Mature Faith

We mature in our faith.

           https://youtu.be/aNUR54nN6RM         

Believe it to See It

An evil generation wants to see it to believe it. Jesus wants us to believe it, then we'll see it.

           https://youtu.be/DAv3eMWqNvA         

Give Thanks to God

It is right and just to thank God in all circumstances. 

           https://youtu.be/PELW8SnoakA         

Softies

Saturday is the perfect day for softies: soft boiled eggs. Its a family tradition around our place, and the precision that goes into getting it just right is important. If I have the time and wanting to step up my game from a bowl of oatmeal, softies are my breakfast food of choice.

It all starts with the right eggs: farm fresh. Now this is crucial, so listen up. You fill the pot with water and put the eggs in it at the same time you turn the heat on. There has been controversy over this throughout the years. But I'm here to tell you, don't wait until the water is boiling to put your eggs in. You risk the chance of them cracking because of the temperature change and the outcome becomes inconsistent. Put the eggs in at the same time of the water! 

That being said, bring the water to a rolling a boil and the second it starts to boil set your timer for 4 minutes, no more no less. Hard whites and runny yokes is what we are looking for. Once the timer rings, kill the heat and head to the sink. I grew up with Dad barking in my ear, "run cold water over them so they stop cooking." Words of wisdom. Cool them down and they're ready for the table.

The crack is crucial. No limp wrist here. Wack it! It takes technique but after 40 years of softy Saturdays, you'll learn the trick.

Then take your spoon and gently scoop out the egg from the shell.

Like so.

This is also important to the experience, dispense used egg shells in the pot you boiled in. This is the one time Mom will allow a pot or pan to be on the dinner table. Take advantage of it!

Money.

That's how it's done more or less. When I'm cooking for one I'll usually make three eggs and spit them between two pieces of toast. Salt and pepper is also a necessary ingredient. Juice and coffee as well. This might not get you till lunch, depending on what time you get up on a Saturday, but it will definitely get your day off to a good start. 

Cow Hunt

Hunting season is in the air, and at Lungren Brothers Cattle Company, cow harvesting is in full swing. Whenever possible, I like to take members of the co-op along to get a taste of what feeding America entails. The Schamber boys were all in. 

44 was next on the list. She was a sale barn cow from Worland. Boy she finished out nice. Pushing 1400 lbs with fat pockets protruding on both sides of her tail bone, she was ready for the cooler. 

Kru and I put the sneak on her. The hunt itself got a little western. But that's not uncommon on Caballo Creek. 

Once we got her down and dressed, the boys went to work: Tony, Kru, and Jaxson 

Lungren Brothers is about educating the world as much as it's about feeding the world. Kru's catching on quick. With a hat like that, he might be ready to hire on next summer. 

This ain't Jaxson's first rodeo. He's got skinning down pat. 

Mission accomplished.

Ranching is a family affair. More than a co-op, Lungren Brothers is a brotherhood. It's our cows and it's our responsibility to feed America. Cow hunting is risky business. But there is strength in numbers. Thanks for the help boys.

Holy Rosary

Mother Mary can move mountains through the Rosary.

           https://youtu.be/ykfTT_m17_I         

Persistence

Persistence in prayer pays off. 

           https://youtu.be/7C7MUJ5Be2A         

Joe’s 71

I like the way Joe Ortner thinks. He was in need of a truck with a hoist for his different projects around the place. You could go new or you could choose old. Both have their perks, but you can't beat the character of the old. Good decision partner.

1971 was the year Joe graduated high school. This old beauty was for sale in South Dakota and home on the ranch is what it was looking for. 

350 with a two barrel carb doesn't get you anywhere very fast. But it will get you there.

The old boy before him sure did a good job cleaning her up. 

As far as I can tell, she is all original. 

Solid truck from front to back. 

Old wheat farmers had trucks like this that they'd bring out once a year for harvest and then put back in the shed. Looks to be the case for this ole girl. She's in pretty good shape for being 51. Good find Joe. Enjoy her. 

Faith Is

Faith is a decision, but also a disposition. 

           https://youtu.be/Xv08C162FSY         

Chute Fire

When you're ranching on a fixed income you have to take advantage of good deals when they come your way. Such was the case on Wednesday morning's Big Iron sale. I'd been keeping my eye out for a good old squeeze chute. And, as providence would have it, one came up in Manderson, just 30 miles up the road. Not only was the price right, but we got ourselves a real nice chute for the corrals back home.

This Ranch Hand chute from Redford NE has much going for it. For starters, she's well older than I am. She's also a 7'er which is necessary for today's bigger cattle.

Dad was eager to lend a hand, especially when I told him what we were dealing with.

I could tell by the look on his face that he approved. 

These old chutes combine wood and steel into a great work of art. Here the top board folds down to allow for milking or whatever a guy might have to do on the underside of a cow. 

The bars all around it fold down so you can brand, vaccinate, or whatever. Chute, they aren't even froze up. 

Kind of an interesting doohickey here. Since the head catch has free vertical motion, this guy can be installed to keep a cow's head in place if need be. 

Looks like the back gate works too. 

But the real selling point on this Ranch Hand was the head catch. I like this style. They are self catching if set right. 

You can also turn a cow loose forward or backward. 

Sideways is even an option if things get too western. 

I think it has potential. She'll take a little welding here and there. But what fun would it be if it didn't. Budget ranching keeps life exciting. I've seen hydraulic chutes and even used them. They're nice, but I prefer rope burns and facial scars from the old manual chutes. They give a cowboy character. 

Fall Fun

It was time for Dick Williams and my annual trip up the Middle Fork of the Powder River to see the fall colors. This year I took the Slip road up from Kaycee and met him there. Beautiful country. 

I'll admit that the Slip Road alluded me for a while. But after flagging down a rancher and backtracking 15 miles, we found it. 

I've never been up the Big Horns from this side. Steep and pretty. 

The colors on the Middle Fork were outstanding. 

This'll be next to the last hurrah at the Williams' cabin. This weekend they will winterize it. 

Dick grilled up lamb chops this year. Not bad, my friend. 

Tough to beat Quakies in late September. 

Soon they'll all be changed. 

Amazing. 

Once a month priests get to take a day of prayer. How they use it is up to them. Driving up and down the Big Horns in early fall sounds like a good way to tune in to the voice of the Lord to me. 

Talk is Cheap

Saying we are a disciple of Jesus is one thing. Showing it is another. Go to Mass!

           https://youtu.be/kfEgmXzp7Ro