Re: [ SHOWGSD-L ]

Evan,

I'm one of the people who read your posts every year and thoroughly enjoy them! This year was

no exception. Even though I attended the National and robbed you of some candy a couple times,

I came home and read through your posts to see your perspective on everything. You are a joy, and

want you to know how much you are appreciated!!!

Glad you got home safely and I hope Ed's home was in no danger from the fires (and I think you're right

about not "poking the bear"! After all it IS the "power" company!)

Take Care,

Kathy Martin

On Thu, Oct 10, 2019 at 11:08 AM Evan Ginsburg <dmarc-noreply@freelists.org> wrote:

Linda Bankhead is here.   She is sitting with us, and Joan isn't here this year.  No one has seen the dog that is missing, yet. Ann Schultz is walking by and I didn't talk to her, but did yesterday.  

12-15 in there with 7 with two blacks.  Mike in front with Asher, then Olivia with Remember when, then Power Pack with Diane Brown, then Lindsey with Xman then Jeff with Venon and Lennie with Warlock and Cindi with Heat Seeker. They take a third pass.

Martha Rinke came by for some candy, and we are trying to get her and Dave for dinner, I always enjoy them and it is often the high point of the National for me.

And individuals going on now.  Nancy McDonald just walked by. John Bemont is here with us, and enjoying the candy. I think I bought too much this year since you have to come up to the stand. But, I put a bowl below us. 

Now they are lined up.  And Bob takes a look at them. They stack and that is a good looking group, still in catalog order.

Kenny Cunningham is her and talking to us and off they go. I see Celeste is working the class, there must be an Exxon pup in there. bob pulls Xman, (probably the one), Asher in second, third is Olivia with Remember When, fourth Diane Brown Power Pac, and then the rest. The first one is an Exxon son, and looks it. Solomon let me know.

And he hasn't changed anything yet, and Bob looks them over stacked.  He kept th esix and off they go again.  And Celleste has the bells going, and I like them this wayu. Now to see what Bob thinks, and he stacks them in the middle. It seem that he wants to do a last temperament test, and down and back. That first dog is a good one. Behind is the second with Mike, the handler of so many Xxon pups.   Sam Israel just walked by, and is smiling.

Bob has seven good dogs out there, and I doubt he will change, but he pets each dog.  They all stand.  The sun is out, and the sbnow is melting and he says, "take them around" and I think that is how it is going to be, and Bob watches them and he hasn't pointed yet, and walks to the class and talks to Liv and says, "take them again", I think he wants a loose lead, and ye watchs them again, and YES, that is it.

First is X-man, second is Asher, Third is Remember When, fourth Power Pac.

Carmen is here, so I am going to take a break to talk to him.

Re: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: The Last Word

Evan and Ed were great. The location of the announcers table left something to be desired but it all worked out for the best. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 15, 2019, at 8:24 PM, Susan Court (Redacted sender lacy340 for DMARC) <dmarc-noreply@freelists.org> wrote:



He sure did.

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Linda Bankhead <lindabankhead44@gmail.com>
Cc: evan <evan@wynsumgsd.com>; Showgsd-l <Showgsd-l@freelists.org>
Sent: Tue, Oct 15, 2019 5:02 pm
Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: The Last Word

As always you did a magnificent job.  

Sent from my iPad

On Oct 15, 2019, at 6:32 PM, Evan Ginsburg (Redacted sender "elg440" for DMARC) <dmarc-noreply@freelists.org> wrote:

I am back in the "real world"

It was an easy trip to the airport, and I was there hours early. Tedi got home yesterday, I am at the office, and everything is as if I wasn't gone.

I didn't go to the dinner Saturday night, (we haven't gone for years), but went out with Summer and her mother to eat. Ann Schultz was at the restaurant, and we got to talk about the show.

It was fun to have Flower Boy with me, at least while it lasted. He was gone Friday, to protect his home due to them shutting off power to 800,000 Californians. I think it is because the power company were found liable for the last fire, and wanted to show what happens when you "poke the bear".

I thought Ken, Bob and Rita did an outstanding job. I was hampered because I had no help at the announcer's table, and I wanted to get the Blog out as best I could. I hear people enjoy it, and I admit, I don't know why.  We found and returned four cell phones, a wallet full of credit cards and money, and ended up with a nice red coat that nobody claimed.

On Saturday Greg helped me. He is Rita's main squeeze, and has young eyes. He would give me the numbers, and I could look them up in the catalog.  I enjoyed talking to him even though he is not a dog person. We were in a cage above the arena and barred off from the people. I have to admit that is not a job for one person, but I had fun, and did miss talking to friends. We did get to go to dinner with the Rinke's, and that is a high point for me each year.

Every year, (over 45 years now) I am never sure I can get away for the National, and every year when I get home, I swear I won't do it again. Then the time comes, Tedi buys the tickets, reserves a car, gets us a motel, and there I am again.

So, maybe I will see you next year, if they don't ring the bell for me.

Evan

Re: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: The Last Word

He sure did.

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Linda Bankhead <lindabankhead44@gmail.com>
Cc: evan <evan@wynsumgsd.com>; Showgsd-l <Showgsd-l@freelists.org>
Sent: Tue, Oct 15, 2019 5:02 pm
Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: The Last Word

As always you did a magnificent job.  

Sent from my iPad

On Oct 15, 2019, at 6:32 PM, Evan Ginsburg (Redacted sender "elg440" for DMARC) <dmarc-noreply@freelists.org> wrote:

I am back in the "real world"

It was an easy trip to the airport, and I was there hours early. Tedi got home yesterday, I am at the office, and everything is as if I wasn't gone.

I didn't go to the dinner Saturday night, (we haven't gone for years), but went out with Summer and her mother to eat. Ann Schultz was at the restaurant, and we got to talk about the show.

It was fun to have Flower Boy with me, at least while it lasted. He was gone Friday, to protect his home due to them shutting off power to 800,000 Californians. I think it is because the power company were found liable for the last fire, and wanted to show what happens when you "poke the bear".

I thought Ken, Bob and Rita did an outstanding job. I was hampered because I had no help at the announcer's table, and I wanted to get the Blog out as best I could. I hear people enjoy it, and I admit, I don't know why.  We found and returned four cell phones, a wallet full of credit cards and money, and ended up with a nice red coat that nobody claimed.

On Saturday Greg helped me. He is Rita's main squeeze, and has young eyes. He would give me the numbers, and I could look them up in the catalog.  I enjoyed talking to him even though he is not a dog person. We were in a cage above the arena and barred off from the people. I have to admit that is not a job for one person, but I had fun, and did miss talking to friends. We did get to go to dinner with the Rinke's, and that is a high point for me each year.

Every year, (over 45 years now) I am never sure I can get away for the National, and every year when I get home, I swear I won't do it again. Then the time comes, Tedi buys the tickets, reserves a car, gets us a motel, and there I am again.

So, maybe I will see you next year, if they don't ring the bell for me.

Evan

Re: [ SHOWGSD-L ] The Last Word

As always you did a magnificent job.  

Sent from my iPad

On Oct 15, 2019, at 6:32 PM, Evan Ginsburg (Redacted sender "elg440" for DMARC) <dmarc-noreply@freelists.org> wrote:

I am back in the "real world"

It was an easy trip to the airport, and I was there hours early. Tedi got home yesterday, I am at the office, and everything is as if I wasn't gone.

