We just got done with the Ellis County Fair.  As usual, I had too many irons in the fire.  But when you have help like I had, it’s all good.  The Shattuck FFA/ Ag Boosters decided to take over the concession stands at the fair.  We were not sure what we were getting into but it all works when you have the proper people.  Tiffany Schultz and myself ran it on Friday.  But, my mom, the Debbie Kelln was there to make sure that we were doing it right.  On Saturday, we turned it over to the Dragon Lady and Kylie Quisenberry and Olivia. But guess what, my mom was back to work again.

What?!   I have to allow is that women like Tammy, Kylie, Tiffany and Debbie do on a day-to-day basis is make their husbands look extremely good and intelligent.  And people, that is hard to do.  Why?  Well, I would like to think that Lance Schultz, Eric Quisenberry, John Q Kelln and myself could win a lot of beauty pageants and knowledge contests.  But….but not without our better halves.  I can speak for the other guys when I say that “We all married up!”  I have no problems owning up to that fact.  Big thanks to these ladies for making this thing work.

Speaking of What?! the heck is TravASS Schovanec up to.  The Schoovy has been laying low of late.  That dude can make me look calm.  Farming, cattle, goats, show pigs, hay, fishing, hunting, family events, school board, church stuff, more family stuff, a little bit of ADHD, a whole lot of ADD, pick a competitive activity and that family is IN!  And will win.

I have always judged my friends as to what they would do for my family if I wasn’t around.  This litmus test has consistently proven true.  He may or may not have scored high on the ACT but he will blow this test up.  This dude will give everything he has for his family and still do everything that he can for yours.  And like the aforementioned dudes, he married WAY above his pay scale.

If I was to ever film a movie of the livestock showing world, TravASS would be a key figure.  One, he is entertaining.  And two, three, four, etc.  He will stop anywhere and anytime and give showmanship pointers.  To anybody.  Anywhere.  And he is normally right.  If you have watched his kids show stock– well hell–they are better than almost all and I don’t give a rat’s donkey about what showmanship conversation that you are having, his kids are on everyone’s short list.

What?! the …. I love peach cobbler, peach pie, etc.  I love cherry pie, cherry cobbler.  Apple… yes, please.  How about the forgotten pear?  Yes, the pear.  I like pears.  But, I always just kind of left those pithy bastards to be relegated to the end of a salad bar.  Good but…but?

Last year, my mom made some pear kuchen.  It was wicked good!  This pear crop she made some pear cobbler.  People, I have been known to eat whole raisin cream pies.  There is a slice of cherry pie gone…fine, I’ll eat the rest.  A peach cobbler….hand me a utensil and I will leave you an empty pan that just needs to be washed.  I love wicked good fruit pies or cobblers!

Now, in 2017, I have eaten a pear cobbler that my mother has made.  What in the jeeminy christmas, how in the are really shi….holy son of a gosh dang deal are you kidding me that in 46 years on this planet has nobody ever offered my a pear cobbler before?  THIS deal is awesome!

Back in 2011, when this damn blog was started, I told you it would be random happenings that I would post.  I would like to think that I have consistently brought you some random crap that makes you click on here from day to day.  And after a couple of days of no posts, even think, “I wish that he would write something.”

Here’s to hoping that you all have good help, a hot wife, great kids, a good friend and a pear cobbler.  And I hope that they aren’t all wrapped up into the same item.

Let us pray for all of those in the path of Irma.

It doesn’t matter where you live or what you are doing, there are different classes of people.  This isn’t meant to bash anybody and it dang sure isn’t a racism topic.  It is just an observation that irregardless of where you live or what you are doing there are differences of people.  And these differences are consistent.

FOR example– fund raisers.  This is NOT aimed at anybody.  But I am right.  And if the shoe fits, wear it.

–There are a few that don’t need the fund raiser for their own kid’s projects, but they do everything that they can to make it work.  They put in time, effort and their own money and equipment to make it work.  This group also accounts for about 98% of funds raised but receive the same as the rest.  Very small percent.

–Those that can not be there because of job related stuff but will donate and do what they can.  Small percentage.

–There are a few that can’t/forgot (always) but if a personal call is made, they will do whatever–will write a check, donate items, “oh crap, I’ve got a hand headed to help”.

–There are also those that have an actual excuse (such as a job that interferes) but will then use the excuse that they didn’t know.  But, they liked the Facebook post.  Or my kid didn’t tell me or…. Now, the percentage is growing.

