Mule Day Mini Mania:

2012 mule day mini mania was held on Thursday this year. It was a great show with 157 entries. The weather was great and the crowd was wonderful. Take a look at the winners.

Emily Batty with Stonegate Acres Partial Eclypse

 Youth Driving - Exhibitor 17 & Under (6 entries)

     1st Speedy & Dolly -  Heather Bates

     2nd Tiffany & Jill - Seth Byrd

     3rd TNT -  Destiny Walker

     4th God's Little Acre Twister - Shyanne Lopp

     5th Molly & Gus - Ethan Daniel 

Adult Driving – Team Hitch (4 entries)

     1st Molly & Gus - Don Brasfield

     2nd Speedy & Dolly - James Bates

     3rd Tiffany & Jill - Stephen Byrd

     4th Audrey & Cashmier - BK Puckett

Adult Driving - Single Hitch (10 entries)

     1st God's Little Acre Stormy - Travis Henderson

     2nd Crooked Creek Bosco - Theresa Puckett

     3rd TNT - Jenny Housley

     4th Cornell's Cadillac Jack - Dayle Haworth

     5th Molly - Don Brasfield

Pole Bending – Mules (4 entries)

     1st Molly - Don Brasfield

     2nd Speedy - James Bates

     3rd TNT - Jenny Housley

     4th DQ

Pole Bending – Donkeys (7 entries)

     1st Crooked Creek's Beaujolais - Theresa Puckett

     2nd Crooked Creek’s Bosco - Theresa Puckett

     3rd God's Little Acre Stormy - Travis Henderson

     4th HHAA Valiant Diego - Lydia Spears

     5th Cornell's Cadillac Jack - Dayle Haworth

Obstacle Driving - Mules & Donkeys (11 entries)

     1st Cornell's Cadillac Jack - Dayle Haworth

     2nd Crooked Creek’s Beaujolais - Theresa Puckett

     3rd TNT - Jenny Housley

     4th Crooked Creek’s Bosco - Theresa Puckett

     5th Molly - Don Brasfield

Snigging - Mules ( 5 entries) 

     1st Molly -  Don Brasfield

     2nd TNT - Jenny Housley

     3rd Jill - Stephen Byrd

     4th Dolly - James Bates

     5th Speedy - Seth Byrd

Snigging – Donkeys (7 entries) 

     1st Crooked Creek’s Beaujolais - Theresa Puckett

     2nd God's Little Acre Stormy - Travis Henderson

     3rd Sassy's Charlie Brown - Lori Love

     4th God's Little Acre Twister - Shyanne Lopp

     5th Cornell's Cadillac Jack - Dayle Haworth

In-Hand Jumping Mules & Donkeys  (8 entries)

     1st God's Little Acre Stormy - Travis Henderson

     2nd Crooked Creek’s Bosco -Brian Puckett

     3rd Crooked Creek’s Beaujolais - Brian Puckett

     4th TNT - Jenny Housley

     5th God’s Little Acre Twister - Shyanne Lopp

Panty Race (6 entries) 

     1st God’s Little Acre Twister - Shyanne Lopp

     2nd Roxanne - James Bates

     3rd God's Little Acre Stormy - Travis Henderson

     4th Stonegate Acres Partial Eclypse - Emily Batty

     5th Crooked Creek’s Trinket - Brian Puckett

Egg & Spoon Race (7 entries)

     1st Wee Ones Titan - Deb Mix

     2nd Crooked Creek’s Trinket - Brian Puckett

     3rd Crooked Creek’s Dublin - Theresa Puckett

     4th God’s Little Acres Stormy - Travis Henderson

     5th Stonegate Acres Partial Eclypse - Emily Batty

Costume Class (5 entries) 

     1st BAF My World Joe Dirt - Connor Crawford

     2nd Wee Ones Lots of Spots - Deb Mix

     3rd Speedy Don - Brasfield, Ethan & Emily Daniel, Seth & Cole Byrd

     4th God’s Little Acres Twister - Shyanne Lopp

     5th Stonegate Acres Partial Eclypse - Emily Batty

Halter-Weanling/Yearling Mules (1 entry) 

     1st Roxanne - Cole Byrd

Halter-Weanling/Yearling Donkeys (18 entries) 

     1st Crooked Creek’s Trinket - Brian Puckett

     2nd BAF Short Spots Peppi - Jerry Sircy

     3rd Castlewoods Red Gold Ransom - Dana Rathbun

     4th Wee Ones Lots of Spots - Deb Mix

     5th Sassy’s Black Jack - Sherry Puckett

In-Hand Trail Mules & Donkeys (16 entries) 