I didn't go to the dinner Saturday night, (we haven't gone for years), but went out with Summer and her mother to eat. Ann Schultz was at the restaurant, and we got to talk about the show.

It was fun to have Flower Boy with me, at least while it lasted. He was gone Friday, to protect his home due to them shutting off power to 800,000 Californians. I think it is because the power company were found liable for the last fire, and wanted to show what happens when you "poke the bear".

I thought Ken, Bob and Rita did an outstanding job. I was hampered because I had no help at the announcer's table, and I wanted to get the Blog out as best I could. I hear people enjoy it, and I admit, I don't know why.  We found and returned four cell phones, a wallet full of credit cards and money, and ended up with a nice red coat that nobody claimed.

On Saturday Greg helped me. He is Rita's main squeeze, and has young eyes. He would give me the numbers, and I could look them up in the catalog.  I enjoyed talking to him even though he is not a dog person. We were in a cage above the arena and barred off from the people. I have to admit that is not a job for one person, but I had fun, and did miss talking to friends. We did get to go to dinner with the Rinke's, and that is a high point for me each year.

Every year, (over 45 years now) I am never sure I can get away for the National, and every year when I get home, I swear I won't do it again. Then the time comes, Tedi buys the tickets, reserves a car, gets us a motel, and there I am again.

So, maybe I will see you next year, if they don't ring the bell for me.

Evan

The Last Word

I am back in the "real world"

It was an easy trip to the airport, and I was there hours early. Tedi got home yesterday, I am at the office, and everything is as if I wasn't gone.

I didn't go to the dinner Saturday night, (we haven't gone for years), but went out with Summer and her mother to eat. Ann Schultz was at the restaurant, and we got to talk about the show.

It was fun to have Flower Boy with me, at least while it lasted. He was gone Friday, to protect his home due to them shutting off power to 800,000 Californians. I think it is because the power company were found liable for the last fire, and wanted to show what happens when you "poke the bear".

I thought Ken, Bob and Rita did an outstanding job. I was hampered because I had no help at the announcer's table, and I wanted to get the Blog out as best I could. I hear people enjoy it, and I admit, I don't know why.  We found and returned four cell phones, a wallet full of credit cards and money, and ended up with a nice red coat that nobody claimed.

On Saturday Greg helped me. He is Rita's main squeeze, and has young eyes. He would give me the numbers, and I could look them up in the catalog.  I enjoyed talking to him even though he is not a dog person. We were in a cage above the arena and barred off from the people. I have to admit that is not a job for one person, but I had fun, and did miss talking to friends. We did get to go to dinner with the Rinke's, and that is a high point for me each year.

Every year, (over 45 years now) I am never sure I can get away for the National, and every year when I get home, I swear I won't do it again. Then the time comes, Tedi buys the tickets, reserves a car, gets us a motel, and there I am again.

So, maybe I will see you next year, if they don't ring the bell for me.

Evan

More of the same

Rita is on the last bitch of the first group. How exciting can it get?

Summer is in the sixth group, so she left the "cage" to get ready.

She takes them all  around the second time. I just got to talk to John Bemont again.  A while back he put up a dog of mine and finished him, Big Ben.  That was another life.

Now the third group. Rita has them walk.  I found the phone of the Purina girl.  We got a call, and I said to the  person who called to call the owner, then the owner called and I said I had her phone.

I enjoy a good dog show as much as anyone, but I am ready to get back to the office.

I saw Steve Whitworth that as a handler, he should not have to groom his own bitch.  Pablo is here now.

OUR SELECTS

GSDCA National Specialty BOB Competition Bitches

GV-Ch.Breal Jogra' s Ulyssa

2- Ch.Wolfcreek's Glitter In The Air

3- Ch.Kennelwood's My Maria of Mazerick

4-Ch.Kenlyn's Lacey

5- Ch.Kubistraum's Garnet v Bloomsberry

6- Ch.Winsome's Shes My Everybear Thing

7- Ch.Elite Design Deja Vu Tokaye Dershimer

8- Ch.Windgall's Sexy Chick v Winstrom

9- Ch.Chagre Carmella Foxhaven Myjoy

10- Ch.Signature's Calypso

11.Ch.Woodside's Arabella

12.Ch.Sharlen's Kiss My Brass

13-Ch.Scheiderhof's Hocus Pocus v Chablis

14- Ch.Amber's Honeycomb of Joels

15- Ch.Windfall's Who Says v Chablis

SELECT DOGS

GVCh.Marquis Hermes v Kenlyn

2- Ch.Wolfcreek's Levi

3- Ch.Covy Tucker Hill's Compass

4- Ch.Windfall Cherpa's Illuminator of Hickoryhill

5- Ch.LaComtesse Lucifer Morningstar

6- Ch.Millertime's American Grey Ghost of Falkrigia

7- Ch.Mar Haven' California Dreamin

8- Ch.Bomar Agon de Rancho Backackers

9- Ch.Cherpa's High Dollar Client

10- Ch.Kysarah's Whiskey Cowboy

11- Ch.Lindenhill's Cold Pac v Gracelyne

12- Ch.TRJ's Johnny Walker Red v Luzak

13-Ch.Eagle Valley's Country Boy

14-Ch.Kubistraum's Rough Rider Rushmore

15-Ch.Duchien's American Rifleman Forever

2020 Judges

Intersex. Bob Slay

Dogs. Sheree Moses

Bitches. Jack Kilgour

Pre show. Nancy Harper

  

It had to end

1.   Hermes, (Tony)

2.   Levi

3.   Compass

4.   Illuminator

5.   Lucifer

6.   American Gray Ghost

7.   California Dreaming

8.   Agon

9.   High Dollar Client

10.  Whiskey Cowboy

11.  Cold Pac

12.  Johney Walker

13,  Country Boy

14.  Rough Rider

15.  American Rifleman

Lots of stories this year. Celeste and Pat with two Selects.  A dog lost for a day and a half and recovered, going Select. The Winner's Dog going Select.  The Veteran going so high Select, California Dreaming. 

Now for Best of Breed, Best Opposite Sex, Best of Winners, and Best Puppy. If there is more, I don't know what it is.  Best of Breed is Tony. Best Opposite Sex is Ulyssa, Best of Winners is Levi.

Greg was better than any other help I have had.  It may be because he has young eyes, but I couldn't have done it without them. 

Now the best the Best Puppy, Best Puppy is Intervisions and Best Opposite is Sulton of Swing. 

Best Bred By Crimson  Breeder and Owner Maria Oster

THAT'S IT FOLKS.  Thanks for reading, Tedi is on the road again with Twyla, I am going to dinner with Summer and her mother.  Tomorrow the airport if I don't miss my flight, lose my way, crash the car, or oversleep.

How it all ended

1.   Hermes, (Tony)

2.   Levi

3.   Compass

4.   Illuminator

5.   Lucifer

6.   American Gray Ghost

7.   California Dreaming

8.   Agon

9.   High Dollar Client

10.  Whiskey Cowboy

11.  Cold Pac

12.  Johney Walker

13,  Country Boy

14.  Rough Rider

15.  American Rifleman

Lots of stories this year. Celeste and Pat with two Selects.  A dog lost for a day and a half and recovered, going Select. The Winner's Dog going Select.  The Veteran going so high Select, California Dreaming. 

