Stray Thoughts: Merry memories

Sometimes when I close my eyes this time of year, it takes me back to my sister and I, lying on our bellies in pajamas by the Christmas tree and flipping through the Ward’s or J.C. Penney’s catalogue and “claiming” the gifts on the page as our own… great times.

Rural EMS systems in crisis

Emergency medical services (EMS) in rural America are in a state of crisis. Difficulty recruiting emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and the financial constraints of EMS agencies are the major causes of this crisis.

Little Pasture on the Prairie

Before I had kids, I had a colt. Like all babies, she grew up fast; by her first winter the red hair she was born with had thickened, her chocolate-brown mane was no longer short, coltish bristles, and her legs were no longer skinny knobs.

Stray Thoughts: Storms

There is a certain inevitability about it. Every so often, we leave our flanks exposed. We fail to gather the firewood. We neglect topping off the tanks.

GUEST COLUMN

Imagine being a child or teenager and not knowing exactly where you will be waking up the next morning. Will I be safe? Who will take care of me, and will they be kind? Where will I spend Christmas this year?

Little Pasture on the Prairie

Last year we got our first freeze in mid-September and a real snowfall in mid-October. This year, we’ve had a few cold, gray days, but for the most part it has been warm and sunny.

Stray Thoughts: Virtuosity

My wife and I recently watched a virtuoso from the comfort of our living room.

‘Tis the Season

The holiday season is here, and many wonderful activities are happening. As you hustle and bustle, be aware that accidents and injuries can occur. When you see a doctor, they record a diagnosis code explaining the purpose of the appointment.

Little Pasture on the Prairie: Thanksgiving

A few years ago, we had an epic western Dakotastyle blizzard the day after Thanksgiving. We’d hustled through our feast, knowing the storm was predicted, so we could get all our chores done and the animals tucked safely in before the weather turned.

Stray Thoughts: A Simple Thanksgiving

Sometimes I don’t pray for a while. Not because I have nothing to be thankful for, but because I know God is very busy and many people these days are in need. They may require his undivided attention.