     1st Stonegate Acres Partial Eclypse - Dayle Haworth

     2nd Crooked Creek’s Bosco - Theresa Puckett

     3rd Lazy J’s Elvira - Dana Rathbun

     4th HHAA Valiant Diego - Lydia Spears

     5th God’s Little Acres Stormy - Travis Henderson  

Lead Race (10 entries) 

     1st Wee Ones Titan  - L.J. Mix

     2nd God’s Little Acres Twister - Shyanne Lopp

     3rd Crooked Creek's Bosco - Brian Puckett

     4th God’s Little Acres Stormy - Travis Henderson

     5th Roxanne - Seth Byrd

Best Marched Pair (8 Pair of entries)

     1st Molly & Gus - Don Brasfield

     2nd Rusty & Dusty - Seth Byrd

     3rd Stonegate Acres Partial Eclypse - Ana McGee

           Cornell’s Cadillac Jack - Dayle Haworth

     4th H & V Farms Scarlett - Robert Hughes

           Almond Joy - Beth Hughes

     5th Crooked Creek’s Bosco & Beaujolais - Brian & Theresa Puckett

Open- Solid Color Mules & Donkeys (19 entries) 

     1st Lazy J’s Elvira - Keith Rathbun

     2nd God’s Little Acres Twister - Shyanne Lopp

     3rd Cornell’s Cadillac Jack - Dayle Haworth

     4th Dolly - James Bates

     5th Brayers Are Us Shezahm - Steve Hazlewood

Open- Spotted Color Mules & Donkeys (10 entries) 

     1st Crooked Creek’s Bosco - Theresa Puckett

     2nd TNT - Jenny Housley

     3rd Jill - Kimberly Byrd

     4th Wee Ones Lots of Spots - Deb Mix

     5th Wee Ones Titan - L.J. Mix

157 Total Entries

March 2012

A few thoughts……

• April  29th is the Mule Day Mini Mania Show starting at 1PM
• It is time to sign up your donkeys for the TDA show award program if you want your show points to count. There is a  $10 fee per donkey.  Fee MUST be paid prior to a show for that show’s points to be allowed to count. For more info http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/HighPointAwards.html
• Remember to keep an eye on the web site for upcoming events. http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/Events.html

Farewell Dear Friend

In February 2002 a small group got together and formed the Tennessee Donkey ASSociation. Little did we know that we had formed much more than a donkey club.  The bond that was formed between this group of people was unbreakable, we had formed lifelong friends! Among these people was a man that had such charisma that you couldn’t help but fall in love with him, I know that I did! This man was Bob Dorris. Bob’s smile was contagious. No matter how bad you felt, Bob’s smile would light up your soul and a hug from Bob made you feel that you were in the safest place in the world.  I can tell you, the world is a lot less bright without him in it.

Bob and his wife Sandy were a match made in heaven. There isn’t a house big enough to hold the size of these two hearts together. Bob was a wonderful husband and a loving father.  He had 2 children and 3 grandchildren of which he was a very active part of their lives. Family was such a large part of Bob’s life that when Sandy’s father became sick they sold off their large miniature donkey herd to make the time to care for Sandy’s father and mother. Bob and Sandy’s family was not just made up of two legged members but there was a host of 4 legged members also.  Bob adored his furry family: Charlie, Ollie and Rosie and they adored him. Ollie and Rosie had gone to heaven before Bob and I am sure they were very excited to see Bob arrive.

Bob and Sandy raised outstanding donkeys for many years at Wit's End Farm in Franklin, Tennessee. Many donkey owners across the country got their start with top quality donkeys from their farm.  Bob was a strong advocate for these wonderful long ears which is evident in the prestigious awards he and his donkey Komotion won. Bob and Komotion won the TDA Ambassador award not once but twice and with his good friend, Joe, their two donkeys were undefeated in Best Matched Pair. Bob also showed Komotion in the Carriage Club winning all kinds of driving awards competing against horses and showing everybody that long ears are a force to be reckoned with. Bob was a good natured competitor making him a blast to show against.

His good natured wit made him a wonderful catalyst to happiness for everyone he met. I guess it was fitting that his and Sandy’s farm was called Wit’s End. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him. Oh by the way, Bob if you get a chance will you teach Patches to back for me!

