Winter has arrived.  Little bit of ice followed by several inches of snow and throw some wind in to boot.  This morning, the thermometer read 12.  It’s the first of half of November.  WTH?  Lots of various people making statements that it is going to be a long winter.

Make sure critters get a good drink of water.  They won’t eat if they don’t drink.

You know that a person is an icon when Golic & Wingo on ESPN starts their morning program paying respects to Stan Lee.  He wasn’t an athlete but his works crossed all parts of society.  Spiderman, Incredible Hulk, the Guardians of the Galaxy and  Deadpool;  just to name a few.  He didn’t start his comic career until he was in his 30s and the first BIG movie didn’t come out until he was dang neart 80.  He had cameo roles in all his movies right up until the end at 95.  Batman is my favorite superhero but I have enjoyed watching a lot of the Marvel comic movies that were created by Stan Lee.

Stay warm.  Keep the critters dry, warm, well fed and watered.

Saturday was one windy, miserable son-of-a-gun outside.  I needed a day to get stuff done, but not much happened.  So, I watched the bedlam game.  It should have been a blowout, but ou doesn’t have a defense and Okie State does have an offense.  Which resulted in a close game.

The kicker isn’t good, the qb missed several throws including the most important one and at least Gundy went for the win.  Oh well.  Then I watched Notre Dame kick the once proud Florida State team.

I dealt with another game on Sunday.  I spent the entire afternoon nominating animals for OYE.  $20 bucks a pop.  Plus nominating extra which means we will have to enter extra adds up to a lot of $s.  It’s all just a game.    There are some that spend more on their nominations and entries than what most pay for their animal.

All the stock has full tanks and fresh hay.  Supposed to be a snow coming this way.  Sounds fun.  Have a good one.

I don’t spend as much time with goat peeps as I used to.  And that is probably a good thing.  But I dang sure enjoy it when I get to have a day with some great ones.

Sure.  We had school today but I didn’t.  When I hired on to this gig, I made it clear that there would be times that I couldn’t be there.  No problem.  Plus, I put in my weekends and overtime.  It all evens out.  Not really, but I keep telling myself that.

I spent Tuesday in Goodwell, OK at the Oklahoma Panhandle State University FFA Interscholastics.  The Shattuck FFA hauled 48 students to this contest.  We did well, real well in some areas and could have done better in others.  All in all, I was pleased with the students.  We also enjoyed the opportunity to attend this event.  I made it home some time after midnight.

I made it to school for a bit on Wednesday then I headed east.  East to Fargo to load does and head to Cleo Springs.  Amy & Carli Word had inquired about flushing and AIing does.  So we went to Bob & Jodi Seelke’s.  It was as expected…only better.  Braden was in a pissy mood.  Darbi Ross was great help.  Bob was in perfect form.  It was awesome.

And then Jodi had lunch ready.  Boneless beef ribs with bbq beans, corn and home-made bbq sauce.  OH SNAP!  I only ate two plate FULLS.   Then she offered up home-made Mexican vanilla ice cream with red velvet cake.  I abstained.  I was already at maximum capacity and knew that the fresh ice cream would tear me up.  But, everybody else was hooked on this ice cream and cake.  I could smell the vanilla in it.

The crew doing the technical work was great to deal with.  Who?  I don’t want to jinx anything.  But they were especially great with Carli and let her get involved.  I always like it when people take time to teach a kid.  It pays off for all involved.

Oh, Carli had never met Bob Seelke before.  On the way to Cleo Springs, I told her that Bob was quiet and hardly ever talked.  HAAA!!!!! Carli is a super quiet kid but she was even laughing and telling Bob stories on the ride home.   Bob has taken off work for 5 straight days.  He is a bit wound.  Everybody was teasing Jodi about how she was going to handle 5 straight days of Bob. She laughed and said, “How do you think the obituary will read?”   We all laughed and said, “Anybody that knew him would say that it was justified.”

If you can’t tell, I had fun today.  Don’t know yet how to feel about the work that was done but time will tell.  But, as usual, I did learn something.

