Wisconsin Farm Technology Days

This year, Marathon County hosted the annual Wisconsin Farm Technology Days.  1996 was the last time our county had this honor.  This is the county where we live and our family is very involved in 4-H.
Seehafer Acres, Marshfield, WI was the host farm.  Their farm is on HWY 97 between Stratford and Marshfield.  They actually closed Hwy 97 at points just before and after their farm.  This is a huge event and they expected 80,000 in attendance over the 3 days.  This was good for all the business surrounding this area and MANY nonprofit groups who sold food and soda.  The Marathon County 4-H helped in many of those areas.  The 4-H also had an educational and entertainment stage area.  Our daughters were asked to sing in the 4-H talent show. 
I have many pictures to follow.  This was a lot of fun!
 




I know we are the “dairy state”  however, many traditional family farms are moving toward the beef industry.  These are just a few pictures of the many pens that were there. 



I couldn’t resist these cute alpacas. There are several alpaca farms around us.  They produce, create and market all kinds of neat products from their fleece. 



Kettle Moraine Rough Riders Drill Team demo. 



Tracy Porter (and husband) Trick Horse demo.  Really neat!


Mike Richardson (from TX) Natural Horsemanship demo.  Inspirational!


John Lyons, horse trainer (RFD TV) demo on “reading” your horse and how to build a better relationship.  Very informative!





Meyer 10-Horse Pyramid Hitch demo.  I actually missed the demo – both days… here the Meyer family is getting them ready.  The first picture is them going out of the arena. 




Milk Buds pony hitch team demo.  Little “Oreo” born 7/5/11 really cute and super tiny!





“Mutton Bustin’ and Calf Scramble”  This was fun to watch! 


“My farmer” dreaming…..


Large Heritage Tractor display and demo on steam engines.







Farm tours and field demonstrations.  This picture doesn’t show it, however, there were 80 acres of tents and booths…

They made a series of roads on the fields.  UW Extension information, agri business information, farm implement, food and  heritage and historical booths, country store just 1000’s of things to see.


Now, my “brag” moment….my daughter’s were asked to sing in the 4-H talent show.  They did an awesome job!


They each sang a solo and then this duet.  Blessings from Wisconsin!

I'm linked to:  Farm Chick's Photo Friday and Farm Girl Friday

Iola Old Car Show

 

Some pictures of neat old cars.  In Iola, WI they have this HUGE annual event with old cars and flea market.  So much FUN.  Vendors and Exhibitors from all over the United States come to shop and display their old cars.  

I liked this one a lot…..from Florida.

Al likes the “muscle car”

Cool Chrysler 300’s..

I also like this one…. Chrysler 300.

 

More “muscle” 

Our friends and neighbors – Randy and daughter Emilie (Emmie).  We went on Sunday early morning.  A lot of vendors and exhibitors left there was a threat of severe weather and we made it to our car before it started to “pour”….Blessings from Wisconsin!

More Than Strawberries

My oldest daughter has really become interested in the “domestic arts.”  She is interested in learning how to preserve/can this summer.  She wanted to make some strawberry jam for gifts.  We went picking the berries on at a local farm and made some.  It was more than just the strawberries – I truly enjoyed spending this time with her.  My girls are getting older and I know that this time I have with them is PRICELESS!


This type of strawberry is called Annapolis, I’ve never tried this type so we picked those – super tasty!

Some of the other pickers….we all were early 7 a.m. – a lot cooler!

Our 5 flats…yummy!

Some of the jars we made.  Blessings from Wisconsin!

I'm linked to: Homestead Revival

Folk Art Painting Samples

 

These paintings are samples of how I paint.  I consider myself a “folk artist” because I don’t have formal training for go to school for art.  I do love to create things.  These paintings are named after animals I actually know.  The rooster is Brutus, hog (was) London, horse is Fin, cow is Annie and sheep (was) Dean.  I sold these at the Blue Green Gallery in Weston, WI.  Thanks for looking.  Blessing from Wisconsin!

I am a part of: 

Busy as BEES

 

Busy as Bees is what we have been…

Most farm people are very busy at this time of year.  Last week was the perfect “hay makin” weather in Wisconsin.  That is why I haven’t posted lately. 

I was walking around the garden and thought I would post these few pictures.  I hope you enjoy them.  Blessings from Wisconsin!

 

Bee Balm?  I think do any of you know for sure. 

 

Fox Glove

Busy Bee on the Lupines. 

I’m on Farm Girl Friday’s and Farm Chick's Farm Photo Friday

Patriotic Chairs–God Bless America

I was asked by my friend to paint some chairs she had.  She wanted them painted like one she had purchased years ago, but with my “twist” on it.  Here is the before picture. 

Here is the after.  I washed the chairs, painted them with Americana acrylic paints, dry brushed to age the paint, applied an antique medium to really age them and finally applied the poly finish.

 

Here is a close up of the dry brush stage….

 

The picture below is at the acrylic stage only, before my “antique” layers.

My friend was pleased with how they turned out.  I liked them too.  Now I will have to paint me some too.  Blessings from Wisconsin!