February 2012

A few thoughts…… 

• To continue receiving your TDA newsletter you must pay your 2012 dues.                           
• March 10th is the TDA awards banquet. It will be held at the Farm Bureau building 323 Bethany Lane Shelbyville at 2PM. Come join the fun!             
• Keep an eye on the events page of the web site for upcoming events. http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/Events.html
• There is going to be a 2013 TDA donkey calendar. More details to follow. 

The Golden Girl

Senior Jennets are Hot!

Cobra's Golden Anne

Approximately 3-1/2 years ago my husband, Richard and I purchased the bulk of the famous Cobra herd, originally part of JT Smith’s stock in Oklahoma.

Cobra’s Golden Anne was part of this acquisition. As I explored WebSites, I was amazed at how many  many farms had offspring, grand-children and great grand children of Cobra’s Golden Anne.

Golden Anne was 17 years old when we acquired her, she is highly intelligent and it took some time for her to trust us. She has been a brood jennet and never entered into a  show ring. In late 2010, I decided to prepare her for the 2011 show season, to allow others to see this beautiful Cobra’s Arthur daughter.

My fall and winter task was to halter break this 19+ year old jennet.  She demonstrated her disgust, by occasionally rearing up and trying to yank the lead out of my hand. We spent countless hours walking & trotting, first Annie bending her body way from me in a diagonal line and then finally over time, walking and trotting in a straight line.

My goal was to show Annie at the 2011 Celebration NMDA show in Shelbyville, TN. My husband thought I was crazy and thought it was a mistake to take an older animal, very set in her ways to such a prestigious show to be shown for the first time in halter. I intended to prove him wrong.

The day had arrived. Yes, I did have HUGE butterflies in my stomach. I could have easily worked a much younger jennet, but I was so proud of her and wanted others to see this beautiful Cobra jennet. I decided that even if Annie did not show well, even if the judge hated her, I would still beam with pride to exhibit this extraordinary Miniature Donkey.

Annie performed beautifully. Annie and I were in a huge class of beautiful jennets – Three Years and Older. Many of the exhibits had just turned three years of age.  The judge pulled his first placement in the class, and then, he looked at me, and requested that I place Annie in 2^nd position.

Cobra’s Golden Anne, first time ever shown in halter turned 20 years old on August 21, 2011 and was awarded Reserve Grand Champion at The Celebration – 2011. 

The Celebration with Annie still brings a “tear to my eye” and I could not wait to approach my wonderful husband, Richard and tell him “you were wrong.

Morale of the story, share with others the “pioneers of the breed”, regardless of color, size or age, all Donkeys are beautiful and set your sights HIGH and BELIEVE!   

Out and About With Longears

Left to right - Legendary's Ginger Rogers, Legendary's Minnie Pearl and Dee's Tuff Lil Eegyore along with Katrina and Richard Fleener at the Eagleville Christmas parade.

January 2012

A few thoughts…… 

• Happy New Year!! That means it is time to pay your dues, Send them to:                                            Dana Rathbun TDA Treasurer,                                1450 Donna Rd                                                       Lewisburg, TN 37091 
• 2012 Calendars are SOLD OUT!!! Plans are to go ahead with another calendar for 2013.
• The date for the 2011 awards banquet has not been finalized so keep an eye out for an email with that info soon.
• For all upcoming events go to the TDA web site:  http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/Events.html  

Out and About With Longears

The Sircy's Hangout with Santa in Columbia

Laura George & Love Bug in the White House Christmas Parade

Haley Thomas driving in a Christmas Parade

Travis Henderson drives in a Veterans Day Parade

Betty Thomas visits a nursing home with Ezra

December 2011

A few thoughts……

• Don't forget the TDA Christmas Party!! It is December 17th at Henry Horton State Park at 4pm. We will be playing "Dirty Santa" so if you would like to play bring a small gift for around $10. Go to the web site for more information and directions.

•  A reminder that non show award points are due on January 10th, 2012. For more information visit the TDA web site.

• Don't forget to buy your 2012 TDA donkey calendar before they are all gone! 

•   TDA would like to welcome new members: Robert Hughes, Billy J. Vincion and Jerry Williams all of Murfreesboro, TN

          http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/Events.html

 http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/HighPointAwards.html

A Loved Forty Year Old Donkey

I would like to share with you this heart warming story about Jenny, a forty year old donkey which is a member of Travis Henderson's family......

