The Fence Post Country Christmas

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Country Christmas | The Fence Post

Celebrating our rural lifestyle.

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1 (877) 347-9100 Publisher: SABRINA “BREE” POPPE Cell (605) 639-0356 | Office (877) 347-9104 spoppe@tsln-fre.com DENNIS GINKENS GM of Sales & Marketing & Field man (406) 670-9839 Cell | dginkens@tsln-fre.com COVER PHOTO BY LOREN ENTZ | WWW.LORENENTZ.COM

RONA JOHNSON - The Fence Post Editor (970) 392-4466 Office | (701) 630-5053 Cell rjohnson@thefencepost.com MARIA TIBBETTS - Digital & Sections Editor (605) 484-4488 | Mtibbetts@tsln-fre.com RACHEL GABEL - The Fence Post Assistant Editor/Reporter (970) 768-0024 | rgabel@thefencepost.com LIZ BANMAN - Engagement Editor lbanman@thefencepost.com CHRISTA VANDYKE - Designer DIANNA PALMER - Special Projects Coordinator & Account Manager (605) 423-6045 (cell) | (877) 347-9112 (office) dpalmer@tsln-fre.com GAY DAWN ROGERS Acct. Mgr. | Nebraska (970) 301-2190 | grogers@thefencepost.com CHRISTINE MCGEE Acct. Mgr. | SE & SW Colo. (970) 301-2191 | cmcgee@thefencepost.com MARY ROBERTS Acct. Mgr. | Greeley/Ft. Collins (970) 301-2192 | mroberts@thefencepost.com KIT WEST Acct. Mgr. | Wyoming (307) 331-0357 | kwest@thefencepost.com VALERIE RODRIGUEZ Foothills-West, Colorado (970) 590-0412 | rodriguez@thefencepost.com COPYRIGHT 2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ERRORS: The Fence Post shall be responsible for errors or omission in connection with an advertisement only to the extent of the space covered by the error. Opinions stated in letters or signed columns do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of The Fence Post.

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Contents 5 A country Christmas 26 You’re covered: in 3 simple steps Covered Bridge Ranch BY WENDEL AND NORMA ELLIOT Christmas trees 8 Christmas lights off the beaten path BY JODY HALL

BY LINDSAY KING

34 Farm life inspires Hickman to crochet for customers

12 Singing for the Savior BY TERESA CLARK Barry Ward combines western music with a 38 Dredge finds relaxation message in making toys for kids BY AMY G. HADACHEK

BY TERESA CLARK

18 Simplicity over “stuff” 42 A handmade Christmas Keeping the meaning BY DEANNA NELSON-LICKING in the Christmas season BY RACHEL GABEL 46 Advertiser Index 22 Grandpa creates one- 47 Reading on the ranch of-a-kind toys to pass BY MARIA TIBBETTS down as heirlooms BY TERESA CLARK

ABOUT THE COVER ARTIST

LOREN ENTZ

oren Entz is well known for portraying the simplicity and beauty of western life in his work.

Although most of his paintings, drawings, watercolors and sculptures portray ranching and farming life, many also show his deep love of landscapes and nature. Some of the most touching and most loved are paintings that show the bond of family.

Loren started painting and drawing at a very young age. He grew up on his family’s farm in rural Kansas, which fueled his love for that simple way of life. His spare time was spent outdoors observing and drawing. He often recalls daydreaming in the county’s one room schoolhouse and drawing instead of studying, both of which were not taken lightly by the teacher. He spent many hours admiring the work of western artist Will James. As a young man, Loren spent time as a ranch hand in eastern Montana. This gave him more background for knowing his subject matter so well. Cowboy by day and artist by night, he soon began to realize that his love of art was where his heart was. Loren became a full time artist in 1981. Many years of serious drawing and painting and being fully immersed in what he loves to paint developed his talent into what it is today. Loren has been a member of the prestigious group, The Cowboy Artists of America since 1992. He feels extremely honored to be part of this elite group of artists who are equally passionate about the western way of life.

Although many hours are spent at the easel preparing each beautiful canvas, Loren still finds time to go painting on location and gather research for future paintings in various locations. He has been known to take a 14-hour road trip to capture a forest scene that he couldn’t stop thinking about. He can be found anywhere from Texas to Nebraska to Delaware and back to Montana again in less than a week; all for the sake of gathering inspiration and capturing a composition. Sketching on the steering wheel and snapping photos along the journey makes way for some remarkable paintings. Sometimes he can be found gathering cows on a friends’ ranch or on a horse-packing trip into the mountains just for the opportunity to get that awesome experience onto canvas. Loren’s ability to convey a story through the brush and pencil often gives others a unique perspective on the western way of life. Recently, Loren was presented with the Will Rogers award from the Academy of Western Artists for his role in preserving the western way of life. Many other artists were also recognized by this group and Loren is honored to be associated with such a talented group of individuals. Although Loren feels blessed to have had many of his paintings and drawings receive recognition and awards in his career, he is most thankful for the opportunity and talent to be able to do what he loves every single day. Tenacity and perseverance to do what he loves has become the driving force behind Loren’s success. He often tells aspiring artists just to “have a dream and never give up.” Learn more about Loren and see his work at www.lorenentz.com. Biography proudly written by Rebecca Timmerman, Loren’s daughter.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

A Country Christmas in 3 Simple Steps BY WENDEL & NORMA ELLIOTT

very rancher, puncher, cowboy, or those who love the western way of life can relate to these three words: “Make

It Simple.” It’s a way of life that pushes out the excess and makes room for the important. It’s this time of year where we need this more than ever. Let us tell you why.

