Woah!!!!

The sun was just barely up this morning. I was enjoying the early morning news, checking email and looking out the window. Now why is that goat out eating in the pasture by herself? Usually the goats are out eating and roaming in their herd. Squinting my eyes I yelled out the window to her, "Britches". She didnt lift her head? Maybe she found a good weed or some really tasty grass, so I yelled again "Britches". Still no look from her. Ok, so now I lifted the screen to get a better view. Well, maybe that isn't Britches. The binoculars are hanging on the door so I grab them to get an even better look. Woah, that isnt a goat but a coyote. What is that wiley coyote doing in our pasture???? They can and will take down a goat. I hustle down the stairs, slip on some shoes and get out to the pasture. Thankfully all of the goats are accounted for! I holler at the coyote to get out of here. It hurries to the corn and disappears. We are hoping that it will not be back but will be checking with the DNR on hunting/trapping rules of coyote. It would be awful to have a coyote coming onto our property for free pickings. The camera is pretty much on the fritz as I cant zoom in too much so I didnt bother with any pictures. Sorry. I did take some garden pictures, but will try and blog and post pictures tomorrow.

The Fair

Monday, July 13th was the opening day of the Buchanan County Fair. We really enjoy going to our county fair to see the animals, watch the 4H kids show & eat some great food from Iowa Beef, Pork & Dairy producers! YUM! Since this was Carter's first year in 4H he was involved in the fair this year. On July 7th the 4H garden judge came out to evaluate his home garden project. Carter was super excited to learn via mail that he had earned a blue ribbon for his project. Of course we had to walk through the fair buildings to find his name posted :)

Thursday, July 16th was the pie baking contest and at 6pm that evening the pies were auctioned off. All of the proceeds from the pie sale went to support 4H activities. After I got off of work we hurried out there to see the end of the auction and couldnt believe it when the pies were going for $400+, yes that is not a typo. Some of the kids also made "flower buckets"....5 gallon buckets that were decorated and filled with flowers & plants. Those great looking buckets were bringing in $150+ dollars, all for a great cause! It was getting kind of late so we decided to leave as I had to work friday morning. As we were heading out they were just starting the Lumberjack Show so we decided to stay and watch. Carter sure did get a kick out of it, especially the log run.

As you can see this 9 time world champion log runner landed on his, as Carter so tactfully put it, balls.

Friday was the cattle shows. They even had a youth fun show which Carter participated in. We dont have our own calf yet, but a very nice girl let Carter borrow her milking shorthorn calf named Mask. The calf was nicely trained, Carter had a lot of fun and got a blue ribbon for that class also. He is looking forward to next year so he can do his bottle/bucket calf.

For the price of parking $2, no gate charge and the delicious food you sure cant beat that for a day of family fun!

enjoy the short video of the Fun Show

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July everyone! Hope that yours was safe and fun!

Our 4th was very very cool compared to what it could have been with a high of only 72 F.
This was just fine with us as Carter and I had volunteered to be in the 4th of July parade for my work. Due to rules we had to walk to be able to throw candy...no candy was to be thrown from parade floats/vehicles. We did get a sprinkle that came down but I would much rather be a little damp from some light rain then be soaked from sweat. Here are a few pictures that I took before the parade.




Lets get this thing going already

Yum, Tootsie Rolls.

The rest of the Holiday weekend was spent working in the yard & gardens. I will get some pictures taken and update the progress of our garden. Carter has his 4H garden judging tomorrow so keep your fingers crossed for him :)