If you have never taken the time to go view a sunset, especially over the lake, words cannot describe the peace that can come with this. It is easy for your mind to “unwind”, and just relax, and look at he beauty that is being created in front of you. The scene is different every time! The reflections, the calmness. Somedays though are not calm, and the waves are rolling in. The beauty is still there, but different. Life rolls like this as well. Some days are very straightforward, calm, relaxing, and other days are not. You have to be able to handle it both ways. I like these next two quotes: “In calm water every ship has a good captain” (Grover Cleveland); and “It’s all about finding the calm in the chaos” (Donna Karan).
Clouds create even more beauty with the sunsets. Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully (Kristen Butter). Every sunset is an opportunity to reset from what when on during the day. If our day was not the greatest, we can have something to look forward to tomorrow. Words can’t always express what goes through your mind as you watch things unfold as the sun sets. I dare anybody to watch, and actually take the time to watch, and not let your mind drift off, and dream, especially when the waters are calm, and the reflections back on the water allow you to see the potential in everything in your life.
I find the reflections always tell a story, and it is always a different story. There may be similarities, but there are always differences. The answers to things in life are not always clear, but I can tell you some of the answers come to me while sitting back and really taking these views in. It is one thing to think about things at the time I am taking these pictures, but it is another to look at these later and be able to reflect back on some of those same thoughts, but also come up with some new ones as well.
The answers to issues don’t always appear right away, but eventually open up with ideas and thoughts about how to handle things, and how to approach things in life. Everything now is always so rushed. We have to hurry to do this, and do that. We all need to learn to slow down, calm down, and take it in. Solutions often come easier to mind when you do.
It is truly amazing that something so simple can also be so complicated. Each sunset tells a story. I have found too that the day was calmer when the water is calm, and the day was a little tougher when the water is really rolling as well. That will be next weeks blog topic. Sunsets with wind/rough waters. Even though those days can be tougher, they have a different distinction and beauty all of their own. I find it very relaxing. All of these pictures were taken by me. I took the time… I took the time to take it in, and appreciate it, and learn from it…and enjoy it. We all strive for things in our life. Taking some time to slow down can actually help us in the long run. Enjoy life. See what it has to offer. We are all busy enough during the day. Unwind. Take a deep breath. Relax! And…keep moving everybody…but slow down enough to enjoy life as well.
Our sons Corbin and Carson are 6th generation farmers! We are proud to be raising them on the farm/ranch where they are learning first hand the values of hard work, dedication, and passion for the land and industry. They are lucky to learn from some of the best–their dad, uncle Grant, and Grandpa Phil. October 12th was National Farmers Day and it’s a perfect time to tip our hats to America’s farmers and recognize all of the hard work they put into getting delicious food to our tables!
Sooo, if you ate today, be sure to thank a farmer! Consumers want to know where their food comes from, yet know very little about how food gets from the farm to the dinner table; in fact, most consumers today are three generations removed from the farm. For example, one thing consumers are unaware of is that milk travels from the farm to grocery store in about 48 hours. In addition, some criticize farmers because they use GMO (genetically modified organisms) seeds and hormones in cattle to promote growth. Farmers understand the science behind these products and why they should be used: by using them, they can use less water, less pesticide and herbicide, and produce enough yield to feed the world! Without these scientific advancements, we would not be able to feed the starving world!
Farmers share the same values as consumers on many topics including those related to producing nutritious food, environmental stewardship and animal care. This is not a just a “job” for them, it is their life! Here are some pictures of our life on the farm this last year.
Getting ready to plant – Spring 2020Corbin helping hold tails while his dad artificially inseminates cows in the pasture. Carson loves checking out the cows–he’s quite good at responding with a “moooo” when you ask him what the cow says! 🙂 Corbin helping work pairs.
How we ended National Farmer’s Day yesterday–Corbin is on top right with Uncle Grant helping tarp the sorghum pile.
Carson can’t wait to help….but for now he’ll be their supervisor. 😉Blessed. Carson 1 years old, Corbin 5 years old.Best buds.
Here are few fun facts for you about agriculture in South Dakota include: •98% of farms in South Dakota are family owned and operated – in fact, over 2,500 South Dakota farms have been in the same family for more than 100 years. •The average size of a farm in South Dakota in 2016 was 1,397 acres. •The average age of a South Dakota farmer is 57 years. •There are 46,000 producers in South Dakota on 31,000 farms or ranches. •Each year, one South Dakota producer raises enough food to feed 155 people in the U.S. and abroad. •South Dakota’s agriculture industry has a $25.6 billion economic impact each year. With more than 19 million acres of cropland and 23 million acres of pastureland, our farmers and ranchers are one of our economy’s key drivers. •In addition to generating 20% of our state’s economic activity, production agriculture and its value added industries employ over 115,000 South Dakotans.
Here are some fun facts about dairy production: • Milk takes about 48 hours to get from farm to store. Thanks to hardworking dairy farmers for making our food fresh & local. •Between 1944 and 2007, milk production has quadrupled but emits 63% fewer greenhouse gasses, requires 90% less cropland and consumes 65% less water. •Cheers to the dairy farmers working hard to make the milk behind our pizza! •Take this 10-stop video tour to see how milk from real cows, on a Midwest farm, becomes dairy foods you love. Use your smartphone, tablet or computer for an insider’s view of dairy farm living: http://bit.ly/MidwestFarmTour •Delicious dairy comes from local farms – see for yourself: http://bit.ly/MidwestFarmTour
Producing the food that you put on your table, truly is a labor of love and hard work, so in celebration of National Farmers Day, I encourage you to thank our local farmers for helping put that delicious food on your table… and take extra appreciation of it! To all of you that work in acres, not hours. We thank you! -Kelsey Raml, MS, RD, LN
The air is getting cooler. The leaves are changing color. We may have to put on some other layers, but the scenery makes up the difference. Things are changing all around us. After all, is that not what the Fall Season is about?
