October 31, 2014 by ride-n-mama Sharon

“I could dance with you ’till the cows come home . . .”

“I could dance with you ’till the cows come home. Better still, I’ll dance with the cows and you come home.” – Groucho Marx, who was never one to pass up an opportunity for a play on words, expresses this in his dialogue in the 1933 film Duck Soup.

“I could dance with you till the cows come home. Better still, I’ll dance with the cows and you come home.”

Put on your dancing shoes, the cows are coming home to Grieb Ranch with hope of green by Thanksgiving. With rain in the forecast for today the likelihood of green looks quite promising.

“SC” branded cattle with calf.

Many of the registered herd went north to Oregon late winter of 2014. Now the cattle are leaving the freezing, icy Oregon weather to come back to the beautiful California Central Coast. One load of Oregon born late-calving cows and weanling calves have come home already. Other cattle went to sales in Madras of Jefferson County or Cottonwood in Sherman and Gilliam counties, Oregon.

Papa Carl at the age of 86 will make the trip north to drop off a few bulls, and bring back some fall calving cows with their calves. First the bulls need to be “Tric” Tricomoniasis and semen tested before they go north. In the meantime the survivor cattle that never left Grieb Ranch are calving.

The California “Survivors”

Ethan’s CA Calf

So if you see Grieb family members dancing with the cows it’s because the hills are green and they are looking for you to come home and join them in their dancing.
Prayerfully this devastating drought is behind us and the pictures here showing its effects will be history.

Even the Grieb Ranch cacti are shriveling from the drought.

The back side of Grieb Ranch overlooking a very shallow Lopez lake.

October 24, 2014 by ride-n-mama Sharon

Apples, Apples, Apples Everywhere

“Little P” and the family dog continue the tradition of apple picking at Grieb Ranch.

It’s apple season now at Grieb Ranch and the tradition of picking apples continues with the newest addition to the Grieb Family. Connie gets to enjoy “Little P” during the week and he accompanied her on an apple picking adventure, along with the family dog. For many years, “Little P’s” dad helped Connie pick apples so the tradition continues.

The tradition of picking apples with Connie and Daniel.

There are so many yummy ways to enjoy fresh-picked apples. One way is to make Caramel Apples. Barbara used to make these for the 4-H booth at the local Harvest Festival, Connie had her students make them in their Home Economics class, and once Daniel made them for a Food Contest in High School and won the contest.

Grieb Ranch Caramel Apple

So here is the recipe:
Grieb Ranch Caramel Apples
From the Kitchen of: Barbara Grieb
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
6 Apples (I like Gala)
6 Wooden skewers
Butter, margarine or Pam for coating
1 cup Sugar
¾ cup white corn syrup
1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:
1. Wash and thoroughly dry each apple. Remove stems.
2. Insert skewer into stem end of each apple and set aside in the refrigerator.
3. Coat waxed paper with butter and place on a tray.
4. In a heavy saucepan (heavy is a must) combine sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk and salt; mix well.
5. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently but constantly until it reaches 230 degrees on a candy thermometer or until a small amount dropped in cold water forms a soft ball(about 30 minutes).
6. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Stir in ¼ cup of butter and vanilla.
7. Working quickly dip apples in caramel to coat well
8. Place stem side up on waxed paper to harden.
9. Cool in refrigerator.

Leftover caramel is really tasty on ice cream.

October 17, 2014 by ride-n-mama Sharon

Grieb Ranch Way

The New Sign at Grieb Ranch Way.

There is a brand-new road sign in rural Arroyo Grande where Trout Farm Road used to be. That county maintained road is now called Grieb Ranch Way as that road is right across Lopez Drive from the entrance to Grieb Ranch.

How did this come about? Well Connie had to submit the proposal and then had to attend the Planning Department meeting where the name change was discussed. All went well and the name change was approved a few months back, August of 2014.

Recently the new sign was put into place. The Grieb Family enjoys seeing the new name on the sign and are happy to see the heritage of ranching preserved in a more visible way.

The biggest change will be for the soccer teams, and rugby teams, and flag football teams who come to use the beautiful Tally Farm Fields off the newly-named Grieb Ranch way. All the maps and directions will have to be changed to reflect the new road name. No permanent structures are accessed off Grieb Ranch way.

Inter Office Memo_Tim Cate_Public Works

October 10, 2014 by ride-n-mama Sharon

Templeton Livestock Market Swung Its Gates For The Last Time

All is quiet at the gate where the cattle were dropped off and picked up.