–Then there are those that don’t do a dang thing. But gripe about it in the end.  HUGE majority. They may also gripe about the first set that actually did 99% of the work.

–And then there are those that don’t do, care or give a rat’s ass about any of it.  Bigger percentage than it should be.  If they have an opinion, it will be against the people that did the most.

Now, if you compared these percentages to how the USA votes….dang!  I bet it is very similar.

I’ve worked in numerous towns, school districts, counties, etc.  over several decades.  It hasn’t changed.  I look at the OK goat industry.  ZERO change from 2005 to now.  A few gather, a few spend and the rest don’t do crap until it is their turn to complain after Tulsa or OYE premium sales.

And there are several of us that are starting to weaken in our support.  I would be WAY better off to just buy Duke at a premium sale than I would to spend what I already spend/donate.  Others are the same way.  I shouldn’t name names, and I am NOT saying that this guy has these thoughts.  I am just pointing out a fact that some people have done a lot and are about to run out of reasons to continue.

Random thoughts on a random night.  John Stottlemeyre is very close to his last kid finishing a successful career.  This guy and his family has donated, bought, donated, and still helps others.  Lots of big goat and sheep banners at their home.  They work at this game and they back the game that they are playing.   But the majority should be worried about what happens when players like this are done.  A guy like this wants to win them all, but also knows that it can’t be done, but it won’t stop them from trying.  This isn’t a money deal.  It is a WANT TO deal.  He has donated items to the Okie Coalition sales.  Then bought items from the Okie Coaliton sales.  He isn’t a breeder or seller of show goats. But….he is in that small percentage.  He is not a customer of mine.  But, as a fellow competitor, there is respect to be shared.  I am not the only one that realizes what he has done for the OK goat show program.

THANK YOU to the ones that drive fund raisers.  It only takes a few to make things work, but it gets way good when there are more than a few.  Step up!

Don’t wait to be asked to help.  Ask what you can do.  It isn’t about how much money or time, it’s about you making the time or finding a few bucks.  A few can add up to a bunch.

I’m done but I’m not.  I’ve got lots of thoughts, facts and examples on this topic.

We had a heckuva work crew that managed the behind the scenes at the sale.  Duke and Lexi stayed in the sale ring and setup most of the 46 head of goats.  Lots of others kept the goats coming to the sale ring and then stayed to help get the right goats to their new owners.  GREAT HELP!!  Every sale has people helping behind the scenes.  And every sale needs buyers in all price ranges.  Thanks to all that bid, bought, helped, sold, ate dinner or just came to spectate.

Question–What is the difference between an oral thermometer and a rectal thermometer?  Answer–The taste!

I just got done reading the new Purple Circle.  I especially liked Dr. Brock’s story about “Lipstick on a pig?”  I had heard of tattooing a pig but this is a cool story.  You need to read it.

I just got a new fun fact texted to me from the favorite daughter.  Clint Eastwood’s ringtone is……

“The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”.   Seems fitting to me.

I’m scattered right now with too many irons in the fire.  I’m still needing to cidr some does.  I had kind of forgotten about a buck that I had bought 1/2 of back in April.  That’s not true…not forgotten….just out of sight, out of mind.  Plus, I knew that he was in good hands.  Now that I’ve seen him again in real life, I’m ready to get some kids out of him.  But in order to do that I’ve got to breed does.  I just need a couple of hours of daylight tomorrow and a some want to and I’m going to get something done.

It was a busy weekend.  Goats sheared, calves born, goats born, wheat drilled, sale setup and lots of crustaceans were cooked here–all before Sunday night.  We did boil up a pile of shrimp and crawdads.  They all got eaten–along with the goat bologna, brisket, red beans and rice, etc.  We were actually all well behaved.

Oh, we also had a sale.  It went fine.  Some good goats found their way into the hands of good feeders.

There is going to be a really good set of wethers.  Grand at OYE or Houston–maybe, maybe not.  Premium sale wethers and top 5 in their class type wethers—YES!!  There won’t be but maybe 10 doe kids but there are going to be some really good doe kids.  Tyke is parting with a 3 Amigo/Dirt doe that is good–slick shear good.  What do I think that the top end will bring?  Don’t know, don’t care.  There will be some bargains, I hope.  As I need several for students.  I’m more worried about having a great set of breeders that will bring a dang good set of goats and get them sold to great/good homes for a fair price.  Actually, I’m not worried about anything regarding this sale.  Too many good people involved.  There won’t be a $10,000 goat sold but there will be some that beat those high $ deals.

