My mind is rolling with numerous different political crap.  I’m very much for the right to bear arms.  You cannot give me one reason that we should not be allowed to own guns.  I am obviously very much in favor of free speech.  However, I do believe that our current media has just about ruined this right.  And I dang sure don’t think that EVERY award show is a place for actors or athletes to espouse their beliefs.  My daughter may like living and working in hollywood, but I can dang neart do without it.

Dang it was windy today.  WICKED!   But it was still a good day.  I took a trailer load of tack and equipment to OYE.  I took two boys with me to help.  Neither are showing at OYE.  But, dang it was a good trip.  Two young men that have a great work ethic and a desire to not be at school and will work like sled dogs for a meal.  People, there is nothing wrong with that.  One of the boys transferred to school at Shattuck last year.  His last name is Islam.  He doesn’t talk much, doesn’t get in a hurry and is liked by all.  He wears shorts and boots–year round.  He loves working on cars and works at a dairy to pay for his automotive habits.  Of course, I call him the Radical Islam.  The other young man just recently transferred to Shattuck but he is of native German stock, which means that he isn’t afraid of work, uses the term “Yes Sir” and knows the joys of cherry kuchen and bierox.

I can recall every champion animal that I have dealt with in my career.  OKC, Tulsa, KC, Phoenix, Denver, whatever.  Premium sales–I remember them all.  Winning speakers, judging teams, proficiency awards, whatever–I remember them all.  The point is NOT that I can remember all of the highlights, but I also remember the hardships that went with them.  Maybe that animal should have been higher, but a judge….or that speaker could have done better but……..

As I get older, those wins, plaques, trophies, scholarships, whatever….sure, they are important.  But not really.    They aren’t any more important than the trip from Shattuck to OKC and back on a windy day.  A bit of work, a dang good burger, some conversation about good tunes, Lonesome Dove, the future and the Radical Islam’s dating prospects make for a good trip, a good day and a good career.  Ag teachers, parents, coaches, whoever…we can all lose sight of the important stuff while we are chasing something that may or may not be that important.

Happy Birthday to that old fart that teaches at Ponca City.  He’s taught for almost 4 decades.  How many positive impacts has he made?  A lot.  He might run the most unique FFA program in all of Oklahoma.  What happens when he actually retires?  Which he won’t.  They will just bury his carcass at the ag farm.  Oh, and his daughter just had a reserve div. champion wether at Enid District.  Which means that BK and myself will get to have a chat with Miss Katie and what she needs to do in order to win a division, show, whatever.  And the key words will be Spicy Crackers.

Dolly Parton.  9 to 5.  I will always love you.  Islands in the Stream.  I know, random, but okay.  Good tunes.