Show stock

In the past week I have had the chance to share to non livestock friends what is involved in showing livestock. Pigs in particular in these conversations.
It started about the weather, and my wish for sun to tan the pigs we have. Tan? You tan pigs??
Yes we do. A hogs skin is a lot like a humans. We show several different breeds, and any that have color need sun to darken that color. If left inside the pigs that are black end up staying a gray color. Red ones need sun to so they get to a red color rather than a dull redish gray color. White hogs, will get pink in the sun so they stay inside out of the sun. We walk them early, or late. Interesting thing, they can get third degree burns very quickly. So we start slow, limited exposure and then build it up.
Sometimes being successful is as much about doing the little things, than spending the most money. It's about being willing to sacrifice time in bed, to get up and work animals before it gets hot. Sometimes it is missing an event with friends because you have responsibilities with your livestock.
All the time hard work and sacrifice pay dividends.

Good day

It has ended up being a good day. Sunshine finally found us after a week of pretty crappy weather. Didnt feel well to start the day, but got better as the day wore on. Helped Paola make lunch, and then moved outside to help kids catch calves to walk. Eby, Jayme and Matthew each took one, and P and I each took one. Walked two laps around the house and they actually did walk pretty well. Which should make taking them to weigh in much easier. Also helped the two Polands get to the sand lot to catch some sun. Goal is to get them pitch black by fair. Also worked the garden some as well, going to try to lift and move some perennials, rearrange things to make it more enjoyable from the swing by the apple trees.
The difference between last year and this year is night and day. So much lighter and better this year. What a wonderful awesome day!

I'm back

Back to more than just my blog. Life is more normal than its been in over a year. This time last year was kind of a blur. With trying to figure out what med combination was the right one, the one that was going to get me where I needed to be without making me zone out. I spent last spring a summer, just trying to function, to keep moving. 4 H season was a blur. Just wanted to get through it all. I didn't have the drive or enthusiasm that I usually do.
Feels so much different this year more normal.
Been shopping for showpigs, have a nice set of feeder calves, picking up more show pigs in a week or so.
Working at planning a vegetable garden with Paola. Some flowers, some cleaning up of the yard, washing show pigs, being at the fair, all things I'm looking forward to this spring and summer.
Now if it would just warm up....