This 2014 story is about Billie Johnson and her Windy Acres Farm in Prineville Oregon. A staunch raw milk advocate, Billie's life has been one of hard work - and love for her cows and customers. Now, in 2025, the media coverage surrounding the growth of avian flu in farm animals is threatening raw milk sales in states where it is permitted. Listen and learn how Billie has overcome every challenge thrown her way.

Inspired by the "word jazz" artistry (and now-deceased) Ken Nordine, this piece combines soft jazz with a short riff on morning routines.

This is a tribute story about Charlotte & Cole Still. Longtime residents of Prineville Oregon, they were founders of the Ridge Riders horse club and the Prineville Rides events which took place every Mother's Day weekend within the Crooked River National Grasslands/Smith Rocks State Park. The Still Memorial Weekend took place in 2014 during the Rides and many riders came to honor the couple - both of whom had passed away. Charlotte and Cole were mentors to me regarding horses, endurance riding, and even Ride & Tie competitions. (Listen to my other story about the couple's influence on me -- "Just Hang On."

This is a personal (and amusing) story about endurance horseback riding on the Crooked River National Grasslands outside Prineville Oregon. But it's really about facing your fears in life. When we have guides and mentors in life it's a lot easier accepting challenges. My mentor was my uncle-in-law Cole Still. A man of few words with a vast knowledge of endurance riding, Cole encouraged me as I competed in a 25-mile endurance ride on his favorite (and fast) Arabian horse Wendy. Ride along with me, a novice rider, as I "hung on" to Wendy through the hills surrounding Smith Rocks State Park.

This is a poem, or it could be called a tribute, to a man who legally was my brother-in-law but who I considered a brother. Joe Pescarino, 8/5/1941 to 3/25/2022, was 80 when he passed. Joe's influence on people was enormous. He was truly a genius in many areas - from set styling to wardrobes to cooking to weaving and much more - Joe had an eye for beauty. Listen to this short piece and you'll understand why I, and everyone in our family, loved Joe.

Ermal F Phillips (1930 - 2011) was raised in rural Missouri where he learned how to farm and ranch. A family man, he lived his life according to the values he believed in - hard work, caring for your family, and biblical principles. This was how he measured men - and himself. He was my hero - and my father-in-law.

It's 2014 and, like many parts of Oregon, Prineville is suffering economically. Most affected are those women and men in need of basic shelter, food, and safety. Redemption House Ministries, headed by the now-deceased Greg Sanders, was committed to helping people in need. Listen to this 11-minute audio story and think about how your community is dealing with these issues in 2025.

Marie Kondo is a Japanese organizing consultant, author, and TV presenter. In 2019 she starred in a Netflix special "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" and in 2021 she had a follow-up special called "Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo." She became very popular (and I suspect wealthy) but I was not a fan.....

We're bombarded with celebrity endorsements and, maybe like you, I've had enough!

Walmart by Bill Mintiens