Stories from the Stringam Family Ranches of Southern Alberta

From the 50s and 60s to today . . .



Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Why I Do What I Do

My 3000th Post!
Where it all started...
The new barn
My big brother and me.
I'm the one in the dress...
I was privileged to grow up on one of the last of the large old cattle ranches in Southern Alberta. Situated halfway between the towns of Milk River and Del Bonita, it covered two-and-a-half townships, close to 92 square miles. 
Our closest neighbour was over nine miles away. 
A little far to drop by to borrow a cup of sugar, but close enough to help in the case of a real emergency, which was not uncommon on the large spread we ran, and with the number of people involved in the daily workings.
The ranch buildings themselves were nestled snugly in a bend of the South Fork of the Milk River. 
Towering cliffs surrounded us. Cliffs which were home, at times, to a pair of blue herons, and at all others, to marmots, badgers, porcupines, and a very prolific flock of mud swallows. 
We learned to swim in that river. 
We tobogganed down the gentler slopes of those cliffs. 
We built dams and caught frogs and snakes. 
We rode horses and worked the cattle.
Gardened and gathered eggs.
Explored the river and the surrounding countryside...barefoot and on horseback.
I even trapped a full-grown jackrabbit – almost.
It was an unusual life, as I have now come to know. 
At the time, it was normal. 
We thought everyone lived like we did. Far from any outside influences. Relying on each other. Immersed in the needs of the family and the ranch. 
For a child growing up, it was peace itself.
The Ranch
P.S. Most of the buildings are gone now, burned in the terrible grass fires of 2013. But they remain solid and real in my memories.

16 comments:

  1. Grats on 3000th. Ad yes it was an unusual childhood. But one that I would like many people to have liven through.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Charlotte! I thought everyone had the same childhood. What a shock to discover differently!

      Delete
  2. 3000 posts. Huge congratulations. And thank you for sharing a life very unlike the one I knew (and very similar in some aspects too).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, EC! Thank you for sharing it with me!

      Delete
  3. Wow. What a milestone as a writer. Congratulations! I'd love to know when you started.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laurie, I had to go and look! I started on April 20, 2010!

      Delete
  4. Congratulations, girl! And yes, you know I love your childhood and want to steal it away and recreate my own!

    ReplyDelete
  5. You have done very well. 3,000 posts is nothing to sneeze at. Here's hoping for many more...

    ReplyDelete
  6. When we're young, we all think that everyone lives like we do. But even today I'm sometimes surprised when I find out a friend or acquaintance -- one who seems perfectly normal! -- reveals that they grew up in a completely different environment. And then, after I begin to notice things, I realize that it makes them more interesting people. P. S. To me, you're a very interesting person.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so right!
      I find you very interesting as well! ;)

      Delete
  7. Congrats on your 3,000th post. We couldn't have had more different childhoods if we had tried on purpose. That's why I find your autobiographical posts so interesting. I also hope for many posts from you in the future. So happy we cyber-met!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And why I love yours, Alana! You are a wonderful cyber-friend!

      Delete
  8. Congratulations! You lived a very special life, and i am very, very glad you share the stories with us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Mimi! The greatest reward is all the people I’ve met along the way!

      Delete

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