The Texas crew is going to have a good set.   Cramblet is bringing does and wethers.  Helms–does and wethers.  Tyke–does and wethers.  Poe and  some of his crew are bringing a set.  I think there will be a set out of Rocket Sauce that will measure up.  Schneberger is bringing some of these Godfather kids that have people buzzing.  Sweet has a set of wethers and doe kids that are LEGIT.  Pullan has a couple and word is that the older-than-me-dude has a set.  Just like he did in June and April.  And Seelke’s are bringing something, which means they are good.  Dang good.  Cuz if it ain’t real good, Bob will have already hauled it to the sale barn.

I do know that Tyke will be on his A game and will have a wicked good brisket lunch, as he always does.  Andy Ferguson will be chanting the bids.  That boy can eat, talk and rattle off an auction.  He will be good (I would say GREAT but no–no, I can’t).  The Woodward County Fairgrounds will be awesome.  To answer the most common question that I have been asked—YES!  If you are needing a goat that can win counties, make district premium sales and have a shot at major premium sale slots then you need to be there or be square (that was kind of an 80s saying there). Goats will only getter higher in value from this sale forward. And people, I can guarantee you that there aren’t very many good ones left.

And I am planning on being on good behavior Sunday night.  Yes, unfortunately.  I’m getting old.

And speaking of the Best of the West.  These Texans are showing the world how to handle a natural catastrophe.  Yes, they are dealing with MAJOR problems but as a whole they are getting it done.  And the rest of the U.S. is finding out just how important Texas is to the nation, especially in regards to refineries.

How about this cajun navy deal?  Isn’t it dang cool how these dudes in bass boats are rescuing people, pets, horses, whatever?!  It sure seems like people are handling this Harvey devastation better than most.    It doesn’t matter what you are doing, Texas is better than most, if not all.  Basically, people are good.  Hats off and prayers to all in this ordeal.  Horseshoes and Shamrocks to all!  I hope that you have a great day and a better one tomorrow.

So, I tell the Dragon Lady that I trapped her nemesis.  I also told her the locations of my strategically placed final resting places for unwanted rodents.  When I got home this evening (6ish), she informed me that she had ran the lines, checked traps and there were no more dead mice.

Fast forward to 9 pm.  I’m in the kitchen, she is walking through the office towards the back porch.

I ask, “Were there any more dead rodents?”

Her reply,  “Hunh?!”

I then ask again, in a louder tone (and I am not known as a quiet person), “Were there any more dead rodents?”  I asked loud enough that citizens of the greater Fargo city heard me.

Her reply, (harshly) “Yes, in the fridge.”

At this point in time, I realize that (1) she doesn’t actually listen to me and (2) we have been married over a quarter of a century.  So, I stack my bacon and egg sammich (lots and lots of bacon) and wait for her to walk by the door between the kitchen and the office.  Then I spring my trap.

“Hey.”

Her, “What?”

Me, “I asked the same question TWICE.  You gave me two different answers.”

Her,  “I did not.”

Me–I repeated the question(s).

At this point she laughed, shook her head and replied, “I thought you asked if there was anymore roast.”  She then laughed and walked off to finish laundry, whatever, I don’t know what she was doing.

Me– I now stood there holding a plate that had a sandwich that Dagwood would be proud of.  I also had a blank stare as I stood there… wondering, blinking, thinking,  “We haven’t had a roast since July.  What in the hell is in the back of the fridge that she thinks is a roast?”  Some wicked Stephen King stories invaded my mind at this point.

For all of you married people out there, I think that I will let this post end here.

And for you young-uns that don’t know who Dagwood was…..use your google machine to look it up.

Think of the things that give you a satisfying feeling.  A job well done.  Mission accomplished.  Winning.   Helping others.  Reaching goals.  Building something cool or cooking a wicked good meal.  All of these give you a warm funny feeling.

However, it is an exhilarating feeling to set a mouse trap of an evening and then have a victim in it the next morning.  Really, it is a scarily satisfying feeling to know that you have vanquished your foe.  I feel much like Carl Spackler in Caddyschack.

“Licensed to kill gophers by the government of the United Nations. A man, free to kill gophers at will. To kill, you must know your enemy, and in this case my enemy is a varmint. And a varmint will never quit – ever. They’re like the Viet Cong – Varmint Cong. So you have to fall back on superior intelligence and superior firepower. And that’s all she wrote.”

