Clackamas County 4-H

I expanded a test bank last week for the Clackamas County 4-H Master Showmanship Contest. It was enjoyable, but took a lot of time. In fact, mostly my face was glued to the computer last weekend working on it. The plus of doing it once, I now know what to expect for next year and how to make the overall test better. I thought I would throw some of the questions on here. See how well you do and you might even just learn something.

Young male Llamas & Alpacas that have been bottle fed and cuddled, and isolated from other Llamas and Alpacas are likely to:


     a. Threaten to spit, spit without any particular reason

     b. Frequently bump into people, charge a fence

     c. Develop Berserk Male Syndrome

     d. All of the above

(Yes, Berserk Male Syndrome is a real Llama disorder, it means they are excessively aggressive to the point of being harmful to humans.)


 Goats are seasonal breeders, what does this mean?


      a. Estrous cycle occurs every 21-28 days

      b. Estrous cycle only occurs when a buck is present

      c. Estrous cycle occurs during a specific season of the year

      d. None of the above

What cattle breed is known for disease-resistance, heat tolerance, and hardiness?


       a. Angus

       b. Shorthorn

       c. Brahman

       d. Dexter



Answers: D, C, C

I guess mostly  I just wanted to share the random knowledge of Berserk Male Syndrome and that Goats are seasonal breeders. At my fair, goat showman and llama showman did not compete as part of the round robin contest. So, I found the information I researched about them fascinating! I am looking forward to see how the kids do on the tests and the overall contest.



Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Car Keys...... Locked in the Car

Last night as I prepared to head out the door from work at 9:45 p.m. I suddenly realized I could not find my car keys. I began thoroughly searching my lunch box, purse, and pockets only to come up empty handed for the keys. Then it hit me, they were safely locked, inside my car.

I hate that moment when  you realize you have done that stupid thing of locking the doors without a way to get back into them. Lucky for me I have a kind, understanding husband who came to my rescue. We bought the car in April and have yet to make a copy of the key. This being the case, we were forced to do the old wire coat hanger trick, but thankfully it worked and didn't take too much time.

One of my stops today is Home Depot to have copies made of that key for the next time. The last time I had this happen was about two months after we got married. I guess I am averaging about once every two years right now. Not to bad if you ask me. Justin and I are actually equal on our experiences of doing this. That always makes me feel better. Good thing we were half way through the week and it wasn't on a Monday, because that would not be a fun way to start off the week.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Saturday

You know those Saturdays where you can; sleep in until 9, wake up to sunshine, eat pancakes, sit on the couch for as long as you want if you want to, window shop at stores or farmers markets, joke around, go on a hike, and eat yummy food for dinner?

Yeh, today was one of those days and how needed it was! The last few weeks have been great, but a blur. The slower pace of today was such a blessing. We enjoyed spending time together and I even made a strawberry pie to top off this wonderful summer day.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

The Rest of the Fourth of July

Annie and Clay wanted to go to Seaside for the fourth. We rushed home from the half, showered and grabbed a bite to eat and headed out again for the day.

We found a hat store while walking around. They had everything, as you can see, literally every kind of hat you could want, or never even dreamed of. Yes, that is a hamburger hat.

Wading in the ocean. Megan had a harder time getting her pant legs to stay up. By the end, they were soaked and we actually had to go buy her new pants so she didn't have to suffer the rest of the day. Justin and her were trying to beat the tide, but it overtook them once.

We rented this little beautie. A four person bike. It was pretty entertaining pedaling it around. James, my nephew actually fell asleep sitting there on the front.

The fireworks were beautiful. The actual show didn't start until 10, but there were so many others that people were setting off prior to the show we were entertained for about 3 hours.

Everything went well that day, until it was time to leave. Traffice was horrible! If you ever go to the coast for a show like this, plan to stay the night. We didn't get home until two in the morning. Exhausting, but a great day!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Fourth of July Half

My Sister and her family came into town the Sunday before the fourth to take a mini vacation for the summer. We enjoyed their company and made some new memories of the great Northwest. I had planned since June to run a half marathon the morning of the fourth. Which meant Justin, myself, and my niece began the day at 4 in the morning. Early, but we beat traffic to get to Sauvie Island.

Cold weather when we arrived, watched the sun come up.

Look at us bundled up in front of the Brooks running trailer.

One aspect I loved about this half was the location. Sauvie Island is just a bunch of farm fields. How refreshing this was for the farm girl in me. Justin and Megan infront of a red barn that had animals in it.

I heart John Deere tractors

Megan and Justin waiting for me to be done.

The end, finally- I was exhausted and sore!

Megan wore my medal for me. Grateful for the great support system of Justin and Megan.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Arise and Shine Forth- Super Heroes

In May I was asked to help with our Stake Girls Camp. I LOVED Girls Camp as a young women and was looking forward to the opportunity. Going as a leader is a whole different ball game....., but may be more rewarding because of all the work you put in to make it a great experience for the girls. The last week of June I set out for the responsibility in a raft down the Sandy river. We arrived after and hour and a half of freezing cold waters and new introductions.

The theme for camp was awesome and I was impressed with all of the creativity and kindness from all who attended. Dinner each night had a different theme (historical and scripture heroes, literary heroes, super heroes, Hogwarts)and everyone could dress up for the theme. My favorite night was probably the Hogwarts banquet night. The camp director went all out and had the dining room completely decorated and a whole thanksgiving dinner was served by the camp dad.

After dinner was the special program. This years program revolved around heroic women of the scriptures. Six, 6th year girls, and the Stake President's wife played these women. They were spread out along a hiking trail (at night) and each held a candle that was lit while they told their stories about overcoming trials in their lives and "Coming to see themselves as Christ sees them." At the end of the trail the Young Women that came through went to a lit up area where a long mirror was placed. On the mirror the words were written, "Do you see what he sees?"

It was very powerful presentation,  and what an interesting way to look at these women? I have read their stories many times- Ruth, Esther, Mary-the mother of Christ, Hannah, the Woman who touched Christs robes, Sarah, Emma Smith; but I had never really thought about their stories from their perspectives. As I was editing the scripts prior to camp, I realized just how much I had in common with these women. It brought to life the sisterhood we really do share in life with all of the women we know. We are more alike in our feelings, thoughts and challenges than we realized. The sixth year girls did an excellent job and the younger girls felt the spirit.

I really enjoyed getting to know the sixth year girls. They kept me laughing with their talk of 'hot' celebrities and silly jokes. They did a great job leading the camp and inspiring the younger girls and I know they have great things in store for them.

Sixth year girls and Kirstin who was the main 6th year leader and Assistant Camp Director (One I have my back to)

The end of girls camp was bitter  sweet. We made great strides in friendships and camp songs in just 4 1/2 days, but I was EXHAUSTED! Kirstin, the assistant camp director and who I served with is super camp woman and I learned so much from her and her example.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

My Favorite Things Party

A friend of mine hosted the cutest party last week. It was called, 'My Favorite Things Party.' Everyone that comes chooses one thing that they love. It could be a favorite recipe, food, store (gift cards), utensil, book, etc. They then bring five of that one item. When you arrive you enter your name in a bowl five times.

The party begins once every ones name is entered five times. You can start with anyone in the circle. They share why that item is their favorite and then draw five names out of the bowl. Those people whose name was drawn win one of the items. In the end everyone should go home with 5 different favorite items from other people.

It was really cool to see what everyone else loves in life, and I now have a list of new ideas to try. I also got some pretty neat items, one of which is the Turbie Twist. It may sound ridiculous, but is so handy in keeping your wet hair up until you are ready to do it. Justin calls it my turbin. It is like a towel shaped specifically for your head and has an elastic to hold it in place and keep it from slipping around. I believe you can find them at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

Another great thing about this party is you can do it once a year. We all know we have more than one favorite item. I took a mix that I absolutely love, but had several other items I debated between.

Reasons it is my favorite: This mix can be used to make pancakes, waffles, biscuits, or muffins and I LOVE breakfast. It stores in the fridge for 6 weeks or in the freezer for 6 months. Best of all it is whole weat and pretty healthy for you. Here is the recipe and the recipes that go with it (this recipe is from the Cache County Extension Office):

Honey and Wheat Mix

6 cups whole wheat flour

3 cups all purpose flour

1 cup instant nonfat milk powder, or whey milk substitute, or dry buttermilk powder 1/3 cup baking powder

4 tsp. salt

¼ c * powdered honey or ½ cup sugar (I have only used sugar because I haven't been able to yet find powdered honey, let me know if you do!)

In a large bowl, combine wheat flour, all-purpose flour, milk powder or buttermilk powder, powdered honey, baking powder and salt. Spoon into 12-cup container with tight fitting lid. Attach lid. Label container with date and contents. Use within 10-12 weeks if stored in refrigerator or within 6 months, if stored in freezer. Makes about 12 cups HONEY AND WHEAT MIX. *(1/2 cup liquid honey may be used. Drizzle over mixture while stirring with a wire whisk.)


Honey Wheat Waffles
3 eggs, separated

2 cups buttermilk

¼ cup butter or margarine, melted ½ cup canola oil

3 cups Honey and Wheat Mix

¾ tsp. baking soda


Preheat waffle iron. In a medium bowl, combine egg yolks, buttermilk, butter or margarine, and canola oil, beating with a wire whisk to blend. In a large bowl, combine Honey and Wheat Mix and baking soda. Stir into buttermilk mixture until just moistened. Batter will be lumpy. Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Fold into batter. Bake in waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Serve hot with syrup. Makes 4 large waffles.


Honey Wheat Pancakes
1 egg, slightly beaten

1 1/3 cup water 2 cups Honey and Wheat Mix

3 Tbsp. canola oil

In a medium bowl, combine egg, oil, and water, beating with wire whisk to blend. Stir in Honey and Wheat Mix until blended. Let stand 2 minutes. Preheat griddle according to manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly oil griddle. Stir in more water if a thinner batter is desired. Pour about 1/3 cup batter onto hot griddle to make 1 pancake. Cook until edge becomes dry and bubbles form. Turn with wide spatula. Cook 35 to 45 seconds longer until browned on both sides. Repeat with remaining batter.


Honey and Wheat Muffins
3 cups Honey and Wheat Mix

2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar

1 egg, slightly beaten 1 1/3 cups water

¼ cup canola oil

Preheat oven to 400◦ F. Generously grease 12 large muffin cups. In large bowl, combine Honey and Wheat Mix and brown sugar. In small bowl, combine egg, water, and oil, beating with a wire whisk to blend. Add egg mixture all at once to brown sugar mixture, stirring until just moistened. Batter will be lumpy. Fill each prepared muffin cup 2/3 full with batter. Bake 15 to 20 minutes in preheated oven until golden brown and wooden pick inserted in center comes out dry. Makes 12 large muffins.


Buttermilk Biscuits
2 cups Honey and Wheat Mix

½ cup buttermilk, milk, or water

¼ cup shortening

Preheat oven to 400◦ F. Pour Honey and Wheat Mix into medium bowl; cut in shortening. Add buttermilk, milk or water all at once. Stir with fork until dough follows fork around bowl. Turn out dough on lightly floured surface. Knead 10-12 times. Roll out dough to ½-inch thick. Use 2- inch biscuit cutter to cut dough. Arrange dough circles on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes in preheated oven until lightly browned. Makes about 9 biscuits.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard