My sister, left, on Rowdy, and myself on Cayenne out for a ride. We were probably out checking cows in the fields… I am guessing this was about 15 years ago. Our dog, Teko, was tagging along that day. Unfortunately, all of the animals have since passed, but we will always have fond memories. In horseback in the mountains I shared more about how Cayenne came into my life, as well as how he went out…
Do your childhood memories included horses and animals?
I am a member of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) – the professional membership organization for persons in Extension. Next week I head to South Dakota for the 100th annual conference… It’s kind of a big deal 🙂
As I put final touches on my presentation, prepare last minute details for the events and committees I am helping with, and pack for a variety of events such as the pre-conference animal science tour, learning sessions, and more, I was reflecting on the past four conferences I have attended.
This throwback Thursday I will share some of my highlights from the past four years.
Kansas (2011): My sister and I on the pre-conference animal science tour; South Carolina (2012): enjoyed learning so much about the state and the culture; Pennsylvania (2013): standing in front of my Extension poster; and Alabama (2014): selfie with band Alabama (eekkk)!
Seeing all of the recent grads on Facebook has me reflecting on various graduations over the years. The one I was most excited for was also the one that brought the biggest change — graduating with my PhD!
My advice for new grads: take time for you and do things that make you happy. It is easy to get wrapped up in the next stage of life. A little “me” time is critical for maintaining the best you (personal and professional)!
On graduation day with my parents, sister, and Hubs (circa 2009).
This little gem is from 1998, I was managing the cattle herd for Redlands Community College where I was also a student. This little guy’s mom didn’t come into her milk after she had him, so I had to supplement him with bottles several times a day until her milk came. As you can see, I had the help of a canine friend too. ———————
As National Ag Week continues (also posted here and here), I wanted to share an oldie but goodie. My sister and I are the 4th generation on our family ranch which has been in our family for about 100 years. Below is a picture of my Grandpa (aka Pop) on the right and his brother, my great uncle (aka Bob) on the left (both have since passed). This was taken after working cattle, and they were washing down the dust with a Budweiser and a Pepsi, respectively. I have so many great memories of ranch work with my family, including moments with both of these guys.
I was fortunate enough to raise two Nevada State Fair Champion steers (“Red” and “Sisco”) as a 4-H member. The Nevada State Fair always made mugs with the name of the youth that raised the Champion animals and the buyer of the animal. My parents still have and use their mugs!
I cannot believe it is the 13th anniversary of 9/11! Wow. There are just a handful of days in my life I can remember where I was and exactly what I was doing, and 9/11/2001 is one of them.
I had just started graduate school at West Texas A&M University. I was working in the lab when the first tower was hit, word quickly made it around the building of what had happened, and a tv was set up and tuned into a news channel. We all started gathering around it to watch the coverage when the second tower was hit. You could feel the air leave the room in a collective gasp. It was shocking, saddening, and there were still so many questions at that time. We were all scared; scared because we didn’t know if it was an isolated attack or if they would be widespread across the country.
As a broke college kid, I had not yet set up my cable; but I did immediately after that day. Like many others, I was glued to my tv for weeks as we eventually learned of the other tragedies of the United 93 flight that went down in Pennsylvania and the attack on the Pentagon in Washington D.C. I also remember the amount of American pride and patriotism that occurred. I remember driving down the streets and noticing how every home seemed to have an American flag in the front yard.
It was amazing how something so tragic and devastating brought so many people together.
It was a day and a time period that will never be forgotten. Where were you on September 11, 2001? Does that day stand out in your memories too?
I had so much fun digging out old steer showing pictures for last week’s throwback Thursday, that I dug back into the photo archives (as it was before digital existed) to bring you more of my favorites.
One of our family hobbies was riding into the mountains to enjoy fishing, picnicking, camping, and the natural beauty of the good ol outdoors.
Fun fact, the horse I am on, Cayenne, I received through a partnership that U.C. Davis had with 4-H kids who completed an application and provided proof they had facilities and horse knowledge/experience. We picked him up when he was just five months old, and he is an Appaloosa/Standardbred cross. He is now 24 years old and enjoying retirement on the ranch. He LOVED to go to the mountains, he was the only horse we ever owned that would come running to the horse trailer and whinny at it when it pulled up! He was also a ton of fun to ride in the mountains since he was so tall he had a smooth pace and his Standardbred trot could cover some serious ground when needed.
My Dad (left) is on Woody, I am in the center on Cayenne, and my sister (right) is on Smokey. My Mom is behind the camera and we are joined by our dog at that time, Teko. Circa 1997.Another ride in the mountains with a family friend. My Dad (left) is on Rowdy and I am again on Cayenne. Circa 1999.
What are your favorite childhood memories? Do they include horses?
Update (3-14-15): I am sad to report that my horse Cayenne has since passed away. Unfortunately, he was in a pasture and rolled into a small, shallow ditch. Even though my parents found him the next morning, it was too late 😦 We had many great years together and I will cherish those memories forever.
Agricultural with Dr. Lindsay 