I'm Back!!!

So it has been about three weeks since I have stepped foot in the RHD Office. First it was a week of final prep with the cattle at the showbarn, then a week of sweating through shirts and getting rope burns, and finally a week of tours at the ranch. Now I am back in the air conditioning and will be blogging like a fool!

So now for the official on-the-scenes (well off now) World Brahman Congress XIV Show Report. First off let me say that the weather in Fort Worth was awful, humid and hot, and this made even little tasks like carrying a water bucket a huge task, since you could fill the bucket with sweat by the time you reached the end of the stalls. Due to the heat I was very particular about which jobs I did and proclaimed myself the "Bucket Filler—Tail Fluffer—and—Calf Nurser" of V8 Ranch, pretty close to Cow-Herd Manager or Operations Manager if you ask me!

Aside from the heat week went very well. Including the baby calves we had about 30 head at the show, which meant that we had at least one head in almost every class. The showring was air conditioned but when you show for 5 classes in a row, you cannot tell the difference. The final report on show results was 11 class winners, 5 division winners, and Champion Cow. The only disappointment of the show was with a bull owned by Jim Williams Family. He was reserve of his division but all week so many people came by and said that they thought that the bul had a shot at winning the whole deal. You know how it is when you get your hopes up and then the plot doesn't develop like you want, but that is all part of the game.

Now that the show is over in Fort Worth is seems to have followed us back to Wharton County. There have been tours all week with people from all over the globe that share a common interest in Brahman Cattle. It is really neat to be able to talk with these people from different countries to see what kind of cattle they prefer and how they manage their operations. Actually, we are now just getting ready to leave the office to go meet the "Official World Brahman Congress Tour" at a local BBQ joint.

Until next time!
Luke

Rachel's Report on the World Brahman Congress

Well loyal blog readers, you've probably noticed it's been a while since we updated. I spent all last week in Fort Worth along with Catherine and Luke and the rest of my family for the World Brahman Congress. My family was showing about 4 head there and the ranch we work for, V8 Ranch, showed about 20. I'll save the official show report for Luke's blog, since he was the main showman for us.

RHD related -- we introduced "bull banners" to the Brahman breed with some display banners for our bulls "Superstroke" and "The Rock". The banners were a big hit - including this one we designed here for V8 Ranch for their display. We also did a new semen brochure for V8 Ranch that looked awesome! All our bull promotion experience was finally able to pay off for our own ranch.

On Monday of last week I got my cast off my ankle! That was a long 6 week process but I'm so glad it's done! I'm getting around a LOT better and now I get to start physical therapy.

I had a blast at the World Brahman Congress. I wish I hadn't had that boot and that I could have been able to dance at the J.D. Hudgins 100th Anniversary party street dance. I spent the whole night at the table with some big time "HOT SHOTS" in the Brahman breed :) Bob and Vanessa Hudgins, Jill Hudgins Kolb (my college roommate and one of my best friends), Larry Kolb, Tom and Kathy Hudgins, Presley and Avery Kolb, and John Allen from J&R Farms. We were stalled next to our friends at Satterfield Ranch and the Forgason Cattle Company. The Forgason's had the best booth there by far....it was handled by Lana Jo Stanlee and was awesome. Here is a picture of me and Stacey Forgason trying not to melt in the 100 degree heat!

Now that we are home, we have a busy week filled with tours of the ranch from people who came to the Congress and now are visiting ranches. This week we have had about 150 visitors so far, with visitors from Australia, Brazil, Bolivia, South Africa, Colombia and more.

So, loyal readers, rest easy -- we'll be back on the blogging circuit soon, we're just having to do a lot of work for V8 Ranch this week! Although, that's not a paying job ha ha -- maybe we should go back to the RHD office :)

We've made it big!

It's official. RHD has made the big time. Maybe your idea of "makin' it big" is winning Denver. Or maybe for some, having that first cow who's good enough to flush. But for me, I can say we've "made it big" because, drumroll.....we have a COLOR LASER PRINTER!!!

As a student worker at Texas A&M about 8 years ago, I remember the excitement when my bosses, Dr. McNeill and Dr. Boleman announced that our office was getting a color laser printer. Around this time, I think our color laser printer was like $2000. It was the only one in the entire animal science buildling, and us lowly student workers were specifically instructed NOT to use the color laser printer unless absolutely necessary, because toner was so expensive.