Yes, I know that he actually didn’t kill the gopher but anytime I can tie into a Caddyschack feeling, then it’s all good.

Speaking of which, have a good one and a better tomorrow.

First and foremost, all of us should be sending prayers to those in south Texas.  Dang, dude, that is a pile of rain that Harvey is dumping down there and it looks like more is coming.  Yes, there is a lot of people that live along the gulf coast of Texas.  Millions!  But there is also a lot of cows down there.  Some of the biggest cow populated counties in Texas (which just so happens to be the biggest cow state in the business) are getting hammered with all of this rain.  Let’s hope and pray that the people and the livestock can make it throughout this ordeal.

While on the STD known as Facebook, I stopped to watch a video.  It was just a video clip that is probably the best scene from one of the best movies ever made.  I knew the words.  I also had it playing loud enough that Duke emerged from his room–or lair, to see what I was watching.

When it comes time to argue the best actors of all-time, the lists are short.  On one side are the funny men–Sandler, Ferrell, Farley, Belushi, Vince Vaughn, Chevy Chase and Bill Murray.  There are your pretty guys that deliver well written lines–Clooney, Pitt, Redford and Richard Gere.  Of course, there are action heroes–Arnold, Stallone, Bruce Willis.  Then there are the serious guys–Paul Newman,  Denzel, Morgan Freeman and Costner.  After that, the list gets real short of dudes that could bring the funny, the serious, the motivational and the action–Jack Nicholson, Harrison Ford,  Robin Williams and Tom Hanks.  I won’t argue if you say that Tom Hanks is at the top.  Forrest Gump may be the single best role of all-time.

But, much like my son, when I hear the voice of “The Duke” quoting lines from “Big Jake”, all things stop.  That scene where they are getting ready to hang the sheep herder–maybe, the best ever.  The best lines of the best movie ever–I like it.  John Wayne–action–yes.  Funny–I love Mclintock.  Serious–always, except when he needed to be funny.  Always the ladies man–all of his movies.  Action–Hell Fighters and Hatari.  Motivation–RUSM?  Green Berets.  Tie it all together–The Quiet Man.

If there was a marathon movie feature on the tube tonight of Big Jake, The Cowboys, Rio Bravo, Mclintock and the Quiet Man–that means that I wouldn’t sleep at all tonight and I would still be in a good mood all day tomorrow.  Wait?! We’ve got all of those on dvd.

Here’s hoping of nothing but horseshoes and shamrocks and whatever else will bring you south Texans luck as the flood waters hit.  GOD speed, good luck and may the force be with you as you all survive this ordeal.

It was a busy weekend.  Took a crew of kids to Woodward to a judging contest on Friday.  Some of them were off their game while others had a good day.  One group of Freshmen and Sophomores won the intermediate division.  A group of 8th graders made it through their first contest.  They judged all of the classes, gave reasons and managed to turn their cards in properly.  Success.

While we were there judging, Rodney Washmon took Duke and Clayton Washmon to the 5 State Fair in Liberal, KS.  That worked out as Clayton showed the grand market lamb and Duke showed the grand market goat.  Duke’s goat is a Blood Pressure on a Joe Dirt.

Saturday brought getting some pens built at the ag farm so that I can get some goats and lambs off of my feed bill.  Heith Sander brought me some seed wheat so I could get some grazing pastures planted.  Sunday afternoon, I got ground cultivated and wheat drilled in the goat pasture and a few other little deals.  We’re going with beardless wheat this time.  Triticale seed has gotten harder to find and pricier.

We are a week away from the Best of the West sale on Labor Day.  I’m going to have to start getting my stuff ready–goats, cooking, sale setup, etc.

I need to put some cidrs in some does.  There are several problems involving ciders–first, they aren’t cheap.  And two, in order to use them, you have to deal with does.  Problems.

Yes, it is friday morning.  Livestock judging contest in Woodward today.  Kids showing stock in Liberal, KS this afternoon.  Got a weekend planned of getting some stuff done—I hope.

I would kind of like to watch the big fight on Saturday night, but..I just don’t feel good about it.  It just has that rigged feel to it.  If McGregor wins, it kills the sport of boxing, the Vegas casinos will lose hundred of millions and Mayweather won’t be 50 and 0.  Too much money stacked on one side to allow a win.  Who knows?

It’s about time to start breeding some does.  I don’t mind letting the bucks get some action.  The problem is dealing with the does (and all of their problems)  five months later.

Have a good one.