Ranch Raised

Did you actually think I would skate through this holiday season with out talking about Christmas cookies?!?! Is there anything more flattering than receiving something homemade by someone. I mean truly, in my world it is the ultimate gift to give and receive. My love language is totally “acts of service.” [READ MORE…]

The days are ticking and flying by. The holiday hustle and bustle has dust flying and wrapping paper rolling, or anyway that is what they tell me. I tend to keep it pretty simple. I look around at what is available to me in my rural area and make my gift giving lists based on what I can get locally. [READ MORE…]

I am in the middle of doing a little inventory around my mud room. You see, I have a STRONG philosophy about only buying Christmas gifts that are useful. Is that called being a “utilitarian”? [READ MORE…]

I was once again doing some traveling yesterday and my destination was another cattle market auction barn. Like, where else would I go? Once again, this sale barn is no doubt the economic driver of that area. I’m sure that on sale day the population of this community swells and there is more gas and diesel pumped and more groceries sold than any other day of the week. [READ MORE…]

I have had to do some traveling through a lot of small towns the last few weeks. I love slowing waaaaaay down as I cruise through these little town’s main streets. There are hidden gems all around us! If we want to keep these small businesses open in our communities, we have to support them. [READ MORE…]

It is so exciting to watch men and women with roots in the ranching community go on and chase their dreams at the highest levels. No one is cheering louder than little wranglers sitting back here in the heartland watching their idols and heros on the big screen. [READ MORE…]

During this busy season I think it is important to remember that kids really do not need a lot. It reminds me of a few years back when our school principal stood in front of the audience at the little school Christmas program and said, “Your presence is the best gift you can give your child!” [READ MORE…]

I see the best of rural America every day, but it is right now during the holiday season where small town America shines the brightest! The people of our small towns truly extend themselves in effort and time to creating magic and spirit at every turn, if you look for it! [READ MORE…]

I got to roll through some small towns that I have never visited in my state. Literally the types of little towns where the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker are still in business. [READ MORE…]