RicelandMeadows

Harness Room

August 11,2011

 

     The Ashtabula County fair is in full swing. We were among the attendees today. The horses got the day off from manure spreading. I guess I got the day off too.

 

     We looked at many projects, garden produce, maple syrup, homemade wine, grains, hay and of course, all the livestock. The children were busy showing their animals and tending to them as well. I have many fond memories of the fair and going takes me back to a much simpler time.

 

     The food smells wonderful as do most things that aren’t good for you … but it is only one day. We ate some of our favorites things, walked along and watched the people too. I kept remembering folks that I once knew, events that had happened and they made me smile.

 

     We went to the draft horse barn. My feelings there were bittersweet. The horses all looked good. The wagons, carts and harnesses all were clean and show ready too. My only trouble was, that many men and women who I associated with in the draft horse world, were missing. They have mostly died away. I miss many of them ……..

 

     Perhaps one day we will show our horses at the county fair. It seems my off farm job gets in the way for now. Oh well, one day we will show as a family. The horses are ready, it’s just me that is the weak link. I need to be there someday, to honor those who mentored me, taught me and shared with me.

 

     Today was another beautiful northeast Ohio day. Sunny, warm and breezy with a hint of excitement in the air. The 4-H kids worked on livestock projects, social networking and building relationships that will last a lifetime…. Funny thing though, most have not one clue… They just think they are having fun!