From the Pastures: Blue ribbon eggs

Wow, summer sure did fly by. I blinked and now it is September. Every year, the summer months go by way too fast. I did have some chances to enjoy the good weather and be outside more than usual.

The fair season was a wonderful time. The Boone County Fair in our area has many livestock events which are well attended. My favorite is the draft horses. This year the rain dampened a couple days, but my family and I still had a great time. I am a volunteer at the fair helping in many areas including the nonlivestock or home economics building. Many talented people enter things they have made. Funny story, this year I entered my duck eggs into the white egg category. They won a blue ribbon.

This year I did not take any sheep to the fair. My grandkids have switched to cattle. At first, I was reluctant about the cows until I saw how much they enjoyed learning about the cows. The kids and their dad worked really hard with the cows until they were tame. They had the chance to go to six to seven shows this year and had a blast. At the fair they were up at 5 a.m. on show days to wash and get the cows ready. The kids never complained. Cows sure do take more work to show than sheep.

As I am writing this column, I am taking a little break from preparing for the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival. The festival starts in two days. Yes, I am trying not to panic. There is always more fiber I wish I had ready. My fiber seems to be never-ending sometimes.

My husband thinks I am crazy as he helps me load five to six big bins full of fiber and yarn. All summer I have been dying some Shetland wool mixed with a little mohair. It is very soft and will be great for hand spinners. There are several colors I hope customers like. It will be an exhausting weekend, but will be good to see old friends. Have a great early fall.