Hello blog (and those who read it)! Long time, no words, which is sad because I’ve had SO MANY words to say since I last wrote. The problem is, many of them have not been appropriate, thus my blog has been silent.
#profanityisgoodforyourmentalhealth
Anyway, over the last three weeks, we’ve done our “normal” thing.of showing cattle. We had two shows at our county fair, a third which was a state show, and finally the Iowa State Fair “Speical Edition”.
#whatwerewethinking
Now, these shows followed all the guidelines of social distancing (keep a cow apart), hand washing (please wash your hands), along with several other things to keep us safe.
#oknotreally
Honestly, the only difference for many of these shows was how we were stared at as we walked through the barns with out masks on. We stalled near doors, so we sat outside or in the breeze a lot, but as we walked through enclosed places, the mask went on. And why not? I need to lead by example if my students are going to wear masks. The county was void of masks (we don’t believe in Covid up here), and the other fairs were not much different. We live in a bubble here, and I hope it doesn’t pop in an ugly fasion.
My daughter did as well as could be expected. She won her class in a couple of shows and finished top 5 in the state show, which was a good feeling. We don’t have the money to buy real expensive animals, but we get lucky from time to time and that feels nice.
I’m pretty sure I wrote last yeat that it was her final run. I won’t say that this year because I don’t know. She’s tranfered to Iowa State and is moving into animal science. I could see her showing one more time as she’ll have a year of “eligibilty” left as an FFA member. One of our show family talked to her brief about possibly buying an animal, but that conversation is happening too soon.
Me? I’d love to see her show one more time. She loves it, loves the competition, but most of all, loves the Brown Swiss. I keep telling her, when I win the lottery, I’m buying up the land around me an creating a dairy like no other, full of Brown Swiss.
She smiles wisfully, knowing it won’t happen, but sharing my dream. And why not? A farm filled with the most amazing dairy animals is a dream come true.
Even if it is only a dream.

August 11, 2020 at 10:42 pm
This slice of life is a glimpse of a whole new world (to me) and it is a treat to be transported. There is such a clear sense of your appreciation for farm and family—so warm and genuine. And I can totally picture that cow as a reminder for social distancing! Thanks so much for sharing today.
August 13, 2020 at 7:57 am
It’s so different than how I grew up, so the learning curve has been a sharp one! However, it’s been a great experience with amazing people, experiences, and animals! 🙂
August 12, 2020 at 6:27 am
Glad you found your way to writing this week. The hashtags say a lot. #oknotreally describes a lot these days. But we still have wistful smiles for hoping dreams could come true. The photo captures that, and the happiness of doing something you love.
August 13, 2020 at 10:52 pm
> wistful smiles <
I love this image in my head. Thank you for your comment and bringing joy to my blog! 🙂
August 12, 2020 at 10:21 am
This was a slice from another world (for me), and it was such a treat to be transported. I appreciate the sense of calm and warmth for family–it just shines through. Love the image of a cow as adequate space for social distancing–totally using that one! Thank you for sharing today.
August 12, 2020 at 11:12 am
Dreams do come true. All the best . Last week on Friday, I asked whether it was Wednesday !!
August 13, 2020 at 7:58 am
Just confused, but it all works out! 😀
August 12, 2020 at 12:09 pm
Your hashtags were spot on:) I love the photo of Faith and Princess! Reading about the fair transported me to a happy place!
August 13, 2020 at 10:51 pm
That’s my job, to help people find their happy places! 🙂 Glad I could do that for you! :
August 14, 2020 at 6:37 am
Sitting down here in suburban central Texas, I’m not even thinking about events like cow showings continuing. And we are all about the masks around here. Lots of profanity floating through my mind these days, too. Thanks for the glimpse outside of my bubble.
August 19, 2020 at 8:14 am
It is good to step outside the bubble for just a bit, but damn, it’s a scary place because many, MANY people aren’t doing what they need to do. But, a brief mental vacation is a good thing. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!