Getting out of the bubble

On Thursday, Freda went with Luci and me to a livestock show on the Southside to see Elena show her two lambs.  It was a beautiful dusty day and we were immersed in the sounds and smells of animals. 

"This is like another world," Freda said.  It was, we agreed, fun to get out of our bubble for a day. 

Elena stood in a row of kids waiting for their lambs to be judged.  Whether their lamb won or lost, the kids smiled and shook the judge's hand.  Our girl got 7th place on one of her lambs, which qualifies her for the auction in January.  

Listening to the judge explain his reasoning (broad here, narrow there, muscular or not so much) I was glad to be sitting beside Nathan who interpreted the qualities of lambdom.  Who knew there was so much to know about a lamb?  To the uninitiated, they all look pretty much the same. 

Here's Papi, Elena, Veronica, Will, Nathan, and me:

Papi, the Pritchetts, and me

Mateo and Elena 

  

Two Lambs Destined for an Auction in January
With Freda and me

Today I got out of the bubble again, driving solo to the rodeo, where Elena competed in barrel racing.  

Her ride was flawless, smooth and beautiful.  She's such a natural on horseback she makes it all look easy. 

These are 4H events.  I loved listening to the parents talking about all the events their kids were competing in.   

One man told us that his daughter competed in rodeo, livestock, cooking (pies) and chicken.  To make the winning chicken recipe, she grilled chicken in a Green Egg and won first place.  

Another family announced that their dog had just had puppies, and Elena is now hot on that trail!

"Please please, Daddy!  I will give you all my Christmas money if you'll let me have one!"

The positivity and freshness of these nature-loving kids was an inspiration.  The support of their parents was even more so.  What a beautiful bubble, kids loving their animals, their competitions, and each other. 

Here's Elena, kissing her horse Yancy, thanking him for a great rodeo ride: