Cat 4-H at the Clark County Fair

Junior Reserve Champion for Cage Decoration

Sorry it's taken so long to get this post up. I had two more days of fair with my oldest, 3 extra kids (two nephews and a niece) here and way too much to do around here!

So 4-H Cats at the Clark County Fair...

I'll start by saying when I left for San Diego, my youngest decided she was not competing at Fair. She had never shown Beauty. She'd used our leader's cat at a Fun Match and it hadn't gone well. She'd only practiced during 4-H meetings twice.

Our leader texted me suggesting she at least decorate a cage and do a cat craft. Rose agreed. Of course, none of this was done let alone started while I was away in San Diego. So I return home from my vacation and Fair preparations begin.

Finn's award winning photo

Most people take weeks, maybe months, to pull everything together. We did it in three and a half days, give or take a few hours.

First up was 4-H Photography. Matted prints were due on Tuesday. The mishaps in getting ready included hubby not ordering reprints of all the pics and our puppy Cato eating the sheet of matting. That meant an early morning run to Michaels the day everything was due. Special thanks to the framing guy who cut the mats to save us time.

The kids pics did well. Rose won four blues. Mackenna won six. Finn won a red and a blue, including a special award.

Next up were the 4-H Cat Projects. Rose drew a picture of a cat to enter in Cat Crafts. She won a red ribbon with that. Then the big project was at had. Cage Decoration. She had a theme idea in mind based on her Build-A-Bear igloo.

A quick trip to Jo-Ann's Fabrics gave her all she needed to create the Kitty Snow Globe cage pictured at the top of the blog. She sewed the fabric to the cage, had her dad help her make a flooring and a wall to hide the litter box. A quick rummaging through her toys found a few accessories for the top. Her skills from Computer Adventures, a class she's taken the last two years, helped her create the title. All this took her most of Wednesday to complete, but for a last minute effort she did well. We had the cage to the fair on-time Thursday afternoon!

Irish Dancers Rose and Beauty

 On Friday (first official day of fair) morning when we arrived, she had both a blue ribbon and a Reserve Champion hanging on her cage for her efforts! Thankfully, she's already picked next year's theme so we can get started early.

As fair was getting closer, Rose decided she still wasn't going to show Beauty, but she wanted to do Cat Costume, where the 4Her and animal dress up. So as soon as the cage was finished, she figured out an easy costume. Irish dancers.

Rose had always dreamed of wearing her big sister's solo dress. Now she was big enough that it fit. Finding Beauty an Irish Dance outfit wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Given our last minute efforts, sewing wasn't an option so Rose raided her toy box. The American Girl Irish dance dress was too small, but a Build-A-Bear Sleeping Beauty dress fit. Rose added a tulle headband she'd made and white baby socks, cut off with black shoe laces drawn on to look like soft shoes. She won another Blue ribbon!

"Type" Judging

By Saturday, Rose had changed her mind and decided she was going to compete in the Fitting and Showing as well as Type. She was very nervous though.

Beauty had never been shown to a judge. She was a handful for Rose during Fitting and Showing (the judge is looking at the handler not the cat), but the two of them still ended up with a Blue ribbon. Rose was thrilled. We all were. Doing so well was a big confidence booster for her.

That afternoon, Type (the judge is looking at the cat not the handler) went much better. Beauty was more calm. We're not sure if she just decided this was her Fate or if she was more used to the new surroundings, but they received another Blue ribbon.

Cat showing is very different from dog showing. I'm still not sure I get the whole concept since the cat really doesn't do much. No running around a ring or stacking, just sitting/standing/lying on a table, but Rose enjoyed herself and already wants to do it again.

Beauty resting in her igloo

Saturday was also voting day at the Fair. The public could vote for their favorite cat cage. The kids passed out ballots to people touring the cat barn. Rose worked hard to get votes for hers!

Guess what?

She won! Beauty and the Kitty Snow Globe won the Public's Choice for Juniors (Rose's age group!)

On Sunday, the kids also competed in Cat Bowl. As the day was drawing to a close, they announced Clark County's State Fair team. Rose's name was announced. She qualified twelfth out of fifteen. Not bad for a kid who a few days before wasn't even going to compete. So in September we'll be heading to the State Fair in Puyallup, Washington.

