Ep 10. The Way Things Used to Be

In the sixteenth season of The Pioneer Woman, episode 10 is named "The Way Things Used to Be." In this episode, Ree Drummond takes her viewers to explore the past to understand the present.

The episode starts with Ree recalling her cherished memories of summers spent at her grandparents' ranch. She talks about how different life was in the past, and how values and traditions have changed over time. Ree tells stories of how life was different on the ranch and how those changes have influenced the way she runs her household and farm.

Ree then heads to the historic Osage County Museum in Pawhuska to learn more about the history of the town, with the help of the curator Natasha Ball. They talk about the stories, photos, and artifacts in the museum that are remarkable reminders of the past. Ree is amazed by the history of the place and the impact it has on her perspective of the past and its connection to the present.

The episode further explores how farming and ranching practices have changed over time. Ree visits some local farmers, who talk about the different techniques they use in their farming practices. She learns about different machinery and how they have evolved through time, making farming less labor-intensive.

Ree's husband Ladd goes to his family's homestead near the ranch, where he shows Ree, and his children the old family photographs stored in the attic. They talk about the family's history, and how things have changed over the generations. Ree is touched by the family's history, and Ladd's patriotism and love for his family and country.

Ree then visits her family's church, where she sits down with the Rev. Larry Hopkins, who has been the pastor for over 50 years. They talk about some of the stories of the church, and the impact the church has had on the community. They discuss how life in the area has changed over the years, including the growth of the town and its effect on the church.

The episode also showcases Ree's efforts to preserve her family's traditions by preparing some of her grandmother's recipes. She makes her grandmother's classic Fried Chicken and Biscuits recipe and shares her memories of making the dish with her grandmother when she was young.

In the end, "The Way Things Used to Be" is an emotional yet insightful episode that highlights the importance of preserving family traditions and exploring one's history. Ree's journey throughout the episode shows how fascinating and essential the past can be in shaping the present and our perspectives of life. It encourages the viewers to explore their own family history and try to preserve their traditions.