Cowboy

Here is another photo from the Helix Heart of the Country Rodeo. Seth Hopper, of Stanfield, won the prize for calf roping. I liked the way this shot included his horse, his prize (a framed rodeo poster) and the grain elevators in the background.

I turned the color to sepia just for the fun of it.

Helix Rodeo

I worked on Saturday, which means I took far more photos than I needed for the newspaper. So I get to post them here.

I got nice and sunburned by spending the afternoon at the Helix Heart of the Country Rodeo.

I was surprised how much fun it was to watch. I expected a very small, toned down rodeo. Boy was I wrong. It was exciting, loud, and busy - a very good time.

Hey there

On the other end of the spectrum, this goat was persistent in pushing me for treats. He kept rubbing his head against my leg, either to scratch or check my pockets for apples. I'm not sure which. He was a friendly fella.

zippie

I was kneeling down to take some of my first photos of the goats when this little guy zipped past me. I was looking in the viewfinder when I felt a whoosh. Rather then just walking or trotting by, the kid felt the need to do a little hop, almost over my shoulder. I quickly snapped another shot as he whisked away to join the others.

Get yer goat

FYI: "Get yer goat" was also my suggested headline for the story I wrote about goats on the Milton-Freewater levees on May 7.

These 240 goats spent a week eating away at all the bushes and trees on the levee - a much needed improvement to let inspectors get a look at the structure.

I got to spend about half an hour with the goats for the story. At first they shied away, but soon enough they were rubbing against my pant leg, looking for treats in my pockets. It was fun.

I will likely post a few more goaty photos this week.

Dogs a-flyin

Here are more photos from Bark for Life. These two border collies just love the agility obstacle course. I liked taking photos of dogs with all four paws off the ground

Liftoff

I spent Saturday at the Bark for Life event in Hermiston. At the beginning of the day Duelly, this less-than-a-year-old border collie, was going crazy for his Frisbee.

I love seeing dogs loving what they're doing. Duelly clearly loved this game. And jeez, that dog can jump.

Of course, sometimes he did miss.

Music to my eyes

I've been brushing up with my musical instruments, which means my violin is sitting out on its stand.

Last week spring sunshine crept in through through the blinds, throwing some nice color on my violin.

Yes there are a few more instruments in the photo. We have quite a collection going.