Now for Best of Breed, Best Opposite Sex, Best of Winners, and Best Puppy. If there is more, I don't know what it is.  Best of Breed is Tony. Best Opposite Sex is Ulyssa, Best of Winners is Levi.

Greg was better than any other help I have had.  It may be because he has young eyes, but I couldn't have done it without them. 

Now the best the Best Puppy, Best Puppy is Intervisions and Best Opposite is Sulton of Swing. 

Best Bred By Crimson  Breeder and Owner Maria Oster

THAT'S IT FOLKS.  Thanks for reading, Tedi is on the road again with Twyla, I am going to dinner with Summer and her mother.  Tomorrow the airport if I don't miss my flight, lose my way, crash the car, or oversleep.

SELECT DOGS

WOW!  There are about 50 champion German shepherds in the ring.

I got to stand in line for food with Ed Barritt. Now my National is a success. I can take it easy from her on out.

I did get to talk to Rita and Ken, Bob was there, but I have nothing else to say to him, he left me in the cage to do all  the announcing. Tom Mesdag  as always has been a big help because we both listen to what we are told, then do what we want.  I can't imagine how Gail does all this, and still has a smile on her face.

Tim Rutley is here and is Elaine Ross' partner.  We are solving the problem of our respective countries.  Rita continues to do the groups. Leo is in there, and he is a good one.  I have been privileged to see him often.

Greg Stoia is here with us, he came with Rita.  He isn't into dogs, but goes to some shows with her.

Rota is still doing the dog groups, and I am sure the way to handle it, is to wait until the groups are done. Hermes just went around, and that was the Canadian Grand Victor.  I think he might do it here too.  I did get to see Bob, (The Voice of The National), Drescher's dog. I like the looks of him.  Yolonda is going with me to the airport tomorrow, so I can probably find it.  I did get to work with Bob again in announcing AOE winners.  Elaine Ross just came by.

I think Rita is on her last group. I found and returned the fourth I phone of this national.  I have something to be proud of.  Ken Tank is here, and he did a great job. Off go the dogs, and I think Tony is going to be hard to beat. He is beautiful to look at, and moves as we want a dog to move. But, as Ed says, "What do I know?"

The group goes out, and in come some more dogs.  Winner's Dog, so with my superior knowledge of dog shows, I can say that this is the last group.

OK, here we go.  I have no help, so I probably will just post the winners. Candy and Flower Boy have vanished. It might be something I said. 

Only two from the first class, and the one I liked American Rifleman is one of those two.  I love the dog, and miss Jane. Now the second group.  Three, and Agon is in there.  Next group.  Compuss stayed in, and now the next, (third) group.  Tony is kept with another.  New group.  It looks like the last group, if there aren't a bunch of off entries.  No, I am wrong, there are lots more to pick from.  She keep only Olivia with Country Boy, and she has ten so far.  Another group.  One from this group Iluminator, and another.  Yet another group. Is there no end to these dogs.  Al with the Veteran.  

Now there are fifteen.  Rita will look at her dumpsters one more time,but I don't think she missed much. She sends the great dogs out of the ring to look at the good entries.

Now the last five, and on one got a second chance. Fifteen left, and the first group went around. Agon is in that group.  Now the second group again.  Only two groups, and off they go.  

They are all standing and Rita is going to pick. Tony to the Front. Go figure. The Veteran is in fourth.  Illuminator is in second.  She takes seven around. Illuminator is the dog that got loose and was out for a day and a half. His pads are sore, but he looks great.  She puts Levi, the Winner's dog in second. Compass in fourth and Al in fifth.  Take them around again.  Now Compass in third.  Now Rita looks at the rest, who are going to go Select unless they bite her.

Lots of BIG ribbons to give out. She moves none of them, and she goes down the line with her hand on each dog.  A last temperament test.  And they all pass.

Rita says, take them around, and there they go. She gives everyone a good look and wlks to the front, and, and YES Tony is Grand Victor, Canada and the US.

BEST JUNIOR

Logan went best Junior.  Now Reserve Junior Handler.  Reserve is Tifani King.  Chuck A Tuck, and then AOE, so I will go to speak up.

My life, and what it is

From what I am being told, we are doing Juniors. Then "Chuck A Duck" then AOE, and then assuming I am somewhat sane, (as if I ever were), there are some dogs for Rita to judge.

But, I may be wrong.

Now the sixth, out of seven, I think

The sixth group is in there now. Rita is giving everyone a good look.  Two passes.  Susan Trent just came by, she is with the superintendent, and wanted to say hello. Evidently she found the Blog, and is one of those who reads it.

Summer is in there, and it is good to see her back in the ring. My boots seem to be making an impression.  They are red Uggs. I just find them warm.   I see Kris Fasano is here too.  Cindi Tellefson is talking to me.  Mr. Celeste came by.  They have cars locked in.  Summer just took a pass, she needs to run the bitch down, but she did good. 

We got some treats from Pat Ayres, but they were brought by someone while I was gone. I took a trip around the ring and say so many folks I haven't talked to. I did get to talk to Lee Brown for a minute.  Tim Brown was sitting and then we got to see their daughter in the ring. John Bemont came by for more candy. I think were it not for the candy, I wouldn't see anyone.

Olivia dressed up today. She has the Winner's Bitch, Lady in Red. I thought I liked that bitch.  I saw Bob Dresher giving out autographs, and his dog, who I had heard so much about. That is indeed a handsome animal. Jim Hall was there too, and holding the dog.

That is the last group, and now, the unkindest cut of all.

Rita has walked the length of the ring to talk to those in the Judge's seminar.  She is talking to them, which is a great thing to do.  There is a break in the show. I guess it is good, because all of the bitches still are potential Grand Victrix.  

And, then, there were four.  Now the second group.  Then there were three, and four to prepare for next year.  The third group is in there, another seven, for now.  Rita took one, and six to dog purgatory.  Tedi is here, and actually watching the show. Now the fourth group.  Three, yes, four no.  Now the fifth group. Everyone goes home for the rest of the year, and Now, Group six. Only two, and Summer gets the rest of day off. I wonder if I can take her outfit back for a refund?  Now the last of the last.   Eight for now.  Only two, and she gets the best of the best.

Now there are fifteen.  And, they are the good ones.  

The cuts get one more chance.  It looks like groups of seven.  Art and Bill go with that group. And out they go, nothing Rita liked. Now the next group.  They all get a vacation. Another group, still dreaming.  All gone for 2019.  Another group, this is number six.  They all take a hike. Now number seven and the last gasp. So far, all that she cut have gone by.  She talks to Olivia and gives her a hug.  Olivia has the Winner's Bitch/  And they all go out. The woman knows what she wants.

Now they are fifteen.  Now the best of the best, and a group of four.  That is why we elected Rita. She knows what she is doing, and is not influenced by anything.  It is four in there and led by Olivia.  Now, another group of four.  Rita might go with 15, but they haven't been changed, and another group of three.  

Now they all line up.  Rita looks them all over and goes tot he front and looks at who she has in there and she says something.

She pulls Ulyssa, Glitter in the air, Lacey, My Maria, Garnet, She's Muy Everything, De Ja Vu, Veteran's Bitch Sexy Chick.  Now it is eight. 

