Category Archives: Uncategorized

It’s very dry here at the Blum Ranch–a condition not unique to our central South Dakota location😕 Though green, the grasses seem to have stalled. Hot, dry winds suck any moisture we hoped to have right from the ground. Yet, … Continue reading →

As my husband comes home hot, tired, and filthy–especially on windy, dirty, dry days like today–I find myself feeling guilty for my uselessness. There is so much work to do on any given day! Alas, I am resigned to not … Continue reading →

Ranching from the window and parenting from the couch are no longer on my bucket list😂 This not-dreamed-of experience makes me long for dirty days in the outdoors, but it’s also given me time to reflect on the “why” of … Continue reading →

☆☆“Health is not valued until sickness comes.” ~Thomas Fuller☆☆ As ranchers, our work is up, down, and influenced strongly by people who have never done it, so an open, grateful heart dedicated to a bigger purpose is required. Yet, even … Continue reading →

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” ~Proverbs 22:6 No matter the paths our children take, I pray they journey with faith, compassion, and joy. I … Continue reading →

Today, we drank coffee! Morning dawned with a fresh batch of snow, but this round was different–warmer, calmer–than last Friday’s blizzard. The Rancher’s early morning check revealed nothing new or in need. Then, we all exhaled what felt like a … Continue reading →

As the sun shines again today, we can all enjoy a chilly but needed reprieve before another round of winter weather! Our animals are resilient and came through the weather well. Ranching is often an isolating, misunderstood way of life, … Continue reading →

What a humbling 24 hours! Like the trees we planted, we are tattered and tired yet standing strong. Uncertainty remains as we begin the work of keeping our herds healthy after such stress. But, we are grateful for all the … Continue reading →

Tonight we quit. Not because we wanted to…because we had no choice. The blowing snow and dark made safely locating anymore newborn calves in need impossible. As I drove out of the last calving pasture, I cried, said a prayer, … Continue reading →

Daddy’s hands take care of us all! As my husband and I attempted to save another calf, I couldn’t help but think about how much ranchers have in common with nurses and emergency workers. Our patients differ, but our commitment … Continue reading →