The county fair with grandchildren

Family, fun

I was surprised when Rachel messaged me and asked if I was up for a visit today. She and two of her children wanted to go to the fair and see my photo of Car-E (the third was off on a scouting camping trip with their dad). Of course, I wanted them to come.

I haven’t been to the fair so many times in one week in many years. It was two years ago that I went with a bunch of my grandchildren. Today it was only two but I was happy with that.

Susan, Arianna, and Eli at photography display with Susan’s winning entry.

We went through all the barns, but I think we spent the most time with the small animals and there the rabbits got most of our attention.

After watching a 4-H demonstration about bunny hopping, we were even offered a free rabbit and help to get it to hop over bunny-size jumps. Though Arianna would have brought a new pet home, Rachel said a firm, “No. Our dog chases rabbits. It wouldn’t work.”

Our day started out in the rain but ended in sunshine. I’d say it was a successful visit.

Copyright © 2021 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

Down to three

Chickens, wildlife

One moment I had four hens. The next I didn’t.

It was afternoon when I saw my little flock walking around my flower bed. Well I thought it was my flock of four. What I saw was only three. I just thought the other one was out of sight, but close by.

Marble didn’t show up when it came time to roost that evening.

Marble is farthest left in this photo. I looked around for her. Eventually, close to the soybean field, I found her wing.

I’m keeping my last three hens inside today. Whatever ate Marble may return for another easy meal.

It’s hard raising pets that are tasty.

Copyright © 2021 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

More about county fair entry

Outagamie County Fair, Susan

Friends convinced me to enter the open fair photography competition because they liked my sunset/sunrise photos. Can you guess which photos did not place? The collection of 4 X 6 sunrise/sunset photos. One 8 X 10 did get a fourth place, so all wasn’t bad.

At least the judge wasn’t impressed with images like this one. Still, I can’t complain, not after winning Grand Champion for my photo of Car-E. Also, a Car-E collection got first place in its category. And the judge admitted to having issues with cats, not their photos, just live cats in general.

If it wasn’t for my family, friends, and Facebook friends, I wouldn’t have entered at all.

Thank you all for your encouragement. You got me off my duff and pushed me to enter.

I’m already thinking about next year. Of course, now I know my competition and how good they are. It will be tough going, but there will be no success if I don’t enter.

Copyright © 2021 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

Car-E helps unpack

Car-E, cats

I slit the tape on the box, but before I could empty my art supplies, Car-E became interested in the contents of the box.

Because my cat was so involved, I grabbed my phone to video his actions.

My video stops before he could pull more from the box. Who knows what would attract him. A small plastic bag was being dragged out next. It was time to close the box.

Cat toys have been given to his feline for playtime. Playing with one of these may keep him busy for a minute, but Car-E prefers to make toys out of non-cat-type items.

Copyright © 2021 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved