Fair Week in Podunk, Iowa

Llama mama, on guard. Man, they make weird noises.

Petting babies. She can't tell a baby Sheep from a baby Goat, but, she doesn't care. She just coaxed them all up to her for some petting. We came straight from the pool, her hair was still wet. I told her we might get some Goats and she liked the idea.

The Hog barn was surpisingly not smelly. Though it did have that nasty, faint undercurrent. I just don't get the idea that Hogs are smart. They're huge and have beady mean eyes. I can't read a Hog. They were covered in bite marks and they'd lay on the food and growl. No thanks.

I had Lissa pet a calm one. I wanted her to know what they feel like, but, also the power that's behind it. The muscle and fat. I wanted her to understand, they are dangerous. I think she got it. Maybe too well, she wanted out of there. So did I, though these were well behaved hogs. It was still pretty terrifying when one went off on another one and the growly fight started. I have healthy respect for Hogs. Whenever I see one, I look for something to climb. Just in case.

No shit.

S

Several of the Cattle were just walking around. All of their backsides exposed to the public. Bulls included. Some of them were upset by the move, the new Cattle, etc. Some kicking, some low crazy sounds. Not really my favorite exibit. Cattle are not readable to me either, but, better than Hogs.

This young Bull took to me for some reason, and I could read him. He'd been tied short for causing a ruckus and he was upset. I talked to him and he begged for petting and scratching, moving his big head hard into my hand. I spent some time with him, he was cute. He really just needed reassurance that everything was alright. He didn't understand why he was there or what was up. Once I explained it to him, he calmed right down. People were looking at me funny. I don't care. I am past the age of giving a shit if people think I'm weird for a conversation with a Bull. Fuck people. He licked my face when I said bye. The rest of the Cattle can kiss my ass. I am not a Cow person. I did love the Poultry barn, but, no pics. Maybe tonight.

The Horse barn was my favorite. I felt all my muscles relax as soon as I entered and smelled them. I didn't realize how they affect me, I haven't been around Horses in so long. I guess I really love Horses. They are so easy to read. It was getting dark and my flash stopped working, but, I'll get better pics tonight. The county fair officially opens tonight. Last night they were gearing up, setting up the booths and giving all the animals baths. Some of the horses had the cutest costumes on. Lissa got upset by the blinders. I told her, no, it's not mean, they're Stallions and it calms them down. We loved them all up, or I did. She's still not sure, because they ARE big animals. Most of them were Geldings though. Docile and sweet, they loved attention. All these Horses were just well cared for pets. One Stallion called 'Hurricane' lived up to his name and gave us a show, but, I coaxed him over for some Horse kisses. I really never knew until last night, how comfortable I am with Horses. I never thought of myself as a Horse person, I've only owned a few. But, my body and mind responded to them. I felt totally safe and at ease, exactly the opposite of the Cattle and Hog barns. It's weird, isn't it?

So, we want to watch the Horse competitions and get some cotton candy. Maybe we can win a fish in fish toss. Living in a farm town is so exciting, isn't it? The fair grounds are right behind my house. I can hear the Cattle bellowing.

Takin' a break, lookin' old. Oh well, it is what it is. I'm surprised I walked all this last night. I usually can't walk too far anymore. I wore my big old hippie shirt. I still keep buying clothes that are way too big. I forget I can shop in the medium and small now.