And That's the Way the Cookie Crumbles

Well as you recall, Alyssa raised more than one turkey for the Fair. Her tom went through the auction and was shipped off to that place from where tom turkeys don't return. (At least not unwrapped and flash frozen.) The plan all along was to butcher the leftover bird and give it to the people who let us raise the turkeys at their house. So on Tuesday, we did just that.

Cookie the hen before "the deed"

Alyssa really wanted to be there for the event. However, she was not feeling good that day. I am sure you are saying to yourself, "What 15 year old girl wants to be there for the butchering of their turkey?" Well the answer is Alyssa. Her favorite television show at the age of 4 was The Operation on TLC. Believe it or not, this was right up her alley. So I loaded Cookie, her hen up, and headed to a family friend's house.

When I got there, he was butchering some chickens. So I got to watch that whole affair. Then it was Cookie's turn. The whole process was not nearly as bad as it might seem. Actually the turkey was easier to pluck and clean than the chickens. And the butcher's wife is actually the poultry leader for another 4-H club. So we took pictures in hopes of using them to teach kids in the future.

The feathers plucked very easy compared to the chickens

This is the part of the breast that the poultry judge at the Fair focuses on

In Other News . . .

Justina started day camp at her school this week. Each week has a theme and this week is Wacky Water Week. Next week is Sports Week. But even day camp is not helping with the fact that one of her best friends is moving away in a couple weeks. Abigail's father is in the Air Force and they got orders for Virginia. So she is pretty sad. I guess we all go through it - a friend moving away.

Thanks to Trisha in Yelm, Washington for putting a pin in Le Frappr Map. And don't forget that there is a new poll up. Tell us how you save at the pump.

Until the next time, take care and God bless. :)

Happy 15th Birthday Alyssa!

Alyssa at Easter brunch at the Petroleum Club in Bakersfield this year

Nothing says Happy Birthday like a physical therapy appointment at 7:00 a.m. during your summer vacation. If you recall from previous posts, she had been experiencing some back problems. Well she has pretty much rested it for the past two months, and her physical therapist said that it is time to switch from rest-and-heal to strengthen mode. So that was promising news. The appointment ended with a massage. Not many fifteen year olds will say they had a physical therapy appointment on their birthday, but not many of them can say they got a massage either.

Alyssa, 11, with her rabbit at the Santa Barbara County Fair in 2005

At around 11:30, the whole family met down at Kay's Orcutt Country Kitchen. Alyssa's baeu, Ian, joined us. We had a wonderful time and Alyssa was presented a huge, hunking slice of Death by Chocolate Cake and a song. We did the birthday meal at lunchtime because James had to leave on a business trip this evening. Tonight she is going to watch the new Batman movie with some friends.

Alyssa, 7, in December 2001 picking oranges at the ranch in Delano

For her birthday, she got a purse that she was eyeing at Suburban Sky, a local clothing store. And when James gets back from his trip, we will go to the Verizon store and get a new cell phone for her. She has worn the keys out on her curret one. Of course, in six more months, she will be getting her learner's permit. It's really hard for me to wrap my brain around that idea. Like sand through the hourglass . . . yep, time really flies.

In Other News . . .

I want to send a huge shout out to my sister Joan and her new husband David! They were married on June 21st on Coronado Island. Joan was a gorgeous bride. And we got to meet much of David's family from Ireland. We are pleased as can be to have david join the fold of our wild and crazy family. We all had a fabulous time and I am so happy for my sister!

Until the next time, take care and God bless. :)

The Future of Mutton Busting

Well it has been a while since I posted last. Let's just say life has been so busy that it is not even funny anymore. Many things have happened since I last posted. Some have been joyous occasions but many of them not so much. But as with all things, these little potholes in life's highway shall pass.

The Santa Barbara County Fair is coming up real soon. The kids take their animals to the fairgrounds on Sunday, July 6th. And as a project leader for two projects I have been busy. Once again, we will be camping in a trailer at the fairgrounds and I will try to take my laptop and update from there. (But I am not making any promises though.) I'll post a poll after next week.

In the meantime, it is my pleasure to introduce . . .

Abby the Ewe Buster!