Picture right to left with Jenny are: Son Kent Henderson, Travis Henderson, grandson Wesley Jennings, daughter Kendra Henderson Fleeman, granddaughter Sara Henderson, granddaughter Katie Henderson and granddaughter Mallory Jennings Nave.

Story by Travis Henderson:

           The donkey’s name is “Jenny” better known as “Old Jenny” today. I bought “Jenny” from Mitchel Perry back in the early seventy’s when she was three years old. Mitchel had bought her from Mr. Thomas Lanning, who had her mother when she was born.

            My children and grandchildren all played with her while growing up. I lost count of the number of colts she raised a long time ago, but I know there was twelve or more. There were several of her off-spring that were prize winners at fair shows around the middle Tennessee area back in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

            In 1999 my wife was diagnosed with cancer and I sold eleven of her offspring to a Mr. Killen of Green Hill, Alabama and I have lost out on where they are at today. I have not tried to raise a colt for several years because of her age. I have seen her with as many as five and six small children on her back and never lose a one. I have seen her inside of some of the largest churches in Lawrence County, Tennessee being used in Christmas Pageants never making a mess. I have seen her stand for as much as three hours in a drive through Christmas Pageant. She has been rode a many a time without halter or any kind of gear on her.

            Oh yes! Stray dogs didn’t have a chance.  I have seen her burst a skull with one blow. Never saw her after a coyote because they always kept their distance. Even today I have never seen a coyote in the pasture with her and I know they are around because I have seen them on the other side of the fence. She has been used as guard for cattle, goats, and sheep. All this she has done while raising at least twelve and I think more colts.

   Her offspring have been prize winners in conformation at fairs in Lawrenceburg, Savanah, and Fayetteville, TN. One year a daughter was Grand Champion Lawrenceburg. One year a granddaughter was Reserve Grand Champion and her half brother owned and raised by another man was Grand Champion at Savanah Fair. One year at Savanah all four females in the champion class were her offspring. One year at Fayetteville all four females in the champion class were her offspring with one being the Reserve Grand Champion for the show.

            What else can I say? She will climb steps and go into a building even today. As you know, she has a long history.

This story by Travis was featured in his local newspaper. 

2012 Calendars For Sale

They are going fast so get yours before they are gone!

Contact: Theresa Puckett 615-230-7260 or ccrdonkeys@comcast.net 

Lightfoot’s ASSpect

Project Runway

I’m beginning to think I am just one big project for my Mom. That’s what she does….no that’s who she is. I’ve witnessed it for 2 1/2 years now. She is working her hardest to turn me into this picture perfect little parade/show donkey. That woman needs a job!!!! It’s obvious her focus is askew.

She’s always having these ideas but other people have to carry have to carry the plans out. In October she got a puppy and I thought that was wonderful until it became my job to cart him around the farm. He is a cute little bugger but now I have to babysit??? She tells me having a dog around builds my character. I think stomping that extra 15 pounds of dead weight would enhance my resume in a superior manner by building my muscles and my reaction time.

Then the family invites themselves down from Michigan for Thanksgiving. That got her attention… for a couple of weeks.  But, once again, she engaged help cleaning her house.  It was littered with stacks and piles of “projects” (besides me) all of which she made Dad haul up into the attic until after Christmas.  But, keep in mind she’s looking for just the right… shall we say, partner to complete these tasks.

I’m optimistically hoping I see the end of the tunnel for 2011 with the cold temperatures sneaking in.  And, after all, she did let me stand next to the band at College Grove which has been the only bright spot of my long to-do list.  Maybe after we get through these 5 seasonal parades I can just be a donkey instead of a project; then again, Columbia Mule Day is just around the corner.

Until then,
Lightfoot Lee

November 2011

A few thoughts……

• Welcome your 2012 officers, President- Lydia Spears, Vice President- Dena Wilson, Secretary- Sandy Carroll, Treasurer- Dana Rathburn, Reporter- Theresa Puckett, Awards Committee- Dayle Haworth, Kay Allen and Theresa Puckett. A great big thank you goes out to Lydia for stepping up to be our President once more. I think 2012 is going to be a great year for TDA!
• There will be A TDA Christmas party in December but the date has not yet been set. We will let you know as soon as we firm up the details.
• Grab your 2012 TDA donkey calendars before it is to late, they are going fast. Contact Theresa Puckett 615-230-7260 or ccrdonkeys@comcast.net .