I had bought some name-brand-not-cheap semen.  I wanted it checked as we were working.  They had a tablet with the iSperm app on it.  Yep, put a drop of sperm in the screw on light and it works like a microscope.  Then you hit “analyze” and it counts concentration of sperm cells, tests motility and abnormalities.  It was wicked bad ass cool.  That purchased semen…eeeennnhhh…decent but not good.  Not good enough to sell but…..the check was cashed months ago.  Should have 50% on frozen semen–maybe half of that can settle a doe but….

So, I then had them thaw some 7 year old Fade2Black straws…cool deal it was almost 60% motility.  Cool.  Then, I said “Breed the rest to that Rumour Has It buck.”  Bob nor I even bothered to go look at the semen test. Didn’t need to. They thawed it and put a drop on the slide.  The technician, Darbi, Amy and Jodi all screamed, “Dang, it looks like it is trying to swim off the screen!”   70+% motility.  If my luck holds true with this high maintenance goat management then nothing will stick except for the spanish/nubian cross that we bred for the neighbor hoping for quint doe kids.

I sometimes shake my head when dealing with REI but I cannot dispute that they do a good job of putting up semen.  I’ve sold quite a bit of goat semen over the years with very few complaints and I made every one of those deals right even though it was probably operator error.  Thus the reason that I have REI collect and store the semen.

Did I mention that Jodi prepared one helluva lunch?  And that Bob made me laugh?  And that I learned something(s)?  I watched a kid and a parent learn why good goats cost so dang much.  And I had fun.  Dang dude.

It’s all good.  Until I realize that I’m going to have to use the neighbors buck.  He is a well bred kind of deal: “The neighbor thinks that he bought him in Goldthwaite, Perry, Dodge or San Angelo at a sale.  He came with some pink papers that said he is a Spanish/900/Gallagher/191/Animal/Bingo/Helms/Ibex/Pfeiffer/Hutto deal that was an aborted embryo that would have been a twin to the grand or reserve at either the ’09 or ‘011 show that was in Kansas City or Houston or maybe Huntoon, Tx.  Who knows?  Got to be good.  All I wanted to know about him was:  “How come he don’t have no ears and why does the scrapies tag show that he is from Florida?

You better think about it.   Think.  Think.   Hunh?!   Where did they put that scrapies tag?

I’m done.  For now.

I sat down on my favorite reading stool, opened up the newest issue of the Purple Circle magazine and began perusing the pages.  Sure, I was looking at pictures, but I was also stopping to read the articles.  One of the articles caught my eye–something about an ag teacher that had taught for 40 years.  I know this dude!  The article was about Kevin Frazier and his 40 year run at Ponca City.   Pretty cool article.  Congrats Frazier!

Today is pull cidr and give shots day.  I don’t have many does to deal with but every one of them is being programmed.

Recently, I’ve heard several discussions on the radio, read a deal or three on the computer and heard some kids discussing whether candy corn was any good or not.  What?

Candy corn has been made since the the late 1800s.  Over 125 years–you don’t make a product for that long and it not have some fans.  Some call it Chicken Feed.  Some people are just realizing that it looks like corn.  No crap?  Or to quote the late great Robin Williams,  “What the @u(k?”   Thirty-five million pounds of this sugary treat is made & sold each year.  A lot of somebodies like this stuff.  But, a lot of lists rank candy corn as the worst Halloween candy.  Hunh?  I would think that the apple with a razor blade or a snickers with a needle in it would rank as the worst candy.  I don’t know.  Just seems logical to me.

The superintendent of Waynoka Public Schools that hired my dumbass back in 1996 was Dale Ross.  Obviously, Mr. Ross was a very intelligent person.  He was a great talent scout.  He always had a chicken feeder on his desk filled with candy corn.  Kids loved it and adults couldn’t keep from grabbing a kernel or four.  I am not a fan nor an opponent of candy corn.  I just don’t understand why some people are becoming so vocal against it.

The candy corn debate reminds me of the band Nickleback.  I like several of their songs.  I really like one or two of their songs.  Rockstar is a wicked cool tune.  Judging from the facts that they have had #1 hits in the US of A and have sold millions of records, I am not alone.  But, several have taken it upon themselves to constantly bash this band.  Fine, I don’t care, I just don’t get the bashing.

What in the name of all things goat does (does not does–plural)  candy corn and Nickleback have to do with anything?  Our society allows a few to whip up a lot of noise even though all facts point the other way.  Which brings us to November 6.

For the first time ever, I voted by absentee ballot.  I know that my ballot may not get counted but I dang sure was not going to miss out on casting my votes–right or wrong–regardless of what the media or internet thinks that I should do.  As an American, I voted.  You should too.

I don’t care if you like or dislike candy corn or Nickleback, get off your butt, vote and do NOT let a bunch of noise deter you.  VOTE.

In today’s livestock marketing world, it is all about the picture.  Did you get the shot?  That one magical picture can fuel a sale or drive a new sire to stardom.

And yes, unfortunately, there have been some doctored pictures.  As the industry continues to respond to those magical images, this is not a new thing.

Back in 1888, a magazine was launched that used stellar photography to bring images from around the world.  Science, geography, cultures, religions and most of all–animals.  Most people have an image of what a National Geographic picture looks like.

And they are still bringing it today.  I still subscribe to the magazine, even though I could do without their ever-leaning political stances that they push in each article.  I may get bored with some of the articles in each issue but I still peruse the magazine and look at each picture.  And this month did not disappoint.  Pg. 144.  A picture of two giraffes.  The kind of picture that makes you go “Is that two different, how the heck…dang that’s a heckuva good picture.”

For a bonus, there is an article about Antarctica with lots of pictures of penguins.  Pg. 122 looks like it could be a buffet.  Yes, I still think a penguin looks tasty.

Have a good one and a better tomorrow.

There are some things in life that are…well, just worth the extra dollars spent.

The goat industry is a prime example.  Look at the breeders in your state.  Texas, may or may not apply, (but it still kind of fits).  There is a reason that some things cost more.  Very few breeders are truly raising the kind of wethers that it takes to compete at a state level.

Heck, our program sometimes fits, sometimes not.  I only sold 4 wethers in 2018.  One was a sale maker at a county.  Goal achieved.  One was 2nd in class at the state fair.  Cool.  I haven’t heard from one and the other has yet to show.  Granted, there is a pen of buck prospects that we turned down some cash to be wethered.

As Duke and I were working on water lines this weekend, I tried to teach him a few things.  First, when going to town to buy PVC fittings, always buy extras.  It is cheaper than driving back to town and if you don’t screw up the first time, you have extras for the next time.  Second, when buying PVC fittings, always buy an end cap.  That way if all else goes wrong, you can cap the line off, still have water to the house and then fix it properly as time allows.

Things worth spending the extra $s

1–Water hydrants.  Those cheap bastards will cost you money in the long run.  Orange ones with the brand name Woodford.  Write the check.

2–Bourbon–ironically, as in Woodford Reserve and several other name brands.  Just buy the good stuff and enjoy a sip or three.

3–Shoes & Boots–when you have an extremely narrow foot with no arch, you learn to buy good footwear.

4–Chips–Lays, Doritos, Fritos, etc.  Sure they cost more, but they are addictive for a reason.  Not better for you, just better.

5–Pop–I will drink a Mountain Dew but I will not drink the off brand crap.  Kela could smell a Dr. Thunder or Mr. Pibb and wanted NO part of that crap.

6–Tractors & Lawn Mowers.  Just buy the good ones.  If Wal Mart or Atwoods is selling it, go elsewhere.  For that matter, buy a used name-brand.  That way you can get parts or service.

7–Service–medical, dental, mechanics, stock show help, academic tutors, music teachers, whatever–pay for the good ones. And if they are good and don’t charge you….well, that would be like a unicorn.  Increasingly hard to find.

8–Genetics.  You don’t have to buy from the large volume breeder but you need to study the genetics.  Buy good genotype and good phenotype.  It is easier (not easy, just more available) in the cattle and hog world.  Not so easy with the sheep and goats.

