We have a lot of large 40-60 year old Elm trees around our place.  Every time that we have a wind storm or ice, I get to haul off a lot of branches.  Every time this happens, I tell Tammy, “Next time, I am buying a grapple for the tractor.”  Well, next time is here.  I bought one and used it just long enough to clear the road.  

Next time there is a storm coming, I wish the weather people would not blow it out of proportion.  I also wish that they would get the dates right.  They called for this storm, but it was supposed to hit us on Friday morning.  It kind of got here on Saturday evening, then some more on Sunday, then it really got here on Monday morning.  I guess that they were right.  I do know that I was dang sure wrong about the vanilla part.  It was vanilla then it changed.  It could be worse as there wasn’t any wind, it really wasn’t cold and we got over 2 inches of moisture out of the deal.  

Now I’ve got lots of trees, limbs and other crap to pick up and haul off.  I’ve also got to keep gas in the generator.  It’s all good.  Thanks to bad luck and piss-poor management, I’m not having babies during this inclement weather.  

Thanks to all those that have called, texted or stopped by offerering help, generators,etc.  Big thanks to all of those workers from all over the U.S. that are working to get the power grid back up.  Have a good one.

It is a crappy song but I still kind of like it.  You know the song “Ice, Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice.  It is a catchy ditty.  Ding, ding, ding, da, da, ding, ding.  

The Ice Armageddon finally hit OK on this fine day.  Thankfully, it wasn’t near what the media had predicted.  It was actually a Vanilla Ice storm.  Pretty basic.  Thank goodness, there is no wind.  We’ve got about a 1/4″ of ice on everything.  The ground temps and air temps are just warm enough that it isn’t a hard freeze.  I didn’t have to break ice on tanks tonight.  The only problem that I had doing chores was dealing with ice on gate latches and chains.  No big problem.  We aren’t going to get a pile of moisture but we’ll take what we can get.

Duke and I called our favorite neighbor to see if he needed anything.  We made sure that he was stocked up on Pepsi.  He allowed that he doesn’t go to town very often, but he would drive to OKC in an ice storm if he ran out of Pepsi or dipping tobacco.  He then proceeded to tell us that the dentist told him that he needed to lay off the Pepsi, coffe and chew.  He said that he told that dentist, “Listen.  I had to give up sex, drugs, alcohol, bull riding and fist fighting.  I dang sure ain’t giving up my Pepsi, coffe or dip.”  Of course, this is the edited version of this story.  Duke absolutely loves the fist fighting part.  

It’s been mentioned on here numerous times, but the Kelln Klan has the best set of neighbors.  They help watch over stuff, let Duke hunt on their land, feed animals, lock up chickens for Tammy, etc.  Duke even lets his dog Ammo sire a litter of pups at one of the neighbors.  There is a current litter of pups out of Ammo and Addie ( a tri-color) corgi.  Us Kelln’s provide the comedic relief.  All of the neighors love to see what we have screwed up now.  

There have been numerous goat shows in the past 11 months, but the time is nearing for the 2 that really matter–San Antonio and OYE.  No other shows compare with the overall depth of quality from class to class.  Duke doesn’t have the one to win, but he has several nice wethers.  He is still working them like he has a chance. That is the most important part of a show project–teaching work ethic.  Duke isn’t perfect, but he does have a strong work ethic.  

I hope you all stay warm and keep the stock comfy.   

I watched an actual episode of Law & Order SVU tonight. I had only really watched reruns on USA channel at 4am. Cool. I do have a new favorite TV show. Forged in Fire on the history channel. This is a well made reality program that shows people using blacksmith skills. It’s pretty cool. I guess there was a goat show in Denver today.

I was cruising the internet on this fine evening, trying to do a bit of research to help a kid with a speech topic.  One of the items that we were looking for has to do with America’s favorite condiment.  For decades, it was ketchup (catsup, if you prefer) that occupied the top spot.  But, several years ago, salsa overtook the throne.  

When dealing with hot dogs, there is only one decision–ketchup or mustard?  Me, I like lots of mustard on my dog.  I like ketchup with tater tots–dipped not smothered.  However, lots of people eat ketchup.  Salsa used to be an ethnic food but, we have Americanized it and now most everybody in the U.S. of A. loves a good salsa.  I like mine NOT chunky and I like it spicy.  

I came across a website that touted that the actual #1 condiment in the United States is……Mayonaisse.  What the?  How?  I’m not talking about Miracle Whip but actual mayo.  B.S!  There is no way!  Think of every fast food chain–ketchup and mustard are right there ready for you.  You have to ask for mayo.  Local cafes have a bottle of ketchup on every table.  Every ballpark has ketchup and mustard for easy dispensing on your dog or burger.  I do not believe everything that I read on the internet and this article is dang sure B.S.  

