Father and I Were Ranchers

Ralph and his father work tirelessly to thresh beans, a dusty, tedious task that leaves Ralph coughing. Despite the difficulty, they sort and carry the beans into the bunkhouse each night. The winter is uneventful, primarily involving sorting beans, winnowing oats, and working with the new horse, Billy.

Despite the sheriff’s warning, Ralph is still tempted to trap pheasants. One night, he sets a trap near the pea stack and catches another pheasant, arguing it’s to protect the beans. His father understands Ralph’s reasoning but remains cautious. Ralph struggles with the moral dilemma of trapping pheasants illegally, but he convinces himself it’s necessary to protect the family’s limited food supply.

Despite harsh weather, Ralph’s family prepares for Thanksgiving while Father is away in Denver. Ralph takes on new responsibilities, including driving their horse, Billy.

Thanksgiving is filled with gratitude; the family shares a hearty meal of turkey, potatoes, squash, pies, and fudge. As winter deepens, freezing temperatures and scarce resources bring challenges. When Christmas arrives, Father and Mother return from Denver with gifts, allowing the family to enjoy a meaningful celebration.