This is why we love Oregon!

Okay . . . it's past time. We'll be cleared to go to Oregon on Wednesday. Normally we're there by now . . . this year we've been delayed a bit but we've made plans to be out of here in a week or two. And this is the reason why we're so anxious . . .

It

Just

Wouldn't

Stop

Until

103.3!


The hottest day of the year . . . so far!

Life is good!

Two more truckloads . . .

The morning was bright and sunny and it's expected to get in the high 90s today. However there was still work to be done and Ken wanted to lend a hand. At the end of just a few hours the team accomplished what they set out to do and it really looks nice.

What a trouper. KL unloaded the truckload of bark.

And then hauled it over to be spread out . . .

With Murray's supervision Ken and Jen spread the bark.

Think we'll need a couple more truckloads

Thank goodness that's all there is for today!

Life is good!

One Down . . . Three to Go!

. . . truckloads of redwood bark, that is.

While Jen went to get load two . . . Ken and CD helped spread the first load of redwood bark along the sloping hillside in the back yard. They worked well together, and even had fun. Tomorrow will be planting day . . . all to beautify the landscaping around the pool. It's been pretty hot here lately, and that pool feels really refreshing.

Life is good!

Thanks KeepingUpWithTheSmiths!

What a surprise when Ken came back from the mail room. 1-800 Flowers.com sure know how to do it well! Beautiful Hydrangea plant, a lovely scented Lavendar plant, and a sweetly trailing Ivy plant . . .all tucked into a pretty basket.

After I enjoy them inside, I'll plant them each in larger pots to grace our deck all year long.

Thank you so much sweet mid-western family!

Life is good!

Everything's Coming Up Roses!

This time of year we are normally on our way to Oregon, and it is customary we stop and see Jackie and Rick on our way. I especially love to be there when the rose garden is in full bloom. But since we've been held back this summer for medical reasons, Jackie took some pictures of her garden so that I wouldn't miss out on the spectacular display of color. We'll get there eventually, thanks Jackie!

A view of the beautiful Rose Garden.

I think these are the "Brigadoons".

Taller than Rick!

Such a delicate pink variety . . . and so fragrant!

Jackie in front of their favorite "Brigadoon"!

I love this shot . . . check out the drops of water!

These aren't roses, they are Matilija Poppies growing by the mailboxes. And I love their old barn, I have no idea how old it is but I hope it's there forever!

Life is good!

Sweet Summer Fruit . . .

My sister, Jackie, just sent me these pictures. She had mentioned the other day that they had an abundance of apricots. Just the thought of them makes me drool. Now tonight she sent me these pictures which I must share with you! She even wrote the captions for the pictures, making my job easier. I truly envy anybody who has their own fruit orchard right in their back yard.

Start with an abundance of apricots, bruised ones culled.

Slice in half, remove pits, lay them ready for the low oven.

Three hours later, intensely apricotty apricots.

Life is good!

What a privilege!

It was a long day at the Madera Fairgrounds. From 8 a.m until 5 p.m. Jen and her "girls" a.k.a. daughter KL, Destiny, Cover Girl, Lulu, and of course we can't forget Missy Moo were all on their best behavior.

It's a whole lot of work just getting the goats bathed, loaded into the trailer, and trucked to the fairgrounds, let alone unloading them, securing them in their pens, keeping them fed and watered all day, and milking them mid-day.

The event? Another Goat Show, but this time the participants were honored to be judged in two arenas, each with a American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) certified judge—one flying in from New York for the event. There were nearly 200 goats participating, four out of the five ADGA dairy goat breeds represented, competing in several categories for each breed in attendance: Alpine (of which all but one of Simply Country's goats are), Oberhasli, LaMancha, Saanen, and "Recorded Grade" (of which Lulu qualifies).

If you do the numbers that means five breeds times 7 (kid, yearling, two-year-olds, four-year-olds, adult, best of breed, grand champion) equals 35 competitions times two arenas equals 70 competitions . . . whew! It was a great experience and we added a few more notches to our goat knowledge.

Destiny . . . brought home several ribbons. She even helped KL receive a second place in Showmanship-Novice category.

Cover Girl brought home a couple more ribbons.

At the end of the day the kids got to strut their stuff. Here is Missy Moo getting ready to show off for the crowd. She placed third with one judge and fourth with the other judge. I forgot to bring my backup battery so I have no pictures of sweet Lulu . . . who also came home with a couple ribbons. Then it was time to load'em back up in the trailer, haul them home, give them all baths and tuck'em into bed! I'm sure Jen and KL hit the hay early last night too . . . at least I hope so!

All in all it was a great day for Simply Country goats!

Life is good . . . even from the eye of a goat!