Acres of Life Lessons: Recent Episodes
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In this podcast, you will "see" the beauty of useful knowledge and virtues that have been taught on the American family farm for generations. So, please sit back and witness the "cultivation, planting, nurturing and harvesting" of a "bumper crop" of Life Lessons.
The Monday after Mother's Day may seem just like any other day, but not to me!
As I look back at the festive. fun weekend with some of my kids and granddaughters I stop and pause. It's a time for remembering my mother and all she did for me and my family. Also, this day brings thoughts of the other mother figures in my life who helped guide me through life's winding road.
Simply stated, I'm GRATEFUL for being a mother, and grateful for all the mothers who paved the path for me.
Please enjoy,
Heidi
Whether you're waking up to brilliant morning colors, or weeding the garden under a blue Idaho sky or grey, clouds with a chance of rain, it's a day of gladness!
The blessings of a world filled with weather, mountains, landscapes, colors and the feelings they all bring are reasons for gratitude.
Thank you for listening,
Heidi Riter
It is amazing to me how little nuggets of our memory can be unearthed by normal daily events, activities or situations.
This Motivational Monday episode was inspired by just that: an all-too-common Idaho windstorm blowing in memories of lessons learned in "Nature's Laundromat".
Please enjoy,
Heidi
The birds are singing this morning, the day is beautiful, and there is hope in the air.
Seems like the perfect message to share with someone today, so please enjoy,
Heidi Riter
Postage rates may change, the mailman may be late, but letters can still hold encouragement, motivation and love.
How heart-warming it is to open a personal letter of hope and belief from a neighbor, relative or a long lost friend.
However, think about the happiness and warm feelings felt by the sender.
So, grab some stationary, gather your thoughts, compose a "Letter of Kindness", and drop it in the mail. It's sure to lift and brighten someone's day...just because!
During my growing years on the farm, my mother was a gifted cook, and dessert was her specialty!!
After a long day of work. school or life in general, dessert after the evening meal was always a treat.
A freshly-baked homemade piece of cake, whether cold, frosted, plain or topped with a generous dollop of ice cream, was on the menu every week.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, "EAT MORE CAKE"...please.
The conversation we have with ourselves can be the most important words we think or speak each day.
With the help of my little granddaughter, Milly Ruth, let's discuss the importance of positive affirmations.
Please have a happy day,
Heidi Riter
Today's menu for Acres of Life Lessons includes birthday party or wedding's most loved food: Cake!
Please enjoy,
Heidi Riter
Today, I'm sharing a valuable /Motivational lesson from a favorite children's book.
Please enjoy,
Heidi
Whether your Monday (or any day for that matter) is a beautiful Spring day with birds singing, sun shining and a perfect temperature , or the complete opposite, I have the prescription for you:
Sharing Happiness,
Smiling,
Looking for Goodness,
or better yet,
Scattering Sunshine...
Today you'll meet Lela Dilworth Poulson, a lover of everything animal related.
Please enjoy as you listen to the experiences she shares that have shaped her life and the lives of her family.
Welcome to the first "Motivation Monday" on Acres of Life Lessons!
I hope you enjoy the new format I'm taking with my podcast, Acres of Life Lessons.
At the start of every week, we'll tune into a life lesson in "Motivation Monday" to remind, push, or encourage us to do and be the best we can be.
Until next time,
Heidi Riter
When today's guest, Colette Zaharko, was growing up in Madagascar, her favorite place was the kitchen.
"I watched the women of my family working in the kitchen preparing delicious food, and loving every minute," she said.
Because of her memories, Zaharko sees the importance of teaching her daughters the importance of cooking healthy meals with the food from the garden or what can be found in the cupboard.
And, if we listen carefully, each of us will learn something as well.
https://cheapdeliciousdinner.com/easy-riz-cantonais-cantonese-rice/
Picture a bottle of paint, a few rocks, an endless supply of imagination and you have the pieces of today's episode neatly wrapped and tied with a bow.
Growing up with a father who followed contract jobs around the country was a learning experience for today's guest, Edie McRae.
With the frequent moves, McRae said she didn't have the blessing of best-friend memories. "We moved every time the job finished, so it was hard to keep friends", she said. "Really, my sister was my best friend!"
Although it wasn't a typical childhood, McRae credits her resilience to the many moves, the people she met, and the memories she made. "Honestly, it was perfectly imperfect," she said.
From a young age, today's guest, Stephen Wells, has jumped in to serve!
Whenever his parents, family members, neighbors or community members needed help, Wells was always quick to offer assistance. And today, years later, is no different.
Please enjoy as Wells shares his passion of service as an EMT, Search and Rescue, etc.
When you hear my guest, Laura Strachan, speak of her grandmother's unconditional care and love, I'm sure you'll feel "A Grandmother's Goodness".
If your ideas, decisions or circumstances start to feel like a winding road with no traffic or stop signs, you're in the right place.
Today's guest, Austin Tuckett, shares personal experiences and ideas of navigating the 'Journey'.
For Bradley Kunzler, ranch life is the only way to live. The cattle, crops, miles of open range, clean air, family and the daily chores make it all worthwhile.
As the seasons change each year, the large herd of cattle are moved from one location to another for pasture and feed. However, to make the trailing situation more manageable the Kunzler brothers purchased a semi-truck and trailer for long-distance herd moves.
Although trucking is something Kunzler enjoys, he said, "Driving the truck is actually therapeutic, but nothing like trailing cattle on the back of a horse."
While traveling around the world to capture photos of a lifetime, today's guest, Terry Halbert has learned one of the most important "life lessons" of all.
Please enjoy as he discusses photography and 'Living a life on purpose'.
From a large musical family, today's guest, Jodie Jensen, shares her experience with life lessons learned behind a piano keyboard, a symphony, and around the world.
Please enjoy!
Riding a horse at 3yrs old is the earliest "horse memory" of today's guest Nick Kunzler.
As you listen to Kunzler describe his life on the ranch and on the back of a horse, it's easy to hear his love of horses and the role they play in his life.
Please listen and enjoy as today's guest, Jerica Hartgrove, recalls the Life Lessons she learned on her family's dairy farm.
Those of us who have a box of pictures, children's school work, keepsakes or family history and genealogy have a treasure more valuable than gold.
In this episode, our guest, Kaye Carson, shared her passion of finding, sharing and keeping records.
Picture a large herd of cattle, a vast, sprawling acreage of crops, sagebrush and cedar trees and you have arrived. In today's episode we will meet the wife, who with her husband own and operate a high-desert farming/ranching operation. Their combined 10-generation legacy and the simple yet rugged lifestyle they live will keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting to hear more....
Rodeos...
Today's guests, Cameron and JaLynn Tuckett, will help us see the rodeo from a stock contractor's perspective.
Leatherwork is on the list of America's dying arts!
However, with drive, a dream, and a very skilled mentor, today's guest, Jessica Warr is determined to help keep the art alive...one saddle at a time.
Today's episode feels like a nostalgic Winter scene in the snowy mountains of Southern Idaho.
Our guest, Susan Ward Robinson, shares memories of a simple yet memorable time spent with family and friends.
During her grade school days, Robinson's time was spent learning the importance of education, honesty and gratitude in the community's 2-room schoolhouse.
However, the student's learning didn't stop in the classroom.
The country schoolyard was complete with a natural small hill. Students, teachers and parents enjoyed learning about the importance of the outdoors and earth science. All that was needed were classic snow sleds, gloves, stocking hats and lots of snow.
Picture the classic story of a young boy by his father's side.
However, this story isn't your average father-son experience.
Today's guest, Biff Hutchison, grew up as a boy of a county, cowboy, rodeo family in rural Southern Idaho.
Over the years, he has been surrounded by the Idaho sagebrush, farm fields, cowboy ways and the lessons from his father.
Now, Hutchison is a successful metal worker surrounded by students and a career of hot sparks and meticulous creations.
December has been a very busy month on Acres of Life Lessons.
With your faithful support, and the stories and memories shared by my incredible guests, I've been able to bring many of the "Life Lessons" of Christmases past and present.
However, the month is far from over, and the episodes will continue as usual every Monday and Thursday.
...and so, Twas the day before Christmas and I decided to let you open the traditional "one gift on Christmas Eve" : Family Traditions and Christmases Past
Thank you Marilyn Moncur for helping me wrap up this episode with a beautiful Christmas ribbon and bow.
Today's episode makes me smile.
I love goats!
In my opinion, goats are the happiest, most friendly animal in the barnyard.
After today's episode, I'm quite sure you'll agree.
Wooden toys, stockings hung on the fireplace, a fresh pine tree, popcorn garland, and sugar cookies with a glass of milk for Santa...
My list of a nostalgic Christmas could go on and on.
However, if you are someone looking for a homespun/homemade Christmas. you'll be happy to know this is the episode for you. 🎅🎄
Today's episode comes from the life of a stay-at-home mom, foster mother, newspaper reporter, editor and lover of Christmas.
In her story, you will see yet another side of Christmas goodness. Along with her memories, not only will you be thoroughly entertained , but you will receive an early Christmas gift from our guest, Renee Wells...a favorite family recipe.
Through the eyes and experiences of today's guest, Brent Tanner, we will see the truth of the statement, " Lessons on a farm or ranch are everywhere you look".
From a young age, our guest raised his own flock of sheep, helped on the family cattle ranch, and enjoyed working in the kitchen alongside his mother and grandmother. With everything he learned by example, any day is an adventure in the kitchen.
