Fall is slowly making an entrance to Northwest Arkansas. Our children enjoyed the Washington County Fair last month. We were able to make it up to the fairgrounds to see all their entries on display with ribbons on each one. This year, they made entries in the poultry barn, home economics and horticulture.
We had two firsts happen at the fair – our youngest daughter received a grand champion placing on an eggplant in the youth horticulture division. She was so surprised at the prize money that came along with it. Our Washington County Master Gardeners are an exceptional group. Thank you to each one who volunteered and made this a great event.
Our oldest son received a 4-H parent/leader award for his bell pepper entry in the 4-H/youth horticulture division. They enjoyed a variety of delicious fair food and the entertainment of the carnival.
It is football season, and we recently enjoyed a tailgate at our local high school football field. Our local Chick-Fil-A made a generous donation to the event and all the dance families enjoyed it.
We have gotten to watch our oldest daughter cheer and dance at a few games. We are in full swing of fall youth baseball season too. At a recent game it finally felt like we might need a jacket because the temperature was dropping. We love cheering for our little No. 3.
We have had a few baby calves born at the farm in the past few weeks. Over Labor Day weekend, our youngest daughter and I rode the pastures, checked fences and ponds. These early fall calves are adorable. The pastures are dry, and we have had to rotate the herd to other fields and put out some hay to keep all the cattle and horses grazing. My husband is busy wrapping of the final cutting of hay.
Some of our dear friends are waiting anxiously for their new home to be completed. As they wait, they are staying in their RV on the farm. Our children have started referring to them as “the neighbors.” They are very special people.
Along with them came their three older, well-trained hunting dogs. Our youngest son delights in throwing balls for the dogs and watching them retrieve balls and sticks daily. I don’t know who is more excited to see who after school. The dogs always seem happy to see “that boy who throws the balls.”
Having this new community of people around has been fun for us and for our children. I always wanted to have my grandparents close by as a kid. We have enjoyed some family dinners together. By the time I share our stories with you next month, they will likely be moved into their new home. We will be missing them for sure.
I am looking forward to more fall football, bonfires and baby calves in this cooler weather. Our family loves the changes in seasons in the great state of Arkansas. As your season changes, I pray you get a chance to savor the harvest blessings fall has to offer, neighbor.
Jody Harris is a freelance communications specialist, gardener, ranch wife and mother of four. She and her family raise Angus beef cattle and other critters on their northwest Arkansas ranch. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. To contact Jody, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’