Silence. That is what will be heard each Saturday where the Templeton Livestock Market used to be. Gone are the bawling calves. Not to be heard are the sharp whistles from the workers sorting the cattle on horseback. The nearly unintelligible – except the dollar value – yet warmly familiar chant of the auctioneer, silenced. Gone are the rancher’s kids running around the yard. Silenced are the conversations of market news and the connections made each week by local ranchers. No more dirt sprays from the horse hooves or the calf hooves as calves are sorted. The Templeton Livestock Market located on Main Street in Templeton, CA swung its gates for the last time Saturday, October 4, 2014 for the 25^th Annual Tri-Counties Breeder’s Choice Bull Sale.

Sorting Cattle at the Templeton Livestock Market

Champion Bull from sale.

The Templeton Livestock Market has been a connection place for local ranchers, as well as a local place to market their products or buy new stock since 1946. The sale of the land, which was leased by the TLM, has forced the closure. In its place will be a new housing development. This is not a reflection of the dedication and traditions of cattle ranching in San Luis Obispo County as cattle production remains a vital part of agriculture in this area; even as this area faces one the most severe droughts on record. The San Luis Obispo Chapter of the California Cattlemen’s Association boasts the highest membership number in the state.

Randy Baxley current owner and auctioneer of Templeton Livestock Market.

Randy Baxley, the current owner and auctioneer of TLM wrote the following in the final TLM Breeder’s Choice Bull Sale program:

“I want to take this time to thank all of the producers in this area that have brought their cattle to me year after year. Templeton Livestock has always been known for its outstanding market and that is also the case in Visalia. The cattlemen and cattlewomen have made the past thirteen years a supreme pleasure and for that I will always be thankful. As we battle against one of the worst droughts California has ever seen I know the determination and the heart of the cattle producer will be unwavering. Thank you for the spirit that you hold and the hard work you put into producing an outstanding product.”

Randy plans to continue to serve local cattle ranchers by providing a receiving yard also located in Templeton. The TLM receiving yard will be open on the weekends and Tuesdays to take in cattle that will then be transported to the Visalia Livestock Market for its weekly Wednesday sale. The receiving yard will be located at 4340 Ramada Drive in Templeton and will have the capabilities to feed and water the livestock in a dust-controlled environment.

Always a family affair. Grieb family members a the closing sale.

Always a family affair. Grieb family members at the closing sale.

One of the local producers, who has been using the TLM for nearly all the years it has offered this service, is Carl Grieb of Grieb Ranch in Arroyo Grande, CA. He was present at the 25^th Annual Breeder’s Choice Bull Sale to be a part of the history as an era came to an end. In the early days of ranching at Grieb Ranch (established in 1878) they used to drive the market animals down Halcyon Road to the cattle train in Oceano. In these later years members of the Grieb Family brought their sale cattle to the market in Templeton about once a year, however, they frequented the sale more than that. Sometimes they needed to add to the herd or were looking for a bull to enhance their breeding program. Now to ship their cattle they will have to travel over 3 hours one way and go over 2 major grades to do so.

Members of the Grieb family were at the last sale and like many of the ranchers present are sad to say farewell, but their dedication to their lifestyle and cattle ranching in San Luis Obispo County will remain steadfast.

The San Luis Obispo Chapter of the Cattlemen's Association provided a tri-tip lunch for the producers.

The San Luis Obispo Chapter of the Cattlemen’s Association served the producers a BBQ tri-tip lunch.

October 3, 2014 by ride-n-mama Sharon

Awe, so cute, Babies!

Meet “Baby Cakes” a healthy heifer calf born to “Chocolate Chip Pancake” who was shown by Ethan at the Santa Barbara County Fair this summer.

The first of the fall calf crop was born on the Grieb Ranch last night! There are a few “grade” cows still on the meager feed of the hills of Grieb Ranch plus supplemented feed. The registered herd enjoys green grass up in Oregon. At Grieb Ranch the calf crop is planned for early Fall so that the babies can be raised on the green grass that is coming; because we’re praying for rain!

The 6th Generation at the Grieb Ranch enjoying the puppies!

Puppies, babies, calves, chicks . . . What is it about new babies that makes us smile? Most people will stop everything at the sight or sound of a baby and flock to dote over the little creatures. Little children also become delighted over the wee creatures.

Maybe babies bring a smile because of the wonder of the miracle of new life. Babies of all kinds are so adorable, tiny and full of promise. Looking at baby animals can remind us of our amazing God and the great love the creator has for us. Not only are baby animals adorable there is the reminder that God loved us so much that He gave us life and formed us in our mother’s womb. “You formed my inward parts,” the psalmist says, “You covered me in my mother’s womb.” (Ps. 139:13)

Yes it’s fall calving time at Grieb Ranch and although the herd is small this year with a few here in California and more in Oregon, there is still the excitement, wonder and awe at the new life. New life renews our world and reminds us that life keeps going on and that creation has a purpose.

