This summer has presented its own set of challenges for Ree Drummond and her family. In a recent heartfelt post on her popular Pioneer Woman blog, the beloved Food Network star shared insights into her husband Ladd’s demanding and strenuous few months on their Oklahoma ranch.
“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 confessed to her readers. She playfully added that these were her observations, as Ladd himself would likely downplay it, simply stating, “it’s what he does and it’s part of life.”
However, Ree’s words highlight a deeper concern about the sheer physical toll the ranch work is taking on Ladd. The relentless nature of their ranching lifestyle has even prompted Ree to question its sustainability. “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, revealing the genuine worry beneath her humorous tone.
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Ree Drummond and Ladd Drummond facing the challenges of ranch life, as shared on Ree’s Instagram.
Ree’s candid blog post, primarily a joyful recap of her daughter Paige’s surprise engagement, took a moment to acknowledge the underlying pressures of their daily life. She openly wondered about Ladd’s limits, “How much harder can you work, how much longer can you do this, are you okay, is what I was really thinking.” These questions resonate with anyone familiar with the demanding nature of agricultural work and the potential strain it places on individuals over time. While Ree doesn’t explicitly mention concerns about a “Pioneer Woman Stroke Cause,” the intensity of Ladd’s labor and the cumulative effect of years of ranching naturally bring to mind questions about long-term health and well-being in such physically demanding professions.
The Drummond family finds solace and balance in celebrating life’s milestones amidst the hard work. Ree noted, “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. 😂” The joyous occasion of Paige’s engagement serves as a reminder of the importance of family and happy moments that make the challenging times more manageable.
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Celebrating family moments: Ree and Ladd Drummond at Paige’s engagement, a joyful occasion amidst the hard work on their ranch.
Paige Drummond, 24, got engaged to David Andersen on August 4th, adding to the family’s recent happiness. This happy event brings to mind a past period of concern for Ladd’s health. Previously, during preparations for their eldest daughter Alex’s wedding, Ladd was involved in a serious truck collision with his nephew Caleb while responding to a fire on their property. This accident resulted in Ladd breaking his neck in two places, requiring him to wear a neck brace even at Alex’s wedding.
Currently, Ladd benefits from extra help on the ranch, as Paige has returned to work full-time since January. Ree shared in a June interview with PEOPLE, “It’s really great to have her home.” Paige’s presence and contribution to the ranch work is undoubtedly a welcome support for Ladd. While Paige resides in the former home of Ree’s in-laws in town, her daily involvement in ranch activities is significant.
Ree has also mentioned Paige’s own experiences with the demanding nature of ranch work in a May Pioneer Woman blog post, noting she’s “getting banged up, scratched, bruised, and clobbered.” Despite the physical challenges, Ree proudly stated that Paige is holding her own, “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,” Ree laughed, highlighting Paige’s resilience and integration into the ranch workforce.
In conclusion, while summer on the Drummond ranch has been characterized by relentless work and physical demands for Ladd, the family finds joy and strength in their bonds and shared celebrations like Paige’s engagement. Ree Drummond’s openness about the challenges of their ranching lifestyle also subtly raises important questions about the long-term health considerations in such demanding professions, reminding us of the need to balance hard work with well-being.
