El Gomeno Ranch

The first calf of 2026 arrived yesterday evening.

Between the beautiful sky, the quiet pasture, and a healthy new baby on the ground, it was one of those peaceful farm moments you wish you could bottle up and keep forever.

MM Skipps Easy Jet - hand picked by Wayne Drydale himself for his program prior to his passing. He is an exceptional stallion with a solid build, kind disposition, and athletic ability. Easy Jet combines excellent conformation, intelligence, and a willing attitude, making him a pleasure to handle both on the ground and under saddle. His offspring have inherited his calm temperament, strong bone, and versatility, making them suitable for a variety of disciplines. Standing to approved mares

Easter morning looked a little different.

I had spent the morning making homemade noodles for chicken and noodles, using these beautiful eggs gifted by my girls. Somewhere between the flour, the eggs, and the memories, I cried a little.

All the firsts can feel a little overwhelming.
My first Easter without my mom.
My first Easter as a grandma.

Making chicken and noodles like Grandma used to felt like a hug from heaven. A little love, a little grief, and a whole lot of gratitude wrapped up in one simple meal.

Happy Easter (a few days late) from our farm to yours. 🤍

The new welcome sign at the entrance- he said he needs more saw blades

How to Read Olive Oil Labels (Without Overthinking It)
I can’t say I’ve cut all the bad things out of my life… but I do try to be mindful about what I bring in.
One thing I’ve started paying more attention to?
👉 Olive oil.
It can get confusing at the store, so here’s a simple way I look at labels:
🫒 1. Look for “Extra Virgin”
This is the least processed and best quality.
👉 It should be 100% olive oil *** nothing added***
2. Check Where It Comes From
You might see:
Single country (like Spain or Italy)
Or a blend of countries
👉 Neither is “bad” — I just like knowing what I’m getting
🏷️ 3. Read the Fine Print
Words matter:
“Extra Virgin” = good
“Light” or just “Olive Oil” = more processed
“Blend” = mixed with other oils sometimes
🕰️ 4. Look for Freshness
If you can find a harvest date, that’s even better 👏
If not, check the best by date and grab the newest one
🍾 5. Bottle Matters
I always grab:
✔️ Dark glass bottles
❌ Not clear plastic sitting in bright light

This one I grabbed is a great everyday cooking oil ... simple, just olives, no blends or extras.
Is it the fanciest one out there? No.
But it’s a solid choice for daily use, and that’s what works for me.
🌿 Bottom Line
I’m not trying to do everything perfectly —
just making better choices where I can.
And those small choices add up 🤍

We’ve been slowly adding fresh-milled flour into our cooking, and I’ll be honest there’s been a learning curve.

Starting with 100% fresh-milled flour had a much stronger, earthier flavor and a texture you won’t find on a store shelf. We also had to learn how moisture and rise work a little differently.

Some recipes feel more filling (pancakes especially!), so we’ve been experimenting, blending flours, sifting in different ways, and adjusting one recipe at a time instead of changing everything at once.

It’s reminded me that small, realistic changes, made gradually are often the ones that actually stick and support a balanced, healthy life. 🌾🤍