Still more exciting than new birth, is rebirth. God offers people spiritual rebirth through Jesus. (John 3:3-8) God tells believers that we will be changed and inherit life eternal when Jesus returns. (I Cor. 15:50-52)

So when we see all those new baby calves, chicks, goats or puppies let us remember that our physical and spiritual rebirth is and will be a far greater “awe” from God.

“I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.” – Psalm 139:14

September 26, 2014 by ride-n-mama Sharon

Grieb Ranch Macaroni Salad

Food makes memories. Here is a macaroni salad recipe that Barbara has been serving for years that many family members and friends have enjoyed.

Recipe for: Grieb Ranch Macaroni Salad

From the Kitchen of: Barbara Grieb
Servings: 16

Ingredients:

1 small package Salad Macaroni
½ Cup Mayonnaise
1/3 Cup Sweet Pickle Juice
1 Cup Diced Celery
1 Small Can Chopped Olives
1 Medium Onion (diced)
3 Sweet Pickles(diced)
3 Hard Cooked Eggs (chopped)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and cool. Mix together the mayonnaise and the pickle juice in separate bowl. Add to the cooled macaroni the diced celery, chopped olives, diced onion, diced sweet pickles and the chopped hard-cooked eggs. Pour the mayonnaise and pickle juice over all ingredients adding salt and pepper to taste, mix all ingredients together.

Serve over lettuce and garnish with fresh tomatoes. Enjoy.

He Gives And Takes Away – Drought Devotional

“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor the fruit be on the vines; yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17-18

“And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ ” Job 1:21

The drought on the central coast in 2014 has made a big impact on my life and family. With no affordable food and no grass on the hills to feed the cows we shipped cattle to sell and also shipped a few to Oregon. Through reading “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young and reading scripture, I am encouraged to rejoice in the Lord. I am reminded that God is with me through the drought. He will watch over me and my family constantly. Nothing – including the extremes of so much rain causing flooding that washes out dams to the driest drought years that leave the land bare – can separate me from God. At Grieb Ranch some of us seem to find God more during the dark times, when our difficulties force us to depend on Him. Others of us feel closer to God when our lives are filled with good things. I am learning to respond to both with thanksgiving and praise. God is amazing in that he knows precisely what I/we need to draw nearer to him. I am learning to go through each day looking for what he has prepared for me. I need to accept every event – droughts included – as a hand tailored provision of my needs. I must remember when I view my life that way the most logical response is to be thankful. I must not reject any of God’s gifts, and find God in every situation. “Blessed be the name of the Lord, He Gives and takes away.” – Devotional by Connie Grieb Willems

Matt Redmond singing the song “Blessed Be Your Name”

September 11, 2014 by ride-n-mama Sharon

No Rain = No Grass, No Water, and Expensive Feed.

Grieb Ranch Registered Angus in Oregon.

It’s been 3 years without much significant rainfall here in California. As a result the hills that make up Grieb Ranch are bare, some of the springs have dried up and supplementing the cattle with expensive feed is costly. The solution for Grieb Ranch was to ship (via truck with cattle trailer) a few of the remaining head of Registered Angus cattle to Oregon to Connie’s sister’s ranch last winter. Here they have feed until more rain falls back at Grieb Ranch on the Central Coast of California. This is the first time in the 136 year history of Grieb Ranch that the range cattle have had to be moved elsewhere for feed for a long period of time.

Calves with ear tags.

The cattle in Oregon still need to be worked, which is a bit difficult to do from California. Connie took the train up in June to work the (late) calves that were born in the snow after the Mother Cows were shipped to Oregon last winter. These calves needed to be branded, tagged and vaccinated and Connie was on hand to do just that. The train trip was fun. As she traveled, Connie was filled with hope as she passed beautiful irrigated hay fields, and some irrigated pastures that were dotted with cattle; a rare sight these days in California.

“SC” branded cattle with calf.

As fall approaches so does the arrival of the 2014 fall calf crop, many that are hopefuls for the 2015 Registered cattle show at the fair. The details of each new calf: its birth date, sex, and weight are recorded. An ear tag is then placed in each calf’s ear indicating the sire (bull) and dam (cow) and the birth date of the calf. At a later time the registered calves will have an ear tattoo placed for permanent identification.

At Grieb Ranch we continue to pray for rain, and look forward to the day when we can bring back our cattle to the green hills and flowing springs of Grieb Ranch.

Pictures by Wendy Gauthier – Connie’s niece in Oregon

September 4, 2014 by ride-n-mama Sharon

It’s Tomato Season. Make Some Delicious Bruschetta.

Fresh Tomatoes grow right outside the front door at Grieb Ranch making them handy for meals or snacks.

Fresh Tomatoes + Basil + Balsamic Vinegar placed on cheese-melted toast = yummy Bruschetta.

Follow the pics for the recipe.

Yummy home-grown tomatoes from the Grieb Garden.

Mmmm . . . lovely Basil home-grown in a pot on the deck.