Some people find it to be the most hectic or stressful time of the year, between parties, buying gifts, having family come in, you want everything to be just so. For our ranch women out there, you may even be tempted to fix up the ranch house in hopes of making it look perfect for company. I said you’re “hoping” here. You’re probably just praying the plumbing will hold until everyone packs Country Christmas | The Fence Post

1.CelebrateChrist,notcommercialism. up and says their goodbyes. All this worrying can steal away the reason for the season if we aren’t careful. Don’t you agree? For you fellers out there, it’s a busy time of the year. You might be coming off of weaning or shipping. You might have yearlings to tend. You may have first calf heifers that you’re gearing up to calve out. You have numbers to get straight because the end of the year is around the corner. Plus there’s feeding and haying mixed in there too–don’t forget that. With all that said and not to put one more thing on your plate, but you have a family looking to your leadership and how important Christmas is to you. It doesn’t have to be a big production; it just has to be real. You know a thing or two about that. Simple and real is always better than fake and complicated. That’s the Christmas story: simple and real. A simple, ordinary couple that had a simple faith. A simple, ordinary barn that probably had livestock all around. A simple, ordinary manger similar to some that you’ve thrown hay into. However, that manger held the Son that was, and is the Savior of the world! That simple message impacts the world we live in even today. My challenge to you men, husbands and fathers is to share that story with your family. We’re for taking back Christmas this year. Simplifying, we mean. Making decisions at the beginning of the season that will see us through until long after the dog knocks the tinsel off the tree and we’d like to help you do that. Here are three simple suggestions to make it simple.

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Get back and stick to the reason for Christmas and that’s to celebrate Christ. So perhaps you’d like to try this for your family: Instead of one more Christmas movie, dedicate a night to reading the Christmas Story from Luke 2. It’s a tradition that always gets us back to where we need to be. We’ve lived in some mighty rough ranch houses but never had to live in a barn or actually give birth there. Talk about what that night must have been like, why He came, and how we are changed because of Him. (Read Luke 2:1-20)

Simplify the gifts. We used to tell our

boys that Christ got three gifts and they would too. Simplifying gifts makes them more meaningful. Make them, put thought into them, but whatever you do, don’t go into debt to satisfy everybody you know. Celebrate others more than celebrating the gifts.

Enjoy others. It’s simple, we know, and

that’s what we’re going for, right? When you’re at a gathering, big or small, enjoy the presence of the people you’re with, by loving the way Christ instructs us to love. (John 15:12-13). Give of your time and give from the position of love. That was the reason God gave us such a glorious gift of Christ, because of His love for us. This Christmas just remember to keep it simple. It’s the means to truly enjoying this wonderful time of year. Merry Christmas from Wendel and Norma Elliott.

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Sharing simple traditions, like dragging home the Christmas tree, creates memories that will last long after the gifts are forgotten.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

Christmas BY JODY HALL

ven the smallest fraction of light overcomes darkness. What a welcome

surprise to come across a beautiful light display on a cold dark night. Christmas lights in the middle of nowhere seem to bring comfort and often make us stop and enjoy the wonder, beauty and peace of the Christmas season. Thousands of years ago, two weary travelers were welcomed by the lights of an inn, and later three royal travelers and shepherds were awed by a glorious, bright star in a clear night sky. The custom of decorating with lights came from decorating trees with candles to symbolize Christ being the light of the world. Christmas trees displayed publicly and illuminated with electric lights became popular in the early 20th century.

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Lights

Off the Beaten Path Country Christmas | The Fence Post

Handy Tips for Your Light Display • Use a good ladder • Secure lights with insulated holders (never use tacks or nails) • Don’t install lights on trees that come in contact with power lines • Plug lights in to make sure they all work before installing • Design a lighting plan • Use plastic zip ties for attaching light strands to railings • Use exterior – rated extension cord

Clara Powers has a beautiful display of lights and decorations at their home near Wheatland Wyoming. It’s far from town and passersby, at the end of a road, with no other houses around. Her sizeable but artfully displayed lights started when the river flooded, and they had to build a small walking bridge to their house. That Christmas Clara thought it would be pretty to string lights across the bridge and she made little corrugated tin snowmen and put them up around the yard. After that it grew every year to include the house and outbuildings. The family decided they should have a theme every year and recently she even included a music theme. When you reach the hill on the road above their house, if you tune your radio to a certain station it will play her selected music according to the theme of that year’s display. Some of the themes have been western, gingerbread men, patriotic and even a Hawaiian theme. Around the first of September the family votes on what the theme for the Christmas gift exchange and decorations should be. Clara then gets busy making each family a pair of Christmas socks to match the chosen theme. This year the theme will be “Jingle Bells and Puppy Dog tails” as there are quite a few members with new puppies this year. “I’m going to have six dogs running around my house this year,” sighs Clara.

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

With such an extensive display of lights and décor there comes issues as well. It increases the electric bill up to $500 a month. Clara uses about 400 feet of extension cord. “My husband says you can see it from the satellite in space and he’s afraid the REA pole is going to start leaning. Every year I blow a circuit. It’s quite a project!” Clara says. When asked why she does it she exclaims, “WHY do I do it? Why do I do it? Because it’s Christmas!” Tammy and Robert Tate from Clearfield, South Dakota also live off the beaten path and decorate their house, barn and granaries every year with a display of brightly colored lights. “We live so far out in the country coyotes howl in the daytime,” Robert Tate laughs. “It’s not that far, only thirty miles from town.” They started their display when the kids were small and each year it grew. They would string lights wherever it was handy: along a garden or corral fence, on the eaves of the horse barn and on the out buildings. “We go to work in the dark most mornings and it cheered things up,” Robert said. When asked why he went through the trouble of stringing lights he simply replied, “Because it’s Christmas.”

Tips for Storing Christmas Lights • Wrap lights around a piece of cardboard that is 12” by 6” Then wrap tissue (you can use regular toilet tissue paper) over lights to protect them • Use an empty Pringle can. Cut a slit in the top and slip one end of lights in slit. Wrap lights around can. Then wrap tissue paper over lights to protect them.