When I lived in Michigan circa 2002, I remember visiting my friend and mentor Julie French's office, and she had a color laser printer. I thought to myself, if I can ever be as successful as Julie, one day I'll have my own color laser printer too.

As our old faithful office printer started wearing down, we started doing some investigation. Low and behold -- a color laser printer these days is actually VERY affordable! So, we ordered one, and it arrived a few days ago. Our "IT Director" (Catherine) set it up today.

So today has been an exciting day. We've finally got our first color laser printer. I know it's a small step for some, but for me, it's big. I'm taking a moment to sit back and realize that just maybe... we have made it big. Seriously, look at the sheer joy on my face! We've made it... I've got the printer to prove it!

As Rachel has already mentioned, our county fair wrapped up last week. However, I had three kids showing a pig, not just one. Which is even worse, because not a single pig made the sale. A real bummer all the way around! It's bad enough when you're competing in your own county against 150 other kids, I just can't imagine being in a "big" show with hundreds of competitors.

Let's just say, it was a tough year and and we look forward to some change ups next year! Plus we'll have one more eligible exhibitor.

As if a week at the fair wasn't enough, my husbands grandmother also passed away and we had to make a trip to Beaumont last Friday for the services. She was actually his step grandmother, as she married his grandfather in the 70's, several years after they had both lost their spouses. If any one happened to be at Texas A&M 20 plus years ago, you may have known Dr. R.C. Potts, associate dean in the College of Agriculture. That was my husband Lance's grandfather.

After a few extra days off last week, it's back to work and building web sites. We continue to get calls daily from people wanting to get on the list! Job security - I love it! I'm still learning the tricks of the trade (not sure I'll ever know them all!) but it's incredibly fun and exciting!

Summer is quickly approaching and my kids are counting down the days until school is out. Then, I'll start counting the days 'til they go back. Not really, I don't start counting until about the middle of July. I always look forward to the summer and the lack of a regimented rountine - no bed times, no homework, no after-school activities. That's nice for awhile. A short while.

Perhaps, since this is the first summer I've been gainfully employed in more than 10 years, it will be different. At least I won't be at home to hear the cries of "I'm bored, what can I do?"

County Fair

Last week was the famous, or should I say infamous, Wharton County Youth Fair, or as people in this area think of it -- Wharton County International Livestock Exposition Classic National Showdown Extravaganza. I think everyone in the business can relate to the fact that you might be able to breed/show/fit the Champion Steer at Denver, Louisville, Kansas City and Fort Worth all in the same year, but if you don't win your own county fair....you ain't nothing to the people in your hometown. Denver/Louisville/KC/FW must have been flukes.

On Monday of last week, Tricia's daughter exhibited a pig in the fair swine show. She took off work that day for the big show. She didn't win the champion, but she's all pumped up now for next year. Because guess who else is on the RHD staff and is a pig guru???? ASHLEI!! So we're all fired up and next year, the Potts are going to take the swine show. Get ready! :)

On Tuesday was the biggest, baddest steer show in the United States, at least according to the people here. At our fair, we have 2 divisions/breeds: Brahman and Non-Brahman. I think the superintendents of the National Western were here evaluating our show to see if these classifications might work at Denver next year. We went to watch our 3 cousins - Emily, Erin and Ellie Forgason - show their steers. Emily & Erin were in the Brahman division and Ellie was in the Non-Brahman. Emma and Ernie didn't do that well... but dear ol' Ellie pulled it out for the Forgason's by winning 1st Place Light Weight with her steer pictured here, sired by Alias. (j/k, I have no idea who is sired by. )

On Thursday, we didn't venture out to the fair, but this was the day of the heifer show and again the 3E cousins dominated it. Ellie was Supreme Champion Heifer with her (guess what Division: BRAHMAN) heifer and Emma was Reserve Supreme Champion Heifer. The judge was Mr. Fuchs, who was Catherine and Rachel's ag teacher and dear friend. Hey, this fair is no slouch, we have even had DAN HOGE come down and judge this fair before! And for those of you who might be feeling sorry for the Middle Forgason cousin because she didn't win -- she was Star Greenhand of the Area FFA this weekend!

Anyway, we all can probably related that we have love/hate relationships with our county fair. I love the funnel cakes, I hate the fact that most people there have never even heard of the Show Circuit magazine or Denver stock show. But hey, the fair's the fair.

