Mary is our Mother.
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Monday, December 9, 2024
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Catholic Canyon
God communicates Himself to us in many and varied ways. The Sacraments, Sacred Scripture, each other... The list goes on. Creation speaks to us of God in a natural way, but also in a supernatural way. If we pay attention along the road of life, God not only reveals Himself to us, but also draws us deeper into the Christian mysteries.
One of my favorite examples of this is in Tensleep Canyon. I've been up and down this road a hundred times, more so in recent years. It never gets old. Over the years, people have pointed out to me a couple mysterious outcroppings. With eyes open in faith, God has spoken to me through this Catholic Canyon.
The first point for pondering is just a mile or two as you start up the canyon. The best place to stop and see this site is at the Point of Interest.
Hidden up in the cleft of the rock is a hole. The first time it was pointed out to me they said it looks like an angel.
But when I saw it, God immediately revealed to me Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.
This statue belongs to my Aunt Rhonda. To this day, when I look at that rock outcropping high on the canyon wall I pray to the Father, Not my will, but Thy will be done. (Luke 22:42)
The next site comes just after the second switchback on the way up the mountain.
Once on top, stop at the big pullout.
High on the wall is a standalone spire. I've been told it looks like a monk.
I can see that. But to me, I see our Blessed Mother with baby Jesus in her arms.
This is the statue of our Lady in a little grotto behind the church back home. When I look at that mysterious outcropping I hear Jesus say, Woman, behold your son. (John 19:26)
Good stuff. Above my right hat brim rests the image of our Lord.
I've showed these things to many guys over the years. Some get it and others don't. I don't doubt that to be the case. Sightings like this are not universal, but personal. God's voice resonates on our hearts individually. He is capable of speaking to us through creation. And not just that He exists and is the Creator of all things. But that He loves us, and comes to save us through the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. A most fitting way to live out of this mystery is in the arms of Mary, the Mother of God. We would do well to take Jesus' final commandment seriously and, Behold our Mother. (John 19:27) In her arms we stay peaceful as children as we strive to fulfill the Father's will. Let's ranch.
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Top Rail
The corrals are coming along, but there are still some final touches to put on and plenty of welding to do. While the weather is still holding out, we stuck the top rail on the front leg of the fence.
The original plan was to only put a top rail on the working pen. Once we got close to the end, however, it looked fitting to put pipe on all of the front sections. Partially because we had plenty of pipe to use and because there is more pressure on the front legs than else where.
When we pounded the pipe in, we left it high with plans for a top rail later on. First step, saddle the 2 7/8".
The more precise the cut, the less work you have when it comes to fitting the pipe and welding the joint.
Fortunately, Hank came to lend a hand.
Once you got the first cut made, I like to follow up and thin out the top edges. Makes the top pipe fit more flush.
We used the continuous fence as our guide. 8 1/2" from top to bottom.
Then laid the 30'ers on down the line.
And fired up the Lincoln to put on the weld.
When it comes to fitting the 2 7/8" to the 4 1/2" vertical, you pretty well have to guess. Should work.
When it comes to working with tubing, I like to get rid of the fittings. Looks less like used oilfield pipe.
Just cut them off and put on a good butt weld.
All that works deserves a cold one!
Done.
She's tacked up. Once the snow flies, we'll come back and weld our happy little hearts out. I like a top rail. It actually isn't much more work, after a guy caps free standing pipe posts. It is a stronger fence and a better look. Good combination for this entryway into loads of fun. Now all we need is some cows to put in here. If you build it, they will come. Let's ranch.
Friday, December 6, 2024
Door Fix
It didn't bother me too much, but Dad has been complaining about not being able to get out of Ranch Truck easily. So, while she was warmed up in the shop, we took time to change the passenger door handle.
When we got Ranch Truck back up and running, the door handle was gone. This little twine fix did the trick for quite awhile.
First step was to take the door panel apart.
The hard part about popping the panel off is not busting the plastic apart.
Loosen a few screws, and she's off.
A rivet holds the handle assembly on.
Then just wack it forward with your hand.
Two things to disconnect, the twine and the door lock lever.
The new handle came to us via Carquest in Buffalo.
Simply press the linkage into the new plastic grommets.
Instead of a rivet, we just put in a self-tapper.
Then just pop the panel back into place.
Should work.
Sure enough.
If you're gonna ranch, you might as well ranch in style. I liked the twine, but it wasn't functional. When you need to get out to chase a fire or a cow, you need to get out quick. Dad's happy, and that's important. Ranch Truck slowly comes back to life. She came to us run down and out of commission three years ago. One by one, we fix what's broke and make Ranch Truck ranch ready. Giddy up.
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
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