This summer has presented its share of challenges for Ree Drummond and her family, as detailed in her recent blog post on The Pioneer Woman. The Food Network star provided an update on her husband, Ladd Drummond, and his demanding summer on their Oklahoma ranch in Pawhuska. Her words offer a glimpse into the realities of ranch life and the concerns Ree holds for Ladd’s relentless work ethic and overall well-being.
In her candid blog post, Ree described the summer as “busy, slightly rough” for Ladd, emphasizing the “work, the early mornings, the unrelenting grind, the exhaustion.” She acknowledged that this sentiment is somewhat of an annual observation, yet this year seemed to carry a heavier weight. Ree humorously noted that these are her perceptions, as Ladd himself would likely downplay the difficulty, attributing it to the nature of his work and life. However, her account reveals a deeper concern for her husband’s physical state amidst the ongoing demands of ranching.
The strain of the season led Ree to openly question the sustainability of their current pace. She recounted a moment of exasperation, stating, “I don’t think we can do this anymore,” after seeing Ladd return home “limp inside, covered in dust and blood.” While partly in jest, her words also hinted at a genuine worry about Ladd’s capacity to maintain such an intense workload. This reveals Ree’s attentiveness to Ladd’s condition and her consideration for his limits, something that resonates deeply within their shared life on the ranch.
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Ree and Ladd Drummond. Ree Drummond/Instagram
Ree further elaborated on her internal monologue during these demanding times, admitting, “How much harder can you work, how much longer can you do this, are you okay, is what I was really thinking.” These questions underscore her deep care for Ladd’s health and her unspoken assessment of his physical and emotional state as he navigates the rigors of ranching. Her perspective provides an intimate look into the challenges faced by families in demanding professions and the concern spouses carry for their partners’ well-being.
However, Ree’s blog post, primarily intended as a joyful recap of her daughter Paige’s surprise engagement, also highlights the balance of life’s highs and lows. She reflected on how the Drummond family’s joyous occasions provide strength during tougher times. The engagement celebration offered a welcome respite and a reminder of the positive aspects of their lives, making the hardships feel 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. 😂” Ree shared. This sentiment reveals how family milestones serve as emotional anchors, providing resilience amidst the daily grind. She also added a hopeful note, “And summer will be over soon!” indicating a sense of anticipation for a less strenuous season.
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Ree and Ladd Drummond. Ree Drummond/Instagram
The engagement of Paige, 24, to David Andersen on August 4th marked a significant family event. The blog post subtly references a past health scare for Ladd around the time of their elder daughter Alex’s wedding, adding context to Ree’s current concerns. During that time, Ladd was involved in a serious truck collision with his nephew, Caleb, while responding to a fire. He sustained a broken neck in two places and had to wear a neck brace at Alex’s wedding. This past incident likely amplifies Ree’s sensitivity to Ladd’s physical well-being and her vigilance regarding his health.
Currently, Ladd receives assistance on the ranch from Paige, who returned to work full-time in January. Ree mentioned in a June interview with PEOPLE the positive impact of having Paige back, noting, “It’s really great to have her home.” Paige resides in the former home of Ree’s in-laws, a comforting continuity for the family. While Paige’s long-term plans are open-ended, Ree appreciates her present contribution to the ranch.
Ree described Paige’s ranch work in a May blog post, stating she is “getting banged up, scratched, bruised, and clobbered.” Despite the demanding nature of the work, Ree admires Paige’s resilience, telling PEOPLE, “She’s very strong, not just physically, but she’s got a pretty strong heart and personality.” Paige’s integration into the ranch work, viewed by Ree not just as “Ladd’s kid, but as one of the cowboys basically,” highlights the family’s deep involvement in their ranching lifestyle.
In conclusion, Ree Drummond’s reflections on Ladd’s summer offer a personal perspective on the challenges and joys of ranch life. While her account touches upon the demanding nature of their work and her concerns for Ladd’s well-being, it is framed within a larger narrative of family resilience and celebration. The engagement of their daughter serves as a reminder of the positive milestones that sustain them through demanding seasons. Ree’s narrative provides valuable insight into the Drummond family’s life, balancing the realities of hard work with moments of joy and familial support.