Now another group.  Seven.  She is pulling but neither Summer or Candy can tell me. Caramella, Calypso, Kiss My Brass.  Now there are fiftheen. 

Rita looks them over and goes to the front and counts bitches and takes the first six.  Scott is in front with Uyllisis.       She sends the first group to the corner and now another nine, the rest of the group.  Will she cut?  No, she sends them back,and not to the front group, just the front two Glitter in the Air, then Ulyssa.  and now Ulyssa up front and Rita takes the next two My Maria, Lacey.  They stay third and fourth.  Now the next two My Evbearything, and Garnet.

Now Rita brings out the class,and puts them together, and asks us to applaud, AND THAT IS IT.

1.  ULYSSA

2.  GLITTER IN THE AIR

3.  MY MARIA

I can't see who won, but I will wait to see who goes around

4.  LACY

5.  GARNET

6.  SHE'S MY EVBEAR

7.  DE JA VU

8.  DANCING QUEEN

9.  CARAMELLA

10. CALYPSO

11. ARABELLA

12. KISS MY BRASS

13. HOCUS POCUS

14. HONEY COMB

15. WHO SAYS

Candy and Connie left, so it left Summer and Nancy to give me the names. They were wonderful and I did the best I could with them. Any mistakes, blame Tedi.

May the Fourth Be With You

The fourth group is in there, and time goes by.

Our motel person just came by. We are trying to explain what is going on. Like I know?

Rita has some fancy sparkle shoes on, and I can't imagine what that feels like. It is so long since I was a woman, and I don't remember. Celeste Draper is in front of me, and I assume she has another of those Exxon dogs.  I see Al talking to Gloria, he has a bow tie on, and had a different one yesterday. Maybe that is a tradition now. 

Number Five in there now. Seven in number but the fifth group.  I think Diane has been in all the group.  Bob Mahia is here, and taking some candy.  Michelle Wallis is talking to us. 

There goes Bill Peterson, and not handling. I did talk to Art for a bit this morning. We are a bit bored now, and it is so back that Candy is reading the Blog on her phone. This is the last of this group, and on to the sixth.

And there is a dog show going on.

The beat goes on

 The first group of seven goes around.

Ann Schultz came by and I told Summer about when I called her to come to the National, as I had a thought about her dog. She got a plane with only a tooth brush, but watched her do go Grand Victor. Nancy McDonald is here with her lap top.  It is sort of quiet, but I know it is going to get tense soon.

She finished the first group. And they go out with dreams of Grand Victrix dancing in their heads for now.

Another group. Another sable in front, same as the first group.  Walking.  I may leave to go watch some paint dry.

NOW IT BEGINS

It is about an hour from show time.

I saw Rita, and she has an unusual dress.  It sort of reminds me of a disco ball.  She looks fantastic, as she always does, and the dress has all little mirrors on it, and as I remember the AKC told us judges to not detract from the animals. No one will be looking at the dogs, with Rita in there.

 

I talked to Gloria and Yolanda, and we discussed why we do this, and how upset people get.  Yolanda reminded me, we chose to do this for free.  That's a good point. I remember talking to John DeHope one night, he often called me late at night.  He said it was too easy now to finish a dog, and I told him the quality was up even if the entries were down. Then he said they are giving out too many Selects, and I told him that if we were improving the breed each litter, some day all the entries should be Select. Then he said that we were giving out the points too easily, and I said it was still hard to get the majors and everything in the ring could finish.

John then said, "The problem with you, Evan, is you just want everyone to have a good time."

I started laughing and said, "Why else would you do this, if not to have fun?"

Some times you need to take a deep breath, and remember why we do this.

I don't know when we will begin, but I will start with a new attitude.

I met Greg, Rita's main squeeze, and he seems like a great guy. He will sit with me on the cage here. Candy is here and is going to spot for me to type.

I talked to Gail, and it is ten minutes to SHOW TIME!

Yesterday I blew it, (be quite Paula) as I couldn't find the Canadian National Anthem, but I was trying to use Gail's phone. Today I am going to make her help me.  Lamar came by and we have to talk.

They are ready to go.  All the dogs have to check in, then all the bitches, then the dogs will go out, and the bitches will be judged first. All the dogs are in there, and have to be marked in.  It fills the ring.

100 entered in Specials, and I can feel the tension. This is what a National is about.

Now Rita pulls her first seven and the groups are being indicated and the rest sent out. I won't bore you with the little stuff, but Summer is in the fifth or sixth group, and they are out of the ring, and Rita is ready to begin.

Saturday is finally here

It's quarter to three, and there's no one in the place, except you and me.

OK, it's just after 6:30 in the morning, but there isn't anyone here yet.  It was 30 when I went to the car, and I am looking forward to getting back to California.

The show has been great. I can't imagine what it takes for Gail to bring all of this together.  I know there are problems and that stuff comes up, but generally it has been a good event. I like the arena, the sod has held up, the stalls are so much better than taped off areas for the dogs, and the sound system, the temperature control and the whole attitude is as good as can be expected.

Every year I spend about $300.00 on candy for everyone. This morning when I came in, someone had taken the candy bowl, so I purloined a small bucket from the ring side and I will fill it, and whoever is experiencing a tremendous sugar rush from what was left last night, I hope it isn't too severe.

I went to dinner with Dave and Martha Rinke, (two of my favorite people), and Summer and her mom. Then we went to buy an outfit for Summer, and some running shoes. She hadn't planned on showing, (it has been two years since she was in the ring), as she was asked to show a Special.

Rita is going to do the bitches first. That is a good idea since if she does dogs first, people will leave. Tedi is riding back with Twyla, and I have to be in the office Monday, so I will try to find the airport without anyone giving me directions.

Tonight I have to find something to do,then home tomorrow.

More later.

Pee Wee

This is great. The kids are amazing and off they go.  No fair,the two year old is being carried by Kelly. Way to go Kelly.  This is so much better  than watching the youth seminar.  Great for the crowd.  And off they go together.  They all get a ribbon.

9+ Bitches

There are two of them.  Tedi came back.  Only two in the ring.

First is Sexy Chick, and I remember posting her wins before.  Second is Shows Natasha Fatale.

Now to best Junior and Best Senior in veterans.  Does anyone care?

I guess they aren't doing it, because they have the Pee Wee class in. Kids from two to seven.  Amazing.  

9+ years and over and on the bitches

These don't look like old dogs.   If a dog is seven human years, then I am still older than all of them. Finally something to cheer me up. If I were happier, it would be illegal.

Only one in there, Razzle Dazzle at nine and a half.  There you go, and what a treat to see him again.

Now the bitches, 7-9.  Seven in there.  They don't look like old bitches.

I just ran into Art Sinclair, and Diane Brown. Diane was grooming her daughter. The first time I saw her daughter was when she was two weeks old, at a National.

I just realized that the oldest dog in there in dog years is still younger than me. I am not sure that is a good thing. 

Ken is looking them over and walks down the line.  He pulls out his winner's and first is Who Says V Chablis, second is Myrina of Mariner, third is American Celebrity, and fourth is Dazzle. 

Veteran Dogs 7-9.

