As you know, I am spending a couple of weeks away from the now, working on my book in the relative peace and quiet of my mama’s house in Fort Worth, Texas. And, though I miss my family and flock back in New York desperately, it is so nice to be back in my hometown.
I was lucky enough to schedule my trip to coincide with the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, an annual event that is so important to the people who live here that all the kids are given a day off school and a free ticket to attend every year. Ranchers from all over the southwest converge on Fort Worth, bringing with them their finest horses, steer, milking cows, goats and sheep for the shows and sales. The Stock Show last for three weeks and there’s a rodeo every single night, two on weekends.
I absolutely adore the Stock Show. I love wandering through the barns to see the animals, especially the longhorns. I love dropping in on random show, like the under-18 Paint Horse Performance Competition or the All-American Dairy Goat Show. I love all the cowboys in their felt cowboy hats. (Cowboy hat etiquette: felt hats are for winter, straw hats are for summer. Now don’t embarrass yourself by wearing an out of season hat!) I love the massive exhibition halls crowded with the latest tractors and balers and who-knows-what-all.
My mama, Carrie and went to the show on Sunday just to poke around. Here’s some of what we saw.
My sister Carrie getting friendly with a bull.
Be sure to check back here tonight to see if you won some of that lovely handspun we’re giving away AND to enter our next giveaway.
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So many great ideas…knitting first pair of socks, walking, healthier meals, etc.
Love the Stock Show pics! I'm a little biased because hubby has us watching season 10 of Dallas this week. Doesn't look like fashion has changed much for riding and roping.
Great Photos! I'm so proud to be a Texan!
I love the pictures of the cowboys from the back…that's my favorite part.
It reminds me of the rodeos when I lived in Louisiana.
Love the little one with the flying ears. Reminds me of the flying nun. They are so adorable that I just want to hug them
You have a such a talent with that camera–your pix are fabulous! Glad you're having some fun.
My uncle always says you can tell people from Ft. Worth (my birthplace btw) because they think of Will Rogers more as a place than a person.
Enjoy Cowtown!
You are an awesome photograper. The pictures remind of times spent with my Grandpa Bill. Aren't livestock shows and rodeos awesome?
I will always remember when my dad took us to the rodeo at Madison Square Garden. I was so into horses as a girl, and I was lucky enough to actually ride at a local farm. My brothers and sisters thought it was boring, but I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Thanks for the pix. Enjoy your visit at home.
Ooooh, that first picture of the mama pig and the babies made me wince! I might not sleep well tonite. I'd love to have some of that handspun….(wink,wink,nod,nod)
Thanks, Dena
I like your site….the pics are so cute of the lambs. One thing I want to do for myself this year is really concentrate on losing weight and toning…….. I am rally wanting to do this….so I think I will….I just got put on a C_PAP machine and it has helped so much…I have lost some already……..
Guess I'll add a comment, even though you haven't gotten the prize question up yet. I don't think I'll be back on the computer tonight.
Enjoy the change of critters and your visit.
looks like you have been having a great time! what fun from the pics!!
What fabulous pictures! I love the one of the sow and piglets (maybe because my own little piglet is attached to me hourly right now!) and the cowboys on the fence.
Aieeeeeeeeeee. Turquoise chaps! Do they have sheep or llamas at the FW FSS? And amazing that it isn't raining this year!
Hey! You're in my neck of the woods! How long are you here for?
Your in my neck of the woods too! Enjoy Texas. Where the weather is a roller coaster, 30 one day and 70 the next. The first weekend for the rodeo the weather was great.
I'm a Cowtown native and I love the Stock Show! Do you remember when it used to be called the Fat Stock Show, until the word “fat” became some kind of taboo? My best friend Pam got her picture in the paper when my first-grade class went as a big group to the stock show–I was so jealous! Thanks for bringing back a lot of good memories. There's nothing quite the same up here in upstate NY.
I just got home from my Bridge class, so today my second favorite hobby is Bridge.
Hey Hannah! Susan here- I'm using my web designers log-in. I'm here for another week. Loving being home, even if I am spending most of my time locked up in my mom's study.
So funny- I noticed the change this year. It feels weird to me to hear people say just plain Stock Show.
LOL. The bull's owner told us he was a sweetheart BEFORE Carrie got all up in his face.