Drought years teach stoic optimism
After a lifetime spent in places where rainfall is plentiful, Eliza Blue was unprepared for the realities of living in an ecosystem where drought is common.
The arrival of a favorite ‘gift’
Eliza Blue recalls the morning her daughter was born, considering her to be the best Christmas present her family could ever wish for.
Working with wool
Eliza Blue tries her hand at washing, carding and spinning wool into yarn. It's harder than it looks, even for a South Dakota rancher.
When spring fever strikes the ranch
The warmer weather has beckoned Eliza Blue out of her house and into her greenhouse. Springtime gardening and chores are calling her to get started.
Enjoy the splendor of autumn
Eliza Blue ponders the splendor of autumn.
No shortage of surprises on the farm
Eliza Blue is reminded that dealing with livestock and weather are two entities only a fool would claim mastery over.
Beauty always finds a way
Plants that grow in South Dakota do so without aid because years of evolution taught them to thrive there. Humans that live there have to be like that, too.
Finding balance on the equinox
Eliza Blue looks for balance in her life, reflecting on how the earth achieves it during the autumn equinox.
There is nothing sweeter than healthy baby lambs
Lately, the early morning and late night flock checks and bottle feedings have been a pleasure for Eliza Blue.
Road trip ends surprisingly safely
Eliza Blue counts her blessings following an abrupt end to her journey spanning 12 days, five states and 2,700 miles.