 Summer says there are six in there; and now she's taking over. As per (Mr.)Evan's request, I've taken over for literally thirty seconds--don't want to bore all of the Ginsburg Gang fan club. It's been awhile since being at a show so I'll do my best to not screw this up. We flew in last night and arrived at 3AM to the hotel. Contrary to popular collegiate opinion, I prefer to go to bed around 10:30PM so that was a little bit of a stretch for me. I came to Colorado for a break from life but I guess that's just me running away from adulthood. Okay, handing it back to Evan as I'm sure you all care more about the show! Good luck to everyone competing-- you're all winners in my book:)

Summer forgot to mention that she was asked to show a Special.  She hasn't shown in two years, letting getting college in her way.  We are headed to K-Mart for shoes.  

Back to the dog show.  Bob is looking them over and takes them away. California Dreaming in front. She went first, then second is Thunder Road, third is I want you To Want Me, and fourth is Jaeger V Whiteside.

RESERVE WINNER'S BITCH

June Carter Cash is the Reserve Winner's Bitch

WINNER'S BITCH

In they come and set up in the middle. There they go with dreams still in the owner's minds, for another few minutes. The crowd has come awake, and is letting Ken know what they think, but he doesn't care.  Nice bitches.

Terry Rock just came by.  Ken is putting them in order Lady in Red is in front.  

WINNER'S BITCH Lady in Red

RESERVE WINNER'S DOG

RESERVE WINNER'S DOG IS (I can't see that far), GEORGIA ON MY  MIND.

WINNER'S DOG

What a beautiful line-up.  I knew I liked what Bob had put up, but now I see them all lined up in the center of the ring.  It is sort of what I would hope to have if I judged a show.  

And off they go.  I could put up any one of them, and be happy.

I see three I would pick from. Down and back from the lineup.  And around by yourself. First is the Open Dog. Etc.  

WINNER'S DOG WOLF CREEK LEVY

All the news fit to print

Debbie won for the president.

LONG COATED BITCHES

They were all in there, before I called them. It humbles me to know how little I am needed.  They all showed up, a class of three.  I think the handler is Anna Childs, but if not, whoever she is, she does a great job.  Lee Childs is one of my favorite authors.  Nothing about that, but I am filling time.

I see Gloria Birch getting lunch and Yolanda is with her.  Those are two of my favorite people.  I see Summer working the crowd.  She hasn't seen most of these people since two Nationals ago,but they seem to remember her. She graduates from College this year.

Summer Dolly is being excused, I don't know why. That is a nice bitch, but no one asked me.

Then there were two.  Now, that class I could judge.  The judging is over, Kelly came to chat, and Summer is back. First is Lil Hot Mess, and second is Coco.

Open bitches

I just got time to read my email. Ed went home with the stress of losing electricity his wife was upset, so he won't be here.

Summer isn't here yet, her plane was delayed, she has to finish a paper for school, but is in town.

So, I am on my own.  I like it like that.

Tedi is at the table with me, but she never talks to me at a National. So, I expect she will be leaving soon.  

Open bitches are in the ring. I was talking to Bob, (The Voice of The National), who said they can't do Winner's Dog and Bitch before 1:30, so we may have a delay.

Only one bitch missing, so it is a big class.13 in there.   A real nice sable just went around, and now Lindsey is in with Symphony.  

Now the crowd is getting into it.  Patty Szymzczk came by so I could announce the Select Excelent requirements. The GolD Page Luncheon is in front of me, on the end of the ring. At least it has sod.  It looks like a serve yourself. Vickie and John Bemont just walked by.  I sure miss Jane Kerner, and Jeff. We did breed to Jeff's dog, and got three of the best puppies I can remember ever having.  Down and Back. I have seen that before.

They are bringing the food, and it sure looks good. It might be time for lunch, but I hate to miss the dog show. It seems like there are more kids here than in the past few years. Gail Stifferman is in front of us, and talking to Sandy Anderson.  I think they are solving the problems of the world.  Now sandwiches being loaded into the luncheon.  I think you have to donate about $34,000 to get the lunch, but I am not sure about that.

I just saw Pepbearmint Patty go by, and that is a good one.

I also like the next one, In Excelsis Deo.  You can guess the stud dog by the name.  Exxon to I Love Lucy.  It seems like yesterday Lucy was being shown.

Erin Nellis came by for a chat, and she is working the Gold Page Luncheon.

The quality of the bitches is incredible.  Bob had some good dogs, and got them to the front, but Ken has so many good bitches, and while he is doing a great job, any of his top two or three could have won the class.  I am looking forward to both the Winner's Dog and Winner's Bitch classes.  Sharon Avery is in front of me, and the Lunch is in full swing.

Butch is talking to Gail, with the stress of the show, I am surprised they are talking.  Tedi left, something about wanting to see the dog show.  Go figure.

I did see Nancy Hubble earlier, and Karen Taylor, who is working hard at the show.  I can't see how Ken can cut the class to four winners.  But, that's why he gets the big bucks.  This is a great place to watch the luncheon and see all the money people.  Tedi and I will just buy a hot dog.  I see Carmen in line and Nancy Hubble too. Who are all these people I don't know?

If you don't know me, come up to my cage and say hello. I put the candy down below so people don't have to talk to me to get a sugar rush.  WE NEED NAME TAGS!  I have offered to pay for them, but so far, the club doesn't want to do it.  Maybe some of the board members don't want us to know who they are. Dawn VanDyken came by and it is always good to see her.

Ken continues to judge.  Anna with a black and getting to the end.  

Summer and Jacquline are here.  I may convince her to show a dog.  Ken has  broken them down, and working and placing the group.  Summer left to work the crowd.  I am contemplating becoming a hermit.  Ann Schultz is her and so is Cindi Tellefson.  

He has made a decision. First is Lady in Red.  Second is Excelsis. Third is Corsair.  And fourth is Four Letter Word.

We don't need help at the announcer's table.

American Bred Bitches

He is judging the four,and he walks to the outside and takes them down and back.

Dave Rinke is sitting with me, and it is different than Flower Boy. Bob (The Voice of The National) came to sit for a while.

My computer ran down, so Tedi want to the motel to get me the charger.

So Ken is about done with the American Bred class.  He is working the group, a lot of good Bitches, and in great order right now. Ken points and probably the best class of the show.   I have no one to spot,so I have to wait to tell you the winners.  

First is Made to Order, second is Spellbound, third is Cabaret, and fourth place is Four Letter Word.

LONG COAST DOGS

I recognize the beauty of these animals,but I don't support this class.  I also didn't like the class for AFO certified dogs.

I anyone know what happened to Flower Boy, please let me know. I suspect he may have gone home, with the fires and shutting down electricity, he might have headed out.

Three in there, and Bob has to judge them, I mean has the honor us judging them. 

Scott has a Galaxy son Gone Country.  Now Chance At 3X Charm, and Chocalate Moose.

I understand Summer's flight was delayed and they got in at 2:00 am.  She isn't here, maybe she is with Flower Boy!?!

Nancy McDonald is here now talking to the crowd.  And Bob does what I would have done, First is Gone Country, the Second is Chance and Chocalate Moose.

Open Dogs

I went to buy something for the office kids, and there are very few vendors.  Open dogs are in there now.

Open dogs are going around, and Tedi just got here.  Five in the class. It is hardly worth holding a show with this sort of entry.  The quality is great. 

