Mark your calendars for the upcoming Buckhead Days
Bruce and I along with Karalynn, Raegan, and Maggie all went to the circus last Wednesday down at the Rocking S Arena on Parks Mill Road.  It wasn't as big as the one they had in Watkinsville last year and they didn't have tigers and elephants, but it was still very good.  They did have horses, camels and llamas, a fire-eater, trapeze artist, juggler,  a gymnast who balanced atop six chairs, one on top of the other. and of course a clown and absolutely delicious funnel cakes!  They also had a time during intermission when the children could have their picture taken with the little pony who was all dressed up OR with a live python snake draped around your neck!!  Our neighbor Lydia Bennett who was there with her grandchildren, Marlin and  Rob and their mother, Katie, actually had her picture taken with the python all curled around her neck and she was smiling the whole time!!  She is one brave soul!!  I wanted nothing of it; it gives me the "heebie-jeebies!"  The children and us all had a wonderful time.  I think it is great when they bring these events to small towns.
We're glad to report that Olena Eaton is doing a lot better these days as well as Christine Lietch and Oscar Strange as they have both been in the hospital recently.  Oscar had a bout with pneumonia and Christine received treatment for her weakness and  just feeling under the weather.  They are thankful to be both on the mend now.  We are also wishing Olivia Garrison a speedy recover as she recently broke her wrist and elbow while playing at home on the swingset.  These things happen.  Hopefully she will be back to doing her gymnastics soon!
I've been asked to announce the upcoming Buckhead Days that will be held on Saturday, April 6, in the Real Buckhead.  Something new they will have this year is a 5K road race that will begin in downtown Buckhead and come on down Baldwin Dairy Road.  It will begin at 8:30 in the morning.  You may call 706-342-3339 to register or go online at www.active.com to register also or you may contact Robin Bone or Cheryl Cathey for more info.  The parade will start at 10:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Buckhead Baptist Church and end at the Fire Station at the town park.  You do not need to pre-register for this, just show up and get in line!  They welcome tractors, horses, old cars, etc.  Leading the parade will be the honoree's, Junior Rogers and Mrs. Hattie Bonner; two Buckhead legends for sure!  They are also looking for vendors, so if you are interested in setting up a booth call Robin or Cheryl.  Festivities will begin at 11 a.m. after the parade and go on until 3 p.m.  The Buckhead Fire Station men and women will be grilling hotdogs and hamburgers throughout the day.  They will have music throughout the day, 3-legged race, a greased pole race, the wrestlers who come to Buckhead will be on hand and the skating rink will be open that day also .  They are looking to make this a big day, so mark your calendars and if you want to participate with any of the events just let Cheryl or Robin know.
Raegan Wilkins took first place in all her gymnastics events--floor exercise, beam, bars and vault, this past weekend at the Smoky Mountain Classic in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.  Her Level 5 team also took first place.  Congratulations!!  Karalynn Clifton and her swim team, the Morgan County Marlins participated in a state swim meet on Saturday and Sunday up at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.  The relay team of which Karalynn is a member came in eighth!  Karalynn Clifton, Smith Cathey, Riley Freisen and Haylee Patterson are members of the relay team.  That is quite an accomplishment!  Congratulations to them!
Ann Smith of Tifton has been up this past week visiting her sisters, Lynn Hanson and Sybil Bradbury.  They have all enjoyed each other!
Chad Boyce will be ordained as a deacon on March 3rd at Antioch Baptist Church.  Chad is an upstanding young man who with his wife is raising a fine family.  Chad visits us occasionally here at the dairy when some of our cows are in dire need of a pedicure....hoof trimming.  I bet some of you didn't know there was a trade for that, did you?!  Chad learned the trade from his father, Harold Boyce, who has been trimming and working on cow's feet for a long time, although I am sure they took classes, too!  We offer our prayers and support to Chad and to the people of Antioch as they  all grow in the Lord.
Esther Curry went up to Atlanta on Thursday where she enjoyed a visit with Connie and William Zachary.  That evening they all went to Peachtree Presbyterian Church where they heard Eric Metaxas speak about his book on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German minister/theologian, spy who stood up to the Nazis during WW II.  She said it was very interesting.
Jason and LaVaughn McGinnis of Monticello spent Sunday afternoon with Jake and Blanche Wilson after they all enjoyed the Sunday buffet down at Bonner's Restaurant in Buckhead after church.
The Porter boys, Ben and Will had a busy week and weekend where they wrapped up five days down at the GA. National Jr. Livestock Show in Perry.  Will showed his beef heifer and placed sixth.  Ben showed breeder ewes and won in showmanship and placed second in his class.  The 4-H Dairy Show team also had a great week.  Catlyn Johnson, daughter of Cuyler and Christy Johnson who work for Dave Clark at his Godfrey dairy, is on that team.  Catyln won her weight class and went on to win Reserve Champion in Division 1.  They had a great show with almost all of the show team placing in the top five!   Congratulations to all these young people!
Frank and Mary Eaton went to Flowery Branch on Sunday afternoon where they helped Sophia Eaton celebrate her first birthday along with her parents, Franklin and Stacy and her big sister, Sabrina.  Happy Birthday, Sophia!
This coming weekend Ben and Will will be participating in 4-H District Project Achievement down at Rock Eagle.  Ben has done a big project on Sheep and Meat Goats and Will will be presenting in the history category.  Will has done a big project on "Sandtown Place," the homeplace of his grandparents, Sue and Bill Hodges, up at Mansfield.  Bill and Sue have added on and transformed just a log cabin which they moved there and made into a beautiful home and showplace.  Will has researched all the history surrounding it and has done a lot of work on this project.  Will is also finishing up his duties as the Northeast Vice-President for the 4-H Club.  We wish these boys much luck this coming weekend.
Yesterday was like spring and today it is back to wintertime.  It is getting more overcast by the minute here on this Monday afternoon.  Just add another log to the fire!
Printed in the February 28, 2013