Why Is Leaving So Hard?

Leaving my animals for a whole week is something that I struggle with. I usually am only gone from my animals for a week every summer when I go to Ocean City, MD for vacation. But this summer, I also went to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We were there for a week and it kills me every time I leave!

They were in good hands, though. My cousin who used to show cattle in 4-H and FFA  stayed at our house all week. I am always afraid though that while I’m gone, my animals will forget about me for some reason. Like, I will get back from my trip and they’ll be crazy. I think I’M the crazy one.

Usually all my families “vacations” are considered cattle shows, and my buddies get to travel with me, but not this time! I only wish I could bring cows to the beach. Wouldn't that be a sight?

Speaking of not seeing my four legged friends for a while, Matt (my show puppy) was gone since July 31st to August 14th . He was gone for 2 weeks traveling to shows with his breeder. He went to some Virginia shows, and then traveled to Pennsylvania for a show cluster. We picked him up Sunday at his show in Harrisburg, PA. Yes—where NJAS was this year! There are dog shows there all the time. He didn't win anything major, but he won his class at all his shows.

But all was well when we came, now we are just waiting on a cow to calve. She was the due the 15th….

Your Marylander,

Taylor

P.S- Thought I’d leave you with a quick quote ;)

“Four leggers are always more honest than two leggers.” –Ann Lettis

Antler Dogs

Yes, it does exist.

I recently learned about this awesome activity from a dog magazine that I subscribe to. They featured an article about it and I was really intrigued. Intrigued enough that I may consider getting a hunting bred puppy just so I can do it!

What you do is train your puppy from the start to love antlers. Antlers are to be their best friends, so that they’re adapted to it and will look for them. As they get older, you train them more seriously for hunting, using the usual training tactics that you would with a normal hunting dog except you teach them to hunt for antlers. You can make some serious coin doing it, because more and more outfitters are wanting antlers to make chandeliers, like this one..

Antlers are also becoming a popular chew toy for dogs, and the more natural the better. Full and intact sheds are even more valued as hunting stores, restaurants, and even regular homeowners are looking for some nice decorations. Countries like India will also pay a lot for antlers because they ground them up and use them for medicines, but there are a lot of laws for exportation.

If you want to learn more about this cool way to have fun with your dog as well as earn some coin, visit some of these links.

Antler Dogs Training

Shed Hunting 101

Your Marylander,

Taylor

Confessions of a Classic Rock Junkie

Like my dad always tells me, I am a born-again 60s-80s child.

I love rock n roll. If it comes from the 60s, 70s, or 80s, I’m listening to it. I am a huge, huge, huge Aerosmith fan. How can you resist Steven Tyler’s lyrical genius-ness with the combination of Joe Perry’s amazing skills on the guitar and good looks? You can’t, in my opinion.

Another favorite combination of mine would have to be cattle shows and classic rock. Nothing gets you pumped up for a cattle show like a good Van Halen song or AC/DC. Whenever I hear someone’s stereo blasting any good classic rock song I will slowly gravitate toward their stall. Here’s a pic of my dream stereo system to have at a cattle show:

It’s sad to say, but I listen to the local (York, PA…) classic rock station more than I do the country station. Our country station just has way too many commercial breaks, and they overplay all the new cookie cutter stuff that is way too common. I am also a classic country fan – Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton… you get it. I could listen to Johnny Cash all day. When I visited the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, it reminded me once again of why I love old time country music. It can’t be beat by any of the new stuff, no matter what you say. When I was in Nashville I had already made up my mind that I wanted to live there one day. I loved the town, and adding in the fact that the town was classic honky-tonk down to the roots, I had to be there.

But for now, I’ll keep rocking out here in little ol’ Maryland.

Your Marylander 70s child,

Taylor

Maryland Monday–Maryland Crab Soup

One tradition that is a must in Maryland is Maryland Crab Soup. I don’t like it as much as I do Cream of Crab Soup, but it is a great Maryland tradition that I believe should be shared. You can’t go to any local, family owned restaurant in MD without coming across this on the Menu.

 

Everyone has their own spin on this classic, but here is a simple and delicious recipe for it from the great makers of Old Bay.

Maryland Crab Soup Recipe

Your Marylander Soup Lover,

Taylor

Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse

Please send your thoughts and prayers to the families affected by this. If you have not head about it, just as Sugarland was about to come on, high winds caused the stage to blow down as seen above. 5 people were killed and 45 were taken to the hospital. Such a tragedy. I hope no one that I know from showing cattle were hurt.

I’m HOME

Finally, after a long week in the Outer Banks, I am back to the homestead. Long story short, it wasn't the best vacation I’ve ever had, but it was a vacation nonetheless.

I was told that our house would have Wi-Fi, but obviously, it didn't. I am so sorry that I have missed a whole week of blogging. I missed Maryland Monday AND Favorite Things Friday.

I promise that since the past week you have ha nothing to read, this week will be packed full of great posts.

Stay tuned!

Your Marylander,

Taylor

Vacation Time

Just letting everyone know that posts may be a little limited this week because I am leaving tomorrow morning for Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina!

I have a few posts typed up and ready to post so all I have to do is find time to post them while I'm there.

But don't forget to watch RFD-TV at 8 PM on Monday, for coverage of the National Junior Angus Show. I'm not missing it :)

Your Marylander,
Taylor