Chop up the tomatoes and basil. Pour in Balsamic Vinegar. Chopped garlic can be added to this mixture if desired. Mix together and chill if desired.

Sliced Ciabatta bread is ideal. Here we used slices of roasted garlic sourdough bread which was yummy too. Spread olive oil on the top of each slice and then place shredded Parmesan cheese on top.

Broil the bread under low flame until cheese melts and edges brown. Remove from oven. Keep your eye on the bread as it toasts – Don’t walk away, it burns quicker than you think!

Place tomato, basil and vinegar mixture on top of melted cheese.

Eat . . . Eat . . . Eat!

August 29, 2014 by ride-n-mama Sharon

A Shoot-out Moves the School, a Lynching and The Pacific Coast Railway in Arroyo Grande, CA. – Grieb Ranch History

Santa Manuela School House - a one-room school house built in 1901 in upper Arroyo Grande. Picture from http://www.arroyograndevillage.org/museums.shtml

Santa Manuela School House – a one-room school house built in 1901 located in upper Arroyo Grande. – now fully-restored and on display in the Village of Arroyo Grande. Picture from http://www.arroyograndevillage.org/museums.shtml]

School Days

The boys would exit the school house through the windows, or so the story goes, of the very first school house built between San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria in 1867 by Francisco Branch, one of the first landowner in the Arroyo Grande, CA area.

Fred Grieb, father of Carl Grieb attended this school which was the first for the town site of Arroyo Grande. A three acre school site was deeded into the plan for the town of Arroyo Grande when the original 40,000 acres of the Santa Manuela-Arroyo Rancho land grant was divided.

Years later this school site was to be called, “un-safe” after a shoot-out occurred at a stable near the school where the stagecoaches changed horses. The school was then moved to an area which is now the corner of Traffic Way and Fair Oaks Avenue where the Ford dealership is today.

Carl Grieb started 1st grade at this school (where the Ford dealership is) until another elementary school was built off Orchard Street. Orchard school is now the 900 wing of Arroyo Grande High School. He attended Orchard school through 8th grade then went to the first High School, Crown Hill (built in 1906) which is now the current site of Paulding Middle school.

Paulding Middle School today – formerly Crown Hill High School where both Carl and Connie attended.

Connie went to Orchard for Jr. High for 6-8th grades then attended Crown Hill (now Paulding) for 9th grade. She returned as a teacher at Paulding Middle School and taught many students there from 1983 to 2010.

A Lynching

The railway bridge where two bodies hung from the trellis. Photo from South County Historical Society.

It was April Fool’s Day in 1886 and the school-kids were the first to report the event after a group of them ditched school and saw a site they would never forget . . . two bodies hanging from the Pacific Coast Railway bridge that crossed the Arroyo Grande Creek. Fred Grieb was one of these school kids.

The Hoosgow Jail in Arroyo Grande, CA.

In the wee hours of the morning a crowd of vigilantes broke into the Arroyo Grande jail where three people, a father and son plus a nephew, were being held for shooting and killing their neighbor due to a property squabble. The vigilantes hung the victims from the train trellis that crossed the Arroyo Grande creek just south of the old E.C. Loomis feed store off East Branch road in Arroyo Grande. The father and son were the two hanging; the nephew was seen running off with the rope still around his neck!

A marker describing the lynching can be found outside of the old E.C. Loomis Feed Store on East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande.

Pacific Coast Railway

Bck to school, a lynching and trains 2014-08-29 002

The Pacific Coast Narrow-Gauge Railway came through Arroyo Grande through this route.

The sound of the train coming always broke the peaceful quiet of Arroyo Grande as it made its way from Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo, stopping in Arroyo Grande near the E.C. Loomis feed store. The train really opened up the movement of goods up and down the coast increasing the market for animal feed, produce, animal hides and dry goods.

The train came from Santa Maria through Arroyo Grande running parallel to E. Cherry Lane then turning North onto what is now Pacific Coast Railway road continuing on over the Arroyo Grande Creek, across to the E.C. Loomis Feed store and then ran East down behind the neighborhood around Paulding Middle School and North up Corbett Canyon to San Luis Obispo. The train bridge was moved sometime ago due to flooding.

With the arrival of the railroad in October 1881 came the idea of travel for the people of Arroyo Grande. The narrow-gage train made it possible to ride in comfort up to San Luis Obispo. One of the train cars even had red-velvet covered seats and wrought-iron adornments. The people of the town lived by the time-table of the little train until the development of the highway brought its use to a close in 1942.

Pacific Coast Railway Marker found outside the old E.C. Loomis Feed Store on East Branch Street.

Unless otherwise noted, all pictures taken by Sharon Jantzen

The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

Ranching is a way of life needing to be preserved.

Author: ride-n-mama Sharon