However, when Christmas cooking is on the menu, be prepared for a taste of the past!
Whether your Christmas memories include snow, trees filled with ornaments and lights, family gatherings, music, presents, or a favorite holiday movie, this episode is for you.
Thanksgiving was last week. But let's never forget the holiday of thanks is much more than a delicious meal. of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, cranberry sauce....don't forget the pie!
With the help of today's guest, we will see a a rancher's Thanksgiving of today and of days gone by.
It's happening! The days are becoming shorter, the temperatures are dropping and the holidays are soon approaching. Well, as the December chill is just around the corner, it might seem like a good time to stay indoors and bundle up! But, not so fast...
Winter sports are a very popular, exciting way to enjoy ice, cold and lots of snow. However, for a farmer or rancher, it's a very different story. Especially if you have several thousand head of sheep to care for during the coldest time of year.
Who's ready to travel to our next story of "...Lessons" found in the mountains of Southern Idaho?
Here, we will find a small herd of dairy cattle, a renovated dairy barn and a young family with a dream.
With their dream and a lot of hard work, this family's old, original dairy barn has become the perfect place to produce fresh raw milk, cream and cheese for people who live many miles away.
Today's story makes me feel like I'm right in the middle of a nostalgic Christmas scene. And, if I'm correct, as you listen, I think you will feel a Vermont chill too.
In 1790, the farm that started with a dream, buckets hanging on trees, and countless hours of hard work is now a 7 generation farm that sends maple syrup around the world.
Today, John Govin will take us on a tour of his family's educational farm.
Be ready to be completely surprised...in a good way.
The story of a young couple that planted a few Christmas trees to pay for their children's college education. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/h-r8/support
Imagine the young daughter of a Korean War veteran who moved with her parents from southeast Washington to a ranch in Northern Utah. We will hear about the life of a ranch wife and mother who has and will always find the happiness in every day.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/h-r8/support
The McIntyre family had ideas of following their farming legacy, However, when they implemented a no-till farming system, animals were crucial!! Who would have ever guessed that chickens would play such a big part in their plan?--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/h-r8/support
The Williams Fruit Ranch of Emmett Idaho has a long and storied history. One that was started over 130 years ago, when Idaho was still a territory. In today's episode we will see a true example of a family's will to carry on the vision of their early ancestors. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/h-r8/support
Northern Utah is famous for fruit! The climate, patience and foresight of the early pioneers had made this area a go-to place for home canning. However, when you own, purchase or inherit the tree-lined property, an abundance of fruit can become a lesson in patience and working as a family. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/h-r8/support
If you find yourself looking at a long list of jobs or projects to finish, this episode is for you! Sally Pugsley, a ranch wife, mother of boys, gardener, cook, quilter, crafter, and lover of Halloween will help you dismiss any thoughts of giving up. Her country optimism and cheerful nature is contagious and will make you want to come back and listen again and again. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/h-r8/support
Today's guest, Ken Polehn, owner of Polehn Farms in The Dalles, Oregon will take us on a tour of the farm made possible by his immigrant ancestors. The history, present and future plans of the farm and orchard are very important. However, as you listen and can "see" yourself surrounded by trees, let's not forget the most important thing: cherries!! This bright red fruit nature's individually wrapped, colorful, sweet candy... 🍒--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/h-r8/support
If you've ever felt like a bee is an ordinary insect that looks to sting anyone, guess again. 😉 Today's guest, Ron Ashliman, will help us see that a bee makes our food supply possible, they don't sting unless provoked and so much more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/h-r8/support
From a small homestead surrounded by majestic rock formations to a growing registered cattle operation. Today's guest, Cordell Sheridan, is the epitome of a humble Idaho rancher with a vision and the determination to see it happen. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/h-r8/support
Most people would expect a granddaughter raised on a farm to enjoy cooking, sewing, or anything domestic. But not a horse-loving, cattle-gathering, curly-haired younger Tina Tracy. Now, years later, from her home in Washington, her love of everything ranching is the same...plus cooking! 🍪🥧--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/h-r8/support
Fall brings cooler weather, brilliant colored leaves, a new school year and harvest. So please watch your step as we follow the young Thurgood family through the big leaves and tangled vines of their small pumpkin farm. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/h-r8/support
In today's episode, we'll see another example that "The the grass is NOT always greener." A daughter's story of her family's exodus from a small farm to the land of "wealth and prosperity" that finally ended at the starting point. The family farm. . "It's true", she said. "There's no place like home!"--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/h-r8/support
Today's guest, Paul Marchant will help us see the farm through his eyes. "Honestly", he said, "to me, farming is crops, cattle, family and faith."--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/h-r8/support
A look into the story of a young family's farm life through the eyes of their daughter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/h-r8/support