Captured. . . .

through the front window one morning last summer. The fawns enjoyed a romp through the yard, running circles and chasing each other for minutes. Capturing such would have been a challenge as this trio would have likely bolted for safety had a shooter and camera become visible.

The county fair. . . .

is the pinnacle of a young stockman/stockwoman's year. The animals they've been working with all year will be shown at their best and paraded for buyers or blue ribbons. This boy's Holstein cow will likely go back to the farm. Market animals, however, leave the side of their human friend and the farewell is bittersweet.

Fairs. . . .

are often ideal for tractor enthusiasts and restorers to show off their prize in the parade kicking off the event. Here is a Ford 2N from the Forties. How many of these are sitting silently in a shed awaiting someone's loving touch?

A gathering of goats. . . .

at this year's Ravalli County Fair, Hamilton, Montana. How often does one see this from the road?

Amish auctions. . . .

One should attend these events if held in your area. You'll see finely crafted quilts, durable cedar furniture, and beautifully finished interior pieces by Amish craftsmen. Plus an excellent lunch is usually served with homemade ice cream.

Maytag wringers are often sought by Amish households as these machines do not require high pressure plumbing to operate. Most Amish homes do not use running water, electricity, or pressure tanks, but may rely on gravity systems to bring water into the home. Hence the older technology works for them.

Favorite. . . .

of local photographers, the "Pablo Barn."  The soil surrounding it has just been seeded to seed potatoes.  The Mission Range stands watch in the background.

At the County Fair

Watching a belt-driven threshing machine "thrashin'" oats, these three likely worked in the heat and chaff of that bygone era. No demonstration then for fairgoers. It was a serious slice of late summer, getting the crops in before the frosts of fall and the winds of winter. Wonder what memories they might express if they dared. Recollections of dads, uncles, brothers and cousins, Mother and the girls bringing coffee time and lunch in any shade that could be shared. The sweat, the dust, the banter, the noise, a cool drink from a Mason jar, laced with a lemon or orange wedge or two. Does it seem that long ago?