Compassion.
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Monday, August 14, 2023
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Friday, August 11, 2023
Buffalo Boys
My buddy Kelly signed on to the Durham Ranch not long ago. Buffalo aren't the same as cattle, but they still require the same cowboy skills. Wanting to see this country on horse back, I met him down in Wright to go check on the critters and ride the fence.
Our mutual friend John Flocchini and family are the owner/operators of this premier bison ranch.
With them being down a hand they called in Kelly for reinforcements.
The 55k acre ranch is divided into 85 pastures. They practice holistic grazing, so they are only in a given lot for about a week. The red pasture is where they are now, and the outlined lot is where they will be moving to next.
Before we could ride we had to go check on the herd and throw them a bit of cake, which gives them a boost durning breeding season.
Every lot they go to they drag this mineral feeder around. It houses about 16 different minerals. Bison self-regulate. Somehow they know what mineral they need and go right to it, not taking more than they need.
The herd looks good. Counting calves, yearlings, moms, and bulls, the bunch is about 3k head.
Don't pet the buffalo!
Then it was time to ride. No horsing around, this was a full gear day: spurs, chaps and gloves.
I put together a new bridle and bit for Mollie.
I like these solid bits with a little back piece that puts pressure on the roof of their mouth when you pull straight back. It helps them collect and stop well.
It took a little introduction, but Mollie responded great.
Kelly and Chief led the way.
So beautiful back here. You can see the Pumpkin Buttes in the background.
These interior fences are mainly electric. This pasture hasn't been grazed in about a year, so there were some basic tending to be done like closing the gates.
It's been a great year for grass. The ranch averages about 10" of moisture a year. With their grazing program they are able to maximize the grass. Looks pretty good for August in Wyoming.
Just another day at the office.
Cheeseburger in paradise.
Living the dream. There is something nostalgic about a buffalo ranch. It takes you back to a time when there were no fences and the animals roamed freely. Progress is what it is, but ranches like the Durham Ranch do their best to imitate the natural ways of grazing. The proof is not only in the grass, but also in the bison. Both look quite healthy. But they wouldn't without the hard work of the hands. Kelly may be low man on the totem pole, but you'd be hard pressed to find someone more loyal and dedicated to the brand. He's a cowboy at heart, even if he works on a buffalo ranch. Keep up the Good work, pard.
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Monday, August 7, 2023
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Spool Time
What does a lineman tell a girl after their first date? Okonite. Joe's as corny as he is cool. Being in need of some deck furniture, Joe Orban was the first guy I called.
Working for the city of Gillette on their power division, Joe had access to the spool of our choice.
We both felt this was the one. Standing 3' tall on end, she is almost 5' in diameter.
We thought the leftover cedar planks from the siding would make a nice table top.
I tightened up the bolts that hold it together, then trimmed down the bottom side.
Then got to cleaning up planks.
Nothing an air-nailer and saws-all can't handle.
Money.
Then got some tall chairs that were on sale. They fit it well. Special thanks to my other friend Joe Madonia in Texas for his support of this project. These chairs are for you!
Our Blessed Mother approves.
I'm all about re-purposing. No sense in letting a good spool go to waste. It fits great in our outdoor cabin. Just in time to enjoy the rest of the summer. Thanks Joe.
Thursday, August 3, 2023
Sweet Home Alabama
As far as Catholic media goes, EWTN is the daddy of em all. A few weeks back, they reached out and asked if I’d like to be on EWTN Live with Fr. Mitch Pacwa. Fr. Mitch and I go way back, so with a happy heart I headed south.
It was a treat to step foot on this Holy ground. EWTN has played a big role in me learning the Catholic Faith as well as helping me hear the Lord’s call to the priesthood.
The flight down went smooth. Once settled, they put me up in a nice guest house, and the food was 5 star.
My first full day there, Fr. Mitch and I jumped in his truck and headed to Hanceville AL where Mother Angelica’s monastery is. Beautiful area.
The entire shrine is centered around the Heart of Jesus.
Inside the chapel, which she liked to call a temple, is perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
I was in the Holy Land the Easter Sunday that Mother Angelica went to her eternal rest in 2016.
Along with other deceased sisters of the order, Mother’s body rests in peace in the crypt chapel at the monastery.
Fr. Mitch comes up here once a week and does a Scripture study with the sisters.
We also hit up the gift shop where we found a lone copy of the CCW.
That evening we met up with Fr. Peter, a buddy priest of Fr. Mitch’s, for some Chicago style pizza.
The next day, I tagged along to concelebrate a Maronite Mass with Fr. Mitch.
Beautiful liturgy.
That evening was time for the show.
First they got me all dolled up.
Then Fr. Mitch and I went to chewing the fat about the Catholic Cowboy Way of life.
Here’s the whole thing.
We also had a good crew from Louisiana who came to cheer us on.
Twice I got to concelebrate Mass at the studio.
And on my last day they let me preach.
Amazing! Some experiences are hard to put into words. There is so much wrapped up in my pilgrimage to EWTN. After years of benefitting from their teaching, it was truly an honor to be on their program and get to know all the people behind the scenes. Lord only knows what comes next, but it’s hard to imagine getting much better than this. Thanks Father, for the gift that EWTN continues to be to the world.
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