enough to harvest our own in the woods of the Black Hills. Most years we’ve gathered a pine tree right off our property. A few times I insisted on a spruce, which entailed getting a tree permit…
-
Backroads
I’ve spent my whole life on Black Hills backroads. They’re like home to me. I’m most comfortable driving on them and they’re safer to be on than on any other roads. My driving is less than exemplary on highways. I don’t worry about getting lost on backroads like I do in big cities. I know…
-
A Renewing Place
Can you feel your mind, body and soul relaxing? This is Outlaw Ranch, and it will do that to you if you aren’t paying attention. I am fortunate in that Outlaw is only a 20 minute drive from my home. I’ve been here many times since my first church camp experience during my confirmation years…
-
Harvesting Ivory in South Dakota
My husband collects teeth. Not just anybody’s teeth, but elk teeth. He doesn’t do anything with them he just likes keeping them and will get them out occasionally to show the kids, relatives, friends, or just look them over. Elk hunters know what I’m talking about and probably do the same thing. My dad inlaid…
-
Women in Ag Get Together for More Than Just Agriculture
Inspiring conference speakers, informative sessions, and educational workshops are all worthy reasons for ranch women to gather every September, but for many, it’s the chance to get away, catch one’s breath, and let the family be self sufficient for 24 hours. Ranch women know they’ll walk away from the conference with useful information they can…
-
Braggin’ Rights Fit For a Fourteen Year Old
Last Friday was opening day of elk hunting for rifle hunters in the Black Hills. I was attending the Women in Ag conference all day in Spearfish, but when I pulled in the driveway, I could see our red Doge pickup off in the distance headed up the neighbor’s road. It was easy to tell…
-
Rekindling Old Flames
There’s nothing tougher than being tempted by a former addiction you’ve given up and walked away from. I know exactly how recovered addicts feel now, although I could easily go back to mine and it wouldn’t be harmful to me or those close to me. It’s just something I wish I could go back and…