• Use a plastic clothes hanger with hooks on it. Tuck one end of the lights into and around one of the hooks. wrap the lights around hanger. Wrap tissue paper around lights to protect them. Robert Tate suggests using whatever is handy. Fences are nice for wrapping lights around. Clara Powers says that it takes a lot of patience and sometimes good balance; especially when trying to fasten lights to a suspension bridge.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

SINGING for the Savior 12

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Barry Ward combines Western music

WITH A MESSAGE BY AMY G. HADACHEK

ith the meaning of Christmas wrapped around the country music concerts he performs, western singer Barry Ward thrives on sharing his spirit-led work. “From start to finish, it’s not about me. It’s

about our Savior and what He’s done in our life. Especially at Christmastime, I want the spotlight to be on Him and His birth. I get the real blessing from the people who come to my concerts and share their hearts with me; how a song touched them,” Ward says. Touching hearts brings the love of Christmas to many folks at Ward’s concerts. Even if you’re not at home for the holidays, it’s that feeling of being at-home, at peace, that Ward is intent on imparting. In addition to being nominated in 2018 for awards from Pro Cowboy Country Artist Association, International Western Music Association, and earning the Rural Roots Music Commission 2018 Classic Cowboy CD of the Year for “Coyotes and Cattle,” Ward hosts “front porch” type gatherings with audiences; pouring his heart out in his music and bonding with those who gather around. “That actually started eight years ago in Colorado Springs. We wanted to give back to the people who supported us. It was a ‘Holiday Homecoming.’ We want it to feel like a family reunion when people come home for Christmas. It’s also a potluck supper. It’s been amazing to see that people want to be

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

involved in the real reason for Christmas, and in the farm community – there’s a bond there. It’s very clear why we do it - to celebrate the birth of Christ.” Bringing God’s light into the darkness at prisons is another important anointing for Ward and his wife Victoria. Three years ago, Ward began relaying God’s messages through his concerts at Canon City, Colorado, in the state and federal penitentiaries. “After doing concerts there, then they let us do a Christmas concert, which included decorated cookies, for the inmates,” said Ward. “It’s a reward we get, and we walk out of there blessed. These guys made a mistake, and it’s been a life-changing thing for me.” Besides taking messages on the road, the Wards enjoy relaxing at home in southeast Kansas in the town of Eureka, population: 2,500. “At Christmas, I don’t care if we exchange gifts at all – I just love being around our family.” Two of their children live in Kansas City, another in south Texas. “We raised our kids on the farm. I’ve been out of farming the last ten years and we rent out corn, wheat and milo. Victoria has her CDL (commercial drivers license) and drove trucks during harvest.” From bringing a harvest then to bringing messages now, it all evolved from Ward’s agricultural roots. “I was a fourth-generation farmer and rancher from southwest Kansas, when my father died suddenly from cancer 14 years ago,” said Ward. “That tragedy opened the door for God to work in my life. I always thought I’d be a farmer. But, God had different plans for Victoria and me, and we had no

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

choice but to be obedient, so now we travel full-time; living in our RV, and on the road for concert dates.” The Wards were initially sad when drought and the high cost of fuel and fertilizer overcame their treasured farming lifestyle. Since then, it’s been a journey, in many ways. “God has taken me to western Africa to perform concerts. We actually call them meetings because at every concert, a native pastor from that area brought a message,” said Ward, who also performed in Canada, Spain and across the U.S. last year. “We traveled over 200 days and 60,000 miles.” Ward’s greatest fan, his wife Victoria, travels with him, and she has written two short story books, “Prune Pie and Other Moving Stories,” and “Prune Pie and Other Moving Stories, A Second Helping,” featuring some of their unique occurrences on the road. “My philosophy is, let’s not take life too seriously and just enjoy life. God cares about everything; even little things,” said Victoria. “The books are all true stories of life on the road, and raising our kids on the farm in the small town of Copeland, Kansas, with 290 people, west of Dodge City.” Starting each day with thanks and a mug of hot coffee at their Eureka home, Barry also markets his favorite three-bean roasted coffee. Pinon nuts (grown in the southwestern U.S.) are added, offering a toasted buttery creamy flavor. “Victoria loves pinon coffee and bought it every

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Christmas Tree

time we traveled to New Mexico, but got tired of paying retail prices. She became her own distributor and started a private label called “Barry’s Blend,” available at concerts and the website. I told her, ‘That stuff will never sell!’ She challenged me by offering a bet,” said Ward. “I had to eat crow. We sold all eighteen bags--that night!” When people leave his concerts Ward hopes memories of their childhood take them back to a good place in their lives where they shared the same love of the land, their families, our country, their faith. Through his straightforward philosophy glorifying the Lord, Ward is humbled by several special honors with which he’s been blessed. “There are times I’ve asked, ‘Why me Lord?’ I’m just a dirt farmer and rancher from southwest Kansas!”

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One honor was playing at Carnegie Hall in New York City when Ward and other entertainers performed a “Great American Cowboy” concert to a sold-out crowd. “I have tremendous gratitude to those who made it all possible.” The second honor was being inducted into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame in the Artist/Performer category in in Dodge City, Kan. Finally, imprinted forever on his heart are memories of performing at several Vietnam Veterans’ reunions, and banquets honoring the Wounded Warrior organization work. Ward said, “I can never thank our soldiers enough for what they’ve done to protect our land and my family.”

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Country Christmas | The Fence Post

SIMPLICITY OVER “STUFF”

Keeping meaning

in the Christmas season 18

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

BY RACHEL GABEL

ith online shopping poised to bring Christmas to your door at the click of a button, to-do lists brimming with tasks to be completed, and the pressure of a Pinterestperfect holiday season looming large, it is easy to lose sight of the reason for the season.

Many families are choosing simplicity over chaos and significance over abundance. Some may choose this style of Christmas to ensure their own family Christmas is more like Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s may have been, or just as a way to feel more connected to people rather than stuff. Either way, there are a number of ways to keep the memories priceless and the cost reasonable. Many families, like Juana Hajekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Hugo, Colo., stick to the rule of four when it comes to gifts for children: one gift they want, one gift they need, one gift to wear, and one gift to read. Gifting family experiences rather than gifts is another way to keep family time at the heart of the holiday and has gained popularity in recent years. Whether it is a trip to another country, tickets to a sporting event, or even season tickets to a zoo, the experience and memories made on the trips far outweigh the gifts beneath the tree. Kara Cunningham, Louisburg, Kan., said life is all about the experience and for Christmas, she takes her three kids on trips or to events related to their interests, an option they all prefer over traditional gifts. Country Christmas | The Fence Post

Some families focus more on the giving side of the season, choosing a charity to donate to, or shopping for those who are in need of some encouragement and necessities. This helps teach kids empathy and thoughtfulness, as well as to be grateful for what they do have, and can make for some precious memories. Sorting through slightly worn clothes, books, and toys to donate prior to Christmas ensures less clutter and may contribute to what another family may need.

