Be salt and light.
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Rainy Rodeo
It takes a lot to stop a rodeo, and rain and mud are not enough. The second weekend in June is Hulett's annual rodeo. I've served my time in the chutes, now it's time to enjoy the ride from the stands.
Thanks be to God it's been a rainy spring. Combine that with cool temperatures and good cattle prices, ranchers around Hulett are happy.
The Burch boys brought out their baddest best.
Rain or shine, they came to ride.
They bucked bareback, broncs, bulls, and ranch bronc. I only got there in time to see the bulls and ranch bronc.
My buddy Ben Miller stole the show with a 75 point ride.
Bucked his boot off in the process.
I love rodeo. Though I'm more than happy to sit and watch from the stands, it still get's your blood pumping when you see guys grin and bear it. The rain and mud just add to the fun. Life is good. Thank God for cowboys.
2023 Priest Retreat
Every year dioceses around the nation have a five day retreat together. This year ours was at Terra Sancta retreat center in South Dakota. Always good to see the boys. And always good to spend time away with the Lord.
About 50 of our roughly 60 total priests in the Diocese were present, along with Bishop Steven and our retreat director Fr. Ron Mercier, SJ.
This year was also special because I celebrated five years of priestly ordination on June 8th. However, that year it was the feast of the Sacred Heart. So I'll have to celebrate again coming this Friday! God is good.
Sunday, June 4, 2023
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Moving Cows
When you run only 5 cows you’ve got to squeeze all the fun you can out of them. So with a bit of free time on hand, Joe and I got a jump on our Mission circuit by heading to Hulett Saturday afternoon to move our cows.
Back in the north 40 they can be hard to find. We jumped them in the trees.
Then trailed the for the gate. As you can see they were getting low on grass.
Joe and Chief put the final push on them.
Happy campers. They’ll live here for the next month before we move them again.
Another well job done.
Tough to beat an afternoon ride in the Hills. So beautiful. What a blessing it is to break from the normal hustle and bustle and recharge in God’s good creation. Pure gift. Thanks Lord.
Friday, June 2, 2023
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Monday, May 29, 2023
A Branding to Remember
The day we had all been waiting for finally arrived, Kuhbacher's branding. Memorial Day seems to be the standard date these days. It was perfect weather. We dodged storms left and right, but the Good Lord provided us with a just right day for branding.
Chief and I went up the night before and camped out. Super beautiful.
We actually both got rested up pretty good.
The posse of cowboys arrived around 7am and circled the wagons to get our marching orders.
Jason sent different groups to different areas of the pasture to gather the some 300 head.
This is definitely horse country. Sometimes these draws get so deep you can't even cross them horseback.
Branding is always a family affair. Terese, Travis, Jason, and Boni lead the way.
Matt and Mark help their bother Jason spot his herd.
You can't trail the way the crow flies around here. You have to follow the cow trails, which may be the long way around.
Jason has been running a Black Angus and Hereford cross. The result are baldy calves. I like these little buckskin buggers.
Once gathered, we headed for the trailers.
The final push in the the pen is intense. All hands on deck.
Got em.
Chief was feeling good and was now ready to switch gears to roping.
But first a breakfast break.
Chief and I were in the first heat of ropers.
Let's ranch!
Looking good. When its upright, his brand is a lazy U 7.
Once that bunch was done, we headed on to the next one.
A good hundred first calves heifers awaited us.
This location was back at their home place.
Once gathered, they cut out the cows. You always keep two ropers on the outside of the pen in case a calf sneaks by.
They saved the best ropers for last.
Wrestlers as well. Sam earned his keep today.
So did Grandpa Jack.
The calves got it all, even pour-on.
Once we knocked that last bunch out, we headed for home. Sam took Chief.
Time to feast.
Everybody's favorite part.
Giddy up!
Can't beat it. I love branding. Nothing smells like freedom more than branding smoke. We can take for granted the opportunities we have around here. But cowboying on Memorial Day brings it all home. Thank God for those who have, and continue to, sacrifice themselves to ensure our freedom. America is proud.
Sunday, May 28, 2023
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