TC Diary July 2005

George and Mary celebrate 40th Anniversary

This month we seemed to be on the road – I never quite got the suitcase unpacked.

We went to Iowa for the 40th Anniversary of Angus friends George and Mary Swenka. George and I have the same Czech blood so just have to have a kolache with our coffee when we get together.

Then we hurried home for the 4th of July as we had company for the 4th – along with fireworks, homemade ice cream and cherry pie. What is more American than that??

Vance and I drove to Billings, MT, and Vance attended the BIF Conference. This conference that takes place every year in a different city bringing together university researchers, producers' and industry leaders. While some topics become a little above most producers heads, at times it is an interesting conference to hear what may take place in future years. It keeps one abreast of coming changes.

Shirley visiting the chapel at the Center of the US.

Had a nice tour group from Australia and also other visitors out on their summer vacations. Always enjoy visiting and getting to know Angus folks.

Then it was off to the National Junior Angus Show in Denver where we all had jobs. I again organized the banana splits, Hannah served chocolate syrup on the banana splits, Dru and Trude played in the Angus Foundation Golf Tournament, Vance judged the bred and owned females, bulls and cow/calf pairs, and Dru judged the showmanship. Little Tavin was at his very first Junior Angus Show. I told Trude, "In 21 years the kids would be done with Junior Angus." Dru said, "I'll be 50 and Dad will be 86 years old." We all had a good time and thank those who made for another great NJAS. The National Junior Angus Show means a lot to our family. Vance and Dru enjoyed the opportunity to judge and work with the juniors. Vance commented on how good the cattle were and how deep the classes ran. Also the quality of the junior members is outstanding and this all makes for the greatest junior show.

Tavin watching his first NJAS making sure Dad and Grandpa make the correct judging decisions.

The day after getting home from Denver we hosted, Shirley, a lady from Tasmania. Shirley was here with the Women in Agriculture group. Had a good time and did agriculture visits in the area… toured a large dairy, a tomato plant, a large round barn made with no nails, and a nature refuge. The guys were working cattle so she took part in that and also learned about irrigation.

I think every junior Angus member went to the National Junior Angus Show this month with a dream, thus I leave your with . . .

'Nothing happens unless first a dream.' – – – Carl Sandburg

Hannah serving chocolate syrup at the NJAS banana split gathering.