When planning a gift exchange, consider going a different route than purchased gifts. The Arnold family in Keenesburg, Colo., gets together at Christmas for a meal and gift exchange but the caveat is all gifts must be handmade. This has resulted in lamps fashioned from antlers harvested on the ranch, quilts, lazy Susan-style table toppers emblazoned with the family brands, cutting boards, ornaments with family photos, and hand-lettered signs painted on reclaimed barn wood. The family plays a white elephant-type game, allowing gifts to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;stolen,â&#x20AC;? which adds to the rowdy fun. Gifting project kits or components that can be done together is another way of encouraging togetherness. 20

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Food is often at the heart of the holidays and incorporating family favorites can be a way to instill a love of cooking in children eager to help and an appreciation for giving. Baking a number of treats from family recipes can be time well spent together in the kitchen but packaging those treats and gifting them can be far more rewarding. One family with Volga German roots makes traditional treats and then shares them with neighbors who remember the recipes from their own childhoods, as well as with the residents at the local assisted living facility. Consider baking a few different treats and trading with a friend or neighbor to ensure both have a wide array of treats and perhaps new family favorites. Hosting a treat swap is also a good way to get together with neighbors, a challenge especially for farm and ranch families. Gifting family recipes can be simple. Lisa Westlund gathered recipe cards of favorite recipes from her mother and mother-in-law. She scanned and copied them and organized them into a small scrapbook that she titled

“In Their Own Hand” for each of her daughters. The value, she said, of having the recipes in the grandmothers’ handwriting makes the recipes themselves even more treasured. Recipes can also be displayed in vintage tart pans or floating frames to keep family traditions close at hand as décor in the kitchen. Many family recipes aren’t written down, oftentimes because “a little bit” and “a smidge” are difficult measurement units to translate. Even with vague measurements, taking the time to write down treasured family recipes will pay off, especially as the original cook ages or passes on. Passing family recipes to the young people in the family who are beginning their lives on their own can also make a special gift for a number of occasions.

Simple traditions done with intentionality can be another way to concentrate on memory-making. Taking time for a simple dinner with a fun activity afterward can be time well spent. Driving around looking at lights, watching Christmas movies, stringing popcorn and cranberries, or just enjoying a hot cocoa break can become family favorites. No matter the reasoning, a simple Christmas season can segue into a more intentional and less chaotic new year and return to routine, without piles of stuff.

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Country Christmas | The Fence Post

Grandpa creates oneof-a-kind toys to pass down as heirlooms BY TERESA CLARK

en Arthur still remembers the toys his father and grandfather made for him. In fact, the Laramie, Wyo., toymaker has watched as his children and grandchildren played with the same toys he played with as a boy.

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Arthur worked in the auto mechanics field since graduating from high school. He worked for the school district in Laramie for 20 years, and the University of Wyoming for 15 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew I was going to have to quit doing mechanics eventually because of the petroleum and chemicals. During that course in time, I was looking for something to do to get away from it, and I

started thinking about the toys my grandfather and father had made for me,” Arthur says. “I decided that I wouldn’t mind getting into it myself, and passing some of the things I made down to family members as heirlooms.” Woodworking is not a cheap venture, so once Arthur made his decision to invest in the equipment, he started to buy a piece or two at a time as he could afford it. “By the time I retired, I had acquired what I needed,” he says. A vacant cabin that had been used by his children and as a bunkhouse on his ranch west of Laramie became a woodshop. “I moved all my equipment in there, and it works really well for me. We don’t have room to make furniture, but we can make a lot of small items,” he says. Arthur and his wife, Virginia, make toy cars and trucks, airplanes, and train sets. They also make a variety of puzzles. Most are 8-anda-half by 11 inches, and feature everything from farm animals and wildlife to rodeo scenes. “We make a Wyoming wildlife series that is a series of puzzles featuring a bear, buffalo, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and an antelope. We also have what is called a safari series that features an elephant, giraffe and a hippopotamus,” he says. He also makes puzzles of silhouettes of farm animals. “We also have board puzzles that are in a frame. We make a stand so the puzzle can be displayed on a mantle.” Their best seller is a Wyoming map that is hand labeled with the name of the county, designated number of the county, and the county seat. They happily accept custom orders. “I’ve always been good at drawing pictures,” Arthur says. “My dad taught me, because he was always good at it. He could draw a silhouette of a horse on a sheet of paper. If someone hands me a picture of something they found it a magazine, I won’t copy it exactly, but I will take the idea and create Country Christmas | The Fence Post

something of my own from it,” he says. “I’ve even had people sketch things on napkins, and if I can do it, we email back and forth until they are happy with the design,” he says. Arthur finds making toys from wood as rewarding. “I love what I do, and I’ve always liked to make things. As a kid, I would go out to dad and grandpa’s scrap iron pile and gather up some iron and make something like a trailer. If we needed something in the barn, I would pick through a pile of wood and make it. It is rewarding for me to take a piece of wood and actually make something that means something to someone else,” he says. Arthur recalls one of his most memorable creations. Some friends they had known a long time had a daughter graduate from high school. The Arthurs had watched the girl grow up, and wanted to create

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

something memorable for her. “I made her a wooden jewelery box in the shape of a heart that locked. I made it out of exotic wood like walnut, maple and redwood. It took me a long time to make it, and I was proud to present it to her at graduation. Just the look on her face and the awe at what I had created gave me the biggest thrill I’ve ever had from something I have made,” he recalls. “It was a lot of work, but it was worth it, and I would do it over and over again. She will have it to treasure as long as she lives, and it had a lot of meaning to both of us.” For more information about Grandpa’s Toys and Creations, Arthur can be reached at (307) 742-4053. They can also be reached through Facebook at Grandpa’s Toys and Creations or by email at bnvarthur@carbonpower.net.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

You’re Covered BY LINDSAY KING

icking a Christmas tree is a staple of the Christmas season for many, but the experience can range from comical to frustrating. At Covered Bridge Ranch they go for picturesque and memorable.

“Families are taken out on a hay ride to the field and then given a hand saw to cut down their tree,” said Natalie Riessen, second-generation tree farmer and now operator of Covered Bridge Ranch. “The family with their tree is then picked up

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

by our tractors and brought to the Festival Christmas barns where their trees are cleaned, drilled and loaded onto cars by our crew.” It’s the best of both worlds, tradition and comfort.

Full Circle The family tradition of growing Christmas trees started when Gary Riessen, Natalie’s father, worked for the Colorado Forestry Service while he was in college and immediately afterward. “He realized he did not want to be a government employee for the rest of his life but still wanted to use his skills,” Natalie explained about her father’s rise to the top of the Christmas tree industry. A couple of moves across Colorado before heading to Michigan begin their story of tree triumph. Once in Michigan with his wife, Judy, Gary worked for a smaller tree farm before buying the tree farm he really wanted in 1977. While building Mathisen Tree Farm, Natalie’s two younger sisters, Shannon and Ginger, were born.

The Riessen family, (left to right) Shannon, Judy and Gary, Natalie and Ginger.

“It is a much older profile of people running tree farms these days. Not as many young, next generations are taking over their family farms, at least not right away. Its not until later in life when you appreciate the value of this lifestyle,” Natalie said. After growing his tree count to more than two million, Gary eventually found his way back to the Western Slope of Colorado where it all began almost 30 years prior. Known for bringing Fraiser Fir and Concolor Fir to the Michigan market, Gary was known for successfully doing the unexpected. “He had a lot of success growing species here in Colorado that typically do not thrive in this environment,” Natalie said. “The first few years back in Colorado my dad was just testing out which seed sources would produce the most viable and best-looking trees.” The lessons learned in Michigan reached beyond the Christmas tree industry. Gary brought the covered bridges common to the northeast and mid-west to Colorado. It’s how the ranch got its name.

Jack: Natalie’s nephew who would like to take over the ranch some day. He is 11 years old

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

“The covered bridges are something we brought from Michigan, we have two covered bridges on the ranch,” Natalie said. “They are metaphors for bridging the gap between the former life we lived in Michigan to this ranch.”

legacy. A CPA in New York City for 20 years, Natalie realized the family ranch was where she truly wanted to be. “I felt a strong urge to retain the values my dad developed and move the operation forward,” Natalie said. As

Carrying on a legacy The year 2012 proved to be a big one for the Riessen family and the ranch. Quickly approaching his 69th birthday, Gary asked his three daughters to continue his

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

soon as she got to Colorado she took the ranch down several rabbit trails of agritourism. “The core has always been a tree farm. Christmas trees, as well as our pumpkin patch, are experiences we share with our community, but our primary operation is the tree nursery to provide a variety of tree species for planting.”

Though Gary had the pumpkin patch going before Natalie arrived, it became a much bigger attraction. Now it is an entire fall festival that gets the community out to the ranch. “The pumpkin patch and Christmas trees are something I have been trying to grow in the last six years and I am happy with where they have grown,” she added. “We are now looking at other things we can do to diversify the farm.”

From hosting weddings and campers to working with colleges for work-study programs, the sky is the limit. When Gary returned to Colorado in 1994, he had about six years to fill before any of his trees would be tall enough to sell for the Christmas season. So, to fill his time, Gary purchased 15 head of longhorn cattle, which has grown into a herd of 100 today.

The Riessen family has capitalized on the popularity of fall family activities, adding a pumpkin patch and fall festival to their diverse business.

“We have grass-fed longhorns that people can buy as a live animal and then we will take

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

“Covered Bridge Ranch: Where family fun is covered.” – Natalie Riessen

care of the processing so they can have the meat from the animal,” Natalie said, emphasizing they would like to move towards selling meat right out of their gift shop in the future. Of the 300 acres making up the ranch, 100 of that is dedicated to growing and selling high-quality hay for horse owners in the area. “Diversity is the key to farming and agritourism is part of that,” Natalie said. “As a small farm becomes harder to sustain, you need these varying operations to remain viable.”

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Trimming Trees Though they have many irons in the fire, the trees take precedence over everything else. It should come as no surprise that the success of this ranch is based on a family secret pertaining to the trees. To put it simply, it’s all in the trimming. “We actually start with the bare root of the tree and plant it in one of seven fields according to what species it

is,” Natalie explained. “It really is just as simple as watering them to keep them growing.”

depending on the species of tree. “It’s a long term commitment,” Natalie said.

Pesticides are generally not necessary in the dry, cooler climate of central Colorado. They do, however, fertilize specifically to enrich the colors of the trees. Once the trees are between three and four years old, the real Christmas magic begins.

“In 2008 there were tree farms everywhere but many of them did not replant. We are just now feeling the gaps in the market from that now,” Natalie said. “We are starting to feed that gap and plan to grow into the hole.”

“One of the unique things about our farm is that we trim for style. A lot of our customers want different things. Some want big full trees and others want more of the open, layer-type tree,” she said. Most trees sold on a parking lot were harvested weeks, if not months, prior, cutting down their longevity considerably. The beauty of cutting your own tree is not only in the experience but also, for the sake of the tree and your home, in the life of the tree once it is cut. The longer it lives, the longer the needles will hold on to the branches. “They get a lot of care so the survivability is higher compared to pulling a tree out of the woods that isn’t groomed,” Natalie said. “Everything we do comes from my dad’s training from when he was in the forest service. It is what makes our trees live longer once they are cut.” Most farms are highly industrialized, even tree farms, and heavily till up the land and leave little of those natural systems in place. Covered Bridge is not one of them.

Part of that growth is passing the operation on to the next generation. For years, nieces and nephews have worked on the ranch during the summer for weeks at a time in the hopes that one would get the itch to run it one day. “My 11-year-old nephew Jack is really taking a liking to the ranch. He has talked about taking it over one day,” Natalie said. “We are excited about his enthusiasm at that age to continue my dad’s legacy for a third generation.”

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“Farmers want efficiency with their machines and that takes away from the natural patterns of how a tree grows.” Natalie said they don’t till up the cover crops or make rows wider to accommodate machinery. Allowing the cover crops--sometimes weeds--to grow, lets the roots of the trees stay closer to the surface. The marketable size for a Christmas tree is six feet, which takes anywhere between six to ten years to grow, (970) 669-3659 | www.amishfurniturebarn.com Country Christmas | The Fence Post

CHRISTMAS TREE SCALE “Tree Comparison Chart” of the trees offered at Covered Bridge Ranch. Douglas fir Christmas tree field.

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

P icking the

PERFECT TREE A tree is as unique as a snowflake, no two the same and no pair of eyes view each tree the same either. What it comes down to for Natalie Riessen when picking the perfect tree is simply personal preference. “Some people love the Charlie Brown trees, the saddest tree they can give a home to, and others like one that is really full,” Natalie explained. “For us, the perfect tree relates to the state you are in. That is the Colorado Blue Spruce, our state tree.” Most tree buyers find the fullest tree possible, but Natalie noted how this causes Grand the Junction: ornaments 970-243-9700 Colorado Springs: 719-632-4686 to lay on the tree rather than hang Ft. Collins: 970-484-4245 from the branches. Steamboat The really good970-879-4225 Springs: trees have some open space to truly display the work-of-art ornament brought home from school.

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“Something we see happen a lot is when a child will pick out the tree, they might see something that is beautiful on one side but the other is not so great,” Natalie said. “It all comes down to what you want your Christmas tree to be about. I think it is about choosing it together as a family and how that happens.” Brighton: 303-659-2011 Greeley: 970-353-6622 Longmont: 970-535-4471 Pueblo: 719-543-0402 Montrose: 970-240-1611

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Country Christmas | The Fence Post

BY TERESA CLARK

elissa Hickman learned to knit and crochet when she was just seven years old. Little did she know

PHOTOS BY MELISSA HICKMAN

Melissa Hickman learned to crochet at age seven. She picked up the hobby again at 18 years old, and later made it a home-based business.

Farm life inspires Hickman to

CROCHET FOR CUSTOMERS

that a skill she learned at such a young age would turn into a small business for her one day. “My mom handed me a crochet hook and some yarn with instructions to ‘learn.’ She wasn’t able to teach me her own methods because she was left-handed and I am right-handed, but I worked it out and have crocheted ever since,” Hickman says. The Bushnell, Neb., crafter lives on a small dairy goat and fiber animal farm, which inspires her creations. “The biggest challenge for me is finding enough time to make all the things I want to make,” she says. “I have tons of ideas, but never enough time.” Hickman started her home-based crafting business in 2006 so she could homeschool her children and take care of one of her daughters, who has a medical condition. “My daughter has a very rare cranial condition, so I couldn’t work outside the home due to her surgeries and regular doctor visits. Having my Etsy shop allows me to make a little extra income for our family, while still being able to take care of her medical needs,” she says. Melissa has faced her own challenges since recovering from a stroke eight years ago. “I had to take a break from making and selling on Etsy, in order to recover. I had to relearn to do pretty much

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

everything in my daily life, and that included relearning how to crochet, but I persevered and eventually got back on track.” Hickman likes the creativity crocheting provides her. “There are so many things you can make with yarn, and so many beautiful colors to choose from. I love watching as something comes to life in my hands. I find inspiration for my projects in many places, including my family, our goats, pets, nature, and everyday life,” she says. “We have a small dairy goat and fiber animal farm we started in 2006. We have Nubians, Nigerian Dwarf goats, Alpacas, Llamas, sheep, turkeys, geese, chickens, miniature pigs and a small pony.” These animals have all spurred Hickman’s creativity through life-like plush farm toys, animal hats for both animals and humans, farm animal Christmas stockings, and a unique egg apron. Hickman makes the egg apron for children through adults, and even makes a smaller version to fit dolls. “I love making anything farm- or animal-related. Right now, I’m really into making chicken items,” she says. “I have a passion for creating crocheted items for the outdoors and farming lifestyle. You will find specialty farm items Country Christmas | The Fence Post

The Hickmans have a small dairy goat and fiber animal farm near Bushnell, Neb. They have Nubians, Nigerian Dwarf goats, Alpacas, Llamas, sheep, turkeys, geese, chickens, miniature pigs and a small pony.

The animals on the farm serve as inspiration for her designs.

Melissa creates a variety of hats in many colors. She likes working with yarn because of the bright colors that are available. One of Melissaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more unique designs is the chicken apron that can be made for adults, as well as children. She also has a design for a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite doll.

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year from everyone at Agri-Enterprises, Inc.

like crocheted egg collecting aprons, goat ear warmers and chicken sweaters in my shop, in addition to more traditional types of crocheted crafts like baby blankets and boot cuffs. I also write my own crochet patterns.” Hickman markets her creations through Facebook, an Etsy site, and by word of mouth. She also donates items to charities and fundraisers when she has a chance. “There are so many rewards to my business,” she says. “I love making crocheted items for people. Seeing someone so excited about something I made for them is very rewarding. There is no better feeling than making something by hand for someone who really appreciates and loves that item. I also enjoy the new friends I make, and having the opportunity to teach people about crocheting,” she adds. For more information about Hickman and Uniquely More, you can find her on Etsy at Uniquely More.

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Country Christmas | The Fence Post

Dredge finds relaxation in making wooden toys A for children BY TERESA CLARK

Dredge makes wooden nativity sets for the holiday season.

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

love for making things out of wood has turned into a relaxing hobby for Rose Dredge. The Valentine, Neb., crafter spends her spare time making toys out of wood for small children. “It gives me something to do, and it’s relaxing for me after teaching special education full-time at the middle school in Valentine,” she says.