And Exxon son is in there now, and I am a big fan of that sire. Now the last dog.

They line up and Bob stands back and looks them over and now tells them to take a pass.  He now takes three and is looking at Scott, Liz and Lennie. Bob continues to work those three.  He lines them up in the middle,and that seems to be his final decision, but takes them down and back and then does a final temperament test.  

First now is Levi, then Georgia On My Mind, Third is King Kong, and fourth is Fed Ex.  And last is Diesel.   Someone is going home without a ribbon, and I doubt it will change.  Off they go for maybe the last pass and Bob isn't looking waiting for them to come by him, and he walks over to them and is looking at his first dog, and tales him around by himself, and now the second.  A new procedure.  Each gets a run alone. 

AND THAT IS THE WAY IT IS!

AMERICAN BRED DOGS

Max Thompson is here and I haven't seen him earlier. We got to chat for a bit.

I was looking at the calendar, and can't imagine how many dogs the Drapers brought.  I guess a lot of them are with co-owners.  Bud Drew was by earlier. 

Five in there, so how long can it take. Now, I could judge a class of this size and not screw up too badly.

I brought the good candy today.

Jeff is in first for now, then Al is in there, I got to talk to him for a minute yesterday, then Liz and at the end then Diane.  I know I get older each year, why don't they?

Bob is giving directions but it looks like no one is listening to him. They are bringing out a chair, I guess cover something.  It is at the side, but we may be missing a clean up committee. Off they go, but the two at the end weren't listening, but now they catch up.  

Frank Martello is in front of me, and seems intent. Why Not Bet On Me is one of their dogs, with Al, so he is pretending to double handle.

We are expecting a heat wave of 45 today, but then down into the 20s later.  It is hard to prepare for this stuff. Tedi loves the cold, me, not so much.

I am sure you noticed that as the days go by, I tend to lose interest, and blather more. Someone came up to me yesterday and said she enjoys the Blog, even though she is here.  I am amazed anyone reads this stuff. Maybe it makes you feel more competent than me, but that is a very low bar.

I just looked in the book, and Pat Draper has eight entries. None for Celeste. As an attorney who does community property, I find that significant.  

I like the Martello dog. Great front.  I think Bob will like him too.  Now the dog by Dallas owned by Sheree Moses. Now the last dog in the class, Castle Black.

Man, for the amount of noise, this place could be empty. I think everyone stayed home today.

Off they go, and all together, walking, now at a faster pace, and this is an interesting class. Bob rubs his chin and in front Mayham, then Show up and Dance, then Al with Bet On me, and they go stack in the middle. I haven't seen this before unless it is to show the people what there is. bob is using it for down and back.  I think, as I said before, it is for the camera.

I don't know where Flower Boy is, and we are headed to the second half of judging.   What is the sound of one hand clapping?  That's what I hear.

I see Sheree doubling. 

Bob walks to the front, pets each dog, and one pulled away,then was fine,and now the second, the third and the fourth and the fifth.  A few aren't hero material.  And off they go with another pass and Bob stayed back, but now walks to the front of the group and looks at them as a group, and tells them to take another pass. Kent is here yelling at the first dog, double handling,and I think that is it, and Bob points and YES that is it.

First is Mayhem, Second is Show Up And Dance, Third is Bet On Me, and Fourth is Castle Black.  One with no ribbon.

Friday show in cold, the sun and the arena

Bred By Dogs, now in the ring. Martha Simonete came by just to eat her breakfast, then left.

I screwed up, and was to play the National Anthyms, but I was trying to use Gails phone, and couldn't find the Canadian one. I expect to be excoriated by rabid Canadians later today. But, we all know how kind and fair our Norther partners are, so I might be OK.

Five out of nine entered are in the ring.  In front is Diane Brown with Crowd Pleasebear.  Flower Boy is not here, but Candy just came,so I have help.  Second Klatelyn with Life Saver, then third is Jeff Best I Ever Had  Class Act, then Anya with Heathcliff Heathcliff.  I just say what is in the catalog.

Connie just came to the prison of announcers, and Bob is doing the individuals.  Most of the bred by are handlers. We started putting our handlers on the dogs to avoid paying handler fees.  Most of them don't know that, so keep it quiet.

I just saw Vickie Bemont,and the dogs keep going around. Mr Avery is taking pictures, and Sharon can't be far behind.

Nice dogs in there.  I opened another bag of candy, so maybe someone will come talk to me.  It is lonely at the top, and I am way above everyone, actually, not in stature.

What a nice class, it won't be an easy call, 

Diane up front, and I will wait for the decision.  Bob walks to them, and gives directions and moves someone else to the front, and now Diane is third. And Sweet Baby Ray is in front, and puts her in front of Diane, and off they go.  I don't think this is too hard to judge.  

Bob has his arms folded and walks to the group and puts Heathcliff to the front.  Bob walks to the center of the ring and brings them out to stack in the center.  He takes them down and back, certainly for the camera as well.  

With only five he can take some time, but someone won't get a ribbon.  The C's are helping me, Candy and Connie.  After they go down and back, Bob gives them each a look.  Now the last one, for now.

Bob walks to the front, puts his hand on each dog, They are all sound.  And he says take them around, and I think that is the way he will go.

He walks towards them and looks at the first two and they stack with fear in their hearts, the handlers, not the dogs. and he gives directions and off they go.  Yes.

Sweet Baby Ray is first, Heathcliff is two, three is Crowd Pleasebear, and fourth is Best I Ever Had Class Act.

One to another. Thanks to Candy.

Friday morning

Here I am at the arena, and there is no dog show. I guess 7:30 is too early.  I see nine table set up ringside, I suppose that is the luncheon.  I seldom go to those, just because I want to be available to announce if I am needed.

I HEARD IT AT THE NATIONAL, SO IT MUST BE TRUE!

I didn't announce the top 20 or Parade yesterday,so I must have gone home.

FACT  I was so worn out, and I found out you don't wear contacts her when it is this cold, as they tend to dry out.  So I lost it and went home.

They are going to hold the show next year outside all week.

FACT The snow and ice must give pause, (on in this case, paws) to any thoughts of holding the show outside unless it is in Miami.

It was 5 degrees outside this morning.

FACT It was 5 degrees in Denver, but here it was a balmy 19 degrees.

There is a major disagreement between Gary and Gail, as to who has the better five letter name.

FACT The tension and work to coordinate a National is unbelievable.  Gail has the ability to deal with whatever happens, like me being at dinner when she called to ask if I was announcing the Brood Bitch class.  No one told me, but I left, didn't eat my  fortune cookies and made it back to the arena.  I had the cookies for breakfast today. Gary has done a lot of the club while President, and has held together so many factions that want their own special programs.

Flower Boy is going to retire for the third time and work as an assassin. 

FACT Ed has now killed six flies while sitting at the announcer's table and is going to have his hat printed with "Killed six with one blow".

Bill Basu got married.

FACT No one has seen his wife yet, but I knew her before they got married, and I know Bill is no fool, so I will assume it is true.

We have no young people in the sport.

FACT we have so many kids handling now, I feel I have aged out of this sport.

Diane and Tim Brown are just clones of who we used to know.

FACT They just don't age

Gail is never going to do the National again.

FACT She need 13 more years for the pension, and doesn't want to give up the dental plan

We are about to begin, and I have been ordered to pay attention, so more later.

