STEAK & GRAVY

This brought back memories...
We had steak tonight for supper... pepper rubbed and done just right. But there is more to this story.

Growing up.. we enjoyed Steak n Gravy for numerous meals.

Pan fried sirloin and then Dad would make the gravy in his Scandinavian tradition. Thin gravy made in the pan after the steak had been fried. Milk... a little cream... sage, garlic and probably a little more pepper and salt. We would carry the skillet in and it would be served up with the big "grandma spoon" onto homemade bread. Yes... that is sort of the way things were done tonight in the same dining room that has been home to four generations of Reinholds.

I have to admit... I sure had the memory bank opened for awhile. However, my heartfelt thankfulness for those at the table with me this evening was so special, too. And then to top it off, Julia served us one of her homemade Swedish Apple Pies made with apple that we still have in storage from this past fall.
Thanks Robin for the homemade bread and thanks boys for helping with the steaks.

FROM THE BREATH OF GOD ICE IS MADE... JOB 37:10

A ‘FROSTY FOTO FEATURE” BY ROBIN REINHOLD

ANOTHER WINTER DAY

Skating On The Pond

So many load up and go skating at the Main Street Square in Rapid City...But we enjoy this pond in our backyard. The skating rink won't let you bring your puppies along. And they really got sore at us the time we went ice fishing there. They asked us to leave. That was OK... the fish weren't biting anyway.

Robin, Rachel, Julia and Kiesten had a great time skating.

LBR Journal - "Hundred Mile Circle"

A friend reminded us that today is the 129 year remembrance of the Wounded Knee Massacre...Below are some thoughts I have...

Our family talks of our "hundred mile circle". For instance all the interesting and amazing events to be a part of, sites to visit, happenings that are so close to home. It is pretty neat. And then one realizes the "hundred mile circle includes tragedies and events such as Wounded Knee or the Rapid City Flood. We do not have to go far to be forced to ponder a "bigger picture". We live in an area that demonstrates the goodness of mankind and the evil of mankind. Our prayer should be continual... That our hearts and minds be guided by Jesus Christ. May we be a light in a darkened world. LBR

"THE WEST WASN'T WON ON A SALAD"

EEF IT'S WHATS FOR SUPPER AND REMEMBER THE WEST WAS NOT WON ON A SALAD.

Alright... We have a special birthday in the family tomorrow. A little change of plans since we are also celebrating Family Christmas (Paulton-Chord-Reinhold) tomorrow. Thus, we had birthday dinner tonight for the special someone...(I will fill you in on that tomorrow). We had Lonetree Ranch Tri-Tip Roast. It was prepared on the grill after being marinated my own recipe which includes Oregano White Balsamic Vinegar from Vita Sana in Rapid City. We prepared it to around medium rare and then let it rest. One of the roasts was grilled to a little more done. Our crew prefers less cooked. Rachel made some dandy potatoes to go with it and Julia prepare a chocolate mousse for dessert.

A little trick that we have learned when grilling quantities of meat is to have Dutch oven near the grill. As the meat is done. you just put it in the cast iron oven... The resting time will help the meat to retain the juices and the meat will continue to heat to an even temp for all the pieces being grilled. It is handy to have a digital meat thermometer on hand as well. Takes some of the guess work out of grilling over fire.

CHRISTMAS DAY 2019

As we sat down to our traditional Christmas Eve supper. We had one main thing on our mind..."Let's eat." Traditional Christmas Food for a ranch family with quite a little Scandinavian genetics. The table was beautiful. I was taken by how nice each person looked. The atmosphere was thoughtful and yet there were those quips that demonstrated the closeness of this family. Our lutefisk is served in an impeccable white sauce. It is then served on homemade bread. There are other items such as herring, smoked oysters, plenty of cheeses, veggies and dips.

After supper... I asked if anyone had some special Christmas recollections. No one mentioned a gift from under the tree. Nearly all the memories centered around "storms". No electricity.... deep snow....cold winds... tractor troubles... huddling around the stove to stay warm... trials and loss...

And yet there was joy. Each story ended with hope. And that is Christmas.

Not unlike that night when the Messiah was born in Bethlehem. The world at that time was under the rule of Rome. Recall the chaos of the census that was ordered. Remember the order slaughtering babies given by Herod when he heard of the birth of a king. And Jesus was born in a barn...