Dredge started woodworking several years ago, and her first crafts were brick decorations. “I had been doing small things with a scroll saw and I was always looking for new ideas,” Dredge explains. “I happened upon a toy makers site and thought, ‘I can do that!’ I borrowed a scroll saw from a friend to use and see if I was going to like doing it or not. I just started from there,” she says.

All her patterns come from a couple of vendors online, and she personalizes them with her own creativity. “All of the toys I make are crafted from wood, but I don’t paint any of them. I use a variety of wood, like pine for the tractors and oak for the trailers, to give them variety in the color of wood. I coat them with a combination of beeswax and mineral oil so they are all child-safe. I don’t use any nails

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

or screws. The axles are made all the way through on most of the toys, and I use a Titebond II glue,” she says. When she first started, her biggest woodworking challenge was learning how to drill holes through the inch and a half wood so that the axles on the toys would be straight. “I figured out how to drill almost all the way through the toy to the tip of the drill bit, and then turn it over and drill through the other way to get it straight,” she says. Although her favorite wooden toys to make are tractors and trailers, she also makes several

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

types of trucks, from tow trucks and moving vans to pickups and dump trucks. Other creations include farm animals, dinosaurs, nativity sets, Noah’s Ark figurines, trains, airplanes, and livestock and horse trailers. “I started making wooden educational toys, since I’m a teacher, like racing cars, ABC blocks, and puzzles. I also make baby teethers out of hard maple, and oak baskets,” she says. For her adult customers, she creates seasonal decorations and signs. Most of the toys are designed for children as young as twoyear-olds on up to 10. “My

reward is seeing these toys when I finish them, and how excited customers are at craft shows when they can buy these toys for their children and grandchildren,” Dredge says. One of her newest and most challenging creations was making a large wooden combine last summer. “It is probably the most unique toy I’ve made,” she says. Dredge uses glue that dries in a few hours, but she waits two to three days to continue to make sure the bond is strong. “It takes a lot of time to clamp on a couple pieces and let them dry. It is a few days before I can move on to the next part,” she says.

Dredge markets her toys, and the other items she makes, through craft shows, word of mouth, a Facebook page, and an Etsy site. “I have a lot of customers on the east and west coasts, but not very many through the Midwest.” Still, she has slowly built up a clientele, and plans to travel farther to larger craft shows this winter. During the holiday season, it takes her about two weeks to complete orders, and she welcomes custom work. Dredge Woodworking can be found on Facebook, and on Etsy at DredgeWoodworking.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

Cookie dough logs. Deanna Nelson-Licking

A handmade Christmas BY DEANNA NELSON-LICKING

hristmas time comes when many in agriculture are facing decreased cash flow and tight budgets. Here are just a few of the

countless ideas available on Pinterest, Facebook and on DIY websites for inexpensive and unique gifts for family and friends. Plates of Christmas cookies have long been a tradition, but why not change it up and give frozen dough. The recipients then are able to bake fresh cookies after the holidays are over.

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Drop cookie dough can be formed into balls and placed on a parchment lined cookie sheet and frozen. Once hard they can be sealed in freezer bags. Frozen cookie balls can be defrosted on a lined baking sheet in the refrigerator or placed frozen on a lined sheet and baked according to recipe directions, but will take a few minutes longer. Refrigerator type dough can be shaped into logs, double wrapped in plastic and frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator, slice and bake.

Cut-out cookies can be shaped into flat disks, double wrapped and frozen flat. Defrost in the refrigerator, roll to desired thickness, cut and bake as usual.

Cream Cheese Cutout Cookies 1 cup butter 1 (8oz) pkg of cream cheese

Recycled Ropes Many of us have old used nylon ropes lying around; they can be used to make rustic bowls, vases, decorative crosses and even to wrap around lamp bases. Some use glue to hold the wraps together while others melt the rope with a wood burning iron. A Google search will yield a many ideas and detailed directions.

1 ½ cup sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon almond extract 3 ½ cup flour 1 teaspoon baking powder Combine butter and cream cheese, let stand until soft, cream together with sugar. Add egg and extracts, mix well then add the flour and baking powder. Refrigerate until firm. Can be shaped into logs and sliced or rolled out and cut into shapes. (I like to roll out the dough to about ½” thick, makes a nice soft cookie, rolling thinner will result in a crisper cookie.) Bake at 375 degrees on ungreased sheets for 8-10 minutes, until lightly browned, cool on racks. These can be left plain or frosted. The cookie dough balls can be dressed up with pretty freezer bags or slipped into gift bags. Wrap the logs and disks in scraps of wrapping paper and use a piece of ribbon to attach cards with baking directions. Old Christmas cards work great for this, just cut out the picture and write on the plain side.

Recycled rope bowl. Deanna Nelson-Licking

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

Brown Sugar & Honey Body Scrub Homemade body scrub: an ideal gift for the ladies on your list. There are many recipes available, but here is a simple one we like. If you want to add to the presentations, purchase jars at a craft store, print labels and tie a bow around the top with ribbon or jute twine. A scrap of fabric under the ring over the lid adds a little color too if you are using jelly jars. Author: Shellie Deringer - SimplyShellie.com 1 cup Coconut Oil ½ cup Brown Sugar ¼ cup Honey 4-5.4 oz. Jelly Jars

Brown sugar and honey body scrub. Deanna Nelson Licking.

In a medium size bowl, combine the coconut oil, brown sugar and honey. (We added vanilla extract.) Mix well. If the oil is too solid, melting it will make the mixing easier. Fill the jars and cap. Makes 4 jars. Store in an airtight container, the scrub will last for about 6 months. If there is any separation simply stir the mixture. Coconut oil solidifies at under 65 degrees; you can warm in microwave for a few seconds if it solidifies. Remove the metal ring and lid before warming. To use, simply scoop some out with your hands and scrub, then rinse off.

Cowhide Coasters

Cowhide coasters. Justine Nelson.