I think we are all ready to make way for the new. We have all had enough of 2020, and are ready for something better. Take it in and get outside while you can. Enjoy the colors. Take in nature. Appreciate for what it is.
The bike trail is a great place to go out and see the colors. Go for a walk, or a run, or get on your bike. Take advantage of this. If you have not found time to do this, now is even more important than ever with this crazy year we are having.
Take if on with all you have. Be the one in control, when all else around us feels out of control.
When you are out for a walk, with nothing but your thoughts, it is a great way to let things go. Unwind. Relax. Just look around and take it in. There is so much to look at and take in. Appreciate the changes. You see the trees letting their leaves go. It is time for us to let things go.
Multiple sections of the trail are great to be out on to see the different colors. It is especially beautiful around the lake. The color changes, and the reflections. Sunsets have been great too. I have been posting those in different ways on Facebook. Even our dogs when we take them for a walk are taking it all in, especially if it is windy! They have lots of leaves to chase then!
Many different corners to go around and see something different!
So get out there. Whether with friends or by yourself. Just get out there! And remember:
This is a given. Things will always change. Right now we could use some good changes, but change is always happening. Learn to adjust to all those changes on the fly. Getting out and enjoying some physical activity is a great way to help adapt, and cope with the changes Learn how to deal with it, instead of fighting against it. Things will go a lot smoother in your life if you do. Let things go…just like the trees are doing now! Keep moving everybody!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many of us know of someone who has been affected by breast cancer as it is the most common cancer in women and more than 230,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the United States as stated by the American Cancer Society. It is important to recognize some symptoms of breast cancer. The most common symptom is the presence of a painless lump in the breast area. Less common symptoms include swelling, tenderness, skin irritation, redness, or nipple abnormalities which may include ulceration or discharge. Factors that increase the risk of developing breast cancer include the onset of menstruation before age 12, menopause after the age of 55, not breastfeeding for at least one year, not having children, or having children after 30 years of age, and having a high body mass index. Increased body weight in postmenopausal women who are not taking hormones increases the risk for developing breast cancer. The more fat cells you have, the higher your levels of estrogen in the postmenopausal period, when your ovaries are no longer producing estrogen. Moreover, overweight women have higher insulin levels, and insulin may promote breast tumors.
Nutrition Tips for Cancer Prevention: Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are great sources of antioxidants and phytochemicals. Antioxidants and phytochemicals play a role in cancer prevention. Carotenoids is a type of antioxidant that is found in red and yellow produce. Some examples of foods that contain carotenoids are carrots, pumpkin, winter squash, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and red sweet peppers. All dark green vegetables contain nutrients that protect against cancer. Good sources of dark green vegetables include spinach, asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts and kale. An additional benefit to eating a well balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is that it promotes a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight will help you to decrease your risk of developing cancer. A helpful tip to remember is that the more colorful the fruit or vegetable, the more nutrients it contains; so pack your plate with colorful choices!
This day was already 30 years ago…30 years! My how time flies! Our 30th Anniversary will be coming up on Tuesday, October 6. Many things have gone on since we said “I do”! It has been a great adventure. We have stayed active from day 1, and have also instilled that in our kids. Teach them to do what you do, not just what you say! Our kids traveled with us many times, and were there to cheer me on for my marathons. Sarah stuck to the Half Marathons then. I was the only crazy one at that time!
Here we are at one of Grandma’s marathon events. Sarah had these shirts printed up for the kids as a surprise to me during the race. Boy, was it a surprise!
They would be yelling and cheering for me when they saw me coming. Then, to my complete shock, they turned around!
I about lost it right there! These pictures of my kids are still some of my favorites ones, EVER! This was huge for getting me fired up to keep going! It was one of the greatest presents I have ever gotten! And, it was all Sarah’s idea!
Almost 30 years have gone by, and this was us at the end of August out on the Mickelson trail biking! Still active and moving. That is what we do! It is was we tell our patients to do everyday! It has kept us together, and happy, all of this time.
This was us the same week going out hiking in the hills. We love being outside, and being active. We get to see so much more of things that we would have missed if we were not active. These are our best vacations! We have tried to instill that in our kids as well from the day they were born. I honestly think we did pretty well on this. They have grown up significantly since those early years.
This was last year at Molly’s wedding. My, how things change over the years…for the better!!! Hopefully they keep going at it too like we did. When we start having grandkids, I guarantee they will be active with us! This next picture a good friend of ours, Cory Ann, took this picture of us at Brookings 2 years ago. I think it pretty much sums up how we have lived our life, and how we have fun with it.
Running! Together! Forever! It has been a great 30 years Sarah. Let’s work on the next 30! I had a couple that I took care of as patients, and a few years ago they celebrated their 80th Anniversary! He would just smile, and sing, and say it was “total bliss”, and she would just shake her head and say, “Lot of work…lot of work!”. Ha! There is no question it takes work…from both. There are differences some days, but seldom. I love running, biking, walking, hiking…and being with you Sarah! Let’s hope there are many more adventures, and years left! I love you! Keep moving everybody!