Fingers crossed we won't be rushing around at the last minute to get everything finished in time!

Fair Update

I spent the past three days at the Clark County Fair. A post and pics coming soon, but I need to head back there soon and am just too tired to write right now! But I will say I enjoyed the Cat Project much more than I ever enjoyed the Dog Project!

Hope you're having a wonderful morning!

I Should Know Better

In the Fall, my youngest Rose joined Cat 4-H. I thought this would be easier than Dogs. A weekend (well, three days) showing cats at the county fair vs. seven days with dogs. It had to be easier right? Well, the weekend is fast approaching which means it's been a mad scramble to get everything ready.

You see, Rose can't decide if she wants to compete in all the events or not. When I left for San Diego she didn't want to so that meant nothing was done over the weekend. But now she might want to. That means we still have to be ready just in case.

We also keep finding out more and more stuff we need such as a 5x7 of Rose and her cat. They told us that last night at 7:30 pm. Oh, and they need it by Friday. I must admit that the dog project, even though the week was an utter hell for me with my writing schedule, was more organized. But I keep going back to three days vs. seven.

Beauty received a bath yesterday. She looks pretty and smells great. We also got all three kids' photographs entered. Today is all about cage decorating. Fingers crossed that goes well. 

Last night hubby happily told me I'd brought this upon myself when I dragged myself through the front door at almost 9 pm, tired and hungry. I know he's right. I should know better, but what was I going to do? Say no to my daughter? I couldn't for a very good reason. At least I think it's good, others, like my hubby, might disagree.

Rose is the youngest of three. She plays soccer and Irish danced because her brother and sister were doing those activities. Same with her swimming and dog showing, including dog 4-H. Why not have her join in when otherwise she'd just be sitting there watching?  Sure she loves swimming and soccer and dog showing (her activities now) but I think it's important to let her explore things without her brother and sister. Other than her hip-hop dance class, Cat 4-H is the first thing she's done that her siblings haven't.

And really, how bad could three days be? Well, once we're finally ready for them to start! Wish me luck!

Cat 4-H

Last night I took Rose to her 4-H meeting. This year we're doing cats instead of dogs. A good decision given Chaos ended up having seizures and Astra (who we borrow for Rose to use) had a litter of pups.

After the business meeting, kids brought out their cats to show. It's different from dogs in that the cat really doesn't do anything. The handler positions them for the judge. Probably a good thing given most cats don't do anything their supposed to do when asked.

Rose left Beauty at home. This was only our third meeting (including the Christmas party.) But she was there to watch.

One member brought out their Maine Coon. He was huge and gorgeous with this tiny, high pitched meow. His fur coloring was lighter, but he reminded us so much of Rocket. Still missing my big boy.

When country fair time rolls around, the cats are kept in cages. Each one is decorated so Rose is trying to think of a theme to use. Then we'll have to see how we can turn the cage into whatever she thinks up. The good thing is the cat part of fair is only 3 days compared to 7 with dogs.

So that was my night. How was yours?

Fair Fun

The Clark County Fair wasn't scary yesterday, but a few of the rides were! Two of my nephews, ages 10 and 12 joined us for our fair day on Monday. I'd taken their sister with me on Saturday, but yesterday was going to be our all day fair fun fest. It wasn't as warm as the weekend, but it was still hot and cooling down took retreating into the air conditioned Expo Center for a few minutes.

Yesterday was our ride day. We had unlimited ride bracelets. While I took my daughter's place doing herdsmanship in the dog barn so she could finish up her dog judging competition, the boys rode rides. And rode and rode. They returned with slushies and red faces (from the heat, not sunburn.) I then joined them for more rides, but the kind I like (no spinning or upside down ones.)

A 4-H friend brought Rose to the fairgrounds for me after her dance camp. The four kids shared the largest Elephant Ear I've ever seen. Wow! It was the size of a pizza. The four of them had trouble finishing it. I was on Day 6 of my second Whole 30 so had to pass. But boy, I was tempted to take a little taste.

Soon Mackenna had finished her shifts in the dog barn and the expo center. That meant riding more rides. This is where the scary comes in. She is fourteen and has no fear when it comes to rides. I get quesy just looking at what she wants to ride so I did a lot of waiting while they went on the scary stuff. I made the mistake of going on the hang gliders. My stomach is still feeling that one. Unfortunately, my son has my disposition when it comes to ride. He did a lot of waiting with me.