National on Thursday

That's it for my posts for today. Now on to the Parade of Greats and Top 20.  I have to announce and so I won't post.

Thanks for reading if you did, and if you didn't read this, don't tell me.

Evan

Novice Bitch

If June Carter Cash goes Winner's Bitch, (I know, there is a long way to go), she will go Select. She is what Rita likes.

Looks like a class of four. I am tempted to pick the winners, because I don't think anyone reads this stuff anyway.  .Only five entered. 

This shouldn't take long. Ken sort of shortened up his judging but still gave everyone a great look. After Michelle, and now Ken and Bob, why can't all judges do this well.  The snow is stopped, but it still looks cold out there. 

They stand,and Ken goes to take them down and back.  I don't think he will take much time. Now Ken looks at them and says take them around again, and off they go. Everyone gets a ribbon.    First is Layla, then Second is I Am Woman, Third is Legacy's Written in the Stars, and fourth is Mrs. Doubtfire. Thanks to Candy, Ed has left the table. 

15-18 Bitches.

Did you ever feel like the show will never end.

6 entered, so how long can it take, and they are in the ring.  Everyone showed up.

Clint Heiman is here, and I think he came by for the candy, not for us. But we accept that. 

Ed just killed his sixth fly.  He is my hero. it doesn't take much to impress me.

The show goes on.  Last individual, and now the real work begins.

There aren't  many people here, and I wonder if the snow scared them off?

This is a great class of bitches.  June Carter Cash in front, the Futurity Victrix, and then Madness Continues in second.  Madness to third, and Mar-Azart in second and off they go. I can't imagine June not winning, and Ken did the right thing, First June Carter Cash, Second Mar-Azart, third is Madness and fourth is Gypsy.

12-15

Next class, and it is dragging on a bit too long. My eye sight is fading and I am not sure why.  I want to have dinner with the Rinke's but I am not sure I can go.  We will see. I can always have Tedi read the menu.

It looks like nine in there. Only one absent. Eternal Flame with Sergio.  Then Journey with Olivia.  Jeff with A Star is Born.  Next is Zac with Extra Special.  Kelly with Hi Jynx. Nancy Mc Donald with Here's Looking at You.  I think she needs one point to finish.  Then Mike, (or Mickie if you are as old as me), Mercy Me.  Rock and Roll. Then Diane Brown with Pollyanna.  That's the best I can do. The rest is up to Ken.

And now the last one, Pollyanna.  

Now he takes the first four, walking. Now the next five.  Jac in front, then Jeff and now Kelly, then Sergio, (you can look above for the dogs). And they all go around and Ken looks them over and That's It.  First is Extra Special, the A Star Is Born, Hi Jynx, and Texas Two Step.  That's  the second Xxon to win a class.

9-12 Bitches

There are 14 in the program  but only 10 in there.

My eye sight is going. I can't see much. I don't know what is going on, but it might be my contact is failing.  When I rub it, it seems to work for a while.

I am relying on Ed.  Ken hasn't placed anyone yet.  

Now Ken is taking them down and back, all of them one at a time.

Now they line up adn Ken takes a group of five.  Still in the same order.  Now the other group.  Now he puts the groups together and no, he takes the second group again. and now the entire group.  And he pulls Convai Intervisions, and he takes the rest to see what he likes,and puts them off to the side. He has four.He moves Intervisions, second Gomez, Follow that Dream and Conveir.  That's the way he wants it.

Next class.

6-9 Bitches

l just lost everything I said, and you didn't miss anything.

Ken has eight in there and taking them around again.  YOou missed me saying the individual.

Wonderful, then Lousiana with Kent, now he looks at his second group, and he looks them over.  Ken gives them a good loot, and , moves Kent to fifth with Dax to Best of Dump.  and he takes those around,and he moves Miss Dymaite to Second. Wonderful, then Ms Dymamite, then Lousina. I am depending on Ed, so if I get it wrong, blame him.

Ken walks to the front,and gives each of them a good look.  This should be it, and Ken walks toward them and that's it. First, Wonderful, Second Miss Dynamite, Third is Lousiana, and Fourth Gala.

Martha's bitch went fourth.

15 - 18

I was talking to Ken Tank, so we're are at the end of this class with only five in there.

First is Lindsey with Point of View, then Second is Diane with Stormy Weather,Third is Pure Michigan with Jeff and Fourth is American Pharoah with Cindy.

Sorry for the short post, but first I was talking to Carmen, then Ken and so I wasn't much help. Thankfully Ed is here.

In Novice there are two entered, Sign of the Times and Anton.  No one in the ring yet, and it is 12:30.  Ken goes on as soon as Bob is done.  Sign of the Times is the only entry,so I will go out on a limb and say he is First.

Linda Bankhead is here.   She is sitting with us, and Joan isn't here this year.  No one has seen the dog that is missing, yet. Ann Schultz is walking by and I didn't talk to her, but did yesterday.  

12-15 in there with 7 with two blacks.  Mike in front with Asher, then Olivia with Remember when, then Power Pack with Diane Brown, then Lindsey with Xman then Jeff with Venon and Lennie with Warlock and Cindi with Heat Seeker. They take a third pass.

Martha Rinke came by for some candy, and we are trying to get her and Dave for dinner, I always enjoy them and it is often the high point of the National for me.

And individuals going on now.  Nancy McDonald just walked by. John Bemont is here with us, and enjoying the candy. I think I bought too much this year since you have to come up to the stand. But, I put a bowl below us. 

Now they are lined up.  And Bob takes a look at them. They stack and that is a good looking group, still in catalog order.

Kenny Cunningham is her and talking to us and off they go. I see Celeste is working the class, there must be an Exxon pup in there. bob pulls Xman, (probably the one), Asher in second, third is Olivia with Remember When, fourth Diane Brown Power Pac, and then the rest. The first one is an Exxon son, and looks it. Solomon let me know.

And he hasn't changed anything yet, and Bob looks them over stacked.  He kept th esix and off they go again.  And Celleste has the bells going, and I like them this wayu. Now to see what Bob thinks, and he stacks them in the middle. It seem that he wants to do a last temperament test, and down and back. That first dog is a good one. Behind is the second with Mike, the handler of so many Xxon pups.   Sam Israel just walked by, and is smiling.

Bob has seven good dogs out there, and I doubt he will change, but he pets each dog.  They all stand.  The sun is out, and the sbnow is melting and he says, "take them around" and I think that is how it is going to be, and Bob watches them and he hasn't pointed yet, and walks to the class and talks to Liv and says, "take them again", I think he wants a loose lead, and ye watchs them again, and YES, that is it.

First is X-man, second is Asher, Third is Remember When, fourth Power Pac.

Carmen is here, so I am going to take a break to talk to him.

My bad

Both Ed and Candy told me wrong for fourth in 6-9 and it should have been Reddington.  I may have to cut their pay.

Nine to twelve is in the ring, and everyone needs to call Flower Boy and Candy and chastise then for giving me wrong information.  

