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Life of a Ranch Wife – Oklahoma Farm & Ranch
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Life of a Ranch Wife

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By Lanna Mills

It is February, which means that love is in the air, and Valentine’s Day is near. This month we are reminded to show the ones whom we love just what they mean to us. Retailers urge us to buy our loved ones candy, jewelry, flowers, and other gifts to show our affection.

While this is thoughtful and kind, I thought it would be nice to learn from couples who have held on to each other for many years. Just what is the secret to a lasting relationship? What, if any, are their Valentine’s Day traditions? What are some of the challenges ranching couples face that others do not? I asked these questions to several couples who have long-term marriages.

What is the secret to a lasting relationship?
It turns out that there is no one secret, although almost all of them mentioned communication. We must communicate with one another, or we will have no idea what the other is thinking or what they are needing. The trick with communication is finding a way to communicate without fighting. Let’s face it: all couples argue and disagree, but it is being able to reconcile and work through issues together that builds a stronger relationship.
Along with communication, laughter, kindness, respect, time for one another and support are some other secrets to a long and happy marriage. Our spouses can drive us crazy at times, but we must remember to let them know that we love them. When we fell in love and were married, we promised ourselves to one another. We promised to be there for each other through good times and bad including the inevitable hard times, heartache and pain. In these times we must turn to each other, be there for one another, and remember that with all the bad, there is even more good.

What are your Valentine’s Day traditions?
Many couples choose to go out to eat at a nice restaurant for Valentine’s Day. Sometimes going out isn’t an option. In this case some choose to stay in and cook their significant other’s favorite dish, enjoy a movie, go horseback riding, or just go feed cattle together. Some feel that Valentine’s Day is a silly holiday made up by retailers for nothing more than a day of big spending. Whether we choose to celebrate Valentine’s or not, we need to remember to show our husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, and all those we hold dear that they are cared for and loved, not only on Valentine’s but every day. We never know what the future holds for us so we need to take advantage of what we have and cherish it for as long as we can.

What are challenges ranching couples face that others may not?
Ranching is a 365 day-a-year job, and our lives revolve around the ranch and our livestock. Something always needs to be done, and planning is almost always a waste of time. We can plan all we want to, but just because you have planned a nice date doesn’t mean it will get to happen.

Someone will call and tell you that you have cattle out or a heifer will decide to calve. Then your dinner date turns into a date involving putting cattle back in and fixing fence or pulling a calf. Financial challenges may also come along with ranching. The market could crash, sickness could spread through your herd or drought could ruin the grass and dry up all your creeks and ponds. Ranching is a gamble, and nothing is guaranteed.

Marriage is a partnership of two people working together, giving all they have to each other and loving unconditionally. Giving up sometimes seems like an easy way out and has become common. Love and marriage can be hard, but most things worth having are. Finding time for one another and having a common dream are very important.

My husband and I love ranching and neither would want any other lifestyle. We have faced many challenges and difficulties. We have had very bad times, and we have had very good times, but most importantly through both we have had each other. I am no expert on love or marriage, but I hope that these secrets from those couples who seem to have it all figured out will help. I love my husband, our son, our lifestyle, and the life we have made for each other, and I hope each of you find happiness and love. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Country Lifestyle

Riding for the Brand

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By: Christopher Dysinger

          According to the Code of the West a man who has integrity is one who rides for the brand. If you are unfamiliar with cowboy parlance this phrase is used to describe being loyal to the outfit you work for. Cowboys were, “intensely loyal to the outfit they were working for and would fight to the death for it. They would follow their wagon boss through hell and never complain.” -Teddy Blue Abbot. Riding for the brand means being loyal and when I consider what it means to be loyal I am reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus to His disciples in Matthew 16:24, “Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” To me, to take up the cross and follow the Lord is the epitome of what it means to ride for the brand.

          When you place your trust in the Lord Jesus you are signing on to His outfit, to speak the language of the West. When you called upon the name of the Lord Jesus by faith, He saved you and from this point you are riding for His brand. In taking up your cross and following Him you have pledged to be loyal, and this means you face any hardship or trial like a cowboy on the trail moving the herd. Any complaint must be swallowed in the same way you would swallow a cup of coffee. When I hear our faith and loyalty to the Lord Jesus put into these terms it stirs something within me that moves me to keep right on riding for the brand.

          Louis L’amour wrote, “Riding for the brand was an expression of loyalty to a man’s employer or the particular outfit he rode for. It was considered a compliment of the highest order in an almost feudal society. If a man didn’t like a ranch or the way they conducted their affairs he was free to quit, and many did; but if he stayed, he gave loyalty and expected it. A man was rarely judged by his past only by his actions. Many a man who came west left things behind him he would rather forget, so it was not the custom to ask questions. Much was forgiven if a man had courage and integrity and if he did his job. If a man gave less than his best, somebody always had to pick up the slack, and he was not admired.” It is the same when a person gives his or her heart to Jesus. 

          When you come to the Lord Jesus you are not judged by your past. When you come to the Lord Jesus, repenting of sin and seeking forgiveness, everything from your past is left behind. All will be forgiven. 1 John 1:9 reads, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When you place your faith in the Lord Jesus you are promising to be loyal and in return you will receive the same. He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. When you walk with the Lord Jesus through life you are indeed, “riding for the brand.”

          “Riding for the brand” is not just an expression of loyalty nor is it just an expression of pride, it is also an expression of love. When a cowboy claims to be riding for the brand, he is telling any other outfit who may seek his loyalty, that he cannot give it, because he has given his word to another. It is the same when we pledge our faith and loyalty to the Lord Jesus. If any would call us away from Christ we cannot go, because we are riding for the brand.

The End

This article is an excerpt from the book, The Bible and the Code of the West by Dr. Christopher Dysinger.

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Farm Dogs & Table Scraps

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Growing up on a farm, our dogs were tough. They roamed the pastures, slept under the barn, and ate just about anything they could get their paws on—whether we meant for them to or not. I’ll admit, I never thought twice when one of our old cow dogs snatched a biscuit off the table or licked up a spill from the barn floor. I’ve even seen a dog steal a whole rib bone off a plate and trot off like he’d won the lottery. And somehow, they always seemed fine.

But here’s the thing—just because they survived doesn’t mean it was safe. For every farm dog that lucked out, there’s another that wasn’t so fortunate. Some human foods can be downright toxic to dogs, and a little bit of bad luck (or a smaller, more sensitive dog) can turn a harmless snack into an emergency.

Common toxic foods lying around the farmhouse

Are table scraps good for your dog? (Stock photo)

If you’ve got a farm dog—or any dog, really—you need to be aware of the dangers lurking in everyday foods. Some of the biggest culprits include:

Chocolate – The darker it is, the worse it is. Even a little can cause vomiting, seizures, or worse.

Grapes & Raisins – No one’s exactly sure why, but they can cause kidney failure fast.

Onions & Garlic – In large enough amounts, these can destroy red blood cells, leading to anemia.

Xylitol (Found in Sugar-Free Gum & Candy) – This artificial sweetener can send a dog’s blood sugar crashing and cause liver failure.

Alcohol – Even small amounts can be deadly to dogs, affecting their nervous system much more than it does ours.

Bones from Cooked Meat – While not necessarily toxic, they can splinter and cause serious internal injuries.

Macadamia Nuts – These can lead to weakness, vomiting, and even paralysis in dogs.

What to do if your dog eats something toxic

First, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. If you know your dog ate something dangerous, call your vet immediately. They can tell you whether to induce vomiting or if it’s something that requires urgent care. If it’s after hours, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Prevention is always the best medicine, so keep toxic foods out of reach. That might mean keeping the trash can secured, making sure kids don’t slip the dog a treat under the table, or just being more mindful of what’s left on the counter.

Our farm dogs might have been lucky, but luck isn’t a great strategy when it comes to their health. A little awareness goes a long way in making sure they stay happy, healthy, and ready for the next day’s work.

For more information
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Pet Poison Helpline: www.petpoisonhelpline.com

Visit www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/foods-your-dog-should-never-eat

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Country Lifestyle

Summer Squash and Corn Chowder

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By Lacey Vilhauer

Total time: 40 minutes

Servings: 6-7

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled and 1 1/2 Tbsp rendered bacon fat reserved
  • 1 1/2 lbs yellow squash, chopped (about 3 medium)
  • 2/3 cup thinly sliced celery
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 Tbsp flour
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 3/4 cup milk (I used 1%)
  • 5 cups canned or fresh cut corn (from about 6 ears corn), divided
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 3/4 tsp salt, then more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, then more to taste if desired
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
  • Chopped green onion for garnish (optional)
  •  

Instructions

Heat 4 tsp reserved bacon fat in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add celery and onion and sauté 2 minutes then add the squash. 

Saute until tender, about 6 minutes, adding in garlic and flour during last 2 minutes of sauteing. Reduce heat slightly.

Add 1 1/2 cups milk, 2 cups of the corn, thyme, salt and pepper to the sauteed veggies. 

To a blender add remaining 3 cups of corn, remaining 1 1/4 cups milk and the cream. Process in blender until nearly smooth (about 30 seconds). 

Add pureed mixture to pot and stir to blend. Cook until mixture reaches a light boil. 

Serve warm with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon and sliced green onions if desired.

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