I’ve been in need of a refresher course for quite some time.  And in typical Kelln fashion, it took me a couple of weeks to even realize that I was already taking a class. As I look back over the last year in the goat showing business, I feel like I got the living crap kicked out of me.  But then, you stop, take a look and analyze the goats that I bought for people.  Grand & Res. grand at Woodward, Res. grand at OYE, Res. Grand at Tulsa, Grand at Phoenix & Res. Grand at Denver.  The goats came from various breeders and were shown by various showmen.  And I dang sure didn’t have any dirty pool deals in place for any of those placings. Not bad.  But it feels rough.  Why?  I didn’t have much fun with it.  And if you can’t have fun doing something, then why do it?

      The trip to Phoenix was a good one for me.  Why?  Duke and I had big fun.  Got our donkey’s kicked.  But we had fun.  I was reminded that sometimes, a dutch oven peach cobbler is important. Why, you ask?  And I quote Duke, “Where else you going to get peach cobbler like that?”  Chesley & Madison reminded me that these things are about fun and life lessons.  I also had to realize that not everybody has heard of the “Eagles”.  Yeah, as in the band, the “Eagles”.   Who knew that some live under a rock.  

     I wanted to go to Denver with Schoovy and Braden.  It just didn’t work out for me to do it.  And I am glad.  TravASS and Braden can get stuff done.  When it comes to showmanship, I’ll take Braden and give you the field, odds, points, whatever.  He can get it done.  I think the term is–“Proven Commodity”.  

      Braden, Duke and I bought this goat back in May/June at Garrett’s farm sale.  Duke liked him.  I liked him.  Braden liked him.  He was little bitty.  I got him bought cheaper than I thought it would take.  I wanted to keep him.  Braden wanted to go to Denver.  I asked Duke.  And I quote, “If Braden can go win something with him, I’m good.”  If you know Duke, that’s saying a lot.  Last night, I asked Duke, “Do you wish we would have kept that goat?”  With a look like I asked a stupid question, “Did one of our friends win a banner with him? Hunh, then we didn’t need him.”  Son, you would be correct.  

       Now, I look forward to events to come and it isn’t about a banner or a picture.  It’s about doing things right.  I am in a lucky position.  Other than my parents, my wife and my kids, I don’t owe anybody, anywhere, anything.  I am not obligated.  This deal can still be about horseshoes and shamrocks.  

       And to close this deal this evening, my mom is driving to OKC following the helicopter that is taking my Dad to the heart hospital.  He has had a spell for the 2nd time in the past month.  He already had a cardiologist appointment next week.  Personally, I like the fact that this speeds stuff up.  He’s going to be fine.  I’ll actually bet that this deal helps him long term.  Nonetheless, we won’t turn down any prayers to help JQ and Mom.  I will guarantee you that we all need a little refresher course that involves JESUS and the one and only GOD.  

        So, in 2015, if I don’t seem too worked up about a banner shot, crappy judges or stuff that really doesn’t matter in the long run, then take a refresher course and remember why we do this.  I’ve already won.  I am surrounded by good family, good friends and good times.  Bust a move, take a step back, a deep breath and go…it could be worse.