Hubby joined us once his day was finished. He arrived with what we needed at that moment—cash. The kids spent a little time in the water bubbles. Think blow-up hamster wheel in a pool. After dinner, we had to hit all the rides again with hubby.

It was a great day. Lots of food, fun and prizes won playing the dart game. Exactly what a county fair should be!

I hope you had a great Monday and an even better Tuesday!

Bears

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

We had a lion on the blog yesterday. No tiger today, but I must share this bear video that came across my Facebook wall yesterday. I wasn't quite sure what was going on as I watched, but I got a nice surprise! Worth a view.



The Clark County Fair 4-H Dog barn opens today. We'll be there for dog judging, but just today. I decided last year I couldn't spend seven days there. A good thing I made that decision because I really do need to write. A lot of people think because you work at home that you're really not working. But that isn't the case at all. I've gotten much better at saying no. If not, I'd never get anything done!

The kids don't seem to mind since I promised they'd still get to go to fair, and they still entered a few events. A win-win situation!

Well, I'd better get writing before it's time to head over to the fairgrounds. Have a great Monday!

Baby Lion

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Yesterday I took my oldest daughter and my niece to the Clark Country Fair. We wanted to check out the 4-H Cats, who are on display through today. It was a gorgeous, blue-sky day, but the temperatures were predicted to be hot! Getting two fourteen year old girls out the door before ten wasn't easy, but we did it!

This is our third year of 4H and our third year attending. The same vendors are in the same spots. Oh, a few new things are there. Wine slushies are everywhere. But it's nice to know where things are.

By noon, we were burning up. I suggested we take a peek at the exotic animal display put on by A Walk On The Wild Side (if you click on the link make sure your volume is down or off because they have music on the site), get them milkshakes then head home since there was still a swim meet last night.

Oh my goodness. They had an eight week old lion. Everyone was sighing. Talk about cute. Adorable. Insert favorite baby adjective here.

I love cats. I really love big cats. I was head over heels in love.

The girls decided they'd rather spend the $10 I'd said we use for their milkshakes on a picture with the baby lion. For that price, you got to hold the kitty, get a photo taken and then time to pet the cutie cat. So we got in line.

It moved relatively quickly. It was hard to complain because we were in the shade, surrounded by other animals and they were very generous with the time they allowed you to spend with the lion. That boded well for all of us.

About two groups ahead of us the cub fell asleep, reminding me so much of the kitties we've had in the house. The staff member said they didn't know when the lion would wake up, but no one cared. Alseep or awake, the lion was still amazing.

When our turn arrived, I let the girls do the holding while I stood back and took additional pictures with my daughter's iTouch. Then we were all allowed to pet the baby. I was so excited when the cup opened his eyes. I didn't want to stop petting. To be honest, I didn't want to say goodbye, but unfortunately adoption isn't an option! I'm sure my neighbors and my other cats would have something to say about that if it were.

All I can say is best $10 spent in a very long time!

Cats

see more

See that cat on the bottom? That's how I feel. I was beat up pretty badly yesterday. The reason? Two cats at two different vets for appointments yesterday. I really should have taken in my Chronic Renal Failure cat in, too, but I just couldn't deal with much more.

Verdict from the vets. Both need surgery.

One of the cats belonged to my friend, Elizabeth, who died in June. I'm waiting to hear from the vet this morning about her blood test results then we'll schedule the surgery, most likely next week.

The other is a foster cat. Unfortunately her surgery, a TECA aka Total Ear Canal Ablation, is crazy expensive. Last night, a friend suggested a cute idea in regards to fundraising. I'm hoping the rescue group will approve my doing something to raise money for the surgery. The alternative is sending her over the Rainbow Bridge. I don't want that to happen. She may be a senior cat, fourteen years old, but she could live a lot longer if not for her ear issues.

Enough about cats. Well, sort of...

The Clark County Fair opened yesterday. We're not doing fair this year. At least not how we've done it in the past. I just didn't that much time to spend with the 4-H dog program. Not to mention a week of complaining and hating life isn't fun for me or my family or blog readers. Seven days is just too long, especially for working parents. The girls don't seem to mind too much. Mackenna is still doing the dog judging competition and entered the Photography category for the first time. Both girls also made educational posters.