9–Good Food.   Granted, some of the best food that you ever ate didn’t cost you a thing (mom, grandma, etc. )  However, I am a believer when you can eat something wicked good that you can’t normally eat near home, do it.  I have always liked to take people, especially kids, to wicked good restaurants.  Some place that they may not get to experience on their own.  Every kid needs a chance at an elite steak house or maybe some bad ass seafood.  I have some great memories of St. Elmo’s, 801 chophouse, Pappadeaux’s and Cattleman’s as well as many smaller places.  I’ve been around this teaching gig for over 25 years and I still get calls from former students about places to eat.  People remember good food.

p.s.  I forwarded a text to a lot of people last night, all across the land.  Without a doubt, the best reply that I received was  “I won’t be available by email or text tomorrow morning.  I’m taking my phone in for a screen replacement due to a thumb sized whole punched directly into it.”

Good day!

This was an EXCELLENT weekend.  I needed to go pick up some pigs.  But, I found an excellent person that was going and was willing to make arrangements and get these shoats picked up and brought to Shattuck.  EXCELLENT!

So, this freed me up to actually get some of my own crap done.  And the weather cooperated.  Filled feeders, checked stock and then made plans for the afternoon.  I was in full Kelln wardrobe on Saturday.  Shorts, shoes and a cap.  I was almost over-dressed.  Duke and I decided to replace a couple of hydrants.  Both of these freeze proof hydrants froze up last winter.  And the calendar says that it is about time to start freezing again.  The first one was a simple deal.  The next one–not so much.  We uncovered a plumbing nightmare.  Three different size pipes in the same hole.  It is fixed now.  And the amazing thing, Duke and I working together, with plumbing problems and there wasn’t a fight.  Nothing.  Heck, it was excellent.

With me actually being home, I got to check in with the neighborhood watch patrol.  Excellent conversations.  I saw a cool heifer and I learned about a new way to contract the stupidity disease.

Saturday night found me plopping down in front of the tv.  I knew the pokes were playing on the tube but I was afraid to check the score.  Wait, what?  JEEMINY!  I was scared to keep watching.  It was still early but the pokes were winning big.  So, I flipped channels.  Oh wow!  On ABC, I could watch Okie State beat the longhorns. On CBS, I could watch the Fighting Irish beat on Navy.  And on FOX, I could watch the Red Sox.  That is an almost perfect night of sports for me.  The only way it could have been better is if the Cardinals were playing the Red Sox in the series.

Duke and I made it to Mass on Sunday morning.  Then we worked stock.  He had to go feed at the vet clinic and when he got back, we drove to Crawford, OK to peruse the offering of Kris Black’s sale.  Dude(s), the weather was absolutely perfect on this fine evening.  Duke & I went from pen to pen, studying bulls, the sale catalog and a couple of heifers.  He and I did not want the sun to set.  We walked the pens.  We didn’t drive the golf carts as it was just so dang nice.  It was excellent.

I hope that you all had an excellent weekend and a glorious tomorrow.

I got home from one coast.  She headed to the other coast.  And…we get along?   Yep.

I’ve got a 17 year old son and an 11 year old dog to watch out for.  The son, well, I’m pretty sure that he won’t crap on that carpet.  I may be wrong.

The dog, I’m not sure if we are best friends or if I am going to be cleaning up after a sr. citizen dog.

I went, saw and am now back home.  Cool deal.  Glad I did it.

I flew out of OKC on Saturday.  Made it to the always popular Atlanta airport.  Ate a common-as-hell french dip sandwich at the TGIF.  Then, I caught a plane to Columbia, SC.  Wasn’t the most comfortable flight that I have ever been on.  But, I was only able to use about 5/8 of MY seat.  Why?  The lady with the window seat was about 2 1/2 axe handles wide.  I was stuck in the middle seat.  I was polite and she was as well.  She knew that her ass was taking up more than one seat.

And, the stewardess knew as well.  “Make sure you are buckled up.”  She looked, acknowledged and moved to the next aisle without making me buckle up.

I did have big fun cruising around with 3 different Uber drivers.  One, a retired Army vet.  One, a retired electric coop worker.  And one, a dude in between jobs, so he is doing this Uber deal.  Compared to the taxi that I hired at the airport, this Uber deal is the way to go.  You that know me understand that I had good conversations with these drivers.