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Use scrap pieces of cowhide (available online and in craft stores) to cut unique coasters. Cut hair-on hides in the shape of mini cowhides, the shape of your state or even just trace around a small bowl–the possibilities are endless. A utility knife is handy to cut the leather. Use general purpose adhesive to glue the shapes onto non-adhesive cork shelf liner to finish the project.

Handmade Soap There are many recipes for soap made from scratch, but there are also many soap bases available at craft stores and online. Melt the soap brick according to the directions, (essential oils and scents can be added) pour into soap molds, or just a lined glass baking dish. Once hardened cut into bars or remove from molds. Christmas wrapping paper, ribbon, twine or even unbleached coffee filters and small cardboard boxes help make the soaps a useful and pretty gift or stocking stuffer.

Leather Belt Frame Old belts take up space but often have sentimental value. Glue them to the wood of picture frames, or build your own. Miter the edges or just leave them straight. A great idea for belts with names on them that the kids have outgrown. Leather belt picture frame. designsponge.com

Gift Baskets To make your homemade gift even more special, combine it with a few other things in a gift basket. Purchase baskets at thrift stores and yard sales. Line with a towel, and include a jar of body scrub, or bar of soap, a candle and a washcloth. Or fill with a few kitchen utensils from the dollar store, new potholders and dish towels and some cookie dough logs. Pretty tins are also readily available second-hand and are great for gift packing. Fill with homemade cookies, bars of soap or even a few jars of seasoning. Shredded paper makes wonderful packing and tissue paper can be reused too. Thrift stores often have fake flowers, ribbon and other decorative odds and ends. Or take your inspiration from the great outdoors: pinecones, tiny evergreen boughs, dried grass and flowers. All of these add a special yet inexpensive touch to gift wrapping.

Used gift tin and sample gift basket. Deanna Nelson-Licking

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

Advertiser Index

Agri-Enterprises, Inc. ....................................................................... 37

Mohair Man...........................................................................................14

Alliance Irrigation .............................................................................. 25

Pawnee Buttes Seed Inc. ................................................................14

Big Thunder Draft Horse Show....................................................46

Ronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Equipment ................................................................................ 17

Buffalo Brand Seed .........................................................................33

St. Nicks ..................................................................................................11

Cottonwood Farm, Llc ..................................................................... 17

Stockyards Lumber .........................................................Back Cover

GCR Truck Tire Centers Inc ...........................................................33

Taylor Implement Company ......................... Inside Back Cover

Greeley Tribune Craft & Gift Show.................................................1

The Amish Barn ..................................................................................31

High Plains New Holland ..............................Inside Front Cover

The Fence Post......................................................................................4

Julie Piland United Country............................................................ 21

Wickham Tractor Co. ....................................................................... 37

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

READING ON THE RANCH BRINGS BOOKS TO RURAL STUDENTS BY MARIA TIBBETTS Tri-State Livestock News Digital & Sections Editor

he one-room school stood, as it had for 100 years before, on the bank of a canyon, bracketed by cottonwood trees. The three desks were scattered around a stove that had once been fed by wood, but now burned propane. A computer sat in the corner, a nod to the fact that, though the school dated to the 1890s, this was the 1990s. A bookshelf ran the full length of one wall, waist-high. The books on the shelf were supposed to feed the minds of students from age 5 to 14, including mine. A voracious reader from the time I learned the magic of rearranging letters, I read every book that interested me (and a lot of them that didn’t) in the school library numerous times. New books fed my imagination, and there were never enough. It’s this background, knowing there are still rural schools that are minimally stocked with books, that prompted Tri-State Livestock News and The Fence Post to create Reading on the Ranch. With

a goal of promoting agriculture and literature through the donation of books to schools that might not otherwise have the budget for expanding their libraries, this annual book drive has put hundreds of books in the hands of students across our coverage area. We accept monetary donations, 100 percent of which are used to buy books, and donations of lightly-used books, preferably focused on agriculture and the Western way of life. Our goal is to encourage rural kids to read by providing books that are about subjects they can relate to. We are always open to book suggestions from our readers. We also sponsor a coloring contest for all ages as a way to promote Reading on the Ranch. Tear out this page (the coloring page is on the back) and have a young person color it, or color it yourself. Please make as many copies as you’d like. You can also print coloring pages off our Reading on the Ranch website, https://www.thefencepost.com/ reading-on-the-ranch/. Feel free to pass on to a teacher.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

Here’s how you can get involved 1. Send or drop off a donation of money or books to Fence Post Office 501 8th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631 We will collect books and donations through Dec. 21, so we can get the books ordered and delivered early in 2019. Any donations received after Dec. 21 will be used for next year’s drive. 2. Drop off new or lightly-used books at Kimball Public Library 208 S Walnut St., Kimball, NE 69145 Wheatland, WY Fence Post office 715 10th St, Wheatland, WY 82201 E S T.

3. Order off our Amazon wishlist (https:// amzn.to/2SIssXA), and books will be mailed directly to us. If you have a favorite you’d like to share, please feel free to send that to us too! 4. Send suggestions for book recipients (preferably rural schools or other youth-centered programs, or libraries in rural areas) to Shohn Humphrey, classifieds manager at shumphrey@tsln-fre.com or (877) 347-9102. Our classifieds department can also answer any other questions. 5. Share the website for the program and coloring contest with others who might be interested: https://www.thefencepost.com/reading-on-the-ranch/

1 9 8 0

Reading on the Ranch Coloring Contest Celebra ting Our Rural Lifestyle

Illustration by Jan Swan Wood

PRIZES AWARDED TO THE TOP THREE SUBMISSIONS IN EACH AGE GROUP!

Name: _______________________________________________

Submit your entries via mail, email or online

Address: _____________________________________________

Mail: 1501 5th Ave, Suite 101, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 Email: classifieds@thefencepost.com Online: thefencepost.com/coloringcontest

______________________________________________________

ENTRY DEADLINE: DECEMBER 7, 2018 48

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Age Group: 0-4 5-8 9-12 Adult

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The Fence Post Country Christmas

Articles inside

A Country Christmas in 3 Simple Steps

Christmas Lights Off the Beaten Path

A Country Christmas in 3 Simple Steps

About the cover artist: Loren Entz