This weekend the 4-H cat clubs are on display so we're heading over to check that out. The girls might do that instead next year so we want to see what it's all about. Plus Mackenna wants to see how her pictures fared.

What are you up to today?

Fair Day 7

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

The county fair ended last night! At the award ceremony, we found out Mackenna placed fifth in the Dog Judging and qualified for State Fair. She was excited, especially because she'd studied so hard. I need to figure out if we can go. I have a book due two days after the competition, and there will be soccer games for the other two that same day. This is when I wish I could clone myself!

I think Spirit already wishes I could do that. My poor kitty did not have a good evening yesterday. While I was at the fair, she kept coming downstairs to look for me. She'd sit on the stairs meowing constantly. She was doing it when I walked in the door. Much to the annoyance of hubby given I was gone from 1 until 11.

I must admit I'm happy Fair is over. I'm very happy Mackenna likes it, but it's just not my thing. And next year, I already know what my writing schedule will be and it won't be possible for me to do all I did these past two years. I've already warned her about that!

Well, it's back to normal life for me. Rose has a day camp this week. Finn has altar boy boot camp for a couple of days. Mackenna will have a dog show later in the week. I have a book due in a little over a month (September 19th.)

What's your week like?

Fair Day 6

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

This pic has nothing to do with what I'm going to write about. I just thought it was funny and wanted to share. I can imagine one of mine (i.e. Yoda) wanting a nice bedroom set like that for themselves.

Yesterday was more mellow at fair. The competitions are fun ones. Not a lot of pressure except for the fact neither of my girls put their costumes together until lunchtime. That's a little too close for comfort even for me (who has procrastination down to an artform!)

But it all game together.

Rose and Chaos were Irish dancers. Chaos wore an American Girl Irish dance wig. ?U=I was brought to tears by the fact that Rose now fits into Mackenna's old Irish dance class dress. She's growing up too fast.

Mackenna and Chaos were an evil super villain (complete with Calico Kitty evil minion) and a super dog. Mackenna (aka Macalico) dressed in all black with a cape and a calico stuffed cat pinned to her shoulder. Chaos had a Cape and a collar. All wore signs saying who they were including the Evil Minion. For a last minute costume she did well. Unfortunately she forgot mustache and her black pants at home. I'd post pics except I'm too tired to download them.

Rose also competed in the Pee Wee competition. She came home with so much swag from it. The woman who organizes it Barb is in charge of our club. She goes all out for the wee ones. It's very sweet and thoughtful. The youngest competitor was only 2 months old. Yes, 4-H starts them young!

Hubby stayed until the bitter end last night with Mackenna and Chaos. I took the younger ones home so they wouldn't be total exhausted today.

Fair in tonight! I love watching the kids compete, but I think the Fair experience is too long. Needless to say I'm very happy it'll be over soon.

When I came home last night, I went to a news site. I was saddened to read about the collapse of the stage at the Indiana State Fair. My current manuscript is set there. I watched a YouTube video about it and was horrified by what I saw. So sad and terrifying. My prayers to all affected.

How has your weekend been?

Fair Day 5

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

It was a long day at the fair yesterday. I left home with my daughter a little after 8 am. She didn't get home until 11:30 pm or so. Hubby took over around 5 pm last night which was very sweet of him.

She and Chaos did great in Rally. They scored 96 points and won a blue ribbon. Mackenna was so excited! And Chaos...well, she's still sound asleep. Hubby videotaped it for me so I can watch!

While they were at the Fair, my youngest and I took care of the dogs my oldest is dog sitting since she couldn't leave. The two were so happy to see us. We hung out a while to keep them company. Later on when we headed over there to put them to bed, they were so darn cute. They wanted a little love then got right in their kennels.

We don't have to be over to the fair until this afternoon. It'll be a little more low key. Rose is competing in Pee-Wees. And then she and Mackenna are competing in the costume division. That is if they can pull their costumes together in time! It should be interesting.

Fair Day 4

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Yesterday was a very fun day at the fair. Mackenna made new friends with other 4-H Dog kids and Showmanship went much better than Obedience had the other day. She and Chaos won a blue ribbon. That was what she was hoping to get so YAY!

