This summer has presented its own set of unique challenges for Ree Drummond and her family. The известная Food Network personality, known to her fans as the Pioneer Woman, recently shared insights into her husband Ladd’s demanding summer on their Oklahoma ranch in a heartfelt blog post on The Pioneer Woman blog.
In her candid update, Ree described the relentless nature of ranch work and its impact on Ladd. “Ladd has had…a busy, slightly rough summer. I think I say this every year, but the work, the early mornings, the unrelenting grind, the exhaustion…it has been a little much,” Ree wrote, giving readers a glimpse into the demanding lifestyle they lead. She playfully clarified that these were her observations, as Ladd himself would simply attribute it to the nature of his work and life on the ranch.
The sheer volume of work this season prompted Ree to contemplate the sustainability of their current pace. “A couple of weeks ago, after watching him limp inside, covered in dust and blood after a particularly long day, I actually said the words, ‘I don’t think we can do this anymore.’ It was partly in jest, but also maybe a little bit not,” she admitted, highlighting the physical toll the work was taking on Ladd. Her concerns extended beyond just the immediate workload, as she internally questioned, “How much harder can you work, how much longer can you do this, are you okay, is what I was really thinking.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(756×210:758×212)/ree-ladd-drummond-instagram2-081224-778ec065e36b4958bd0114a1adbfaedf.jpg)
Ree’s blog post, while reflecting on the summer’s hardships, was actually centered around the joyous occasion of her daughter Paige’s recent engagement. She thoughtfully connected the challenging aspects of their lives with the moments of profound happiness, explaining how the latter makes the former more manageable. “So to see him smiling and walking around and enjoying the celebration of his second child and the man she’s gonna marry…well, it made me feel a little better about things. 😂” she shared, adding a touch of humor and optimism. “And summer will be over soon!”
The engagement of Paige, 24, to David Andersen on August 4th brought a wave of celebration to the Drummond ranch. The prospect of wedding bells on the ranch also evoked memories of a past health scare for Ladd. Leading up to their elder daughter Alex’s wedding, Ladd was involved in a serious truck collision with his nephew Caleb while responding to a fire. The accident resulted in Ladd breaking his neck in two places, requiring him to wear a neck brace at Alex’s wedding. This history adds another layer of context to Ree’s current concerns about Ladd’s well-being and the physical demands of ranching.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(734×222:736×224)/ree-ladd-drummond-instagram-081224-2597bc5be20a42ccadc580cb04cacc6f.jpg)
Adding a positive dynamic to the ranch, Paige has returned to work full-time since January. In a June interview, Ree expressed her delight in having Paige back home. Paige is currently residing in the former home of Ree’s in-laws, providing a sense of continuity and family presence on the ranch. While Ree acknowledges that Paige’s long-term plans are open-ended, she appreciates her current involvement in the ranch operations.
Ree had previously mentioned in a May blog post that Paige was experiencing the physical demands of ranch work firsthand, “getting banged up, scratched, bruised, and clobbered.” However, she emphasized Paige’s resilience and capability in a PEOPLE interview, stating, “She’s very strong, not just physically, but she’s got a pretty strong heart and personality, so it’s fun to watch her kind of jump in and learn the ropes — not as Ladd’s kid, but as one of the cowboys basically. Cowgirls, I should say,” with a cheerful laugh.
In conclusion, Ree Drummond’s recent updates provide an honest portrayal of the demanding yet rewarding lifestyle of ranching. While acknowledging the physical toll and exhaustion that come with the territory, particularly for Ladd during a challenging summer, Ree also highlights the importance of family milestones and shared joy in weathering these storms together. The Pioneer Woman and her family continue to navigate the realities of ranch life with resilience, humor, and a strong family bond.
