With spring here and the snow melting, it fills our ponds. My husband Dave and I developed eight ponds on our property utilizing natural springs, rain and snow to fill the ponds. They are each twenty feet deep for the fish to survive through the winter.

As soon as there was water in the ponds it was amazing to see the wildlife find these ponds and enjoy them. Mountain lions, deer, fox, badgers, ducks, geese, birds, turtles, and the list goes on as we enjoy the beauty of the water and the wildlife ...if you build it they will come!

© High Prairie Life 2017

Spring is coming alive in the Black Hills and my family and I never tire of seeing Bear Butte from the top of our property. Bear Butte is called Mathó Pahá, or Bear Mountain, by the Lakota, or Sioux and is located near Sturgis SD.

We went from sunny and blue skies here in the Black Hills to a big rain storm in a blink of an eye. If you don't like the weather just wait a minute!
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© High Prairie Life 2017

April 14th is the opener for true Merriam turkey hunting in the Black Hills and I will be looking forward to preparing several turkey pot pies. I have perfected my recipe and used a few tricks that I think makes the best pie I have eaten! I hope you will try the recipe in my up coming cookbook. Whether you bought a turkey or you harvested a turkey, this recipe is a keeper.
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© High Prairie Life 2017

An old friend gave me this recipe on my honeymoon forty years ago and it is still my family’s absolute favorite. The layers of apples with cinnamon and sugar taste great for anytime of the day. Without frosting it is a great cake to ship to a loved one or bring for a party! And with all the fruit in it you don't need to cover it or it will get to soft.

My Mom and I each invited our lady friends over for a nice lunch. This salad was delicious with arugula, roasted pear, blue cheese, walnuts and a light white balsamic dressing.
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© High Prairie Life 2017

Bone in and a big cut up yellow onion in the bottom of the pan are two tricks that make my prime rib a go-to for a special meal! Pair it with the Yorkshire pudding and your guests will rave about your cooking abilities!

Whenever prime rib is on the menu, I always make a big pan of Yorkshire pudding! The drippings from the roast and the crispy edges of the pudding go great with the gravy! There is never a bite left. I will share my recipe and tricks with you in the winter cookbook.
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© High Prairie Life 2017