And....FYI -- Catherine exhibited the Grand Champion Steer at the Wharton County International Livestock Exposition Classic National Showdown Extravaganza (fitted by Luann Williams) in 2001 and Rachel exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Steer in 1997. And yeah, I have to admit...at the time....we were so happy it was like we were Chance Lautner showing the blue roan and we just won Kansas City! So there!

Another week...

This has been a good week at RHD. We've gotten a lot of things accomplished this week. Rachel is getting around better than ever, hard cast and all. For the past 2 days she has been sans-crutches completely. She is still carrying them around in her car, but only in case she needs them.

As far as projects we've been working on, there's been a lot going on. First, we have had some rearranging of workspaces at our office. With the staff changes that are taking place this month (Lacey gone, Liz coming) as well as Luke being in the Wharton office most of the summer, we needed 2 additional workspaces here. We've got Liz's area all set up for her, and she will be officemates with Jessica. We need to get a ride for a desk from our College Station office before we can get Luke's place set up, so in the meantime, he is moving from computer to computer as empty ones open up.

Once we get that computer set up, we will be up to 7 workspaces here in our Wharton office. It is amazing to me how fast we have grown here. When we first got an office here in Wharton, it was only going to be me and Jessica there. Then Rachel moved back to the ranch, and Wharton became the official "headquarters" for RHD. Now we have a full office here and are still growing!

This week Tricia and I have gotten several websites close to completion and a few completed. I was feeling really good about the progress made on the websites that are in production, until I realized that we've had 4 more people get on our list this week! Although as I always say... being busy is a good thing!

I was able to do a cool logo then website for Nate Christie and the Gopherland Club Calves group. With that unique name, we were excited to take on this project for them. They're having a pasture sale June 3rd through 5th so we really hope that goes well for them. Don't you just think that little gopher is a cutie! If you want to check out their website, click here.

Well, today is Friday, which I always like because that means the weekend is just around the corner. But this weekend I have more to be excited about — tomorrow Luke and I are going to Vegas for a short little vacay.

Oh, by the way, Rachel put up the May ads on the Ranch House Designs web site, so if you are killing time on a Friday afternoon at work, that might be a good thing to pass the time! Everyone have a good weekend!

......hey i'm just say'in

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQScbSddYlA


another round....

Round Two at Larry's

Again today we ventured to favorite eatin' joint of Rachel, Catherine, Luann, and myself, Larry's. We got out normal chicken fajita taco (Rachel & Catherine - meat and cheese only Luann and I - all the way) with a big glass of iced tea and limes. As we were finishing up our single taco Rachel says, "Wow, my taco was sure good. I think I would like to have another one." Catherine seconded the motion and I said that I would like another as well. I do not know what it was about the food today but the tacos were great. I mean the kind that the fajita meat just came off the grill and the grease is dripping onto the plate when you pick it up. So the waiter comes by and Rachel says "We would like another round of tacos." Most people say they would like another round of drinks but it can also be used for food. When Rachel said this we all started laughing like small children and waited for our next round of tacos.

Another great thing happened at Larry's today. When we check out they have a bowl of little M&M sized mints. These little pieces of Heaven are GREAT! They come two pieces to a pack and we always grab a handful. Well we had got the idea to purchase some of these mints and today our package arrived. We got 3 boxes of these things and I am sure that we will need to order more in about a week with the way that we go through them.

As far as the updates crew, Jessica had a final today and I am the only one working on updates. I had the honor of working on two of our "High Profile" clients web sites today, Matt and Phil Lautner. I enjoy seeing the new calves that are our of their bull battery but their updates are extremely stressful as they can be somewhat particular about their web site organization. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but whenever I do an update I watch the inbox for about 15 minutes to see if they send an email back saying that I did something not to their specifications. After that time period has passed I can rest easy.

Until next time,

Number 1 Connoisseur of Scottish Highland Cattle Genetics

It's all good

Even tho I see the RHD creations daily, I have to say that I was excited to receive the new banners RHD made for V8 to display at the World Brahman Congress. We had 3 new banners made and have a new semen directory almost completed. RHD has been responsible for both projects. RHD has spoiled me - because - they make it so easy!!

I'm not sure if anyone is interested....but the World Brahman Congress will be held in Ft Worth -activities will start May 19th with the show days on Wednesday (21st) and Thursday(22nd). The V8 crew will be there with Brett Muegge and Luke Neumayr handling the showing. V8 will be hosting 3 post congress tours - 2 from Australia and 1 from South Africa. I am anxious to go to Ft Worth - I plan on having fun with my family and friends. I can't wait to go to the party honoring the J.D. Hudgins family as they celebrate 100 years in the Brahman business.

