It is a very rainy and dreary morning here in Northeast Louisiana. Bad weather is predicted throughout today and our local schools even closed today. Tornados are possible and I'm sure the "powers that be" in school administration would rather be "safe than sorry." So far, nothing but rain has happened and it's just the perfect day to stay in and catch up on things. I had a few pieces of ironing and knocked those out earlier, had a load of laundry and got that done. Since I have definitely neglected my blog in recent weeks, it seemed like a good morning to do something about that as well. I truly cannot believe that I blogged 3 times a week for many years. Goodness! I grew very weary and began to feel very pressured and a couple of years ago decided to just blog whenever the spirit led me. Well, obviously the spirit has not led me on any kind of a regular basis, but it's been very freeing and hopefully my readers "get it." Okay, enough rambling, on to whatever else comes to my mind.
Last week Hubby and I had an experience unlike anything we have ever experienced. We attended the Oklahoma Youth Expo in Oklahoma City. Exactly what is OYE? Well, folks it is the world's largest youth livestock show in the WORLD! Yep, you read that right. Clancy has participated in this event for the past 3 years and we wanted to go and watch him this year. It is always held during Oklahoma's spring break, so it pretty much consumes our daughter and her family during that week. If I remember correctly there were 2500 sheep, goats, cows and pigs. Folks, that is a whole bunch of animals and guess what else, it is a whole lot of "poop." ~that's the gospel truth~
We had never seen so many animals, stock trailers, big trucks and kids. My goodness! The kids
(ages 9 - 17) move their animals into their assigned section of the barns and they go to work preparing the animal to show. Most of the preparation at this point is the grooming and you can't imagine all the work that goes into getting them ready to show. Of course, Clancy shows sheep and he had a stall in the sheep barn and we spent a whole lot of time sitting in lawn chairs outside his stall just taking it all in.
Might I add that I did not see another woman at this event not dressed in jeans and boots. But, that's not my particular style so I went in what I usually wear. Bridget could NOT believe that I actually wore a white top and white rhinestone wedge slip ons one day. I'm pretty sure she was embarrassed but, hey, I left that day with shoes and shirt that were still clean. Now, whenever we were walking through the barn, I never looked up. I watched every step I took! Yes, this Southern Belle was put to the test.
~chuckle~
But, can I just tell you that it was worth it all to watch this hard working Grandson place with all 3 of his sheep. This was tough competition and while he did not get any top honors, he has 5 more years to compete in this show and I'm pretty sure he will definitely take home some top honors. This was his 4th year to compete and in the past 3 years he has been sifted (that means he did not place) but he was determinded to place this year. And, he did! I wanted to stand up and hollar but they don't allow such at these type of events. ~shucks~ So, I gave him a big ole hug when I saw him afterwards. I have little doubt that his commitment and responsibility with the care and work with his sheep will carry him far in life.
And, another "hi-lite" of the trip was seeing this dear friend. Terri and I met at my Dad's first pastorate in Alma, Arkansas some 60 years ago. That's a long time folks! She recently moved to Denton, Texas and it worked out perfectly for us to stay in Denton as we were headed to Oklahoma. We enjoyed a great visit and a nice dinner. It had been 13 years since we had seen each other so we had a whole lot to catch up on and didn't nearly skim the surface. But, we have plans to not let so much time go by before we plan another visit.
Look at this picture of our Hanna Beth! I mean, isn't she adorable? Folks, she will be 13 this year and I don't know if I can stand it. She is our quiet, reserved, studious gal that we love dearly. Their all growing up so quickly and, as any grandparent, we are more than a little proud of all 5 of them.
I think that about covers what's ramblin' through my head this morning. Now,on to see what else I can get into this rainy day. A little cookie baking might be in order.
Go you in your rhinestone footwear! I feel like grandchildren grow up twice as fast as our own did. So glad you had a nice visit with yours and with your daughter.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun and congrats to grandson for placing with his sheep this year! Awesome! Your always look fab and there is nothing wrong with rhinestones, no matter the venue!! Thanks for the catch-up!! xo
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were able to go to the livestock show. It must have been quite an experience, and I love that you wore white! Take care!
ReplyDeleteIt is always refreshing to know you are staying true to your fashion sense and the diva you really are. Even at an Oklahoma animal barn. LOL! Sounds tiring and yet so much fun to spend time enjoying your sources of joy. Loved hearing all about it.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed seeing a post pop up from you Lea. I figured that you had been busy with family. Great pictures of everyone. Congrats to your grandson. Happy Spring dear Lea. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteYour story about how you dressed for the walk in the barn(s) was amazing (and very brave). I'm sure you looked fantastic!
ReplyDeleteHi Lea - Congratulations to your grandson! Looks like a great time - and glad you got some "retail therapy" in, too. Isn't it good to see old friends...even if you have not been together for years somehow you fall right back into that conversation that never stops. Have a great Spring!
ReplyDeleteI also used to blog on a regular basis but now when something is blog worthy then I blog. What a wonderful time watching your grandson show his sheep. I know he was so happy to have you there. I love seeing all of your cute grands, time flies by and they grow up too fast. Have a blessed day dear friend. Hugs
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