I went to the Farm Show not only once but twice. Friday I got chores done early and met a friend at the diner. We went off to the show. It is always about the same but this year there didn't seem to be many folks interested in buying. There was an interesting presentation on ultra sound imaging of cattle. We will try to make arrangements to have ours tested.

I went back on Saturday with Jim. He met a young man who is a freshman at Iowa State. Jim has been admitted there to study Agricultural Engineering. This man is taking the same major and gave Jim some real good first hand insights and really encouraged him to go. We got back after lunch and checked the animals. We have several that should be freshening soon. So we now check more often to make sure every thing is okay.

Around four or so we had a power failure. Our generator kicked on automatically. It is very reassuring to hear it start and better to hear it shut off when the power comes back. I had to go out and check with my fire departments as initial reports were that it would be off until evening. Fortunately it came back in about an hour.

Sunday Mary and Jim and I went to the monthly American Legion Pancake breakfast. It's a good chance to see people and they have real maple syrup and good food.

We had a flurry of calls and emails about buying some cattle. We expect some people to come next Saturday. We ordered some semen to be able to AI our cows after they freshen.

As near as we can see the air boat still seems to be stuck on the other shore. We have had absolute bone chilling cold ever since Saturday night but no real snow. It's supposed to get warmer by the end of the week.

There is very little new from the diner. Everyone continues to be aggravated about the great government giveaway. They all tend to be people who have handled their own finances responsibly and are upset at having to accommodate those who haven't or won't. Particularly galling is the ever lasting bank and insurance bailout which is considered as welfare for the rich.
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