Wood County Fair 2009! Those Jersey Giants!

Here's how I'm going to close out my fair coverage for 2009. I earned a blue ribbon for my basil and an honorable mention and third for my basket and canning respectively. But I close with these gorgeaus happy laying Jersey Giants!

Wood County Fair 2009! Jenny Shows Chickens

Here's Jenny with her second place award for her skill at showing chickens. She was polished, presentable, knowledgeable.

Wood County Fair 2009! Cute Cow Cleaning Up

Here's that darn cute cow again, the next morning after practicing. This little cow is getting cleaned up for the big moment. Still with a patient steady intelligent eye.

Wood County Fair 2009! Jenny Rocks the Sheep Arena!

Here's a photo of the top four sheep, duking it out for their placings. Look at the focus and skill of Jenny! Namaste.

Wood County Fair 2009! Jenny Expertly Shows Sheep

Here are some photos and video of Jenny showing sheep as part of her 4-H project. She did a phenomenal job and was so polished and professional and lovely. It was amazing to see how well-behaved and obedient and thus gorgeaus her sheep were. She won several of her classes and earned the right to compete in Showman of Showmen.

Wood County Fair 2009! Beautiful Horse

I thought this horse looked amazing with his roached mane and powerful build. You can see his royal heritage and know that his family throughout history helped humans farm, wage wars, herd animals, hunt, pull loads, and ride the range. This is a noble working animal!

Wood County Fair 2009! An Expert Gamer and His Partner!

This young man seems like a natural in the saddle. He has the longest legs and is just sitting with complete ease. I hope he had a successful day competing!!

Wood County Fair 2009! Getting Advice

Here's a young woman on gaming day, getting some advice, probably from her dad. Just look at her sitting relaxed and confident and settled on her partner. She is a true cowgirl. Namaste.

Wood County Fair 2009! Jersey Giants

Here is what my girls are becoming, big beautiful stately magnificent intelligent Jersey Giants. I own chickens like these! Lucky me!

Wood County Fair 2009! Girls Hugging

Sportsmanship. Namaste.

Wood County Fair 2009! Girls with Awards!

Here are Chelsea and Logan with their lovely horses. Chippy has just earned reserve champion and would later take Chelsea onto a reserve champion in western equitation, and a champion in western halter and western pleasure. Chippy would also win her halter class and earn a 4th for Montgomery, and then help Jenny earn a reserve champion in showman of showmen. This 20 year-old mare is spectacular in her goodness. She is a true joy to all who know her and she knows her job. Many blessings on her beautiful head.

Wood County Fair 2009! My Vegetable Basket

Here are the vegetables I picked on a beautiful August morning as I prepared to bring my vegetable basket entries to the Fair. I love my yellow peppers and green tomatos and cucumbers and carrots and cabbage and eggplant. And I just love my beautiful gorgeaus happy healthy cheerful edible nasturtiums. Bless my home, please.

Wood County Fair 2009! My Violet in her Stall

Here's my girl, looking around and checking out her first show stall ever. She seemed genuinely curious and engaged with the festivities and activities and excitement. What a good trusting joyful eager girl.

Wood County Fair 2009! Cute Cow Showing

I love this little cow. On one of the first days of Fair, I went into the cow area and watched the young people practicing showing their 4-H projects. This little cow just radiated intelligence and sweetness. I adore this little cow.

Wood County Fair 2009! Gaming Day!

Here's a young brave rider, zooming around with her horse in the warmup ring. Sure wish I had her brand of bravada! You go, Girl!

Wood County Fair 2009! Gaming Day!

So, on the morning I went to see Jenny show her chicken project, I walked over to the horse arena and watched the kids warming up for a day of gaming. They were getting their horses ready by putting on their equipment and going into a equipment-check class to prove their saddle and gear would hold up to the rigors. And then there was an arena filled with crazy twirling cantering, galloping, and skittering horses and ponies. One of my favorites was this brave little girl on a short pony with a big attitude. I love this little pony! I hope I know the children who get my Renny.

Wood County Fair 2009! I'm a Chicken Owner!

I am so happy. Tim Johnson helped me get ready for the Fair, by helping me set up a henhouse and coop and giving me two wonderful Jersey Giant hens, the fabulous Thelma and Louise. So, I was proud and delighted to go to the Fair and know that I too am a chicken girl. I will get protein from my own happy girls!

Wood County Fair 2009! Chelsea and Chippy Rock the House!

Here are some photos and a video from the English show day at the Fair. I went to see Chelsea compete with the wonderful elder Chippy. Chippy was groomed to perfection itself. She looked wonderful. I had lots of fun watching the event with Doreen, Jessica, and Tina. And Chelsea earned a reserve champion in this class. In the days that follow, I will tell you about Chippy's extraordinary success!

Wood County Fair 2009! Violet Celebrates her Success

Here is a photo of my beautiful girl, the morning after her successful trip to the Fair. She's my beautiful gorgeaus carrot-eating happy girl!

Wood County Fair 2009! Violet Says Neigh!

This year, I brought a vegetable basket, hostess basket featuring New Orleans, photos, four canned products, basil and Violet to the Fair! Here are photos and video of Violet's arrival. She was beautiful and gorgeaus and show ready. She was just lovely after her primping by Barbie. And lots of people worked to make her happy and comfortable for her show day in the Light Horse Cart class. But such was not to be! I went home, put on my pajamas, and received a phone call that Violet was nipping people and putting her face on people. When I returned to the Fairgrounds, she seemed as sweet as usual and happy to see me. And she was surrounded by a group of people with strong opinions! Some thought she was an angel. Others had "tested" her by walking horses up and down beside her to discover whether she would put her friendly nose on them. She did. So, I said, "That's it!" Violet has done the fair. Let's put a bow on this visit. We pulled up the trailer and she looked at me and just stepped on board all sweet and polite. And Barbie, Doreen, Tim and I brought the great show mare home to Showgate. I love her. I am proud of her!