I am glad that I went to judge the South Carolina State Fair goat show.  At first, I was like, I need to be in KC.  But Duke wasn’t going to be showing there.  And I had never been to South Carolina.  Hunh!?

There are good goats being shown in South Carolina.   While talking to people after the show, there were good goats from TX, OK, GA, IL, OH and  yes, South Carolina.  The bottom end of goats was BETTER than the bottom end of goats being shown in Oklahoma or Texas.  The top end was good.  How good?  There were several wethers that could be OYE or San Antonio premium sale qualifiers.  There were several really good doe kids.  Showmanship was good.    Hospitality was GREAT!   Every showman shook the judges hand.  And some of these kids brought the handshake.  And I did have a goat try to eat my tie.   Very first class of the day.

I did check my list of southern to-do things.  I did drink a glass of sweet tea.  (by accident, but I didn’t complain.)  I did eat at a Waffle House.  And I was seated VERY near the phone when it rang.  I just needed to lean forward and grab it.  I was swallowing some hash browns or I would have answered it.

The lady behind the counter, looked at me and said, “If you sit in that seat then you need to answer the phone.”

I looked at her and said, “Woman, you don’t know how bad I wanted to finish this mouthful of hash browns and answer that phone.”  She laughed as she held the phone receiver, answered, took a to-go order, hung up and said, “I’m glad to see somebody wants to work for their breakfast.”   She and I were both hoping that the phone would ring again while I was still seated there.  No luck.

I did walk the midway of the South Carolina State Fair.  Here’s what I learned.  Their midway looks like every other state fair.  Except for the 18″ long corn dogs.  And the elephant ears.  WTH?  I had never heard of elephant ears as an edible. But, it is basically a big funnel cake.

I enjoyed seeing good goats and meeting even better people.  I like judging shows but I also like attending shows.  I NEEDED to go to KC to meet up with an old fart from Nebraska to pick up a wether.  I had a pair of numb-nuts pick up the wether AND they bought another wether.  Guess what?  I still need a wether for a kid because the numb-nuts bought both and don’t want to part with either.  It’s all good.

At the rate that Duke and I are going this year, I just need to go judge another show or two and he needs to show doe kids.  Restless Heart just sparked up the iTunes.  I could listen to that group for a day or two.

How to tell if Kelln won the big lottery.

Free concert in the middle of a pasture in NW OK or the TX panhandle–Cooper’s BBQ out of Llano, Tx is catering to everyone.  FREE to all.  Cheap Trick opens for what’s left of AC/DC, then Def Leppard takes the stage and plays a set, Tesla then rocks out until they introduce THE George Strait, who only plays 27 great hits before he brings the ENTIRE original crew of Guns N Roses to the stage who then melt speakers for an hour or two AND then they introduce Restless Heart.  Contrast?  I think not.  All great music.  They then bring Adele to the stage-who only sings 4 songs.  But she cusses more than GNR.  And nobody argues if she is bad ass.  Then LL Cool J and Eminem bust a rap while waiting on Jimmy Buffet to close out the concert.  He is only supposed to play 3 songs but he and the Coral Reefers decide that they can play a bit longer.  Two hours longer.  The crowd is stoked or smoked.  So then, Mark Chesnutt shows up and plays a song or three with them.  Then, Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar decide to team up with KISS and Areosmith to play some now new original tunes.  And Run DMC does a ditty with Aerosmith.  Then Duke tells me to Walk This Way.

I would have pissed away almost a billion dollars to make this concert happen.  But, guess what?  If I have the rights to it, the filming, live DVD, goats dancing on stage, downloads, etc.

I now sit here at the keyboard, thinking about goats. Damn goats!   Kela & her friends talked me into showing them back in 2003.  Kela is now working in Hollywood and I’m still dealing with goats.  I just got back from South Carolina and the Dragon Lady is headed to California.  I think that I will just sit here, shake my head and not look at any pig online sales tonight.  Too late.  I just bought a pair.

Good luck and I hope one of you goat addicted people won the big lottery tonight.  Horseshoes & shamrocks.