The turkeys must know that most folks' Thanksgiving plans will be a bit different this year.
They're out in droves without a care in the world that the calendar is counting down to what's usual the annual turkey day.
Instead of heading for the platter, they're gathering on dirt for parades or road blocks.
I had to stop three times at self-imposed, ever-changing turkey crossings along our Center Valley network of roads the other day.
I can tell you that turkeys are not in a hurry, either. I think it took me 20 minutes to drive three miles that day.
Speaking of countdowns and turkey day, the same number of days remain on the calendar for when our beloved ZAGS open their season against Kansas.
Who knows what their ranking will be after that game, but for now we're all enjoying the accolades and ubiquitous press that goes with an NCAA pre-season No. 1 college basketball team.
This morning I read about team standouts and prospects in the article below. If the playing matches up with the print, we're in for an exciting season.
Not to get too redundant in talking about national rankings and my amazing sisters, but a group of young women coached by sister Barbara and her "assistant" Laurie cleaned up at a national judging contest over the weekend.
Back in the early 1970s with kids in Bonner County started competing in horse judging contests, the perks included trips----to the state contest, and, if they won the state contest, they could have some bakes sales, etc. and earn money to travel to National contests.
The first time I was associated with a judging team, the members were Dan Lund, his cousin Jane, Linda Woolsey and Cathy Russell.
They won the state contest and then asked if I'd like to join them as a chaperone at Nationals IN Dallas, Texas.
Twas the first time I had ever ridden in a jet plane. What an exciting and memorable opportunity it was to attend the National Youth Horse Congress and to get to know Dallas.
To say that experience had an impact: understatement.
I came home, and one night while riding horses with my sisters, I told them that some day we would all do that together.
A few years later, we did.
In 1977, Barbara and Laurie Tibbs, Kim Lewis and Janice Schoonover won state belt buckles, ran their bake sales and moved on to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the Arabian National Horse show, which included a national judging contest.
And, by golly, my sisters liked that enough that they, along with two other team members, Tracey Peterson and Mari Beth Chambers, earned a trip to Moline, Ill., for another national judging contest.
That year, my daughter Annie was about to come into the world, so my mother and Gail Curless accompanied the team (I think you went; right, Gail?)
Eventually, Barbara moved on to coaching youth horse judging teams, again taking various teams to nationals, including Louisville, Kent. And, by golly, Annie earned a spot on one of those teams.
In between, some of Barbara's team members coached some teams.
Each experience meant much more than competing in a national contest. The kids had the opportunity to visit attractions around the general area where the contest was held.
I tell this story because those kids back in the day got their additional perks. The team members in the graphic below live in Sandpoint (Cayli Jo Giard), Spokane (Lindsay Kuster), and Lewiston (Sophie and Hannah Huffman).
This team of youth judges has never been together in person. Some know each other because of horse shows.
This team did not get one of those wonderful trips as an added perk.
Over the past few months, the team did ALL their preparation via zoom and other online avenues.
The team also did all their judging on Saturday via the Internet. That included giving several sets of oral reasons to different judges, listening and scoring at their computers in towns across the United States.
I guess there's one benefit from this Pandemic era mode of competing nationally: no bake sales.
National horse judging contests include college teams, 4-H and FFA teams and junior Arabian club teams, each competing with other teams in their respective category.
And, so, I'm thinking that this team of youth judges, representing the Emerald Empire Arabian Horse Club, deserves a huge pat on the back (when it's safe, of course).
Amazing results, amazing achievements and an amazing story of great success in an historically challenging situation.
Ultimate dedication and great coaching.
A phenomenal legacy for young horse lovers continues, even in the worst of times.
I hope you young women get to go on your trip some day. You deserve it.
Congratulations, to all.
Happy Monday. Stay safe.
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