Some Saturdays are perfect for a picnic. The breezes keep the flies away, while beautiful clouds float across the bluest Nevada sky. Saturday was just that kind of day. Rather like it was special ordered, just like the wool puffs that were served to the brave. But, I’ll get to that in a minute.
Although this photo shows a handful of people, let me assure you, this event was sold out. 1500 attendees gathered to show there support for a young presidential hopeful. Not that he might have been everyone’s first choice, but, he certainly is an interesting guy. Young, handsome, a good dad and husband, and one heck of a governor. This guy has a bright future ahead of him. 1500 of us wanted to hear more from him.
Although the event officially started at 10 AM, MM and I left our town at 7. World travelers come from all over the globe to see the beauty we sometimes take for granted. Driving west through the high desert plains, we passed herds of wild mustangs towards the Sierra’s. The Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains are my happy place. Different in every way from the Western slope, the highest peaks are still covered with deep snow after this crazy winter. The runoff from this year alone could fill our reservoir three times and still flood the surrounding land. The Sierra’s haven’t looked like this for awhile. Switzerland-ish.
In the picture above, the tallest peaks surround Lake Tahoe and Heavenly Valley Ski resort, and others. This event was held at a historical cattle ranch that can be rented for such shin-digs. I was disappointed there weren’t more farm animals in attendance. Probably scared off by what happened to the lambs.
Wool Puffs.
“Wool Puffs” is a phrase I coined and you can’t have it. Normally, they’d be called Rocky Mountain Oysters. On Saturday, they were called “Lamb Fries”. The technical term is “testicles”. Yes. A side dish made from the the south end of male lambs, battered and deep-fried. Usually found in pairs. Crunchy batter with a center the consistency of liver. Not much taste. There is nothing about this that tastes like chicken, just so you know.
I didn’t stand in line to get my serving of one testicle. That’s all they were giving out. Even at one per attendee, it took 750 little lambs to feed 1500 guests.
Of course, MM DID stand in line and was quick to come back with two. Who could resist his smile? Not the gal serving up 1 wool puff per person. Bless her little heart.
Well, there was nothing to do but give it a try. Resembling a piece of fried zucchini, I insisted on taking only 1/2 a puff, leaving the rest for my Mysterious Marine who seemed to enjoy them.
I can now say that I’ve eaten a wool puff.
The event was sold out. Sunday’s Newsweek article claimed there were a handful of people there. They also claimed it was put on by the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars. After reading that article, I was more disgusted than ever at journalism these days. I doubt the article’s author was even there. Just stole some pictures off the internet and called it good. Probably writing from his basement with his mask securely in place.
Anyone that was there experienced a sense of the love of God and country. They saw Nevadan’s in their casual dress, eating green salad, fries, Chorizo, lamb stew and Sheepherder’s bread in a picnic setting. They’d have suffered through the hour long wait to get freshly scooped ice cream in one of four flavors. They couldn’t have helped tapping their toe to the music of The Jakota Wass Band.
His lyrics sum up country living here on the high desert plains of Nevada. Watching the energy of this band added to the festivities.
Whatever you do today, don’t believe everything you see on television or read online. Get out. See things for yourself. Make your own opinions out of real experiences. Stretch a little and listen to all the candidates. Watch their actions and make decisions from what you see them do. Our country is an amazing place we need to cherish and protect. It’s not too late.
** A special Happy Birthday to Miss Firecracker!! I hope your day sparkles!!!!! Celebrate YOU!!!! I love you.
More tomorrow.