Now, if you want to tell me that Ranch dressing is #1….well, I can understand that argument.  That stuff gets put on everything.  Personally, I put Tobasco on a lot of stuff.  But, I don’t use it on steaks or any dairy products.  And this concludes your really random stuff for today.

As of this fine day, all of the show goats in Shattuck have been wormed, hooves trimmed and given a dose of ivomec.  I like to give ivomec at this time of year for two reasons.  

1—We are clear of withdrawal times.  

And 2–To kill fleas.  Cold, dry air combined with long hair and blankets makes a nice place for fleas to take up residency.  You won’t know that they are there until you shear them.  And the hide won’t look right.  Plus, there is a discomfort factor that goes along with fleas.  And, when you are shearing and see fleas, you will quiver and flinch the rest of the day, worried that they got on you.  We spray with a flea spray every time we change blankets.  We also spray the insides of their hotboxes and bedding.  If you have a cat that snuggles with your show goats, your goats will most likely have fleas.  

I talked to TravASS Schovanec this evening.  I hadn’t heard from him since New Year’s Eve, but no news is good news when dealing with Schoovy.  Christi’s deal seems to be going well.  He was upbeat and the kids were out and about.  We pray that this deal goes well for her.  He did allow that the hospital food wasn’t very good and that an elevator or two was out of commission.  He even knew how many steps there were on the staircase.  So, basically, he’s on a fitness program and he didn’t even sign up for it.  We’re also praying that our friends in Nebraska get healed up soon. 

I wonder, at times, what causes a wife to answer to names such as the Dragon Lady or Ol’ Growler?  It has to be a very caring, considerate husband.  It takes a special type of lady to earn titles like that.  I bet Ron will agree.  

Here at the Kelln Kompound, we aren’t afraid to ask for help.  Prayers are always needed around here and for others.  One of the very best things about dealing with others in the ag industry–we understand the power of prayer and even an occasional miracle.  It can be as simple as picking up a penny and remembering IN GOD WE TRUST.  Yes, we do.  

Have a good one and a better tomorrow.  

It was cold this morning.  10 degrees is what the pickup and the tv both said.  The ground was covered with a very powdery, very dry snow.  Maybe 2 or 3 inches.  I went about chores and getting fresh water to all of the stock.  I made it back in and Tammy told me that she was going to let Duke sleep in.  I was like “WTH?”  She said, “They cancelled school.”  Now, I was like “WTH did they cancel school for?”  I’m still not sure, but we didn’t have school today.  

Duke and I went to the ag building to get some stuff done anyway.  Then, we came back and took care of stock again.  There was no wind.  THANK YOU!  This made it the absolute nicest and warmest 10 to 16 degree day that I can remember.  

One positive about not having babies right now—Duke’s wethers are enjoying living in the kidding barn.  I don’t think that they realize that it is even cold outside.  

I felt old this morning with ESPN announcing that Chris Berman was going to start phasing into retirement.  My generation literally grew up with Chris Berman calling sports highlights.  

I went to Woodward this afternoon to run errands.  The metal place, stereo shop, hardware store and Deere dealership.  Got everything except for one thing done….the main thing that I had to go to Woodward for….to either get my phone fixed or dare I say, get a new one.  I forgot to go to the american telephone and telegraph store.  Oh well.  

Have a good one.  And if you need me, keep trying, some calls come through.  Some don’t.  Sometimes I can get the voicemails to play.  Sometimes not.  I miss my bag phone.  

Keep warm and make sure the critters all get a good drink.  

The new year is here, and so far, it has been a very pleasant year.  The wind did NOT howl on the 1st and the weather was absolutelty perfect in NW OK on the 2nd.  I’m talking short sleeves, no wind, awesome evening kind of weather.  But the wheels will fall off in a day or two.

Duke and I were out of school on the 2nd, so we went to Cleo Springs to pick up a load of panels.  Then we stopped in Aline to drop off some stuff to Mr. Pullan.  He was IN school today and wasn’t exactly happy.  But, he found the positive in it as he will get out a day earlier than the rest of us.  The Pullans have had some babies born in December.  They purchased the month lease of Easy Decision from Milligan.  Easy was obviously fertile that month.  They bred 20 does and have like 43 kids.  A couple of the does were old and their bags aren’t working as well as they used to.  I didn’t want to see Mama Pullan as it sounds like there is some bottle feeding going on.  

I’ve enjoyed the facebook pics and posts from Phoenix.  I missed being out there, but I’m glad we were home getting stuff done.  I really liked the champion lightweight pics.  I remember last June when Blake Foraker went to Preston Faris’ place.  I had Blake look at some hair sheep wethers for me.  Preston and I then agreed on a deal and I made arrangments for Ralph Shafer to bring those critters to the sale in Norman.  Blake called me back and asked if he could get a ride for a wether goat.  Sure thing.  He told me that this goat was skinny but that he thought that there was something there.  When, Duke and I loaded this little goat, we realized that Blake was wrong.  This goat was REALLY skinny.  We took him to Fargo and threw him on a feeder until the Foraker’s came to get him.  This little goat had a cocky look and the parts were there.  Except for the big knot that he had in his armpit.  In closing, I would say that I like skinny goat stories and if Blake Foraker says he likes a skinny goat, one should probably listen.  I would have liked to see how this dude progressed on out into March.  

My phone has been on the outs for most of the past week.  I need to get it fixed (do they still work on old iPhones 3s or 4s?)  But, secretly, I have kind of enjoyed not being able to use it in a normal fashion.  I will have to remedy this, but I don’t want to.  I really just want my bag phone back.  

I shaved tonight, for the first time since Christmas Eve.  I like the Grateful Dead song, “Touch of Grey”.  HaHa….touch of grey, my ass!  That was a whole lot of grey.  My facial hair is like the hair on the hogs that Helms shoots in his front yard…COARSE!  I asked Duke if he wanted to help.  He politely declined.  I told him that I would trim more hair off of my ears than he would shave off of his face in 2017.  I was then sternly asked to leave his room.     

Speaking of 2017 being a good year.  It is a known fact that I like to eat and eat well.  So, when somebody tells the Dragon Lady and I that they are grilling steaks–I’m in.  Tyke grilled ribeyes, filets, grilled shrimp, made a wicked batch of taters, ears of corn and…and….and it was AWESOME.  The first meal that I had in 2017 was WAY GOOD!  Price was killer good as well.  Although, my shoulders are a little sore from constantly having to lift Brandt to touch the ceiling.  The twins are growing.  

Oh, I was awake for midnight on New Year’s Eve.  I wqouldn’t have been but I woke up on the couch, fully dressed and needed to take a leak.  It was 11:59.  A little relief and I didn’t watch any of the festivities on the tube.  And I felt good on New Year’s Day.  I’m getting old.  

And on the subject of being old, Law & Order is getting an occasional piece.  Warthog and Manilla Gorilla are nailing a couple.  However, Joe Dirt is wearing a marker and acting like he did in 2011—breed ’em and yell “Next”.  I haven’t tested him in a bit.  I bet the boys aren’t swimming as well as they did in 2011, but he’s loving life.  

Have a good one, a better tomorrow and we are getting close to no more of your president.  

These things can be frustrating.  Especially, if you don’t have time to sit, watch and make sure that they consumate the deal.  Sometimes, you just have to put the doe in with them, walk off and hope that they get it done.  However, if you had a young buck just running with some does, and you were thinking that they couldn’t possibly breed a doe yet, then they would settle all of them.  

I’ve got a couple of pens of young bucks that are getting fed out.  Some willl be for sale, some will be kept here.  There are no does in their vicinity, in order to keep them from rutting.  However, it is gross to go anywhere near those pens.  Lots of disgusting behavior.  

We are going to end the year on a positive note.  We picked up some freshly made chex mix.  There is a Papa John’s pizza opening in Woodward.  It still hasn’t rained but that means that we are one day closer to the next rain.  Kela is back in LA.  And the wind is still blowing.  I guess not everything is perfect.  But it could always be worse.  

I don’t exactly love hunting.  But there are things that I do love about hunting.  For example, I just spent this Wednesday hunting quail with friends and family.  I don’t exactly enjoy cleaning birds.  I dang sure don’t normally walk that much in a given day.  And I don’t enjoy missing a shot or two.  

However, I love being outside and finding animals.  I love firing a gun.  Even if I missed twice, on the same bird.  I love hitting the next two shots that I took.  Yep, 2 for 4.  I don’t really care if I shoot at all.  Because I love watching good dogs work, talking crap with friends and the thrill of the next plum thicket might be holding a big covey of birds.  I absolutely love sitting down in a restaurant after walking through a bunch of thick, dry grass without any luck of jumping some birds.  Sometimes, a glass of iced tea tastes better than others.  I love neighbors that want to let these kids hunt on them.  I love the fact that sometimes a quail bird can just fly better than some of us shoot.  It is truly awesome to watch a bird escape. Dude, it is a thrill to know that sometimes, nature is just better than we are.  I love that the best hunts were all within a 1/2 mile of the house.  I hate that we jumped a BIG covey, but the wind kept us from having any luck on that bunch.  