And yet the message given in the darkness under a starry sky to the shepherds caring for the flocks. The Angels appeared with a message of hope

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY BLIZZARD 2019

Thanksgiving Holiday Blizzard 2019

The lights from the "Old Barn". The Reinhold family built this in 1927. It has wintered many storms. Countless critters and kids have spent many hours within. The hayloft has been a fortress in the imagination of children. The mangers have fed everything from shetlands to draft horses that plowed fields all day. And over the last couple decades it has been the stage for many "Birthday in the Barn Celebrations". And all the Lonetree Saddle horses are tacked up here.

Tonight it is providing shelter for a bunch of cats and two special horses. Poco Kota and Pumpkin are shown their age these days and it was just pretty easy to slip them inside during this storm. Oh yes...and "we left the light on for them".

GRATEFUL TO GRANDPA

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It is with a sense of gratefulness and blessing to display this Bible at RBR during the Birthday in the Barn Celebration...

On the front cover is written in cursive: W.C.Bangert. He is my grandfather. The date is 1919. What is even more heartwarming is that Walter (W.C) married Nora "Onney" Hughes of County Mayo, Ireland in New York City on December 24, 1918, A Christian Heritage and a biblical presence for a century. This Bible has some of the family history in it as well.

The night that they were married found Walter leaving the marriage ceremony to go back to his ship as he was in the US Navy and WWI was still in progress. Nora went back to work for the wealthy homeowners for whom she employed. Their honeymoon probably did not take place until this Dakota farm boy brought his new bride to Bon Homme County , South Dakota. She never went back to Ireland.

Scripture was not written to only be displayed on special occasion. But rather Scripture is the Word of God that should alive in our hearts. I am so grateful that Grandpa and Grandma Bangert lived out their love for the Lord. It was an example to my Mother and and also to me. This photo in the glow of the lamp and candlelight brings to mind the Bible verse..."Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path...

Thank You Grandpa Bangert...
Your Grandson,
Larry

MISSING THE JOYS OF CHRISTMAS????

I made a quick trip to Sturgis this afternoon. On the way I heard a few Christmas songs. As I drove up the Alkali Divide, I felt the Christmas season was passing too quickly and for whatever reason, perhaps I was missing some of the joys of the season.

As I got into town, my first stop was to pick up some packages at a drop off facility. It was near closing time. I said I would make two trips since the boxes were heavier than I thought. I did not have to since both people behind the counter volunteered to carry the second box. They were more than pleasant and helpful.

I then rushed to my next stop, again hoping to beat their closing time. The two ladies at the office store assured me that I had plenty of time to conduct my purchases. They also said if at anytime we needed something last minute, they would be willing to wait for us. We wished Merry Christmas to each other and then I hurried to my next stop.

I went to our favorite floral and gift shop to pick up some poinsettias for decorating at RBR. Again I was greeted with more friendly smiles. They also had hot cider and cookies on the counter for the taking. This was not just about business... We had a great visit. And their was joy.

I had one more stop and then I headed home. It was beautiful. As I turned south, I was taken by the lights that one of our neighbors had put up at their place. Tammy had lost her dad this past year and I was so moved when I saw a big red heart made of Christmas light and "DAD" spelled in the midst of it. I thought that was so cool and my thoughts went to the family and a quick prayer as they go through this first Christmas with out their Dad. I then crossed the creek and again was so impressed with the efforts of another neighbor in her decorating efforts. Shari did a great job. I smiled some more.

The last five or six miles or so was the amazing glow of a full moon. I drove through our cows scatted along our driveway and thought of the hills around Bethlehem at the first Christmas.

When I walked through the door, I saw a fair sized package on the table and everyone gathered around. They knew that this package from friends in Illinois was full cookies and other goodies. Sure enough.. Barb and Wayne came through with another Christmas tradition.

As I sat down to a nice supper that Robin had prepared, I thought how the joy of the season was happening all around me, and how blessed I am. So many acts of kindness... so many little things that add up to be quite big. It is a most wonderful time of the year

MAKING A "LITTLE" TUX

Robin has had another project on her plate. Our friend Sandy Rhoden, contacted Robin about her seamstress skills. She was asked to sew a miniature replica of the tuxedo that South Dakota's first First Gentleman, Bryon Noem, wore to the inaugural ball. And today, we were in the Capitol, for the unveiling ceremony.

Robin says, "Even though there were some challenges, I consider it an honor to have a part in this project."