I've got my feet up in the chair watching the Astros. They have had some great games lately. I don't want to jinx them - so I'll just leave it at that.

One last tidbit I heard today - --- our favorite ringman Blake Bloomberg has been screening his calls....How can the big shows book you as a judge if you won't answer your phone.???

Denver Here I Come!

As we all know Ranch House Designs makes the yards in Denver. The banners that Rachel and Catherine do are talked about as much if not more than the actual bulls, at least in our office! This week I took my first step into the world of designing bull banners. The bull that I made a banner for was Mr. V8 846/5 "The Rock", a past International Champion owned by Bulls Eye Ranch and V8 Ranch. Don't knock him just cause he is a Brahman because if he had a shot of Heat Wave in him Matt would be all over him like a hobo on a ham & cheese sandwich. Anyway, I just wanted to post my first bull banner so anyone that will not be at the World Brahman Congress can see my genious creation.

And for those of you that are keeping up with our eating schedule it was Larry's again today and it was GREAT!

A Birthday and A Goodbye!

As we end another week at RHD (how time flies), we have some exciting news relating to the things happening here around the office.


First, we had a real treat yesterday when it was Jessica's, "a.k.a. super web site updater's" birthday. In honor of her b-day, Catherine baked one of her delicious, and sort-of-famous birthday cakes! For those of you who have ever visited the V8 trailer at shows, you may have gotten a taste of this speciality. If you haven't, stop by our trailer at the Shorthorn/Maine/Chi Jr. Nationals and have some. We bake cakes for any an every occassion because they are so good.


So in addition to our teamwork at RHD, we also have teamwork in cake baking and cake decorating. Catherine bakes and ices the cake, I decorate. Most of the decorating usually involves something serious combined with something stupid. In this case, it was "Happy Birthday Jessica - U R the Bomb!" Pictured here, on official WEAR BLUE day at work (Luke missed the memo) -Tricia, Me, Jessica, Catherine and Luke.


Our other news is that yesterday was Lacey's last day here at RHD. She will be starting a new job with the City of College Station in May. Lacey has worked here for exactly a year, and has helped many of our clients with their web site updates this year. I wanted to thank Lacey and wish her the best with her new job!


As Lacey is leaving, we're going to be gaining a new employee at our Wharton office, Liz Tovar. Liz will be starting this June and we are really excited. Liz is another resident of East Bernard, Texas, the same town as Tricia.


I myself had some pretty good news this morning, when my polled Brahman cow gave 7 out of 10 embryos in her flush. We've had 2 days of flushing at the ranch and have had pretty good results so far. Whenever we have a flush, Dad does a big cookout and everyone on the ranch comes to eat plus lots of our friends. Yesterday we had Wally Groff from A&M, Jesus Ortiz from the Houston Chronicle, Sue and Charles Atkinson, our preacher Paul Jones, and everyone on the ranch. My grandma Sammie Johnston made 2 dewberry cobblers with fresh dewberries that my grandpa Gene picked on the ranch. He picked over 8 gallons!


This weekend we have our normal plans for hanging out on the ranch like riding on the mule, looking at calves, picking up sticks and cooking out. With me still being in a cast, I'm pretty limited but I can ride around. We're hoping to get a visit from some of our friends at A&M who might come down for the weekend.


So as I'm wrapping up, it's exactly 46 minutes 'til we can go to Larry's for lunch.

I can blog!

Okay, Rachel and Catherine have been encouraging me for some time to post on our blog at RHD, so here goes. It's not that I didn't want to contribute, I just didn't know what to say. Who would want to read it anyway?

So I finally decided I just had to jump in and hope for the best. And if you don't want to read, I'll never know.

Working at RHD has been a great experience for me. Learning new stuff (every day!) and enjoying every minute. Especially the web sites. I love the instant gratification that comes with web sites. Unlike print material where you have to wait for publication, the internet (as we all know) makes it happen instantly. Take a picture down, put a picture up, change some text, all in a matter of minutes. And then, if you happen to see a mistake after you've uploaded the site, no worries. With a few clicks of the mouse, problem solved! Isn't technology great?

Sort of like blogging.

And yes, I LOVE George Strait!

Better get to work. There are web sites to build!!