The Truth

 ... will set you free.

           https://youtu.be/7H85GAYbmwo         

Beaches on the Big Horn.

Part of remodeling Grandpa's old corrals was making good use of the north pen. He ran sheep and draft horses and this 3/4 acre lot was mainly used for them. Well, it didn't fit into to any of our future plans so we decided to turn it into a riding arena. 

One thing about the home place is that it's hilly. The only flat ground around has come from leveling it.

About a year ago we started in. Gerry got in on the dirty work of taking down the old fences and fighting the weeds.

Then we went to moving dirt. 

We took off one of the big hills and used that dirt to fill in the low spots. Some dirt had to be hauled in as well.

Eventually we had it all heading the same direction. From last summer until this spring we picked away at building the fence.

Then it was time for sand. For a task such as this, we turned to Jack Kuhbacher who lent us ol' Glory.

My brother Luke had a pile of refined sand from a gravel pit on his place. So we borrowed his feed loader and got to work. It's amazing how using the right equipment for the job makes it go smooth. Usually we move dirt with a farmhand and grain truck, which are hard on both equipment and driver. 

It took awhile, but eventually I got decent at spreading the sand. 

Then Dad came along and leveled it.

For a final pass we drug around an old tractor tire.

Giddy up.

Mission accomplished. 

The amount of work that went into this project has been extraordinary. But it's paid off. Boys love playing in the dirt and now we have a football field sized sandbox to run around in. I'm looking forward to getting Chief out here and teaching him some new tricks. Special thanks to Dad, Gerry, Jack, Luke, and of course Mom, for all your help in bringing this project to completion. Now let's ride!

Big Deal

We're better than we once were because of our Lord's Ascension.

           https://youtu.be/1JLjQo5m1AI         

Blooming

This year's spring blossoms around Campbell County rival that of the Willamette Valley in Oregon. I spent four years in college seminary out there and the trees around here reminded me of those days. Beautiful.

I think this is a Flowering Pear tree.

I'm calling this one a Dogwood.

Pretty sure this is a Chokecherry tree. 

People around here are saying this is a once in a 40-50 year event. Arborists in the area even predicted it would be a good tree budding year. The long cold winter and good spring moisture made for a burst of beauty. I bet the late spring helped too, with the trees not having to contend with freezing mornings. Whatever the case, the blooming trees around Campbell County are off the charts beautiful! Thanks Lord.

Dave, Bob, and I

Dave's father-in-law Bob has been wanting to get a tour of the country where our cattle graze. With his time around Gillette winding down, today looked to be the day.

This South Dakota native likes to see new land. Dave's taken him all around Campbell County. Now Bob can say he's been deep into the Black Hills of Wyoming.  

While the boys traveled in style, I got some miles on the brumbies.

Bob held Mollie while I went in search of the critters. 

Sitting in the shade. They seem to be loving life.

Whitey seems to be filling out too. We then took a loop around the rest of the pasture before loading up and heading out.

After a burger and a beer at Devil's tower we headed for home. As always, Chief was glad to get the saddle off his back.

Thanks partner. You're always welcome around this ranch.

 

Little While

Pray a little while for an increase of the Holy Spirit. 

           https://youtu.be/L3FrdLCDIu0         

Perfection of Reason

The Holy Spirit perfects our natural faculties. 

           https://youtu.be/v7jR7iUQ_CM         

Darkest Before Dawn

Sometimes Jesus leaves to make room for the Holy Spirit. 

           https://youtu.be/Rh5EZezf5F4         

 

Communion of Saints

St. Isidore, pray for us!

           https://youtu.be/nLiWUULLXrQ         

Rumble Strip

God's commandments keep us on the straight and narrow of life.

           https://youtu.be/5cG85TVkA1E         

Church Teaching

Listen to our Mother.

           https://youtu.be/4NVSKSzVwSk         

Hank

Many have wondered about the origins of the shadow man Hank. It's a mystery about when and where he shows up. But when he does, his presence is always welcome. 

Weighing in around 225 and somewhere about 6'6" tall, Hank looks to be wearing a pair of 34x55 Wranglers. 

He was first sighted by Fr. Jim Heiser in the spring of '17. I shot him this picture of the rising Little Wind River and He asked, "Who is that in the shadow?" I answered, "Must be Hank Williams."

Since then, Hank has appeared at special memorial markers. 

He always loves to stack hay. 

And haul it to the corrals. 

Horseback is a common place to find him.

Seeing him in the early mornings with a cup of coffee is not uncommon either.

Welding around the ranch is one of his favorite places to help out. 

In general, Hank is just an all-around cowboy. 

I love Hank. He is a reminder of God's love shining on us. The Lord's presence is everywhere, even in the shadows. It doesn't matter how dark life gets, there’s always a bright side. Be on the lookout, I bet Hank is following you too.