Nice job Robin. And our hats are off to you Bryon


THANKSGIVING BLIZZARD 2019

SUNDAY MORNING AFTER THE BLIZZARD

Still see alot of tall clover standing above the snow. Cows were pleased to get out on pasture again. We measured about nineteen inches of snowfall.

The livestock fared well.

FROM OUR SUNDAY AFTERNOON WALK AFTER THE BLIZZARD
Thanksgiving Holiday Blizzard 2019.

AMAZING

THE BEAUTY AFTER THE BEAST

Remember hanging tinsel on the tree when you were kids? God got a head start on with the Thanksgiving Holiday Blizzard 2019

The Story Behind the "Ridin' The Storm"


A Rainbow Bible Ranch Theme

The spring of 1997 was proving to be somewhat challenging. Perhaps I should say that calving season was. The year before had taken quite a toll on us. A severe winter storm in April not only killed a number of cows on the Lonetree, we ended up losing about 30 percent of our calf crop. Sometimes, those incidents can make one a little nervous.

My night horse this calving season was a sorrel gelding that we raised. His name was Mr. Tige. As we were calving around 150 head of first calf heifers, I would get up at 2:00 in the morning and go to the calving barn. There in the dim light I would find Mr. Tige waiting for me. I would tighten my cinch and lead him outside where I would mount up and proceed to ride to the east on the hill where this bunch of heifers was. It was not long before we were leaving the shadows cast by the yard light and then we rode by the beam of light shining from my mag light. I felt the northwest wind pushing on my back and I could see the snowflakes falling to the ground.

I honestly hoped that nothing was taking place this one morning. My hope was that all the expectant mothers and their calves would hold off until morning and hopefully the weather would improve.

As Mr. Tige and I rode through the herd, I was amused by the little white-faced babies snuggled up in the straw that we had spread out the night before. I also smiled as the only sounds I heard other than the wind and the occasional squeak of saddle leather, were the groans and sighs of heifers that were heavy with calf.

I was pleased at how Mr. Tige handled the task. He was a young horse and the way to train horses is to ride them and give them all sorts of experiences. I was not only checking cows... I was training a horse.

I was satisfied that I had completed my task, and I breathed a sigh of relief that all could rest until the next check. My thoughts now turned to riding through the darkness and riding toward the distant light by the barn.

I have never been one to waste opportunities to ponder and think. And tonight was no different. As I reined Mr. Tige toward home, the cold northwest wind hit me directly and the snow began pelleting the bare skin of my face. It was like a revelation… a reminder... and a challenge.

I nearly said it out loud. "That's it! Ridin' the Storm." Immediately, I recalled the numerous times that my dad would say, "Saddle up boys... there is a storm coming!" We would never respond by asking if we could sit this one out. We never would ask for cup of hot chocolate before we go. It was certainly not a time to put your feet up by the fire and let someone else do the task or ignore it completely. A storm meant it was time to ride. God laid it on my heart at that moment that "Ridin' the Storm" would be our theme for the summer camp season at Rainbow Bible Ranch.

Mr. Tige and I arrived back at the barn. I took care of this faithful horse and patted him on the neck and wished him a good rest of the night. And then I hurried to the house. I could hardly wait to tell Robin of my thoughts. I got into the porch and took off my boots and coveralls. I hesitated by the furnace but not for long. Robin needed to hear this.

Robin did not stand a chance of staying asleep. As anyone knows that has been involved in the livestock business, during the calving season, it is hard to ignore the winter cold that radiates from your spouse’s body as they ever so quietly crawl back into bed.

Right?

"Robin,” I whispered loudly... “I know what our theme is for this summer's camp!” I proceeded to tell her all my thoughts. She was kind enough to acknowledge. I may have had to go over the finer points at the breakfast table, but no matter. I could hardly contain myself at what God had reminded me that night as I rode in the darkness on a good sorrel gelding named Mr. Tige.

And what about Mr. Tige? He died the other day in the same pasture on the hillside where God reminded me to "Ride the Storm". Old age had taken it's toll. As I finish writing this, tears are coming out of the corners of my eyes. So many memories. So many times I have encouraged people young and old to not quit, but to go ahead and ride out those storms that come life's way. God will ride with you. He will never quit you. Not unlike Mr. Tige and I as we rode through the darkness with the cold wind and snow hitting us in the face.

Thank you Lord for the lessons you have taught me.

Thank you Lord for good horses like Mr. Tige

By Larry B. Reinhold

Lonetree Ranch
14666 Lonetree Road
Sturgis, South Dakota 57785

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