The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Today was the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year. In this small town, rural area, the county fair is big stuff. In fact, our county fair is one of the largest in the country. All the kids around are in 4-H. I did nine years in Dog Club and 2 years in Saddle Club. I learned a lot, like life is not fair. Because when you get reserve grand champion in Obedience class because the judge says your dog moved during the out-of-sight sit-stay, but your dad has it on video tape that your dog, in fact, did not move, it doesn't matter. You still don't get the gold....err purple. But I'm not still bitter or anything...
I gained confidence in myself. Growing up, I thought that the Saddle Club was for those with lots of money and perfectly trained horses. With my cousins help, I realized that us normal folk can compete in it, too. And sometimes us normal folk can beat the professionals!
And, over the years, I've learned to tame down my competitive streak. Really, it doesn't all have to be about winning and losing. Prepare well, have fun, and don't put so much pressure on yourself to win. 

Anyways, the fair is quite a family affair for me. My grandpa is on the board and is in charge of inner grounds entertainment and the rodeo. My aunts and uncles participated in 4-H, and my cousins found their individual niche in several different 4-H clubs. It brings us all together.

 Unfortunately, this year, my grandpa won't be driving around the fairgrounds on his trusty golf cart. He's been in the hospital, and he just won't be strong enough to make it to the fair. I can't imagine how disheartening this is for him. The fam is making plans on how we will be bringing the fair to him, and skypeing him into the fair board meetings.

Obviously, I'm too old to be in 4-H.  So I've got the next best thing going for me. A girl leases my horses and shows them throughout the summer and at the fair. I give her lessons, help her at shows, and at the fair. The horses get registered tomorrow morning. Clyde seems to be healthy. Yes, it's quite bizarre. He performed very well at the show last weekend. If Clyde and my girl can continue to communicate as a team, I know they will do very well!

For nine days, real life goes out the window. Very little sleep is to be had. There are certain foods that must be eaten. And there are so many things to be seen. I've already got the jitters. It's going to be a great week!