Rising Stars

As some of you are aware we recently returned home from our 2nd trip to the Rising Stars Calf Roping in Duncan, Oklahoma. The excitement for this rodeo had been building for a month or more as we ALL loved the getaway last year. Many hours were spent in the barn riding, roping and tying down calves in preparation for 2010. This roping competition draws young Rising Star Calf Ropers from many states: California, Minnesota, Kansas, South Dakota, Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, & Missouri just to name a few. We feel fortunate to be able to partake, visit with ole' rodeo family, and observe the young ins' make new friends.

Although this trip is more than just about finishing on top Dexter did prove to be a fierce competitor this year in the 12 & under breakaway competition. He finished 12th out of 105 kids, earning a little bit of pocket change and a spot to rope in the final round. I believe my boy along with his horse, Popcan, were functioning on pure adrenaline......the announcer was loud, the music was louder and the crowd was crazy.......especially this mama.

Jaxson and Dawson were also successful in their events. They each caught calves which IS a WIN at the ripe ole' ages of 7 & 10.

Pepe Le Pew

Last night the older boys and I were headed to town for our monthly 4H meeting. As we cruised west on our merry way we smelled a fresh slaughter in the road. A stinky, unfortunate, black and white striped skunk lay splattered in the west bound lane. I wrinkled my nose, held my breath for a few short seconds, stepped on the gas and hoped to speed out of stink territory, quickly.

THEN,

THEN,

THEN,

my 12 year old rolled down the window and claimed he likes that smell!!

Are you kidding me, Pepe Le Pew?

brrrrr nelly

Brr nelly!

The temperature is dropping today. As I sit and type I'm noticing that I'm chilly from my nose down through my phalanges. you know, your toes

I'm not complaining, though. I LOVE the change of seasons.

In all honesty I'm ready to see the white stuff fly.

My apologies to you winter haters.

For this blog post, beings this is November the month of Thanksgiving, I thought I'd ramble off the first 10 things that cross my mind that I'm thankful for.

• family
• health
• faith
• Freedom of religion
• USA
• friends
• IOWA seasons
• warm drinks to sip on
• my home,a roof over my head
• socks!

Yep, I'm ending with socks...some love shoes, I love good socks!

stick to your ribs recipe

Below I posted a recipe that the Davis Herd deemed delicious. Beings I'm a townie gone country I'm wondering if this recipe has perhaps been around for years? It seems quite possible that my great granny may have fried this up in her kitchen at one time. However, this recipe is too good to wonder about....I had to share!

2.5 cups flour divided

2 TB salt

1 t cayenne pepper( or less...the Davis herd men have sensitive tongues)

3 eggs lightly beaten

3 pds tenderized round steak

1 c frying oil

2.5 c milk

1 t garlic salt

3/4 t celery salt

1 cube beef bouillon

In a shallow bowl combine 2 c flour, salt and pepper, set aside. Beat eggs together and remaining 1/2 c flour. Dredge meat in flour, egg mixture, flour. (thats the secret, the egg flour mixture) Then fry in hot oil over medium heat until golden brown. Remove from skillet, drain and keep warm. Pour off all but 1TB spoon of the oil. Stir in leftover flour, stirring constantly until flour is browned. Remove from heat and stir in milk, garlic salt, celery salt and beef bouillon. Return to heat and simmer constantly until gravy thickens.

Serve this with some mashed taters and corn and it's what I call a good ole' Iowa,

stick to your ribs, meal.

BEEF its whats for dinner :)