The best part is watching young kids getting to hunt.  I love watching kids get excited.  Duke and the Ring boys didn’t have their best day of shooting, but I didn’t hear any of the three wanting to quit or complaining.  The only reason that we aren’t still out hunting is that it got dark.  I love watching these kids care about leaving birds for later.  We need a rain in these parts. It is too warm and too dry for the dogs to work right and the birds are scattered.   I love watching these kids hunt.  I wish that I could do this more often.  I hate that I don’t do it unless somebody is here to make me.  Thanks to the Ring clan for a great day in the field.  

Just got done looking at facebook and all of the posts of stock showers headed to Phoenix.  Our family has had numerous fun trips to the ANLS.  Duke and I discussed whether we were going this year and we both had the same opionion–we wanted to go, but didn’t really want to be gone that long.  So, we came up with a plan–we didn’t even nominate any goats so that we didn’t even have to think about making the trip.

However, there are a few things that I will miss about Phoenix.  First and foremost, My Mother’s restaurant.  The turkey pot pie is unreal.  All of the food is off the hook and the slices of pie are huge.  There are several Mexican places that we will miss–La Pinatas.  And I am due for some Pappadeaux’s.  We normally ate there 2 or 3 times. The dutch oven Chuck Wagon cook-off is cool.  Duke loved drinking coffee with the cooks at the chuck wagons.  The exhibitor’s breakfast on show day is a cool deal.  The zoo is pretty fun.  It is a bit different than most zoos.  The mutton bustin at the Lil Buckaroos rodeo is entertaining.  The show itself is very exhibtor friendly.

I normally kind of liked the drive out there but despised the drive home.  I won’t miss traffic jams on Black Canyon freeway.  I wish the premium sale was better there, but it is still a fun show.  I dang sure won’t miss Tammy griping about having to do chores while we are gone.  Good luck and safe travels to all.  

I haven’t made it to the keyboard for most of this week.  This weather has been crazy.  Frozen & windy to sunny and nice.  I’ve been dealing with some stuff this week.  Very important stuff. 

First, it is scary how many perfume/cologne ads are on tv this time of year.  Lots of scantily clad people doing lots of different things.  Some spartacus looking scenes.  A barely dressed couple making out on a snowy mountain side.  Come on.  Even though a bunch of these ads don’t make much sense, at least they are easier to watch than those election ads.  

I’ve also been wrestling with these newer hot dogs buns that the Dragon Lady has been buying.  They taste fine.  It’s just that the slice is in the actual TOP of the bun, not on the side like a normal bun.  This “improved” bun does have some positives.  It always stays upright.  When you put the dog in it, then the chili, mustard and cheese, it doesn’t fall over.  But it still doesn’t seem quite right.  It just doesn’t fit the hand like it ought to.  

I did look at a set of wethers on Thursday.  Albeit, they were Duke’s wethers.  Trimmed hooves, handled ribs and tops and caught a weight on them.  Then, I sat back and watched as Duke and Braden got a buck clipped and photoed.  I’ve been trying to let this May born kid grow a bit before I let him see action.  I wanted him photoed before I let him have it.  Because these young bucks can look like crap once they go to chasing tail.  

Thursday was the birth day of the Dragon Lady.  She said that she didn’t want to go out to eat.  She wanted to wait and eat at Ted’s in OKC on Friday.  So, she cooked up some filet mignon for the three of us.  Duke and I have been aiming to eat some Kobe beef.  I got some American style Kobe beef.  It was Wagyu beef and was higher that prime quality grade.  She expertly grilled these tender pieces of bovine pleasure.  These weren’t cheap steaks, but we will be having some again in the future.  Good stuff.

Then, Friday brought forth the holiday of Festivus.  We had the aluminum pole in the living room.  Of course, we have the airing of grievances around here just about everyday.  And we made donations to the Human Fund.  I did find it odd that none of the normal airings of Seinfeld had the episode that introduced us to Festivus. 

But, we did have a Festivus miracle at the Kelln Kompound.  Our little family piled in the pickup, drove to OKC and picked up Kela.  Even though her flight was delayed, it was an enjoyable trip.  And Ted’s was good.

And this evening, we get to have our annual Christmas Eve Kelln gathering at Shattuck.  The food will be off the hook good.  My brothers and I will probably get loud.  Mom and Dad will be happy to have all of the grandkids in their home.  

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  GOD bless!