Sissy

Sissy is the twin that we've been bottle feeding for the last 4 weeks.  She is Richard's sister hence the name Sissy. 

 I've been trying to convince her that she is a goat and needs to make goat friends but she doesn't listen.

 She thinks the barn is a great place to play.

 "Just look at all this stuff to climb on."

How can you say no to a face like that?

First Peony

The first peony was blooming today!

 So of course I had to take a picture of it.  It smells heavenly.

 That led to more picture taking.

 Then some picture enhancement.

 I love how the veins show up.

 This is the first time that this variegated weigela has bloomed.

 Can you tell I like pink.

It's been a beautiful spring.  It seems like the last several years we have gone from winter to summer with no spring.  I told V and E to enjoy this year because it's been the best spring weather within their memories.  Hope you are enjoying spring where you are.
My next post will be number 800!

Results

Without further suspense 

 the big steer was 2nd in his class.

 He acted and looked good but had a sore foot so he didn't walk freely which the judge criticized.

 V's little steer won his class.

 She didn't have any problems showing him.

 He walked well and she was able to keep his head up.  He also had more finish than the other steers in the class.

 I think she was tickled with the first place.  She got to go back for the division champion but didn't place in that.

 V said she had always wanted a steer she could sit on.  At home in the barn lot if he was laying down when she would go to work with them she would always go sit on him.  He never seemed to mind at all.

 Senior showmanship was split into two heats.  She did well but didn't make the cut.

 V had a good cheering section.  Grandma and Grandpa R made it back from Florida in time for the show.  Grandma P came with Aunt L and we let E skip school to come. (with secret hopes that she would catch the steer showing bug and want to do this next year)

V's boyfriend was even able to attend but apparently wasn't totally mesmerized by the proceedings.  

And finally, V won a $400 college scholarship for past participation, leadership and citizenship.  We are very proud of all she has accomplished.

Steer Show Day 1

The Steer Show started Tuesday with grading and weighing.  

 State graders checked out the steers handling for fat cover,

 then conferring and deciding on a grade.  The small steer we raised weighed 1045 and graded Select +.  The larger steer we bought weighted 1240 and graded Choice -.

 Then it was off to the show grounds to get settled in.

 The steers got fed and watered and bedded down, the blocking chute set up and V settled in for a rest.

 The rest didn't last long.  It's very important to keep the steers full and hydrated.  You don't want them to look sucked up and hollow for the show the next day.  We even took some of our own water in case they didn't like the water at the fair grounds.  They also got another bath and blow dry.

 J and his friend Tim had a good time discussing every detail of the cattle they brought.

And I couldn't pass up a picture of this grandfather and grandson.  They were both real workers.
Show day coming next.

Bath Day

Tonight is the steers last night at the 4Rs.  Tuesday they head  for the check in then show on Wednesday.

 So today was bath day.  This will be the first of about 3 baths they will get before the show.  We hauled them from the old barn lot to the new barn because we have running water here now.

 Dawn dish detergent does wonders at removing dirt and grime.

 It's important to rinse all the soap out so they don't get itchy and roll around in the mud again.

J helps with the cattle projects and I do the horse ones.  Don't let his complaining fool you, I think he secretly enjoys it still.

Senior Prom

V had a good time at her senior prom Friday night  It was an all day affair getting ready.  Apparently, it takes much more effort than when I was in school.  Or maybe I just didn't know better back then.  She got the dress a couple of months ago but it needed some alterations.  It only took about 3 hours the sew on loose stones, take in side seams and shorten straps and hem it.  (I was not with her when she bought it or we would have gotten one that fit to start with)  She went for a spray tan the day before, then a manicure and professional hairdo. 

 A guess it was worth it.  She was beautiful,

 and got the hang out with her good friends,

and feel very special for the evening.
J got talked into helping with After Prom 12-5 am.  I think he has finally recovered.

New Home

We usually sell our billy goat every spring and buy a new one to breed the nannies in the fall.  Billy goats are getting expensive so we thought we would try to keep this one over the summer but we don't want him breeding the nannies until the end of November.  J caught him a few days ago and put him in the bull lot but apparently that is not goat proof and he got back out.  So on to plan B.

 The goats had hung out in the barn over night so the billy was easy to catch again.

 Then J loaded him into the pickup for a short ride.

 Emma takes every opportunity available to "help" out.

 J said he's going to have the billy goat halter broke and ready to show at this rate.

He's now in the new lot at the horse barn.  We'll see now if it's goat proof.