2012 Calendars For Sale

Contact Theresa Puckett at 615-230-7260 or email ccrdonkeys@comcast.net

2011 Awards Program

It’s hard to believe that another year has gone by and it is time to tally your points. There are several different awards programs and not all are related to showing. So let’s talk a little about the awards programs.

MIKE PALLOTA MEMORIAL AMBASSADOR OF THE BREED AWARD:

This is an annual award for any event, in any state, that promotes the breed (outside of the show ring). This award is open to all members and there is no sign up fee. Parades, exhibitions, social events, plays, pet days, etc count. Only one event per day will count unless the second event is totally different than the first. Exp: Parade counts 1 point but later that day you do a driving or jumping exhibition that would count separately, but a breed parade two or three times the same day is only 1 point. Group visits, such as schools or other groups to educate or promote the breed also count. This award will run from Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2011. Deadline for turning in these points is Jan 10, 2012.

SHOW AWARDS PROGRAM:

There is a $10 fee per donkey. Fee must be paid prior to a show for that show’s points to count for the 2011 show season. At the end of show season, you may only count four (4) Tennessee shows for points. Exhibitor will choose which four (4) shows he/she wishes to count. There is a champion and reserve in all categories. There are 8 awards in halter, In-hand and in harness which are broken down by sex and one for Standard/Mammoth in each category. There are two color awards, one for solid and one for spots, a best matched pair (must be the same two donkeys) and a Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion. In addition to these awards there are two youth awards (the donkey being shown by youth must be signed up). This program runs from Jan 1, 2011 thru Oct 31, 2011. Each member is responsible for turning in their own points! The cutoff date for turning in your points is Dec. 1st 2011. The rules for these awards can be found at http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/HighPointAwardRules.html

KERRI LITTLE MEMORIAL ROOKIE AWARD:

This award is open to a “novice” person or farm. The winner would be the farm or person that has just started participating in our clinics, exhibitions, parades, shows, or any event that promotes our club/breed and each event is worth 1 point. A person/farm is considered a rookie for two years, unless they win the Rookie Award their first year, which will then make them ineligible for this award the next year. There is no sign up fee for this award. The award will run from Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2011. Deadline for turning in these points is Jan 10, 2012.

The TDA awards committee is responsible for the above awards. If you have any questions or need copies of any of the point tally sheets, please contact one of us. Dayle Haworth minidonks@united.net 931-364-3715, Theresa Puckett ccrdonkeys@comcast.net 615-230-7260 or Kay Allen kayy@united.net .

MARTHA WILHOIT MEMORIAL DRIVING AWARD :

This award was named after Martha because she loved to drive, so this award is for the members who have her passion for driving. There is a $5 sign up fee per donkey which must be paid prior to counting any driving time. This award is tailored with an emphasis on driving. A member that signs up for this award, is expected to keep a driving log of the time spent at the reins, which includes ground driving. The only driving time that a member can’t claim is time in the show ring. This award runs from Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2011. Deadline for turning in your driving log is Jan 10, 2012. If you have any questions about this award please contact Lydia Spears, Ph #931-796-4920 or email: miniacre@bellsouth.net .

CARSON CARROLL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD:

This is a $250 scholarship based on merit awarded to our youth members as they prepare for college or technical school. This award must be asked for and be accompanied by the member’s high school transcript through the third semester prior to graduation. Any member that wants to contribute to this award fund is welcome to do so. If you have any questions or have a youth member that wants to apply for this award, please contact Lydia Spears, Ph # 931-796-4920 or email miniacre@bellsouth.net .

Out and About With Longears

Dena Wilson and Dayle Haworth give cart rides at the Eagleville Co-op.They sold 15 TDA calendars at this event, way to go girls!!!!

October 2011

Things to remember……

•  TDA fall meeting and officer elections on Saturday November 5th at 4PM. Running for office: Vice President- Dena Wilson, Secretary- Sandy Carroll, Treasurer- Dana Rathburn, Reporter- Theresa Puckett, Awards Committee- Dayle Haworth, Kay Allen and Theresa Puckett.  For more info, location and a map go to http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/Events.html  

• It is not too soon to be thinking about Christmas and the 2012 TDA fund raising calendars would make a great gift! Pick yours up now!! The calendars can be picked up at all events or if you would like we can ship it. If you live close to any officer just let us know and we can arrange for you to pick it up. The cost is $12 each and if we ship plus shipping costs. Contact Theresa Puckett at 615-230-7260 or email ccrdonkeys@comcast.net. Get yours before it is too late!!!                                                      
• I would like to congratulate everyone on your wins at Westmoreland, well done!! Second, I wanted to convey to you all how impressed everyone was with the show. I told them that the TDA has a great bunch of people who are always willing to give their all whether it be showing, helping someone else to show or just jumping in to help in the ring or anything else that needs to be done. I am very proud to be a member along side such a great bunch of people!! It was the most successful show of their weekend.

