eom

I have written over forty posts this month, more than half of which showcased BreyerFest contest entries.

The others focused on bridleless competitions,

various barn happenings,

the Denver Dog Fair...

and - who could forget? - a million blind box toys.

It's been a lot of words and a lot of pictures...

Samantha Oaks' 2026 BCC Fantasy entry
"The Lepid Yholf is a Lepidoptera‑born hybrid of my original creature creation, the Yholf. It has the strength and grace of a horse, the features of a wolf, and the dense, cold‑weather fur like that of a yeti. Many Yholf types exist, but the Lepid Yholf is the most elusive. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, it will be in the high, quiet places of the forest where the “night touched bloom grows” a flower carrying the quiet glow of a sky full of stars."

but somehow, I still have a whole list of half-written June posts in my draft folder.

At this point, most of them won't be finished.

It's okay.

The moment has passed.

Somethings don't need to be shared.

There are a few posts, however, that deserve more.

There are a couple posts that are essential.

It won't happen today and probably not tomorrow or the next day either. 

It might take me until the end of next month, I promise, eventually, they're going to happen.

Wisconsin

Just over a year ago, my son, James, graduated from Colorado State University with two engineering degrees.

Since then, he's been working as an assistant manager at a gas station.

That's an honest job and one that pays better than you'd probably expect. Still, it's not something a smart kid with two engineering degrees wants to do forever. He's been looking for something in his field since before he graduated, and last month - finally! - the stars aligned. An offer was extended, a trip was funded and a contract was signed.

In Wisconsin.

My baby boy is moving to Wisconsin.

It's okay. I'm okay.

He's an adult. 

He's ready.

This morning, James, Kimmy the cat, Mercury the snake and I will start the long drive from Loveland, Colorado to Madison Wisconsin. Wish us luck. We're probably going to need it!

Doggy Derby 2026

Last year, Tang and Piper competed in the Small Dog division of the Denver Dog Fair's Doggy Derby.

Tang won and Piper came in second. A good result.

This year, we were instructed to put them in the Medium Dog division. They're both in the sixteen to seventeen pound weight range, but okay, whatever.

There were so many dogs in the this division they split us up into multiple heats. Piper and Tang ran in the first. This is a picture of the pre-race interview.

Pipes tried really hard, but Tang is just too fast. Once again, they placed first and second.

We watched the next three heats, and I am relatively sure Piper could have won two of them. Why, oh, why did I make her race Tang?!

Tang advanced to the semifinal and won that handily.

Then it was on to the championship match race. His only competitor was a giant Great Dane named Murphy. Here's how that went.

The champion of the Doggy Derby's Medium Dog division weighs one hundred fifty six pounds.Reserve Champion is seventeen pounds. 

Medium dogs, obviously.

This was so much fun. I love seeing our dogs race dogs of all sizes, and hope springs eternal! Piper wants another rematch!

Denver Dog Fair

Last year, Angelo and I took Piper and Tang to the Denver Dog Fair, and it was one of the best days of the entire year.

Of course, we had to go again this year...

and this year, Tori and Archie joined us.

That meant we got to meet every wiener Dachshund in the building.

There were so many of them!

Of course, we also met a lot of other dogs, too.

We met dogs of all sizes,

all shapes,

all colors,

all hairdos,

and all outfits.

Heh.

We spent a happy couple of hours walking through the trade show, perusing the offerings...

for both humans...

and dogs alike.

Heh.

This booth was for a company that made keepsakes out of show ribbons.

So cute!

While we were shopping, Tang was actively searching out pets and food.

He got lots of both!

Our favorite booth by far was the one with the treadmills.

Of course, we immediately signed up each of our dogs for a spin. Tang went first.

Superstar!

Archie was also a superstar!

Unlike Tang and Archie, Piper is not very food motivated. I wasn't sure this was going to be her thing.

Never a doubt! Look at that good girl go!

A performance like that deserves a pupcup...

and a red carpet photo shoot!

We watched some flyball...

Tang found that very exciting!

... and Piper and Tang competed in the Doggy Derby.

Best friends.

Best dogs.

Best day!