Summer certainly flew by in a whirlwind of activity here at Coulee Creek Ranch. We moved our home and headquarters out to a new cabin next to the barn and corrals. We are now a few miles out in the country where sagebrush, cows, and coyotes are our nearest neighbors. Lately in the evenings, I’veContinue reading “October Already”
Author Archives: Heather Bilden
What’s in a Name?
Bart and I tossed around several names for our new ranch last year. In the end, we chose Coulee Creek Ranch – not because we are die-hard fans of the other CCR – but for the simple fact that Coulee Creek itself runs through the property. Additionally, we built our barn and corrals in aContinue reading “What’s in a Name?”
The Week in Pictures
As the long days of summer fly by, I usually flop into bed exhausted at night. Therefore, I’m keeping this post simple by sharing some photos from the week. My how my garden grows! I returned from a lovely week in New York State with family and friends to a garden that is taller, fuller,Continue reading “The Week in Pictures”
Signs of Summer
Here above the 46th parallel we bask in sunlight until well after 9 at night on the summer solstice. We sleep with the windows wide open to let in the cool night air and murmur of the crickets. We awake by 5 in the morning to a chorus of birds already greeting the sun. TheContinue reading “Signs of Summer”
My First Parade
Lavina School celebrated its 100-year anniversary this past weekend, complete with a parade through town on Saturday morning. Our friends, Ken and Daphne Kuhlmann, pulled their beautiful old wagon in the parade with their horses, Kit and Cash. They invited me and Bart to be outriders for their wagon. Since I’ve gotten to ride regularlyContinue reading “My First Parade”
Glimpse of Spring
We moved north to the country last year in order to live a simpler, more sustainable existence. One year later, we are much closer to our dream, yet there is still room for improvement. I managed to take on enough teaching responsibilities this year that I’ve kept myself busy – too busy. I enjoy teachingContinue reading “Glimpse of Spring”
New Life
As February came to an end, we adjusted to a new rhythm of life. The first calf of the year was born to a first calf heifer within the safe confines of our new barn on Tuesday the 24th. The labor proceeded without a hitch. The mother welcomed her newborn into the world with aContinue reading “New Life”
In like a calf…
As March begins, so too begins calving season. The first round of newborns arrived early: three calves in three days from Tuesday through Thursday. Now all’s quiet. Perhaps they are waiting for the next storm and plunging temperatures. We check them every few hours just to be sure. Here are a few photos of theContinue reading “In like a calf…”
Portraits of the landscape
I had the immense pleasure of sharing an afternoon hike on the CRP with Mike and Alexis a couple of weeks ago. Earlier in the week we had made plans to spend Thursday afternoon exploring the landscape with them. Rather unexpectedly, we had to move some cows that day, and we threw all our plansContinue reading “Portraits of the landscape”
Under pressure
I purchased my first pressure cooker right before Christmas this year. I considered it a gift to myself (no longer would I need to plan bean-based dinners 24 hours in advance), and a gift to my husband, who enjoys the tender beans that it flawlessly produces despite our mineral-laden water. We tried it out forContinue reading “Under pressure”