Westmoreland Miniature Show

Can you say perfect? That’s what the Westmoreland show was! Last spring the organizers of the Westmoreland Mule Day Celebration contacted us to ask for our help putting together a miniature mule and donkey show. Westmoreland is trying to establish a fall version of Columbia’s Mule Day and I think they have gotten off to a good start. Last year they started with just a parade and moved forward this year to a 3 day event. 

The plan was to have the shows on the baseball fields close to the expo center but as the time grew closer they decided that this wasn’t going to work as well as they thought. So 1 month before the event they went forward with the plan to build a show arena. Needing to have a face to face meeting with the show chairman of the miniature show to get her the information she needed for the show I thought this was a good time to go take a look at the facilities. Once we arrived we went to take a look at where they were building the arena and what we saw was a large field with 2 tractors starting to move the grass out of the way. I can tell you we weren’t sure if they would be able to complete this task in time, but complete it they did.

As we pulled in on show day we couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw the arena, it was perfect. It was large enough to safely accommodate a good size pleasure driving class and the consistency of the dirt couldn’t have been better. The parking was perfect, everyone was able to park in close proximity to the ring and didn’t have to compete with another show for space. The weather was perfect, upon arrival that morning it was a bit brisk but within an hour the sun was out and the temperature was not too hot or too cold the rest of the day. The show was perfect, the competition was great and the camaraderie was wonderful and best of all everyone had fun. So again I ask, can you say perfect?

 To see show results go to:   http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/WestmorelandShowResults2011.html 

 

Out and About With Longears

Kid's Fair for March of Dimes

Blessed Assurance Farm

 Exhibit At the Tennessee State Fair

Wee Ones Farm

A different TDA farm exhibited Tuesday through Friday 

Eagleville Main Street Festival
Half Ass Acres

Summer camp at Davidson Academy
Crooked Creek Ranch
  

 

Lightfoot’s ASSpect

All Donkeys To Arms

Donkey comrades, let me appeal to your sense of justice.  Let me beg for your cooperation in standing against donkey brutality.  I’m talking about the humiliation of being clipped naked.

Following is the detailed account of the events leading up to the State Fair which I have personally submitted in a report to the ASPCA:

Wednesday, September 14, I was tied in the driveway to a 16 foot gate and bathed with cold, yes, cold water.  I danced around so much I got soap in my eyes but I couldn’t help it.  Even though it was 85 degrees outside with the sun shining, it was cold!  My Mom just scolded me and said it wasn’t even really soap but an all vegetable based solution that cost a fortune and to stop being a baby.  As it turns out that was the best part of my day.

Once dried, I was cross-tied in the barn and the horrible buzzing of a thousand bees began to hover around me.  When they began landing on me I went into panic mode.  I am not about to stand still under those conditions.  The more I danced the worse things became.  My Mom and Aunt Dayle tried holding my ears.  Then when that didn’t work they put a clamp on my lip.  It hurt like heck but I was not about to give in.  By then they had moved down to my legs which are really sensitive and I just knew they would give up…..but they didn’t.

 After several breaks and what seemed like an eternity it was over.  I was moved to a cozy little stall and given hay and water.  I could hear them talking outside my stall and I overheard Aunt Dayle say, “I’m too old for this.  We may have to consider acing him next time.”  I thought I had “aced it" pretty successfully already.  Wait...does “aced” mean the same as “iced”?  I don’t want to die!  Please! No!!! I’ll be good next time.

That’s my version of what happened and I’m sticking to it.  If any of you wish to lodge a similar complaint just ask me for the address or phone number which I happen to have on speed dial.

On a lighter note, the fair was awesome, especially, Thursday night.  My friends and I got to go for a few hours and let little kids pet us and sit on us.  We had our pictures taken like a million times.  Then the best thing happened.  You can ask Sandy Carroll.  A band stuck up a number and I started dancing the happy dance.  It was fantastic!  I’ll go again.  I just love a band.  But, please next time let me go with all my clothes on.

‘Til Next Time,

Lightfoot Lee