We didn't get out of there until 10:30 pm last night. We have to be back at 9 am so I need to get busy. Hubby let me sleep in when I needed to be up two hours ago!  We have to be at the fair until 11 tonight with no break. Hubby will be bringing Chaos by later since she doesn't have rally until later this evening. A long day ahead. I wish it were already over.

What do you have going on today?

Fair Day 3

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Animals have a mind of their own. They can do exactly what you want them to do , and then one day, they won't. That happened to Mackenna with Chaos during Dog Obedience yesterday.  Two things the dog has done perfectly in the past just didn't happen during the competition at Fair. They were big things, together worth 70 points. The same thing happened at the Leader Show back in June.

I've told Mackenna that when you compete with an animal you can't count on anything. They have minds of their own. All she can do is her best and hope the dog does hers, too. But Chaos wasn't going to do anything she didn't want to yesterday, including Stand for Exam (she wanted the judge to give her love instead) or the Long Sit (who knows why she decided to get up when she did and walk to Mackenna.)

A bummer, yes, but not totally unexpected. Norwegian Elkhounds are very intelligent and can also be stubborn. Chaos isn't a very obedient dog to begin with and this part of the training/practicing/competing has always been a struggle.

The silver lining to all this was Mackenna's reaction to what happened in the ring. She was very disappointed. Her dreams of attending State Fair are pretty much over due to the score she received, but she didn't get upset. There were no tears (something common at Fair ) or point blame at the dog. She handed me the score sheet with the white ribbon and shrugged it off. She showed humility and class with her sportsmanship. I was proud of her.

Fair Day 2

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

This cartoon cracked me up. It's so true!

I have one cat who uses my hair as her bed. Two who uses my legs as both pillows and beds. All the things writing about the arms and hands describes how Yoda sees mine!

I spent most of the day finishing up the proposal revisions. I was working so hard I didn't realize until the late afternoon I was still wearing my jammies. After a quick shower and dinner, we headed back to the fair.

It was so chilly! I had a sweater. But it didn't keep me warm at all, and I was even in the dog barn! I'll be bringing a fleece jacket with me from now on. It's hard to believe it's August!

At the fair last night, I wrote a bit. I also read. I so love the book The Iron King by Julie Kagawa. It's published by Harlequin Teen and written in first person. I'm a little over halfway through it. I'll be taking it with me to fair this morning. Once I finish, I'll be passing it on to my oldest daughter. She's a big fantasy reader. I know she's going to love this!

I'll be rooting for Mackenna and Chaos in Dog Obedience at the fair this morning! It's not Chaos' best event who it's always a crap shoot as to what will happen. Fingers crossed it goes okay! Okay is about as good as she gets when it comes to Obedience!

Hope you have a great Wednesday!

Fair is not fair

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

This LOLcat made me think of a few of the food exhibits we saw at the fair yesterday. They have a demonstration kitchen where 4-Hers prepare full meals.

So we all know that life isn't fair, but does it really need to kick you when you're down? We learned something yesterday. Casts are not allowed rides at the county fair. I understand the fear of lawsuits, I really do, but if you could have seen the look on my son's face when he saw "NO CASTS" written in bold letters above the ticket window, your heart would have been breaking the way mine was.

First no Long Course Swim Championships. Then no soccer. Now no rides.

At least, he won a very cool, mega-size water gun shooting a ball at three cups. But those games are a lot more expensive than rides.

I'd pre-purchased entrance tickets, ride bracelets and ticket booklets to save money. I figured he and my youngest could go on rides while I work in the dog barn each day. Much cheaper than what I spent on a babysitter last year. So much for my advanced planning!

Hope you have a great day!

Rest Day

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

The Clark County Fair is over! We got out of there a little after eleven last night and won't have to go back until next year. Woo-hoo! My daughter had a blast. Me? I'm exhausted. Not sure a year will be long enough to recover.

She is an alternate for the Clark County State Fair Dog team. I find out at a meeting Tuesday what that's all about. Not bad for her first year in 4H.

I'll post pics tomorrow. Today is a rest day. Well, as much as I can rest around here. We still have swim practice, soccer camp and a doctor's appt. Plus I need to write, clean and try to beat the heat.

Have a great Monday!