No one seems to want the candy I bought and put down in front of the announcer's table. This year you don't have to talk to me, so it seems it would go faster.  Maybe it is too early  And off they go with Cindy in front  with Hear me Roar, then Liz with Oh What a Night, then my help is not helping. Bob takes the first one, Page, who came in late Feel of Thunder.  Ed says 13 in there.  I do like Diane's sable.  Joanne  just came by, and I did get to talk to Martha Simonette this morning who just retired from being a Judge. Now she can go to more dog shows. My expert help here at the table have worse eye sight than I do.  Kent is doubling again, it seems strange to see him outside the ring.

Liz has a good one, and Kent agrees.  Now Zac with Magic Miracle. Now Olivia with Get Your Shine On.  Channing just walked by and Kent is working the crowed.  The people like Olivia's dog. Now Mike with Spaghetti and Vodka. It's Jeff with Sancho Panza, Iliano's dog.  I never did find watching down and back to be interesting. I also do not enjoy watching paint dry. Jeff's dog is a superior sable,and I like him.  And now Lennie with Live and Let Die. Next is Matt McMillan with He's Show Fine. Celeste is here now and looks great.  Pat is with her, and now talking to Ed. Now we Comet with Autumn.  

Kelly Foehl (married name), talking to us and I can't get used to her married name.

Solomon is here with us, Pat and Celleste's kid, and one of my favorite people.  

Diane with Thief of My Heart.  Now we have Nowelle and the handler is too far away for us.  Candy said she is getting her binoculars. The handler is Nickie, and that is the next to the last one. Thank you Channing for giving us the name.

Lamar Fredricks is coming up.  He looks great.

Now Hollywood Nights, with some one we don't know. 

Field of Thunder with Page, or at least that is what Candy says.  

Now they line up and Bob looks them over, and walks down the line. Bob takes them around.  Off they go with Cindi in front. He pulls Liz with Oh What a Night, Autumn then Diane, then the unknown handler, Matt, the Lennie with Live and Let Die,  Now he takes around the ones he picked. Oh What a Night, Comet, Diane with the sable I like. Now he takes the rest. These are not the keepers, seven about to have their dreams dashed. He didn't pull any.

Now the good ones, according to Bob, and all but the top six went out of the ring. Off they good and Liz in front. Bob is such a good judge, and I can learn from him. After sitting at the announcer's table for 20 years he told me all he could.  He moved to first, New Era's Comet in front, and off they go, and Bob stands and looks at all of them. 

Bob stacks them up in the middle of the ring and looks them over. The double handler scurry to the other side, and he takes them down and back. Now the crowd in into it.

Five great young dogs in there.  Bob looks at his second dog,and now moves to the third. He looked at the second dog for a long time, and now the fourth, and only six being considered.  Diane has a good looking black sable. Number six and now number seven.  Everyone gets a good look. He walks to the front,touchs each dog, and the crowd gives their opinion.  One wasn't agreeable to being checked.

And, off they go and I think that is it, and YES, first is New Era's Comet, second is Oh What a Night, third is Ark's Nowell, and fourth is Thief.

H

The show goes on

Gary is talking to us today.  I announced the performance winners, and it is good to see all that work. The 4-6 came in and Ed was too busy to write down the winners.

Now the 4- 6 males. Six in there and Bob is doing his thing.  Candy is here, and she is talking to Ed, so I am on my own. Gary left, and there goes Bev.  I talked to Cindy earlier.  

They go down and back and one at a time. He's doing the individuals, Bill Tank with Calvin and Hobbs. Twyla came by on her cart, and got snowed in this morning. Summer and her mother are coming in tonight, I hope she gets to see the snow. Lindsey is handling Viktor from Covy Tucker Hills Kennel.

No one is making any noise, yet.  Lots of people here, maybe the weather is a downer. It sure is cold.  

Now Sergio, (with a great red jacket), with Burning Arrow.  Bob talked to me earlier, and he said he feels great standing out there so much. I don't think I could do it. That is a good looking sable, and moves well.

That's the group, not the real work begins.

Bob looks them over. Kent is in front of us watching, and maybe double handliong.  And off they go with Page, Liz, then Clint, then Bill then Lindsey and Sergio. He moves Liz to first, then Lindsey, Sergio and leaves Bill in back.

And off they go again.  Moving free, and they look good.  First Saltan, Kent is one of the owners. Now he sets aside the first three and looking at the rest. I think he is looking for a fourth, much like setting up a bridge game.  Down and back.  I like the sable Sergio has, but I am not judging.  He is in third.  Liz remains in front.

Bob takes all of them down and back.  

There they go with Bob looking and they are in order, in my opinion and Bob walks over and that is it.  First is Saltan, Second is Victor, Third is Burning Arrow and Fourth Calvin and Hobbs.

More to come

How not to hold a dog show

The candy is out in front of the announcer cage. I can't do much up here, other than post, watch a dog show and eat candy. Not a bad life.

There is a snow storm outside, the wipers are frozen to the windshield, driving is rough as the roads are ice with a film of snow over them, and between the wind and the snow, you can't see anything.

Yesterday afternoon while Tedi and I were having dinner, I got a call to find out if I would be back in the arena to announce the Stud Dog Brood Bitch class. I didn't know about it,and after I finished my presentation on what to do to protect your dogs when you die, (what do you care, you're dead), we left and then went to dinner.  I rushed back and had the pleasure to showing how far the breed had gone.  We have better and better dogs each year.

Summer and her mother are coming in tonight. I hope the roads are clear. She started college last year, and will graduate this year. She had so many college credits from highschool, that there was not that much need to get her degree.

We still have an hour and a half before the show. I heard the Grangers lost a dog at the Residence Inn in Loveland, so if you can, keep an eye out.  Last night there was a lot of rain, lightening and thunder, and now the snow. What a terrible thing to have to deal with.

There is heat in the barn area, but not in the arena.  It is cold for me, but probably great for the dogs. I see Diane working a black dog.  There are maybe 10 people here now, including me.  But, I would rather be inside, so it works for me.

Snow, ice, sleet, and a dog show

I am at the arena, and that is a good thing.

When we got up, the ground is covered with snow and ice there is a snow wind storm, and the roads are ice and covered with snow.  10 mph on the freeway.  The wipers were frozen to the windshield and for some reason, I forgot my scraper.

The show will be delayed to 9:00 am, one of the obedience judges can't get here at all.

Lots of accidents on the roads, and Tedi dropped me off, I like to get here early to set up.  Big mistake.

Gail and I are the only people here, and I see a trip to KMart for gloves in the future.  

I saw Cheryl walking a black puppy in the  snow, the dog stood out and seemed to be having a good time.

For some reason my posts aren't getting to the List, and Zoe gave me the addresses to use, and so I am trying again.

I will be back in two hours when the snow, (I mean the show), begins.

Evan

Now it begins

Today is the day the show begins.  It is going to be exciting, and even after over 40 years of Nationals, there is still a bit of new experiences.

Last night as Tedi and I were having dinner, I got a call from Gail asking if I was going to be there to announce the Stud Dog Brood Bitch Class, starting in five minutes.  I missed the schedule, (I didn't have one), so I raced back in time to do it.  What a spectacular exhibit it was.  The one thing that struck me was the performance bitch whose progeny then went on to show their progeny. It is no longer a conformation dog that wasn't good enough for show being put in performance. The intellegence and abilities of the dogs now being bred for performance work was clear.

Hallie and I did get to present a program on what do to protect our dogs after we die.  No one died during the program, so that was a good thing. It was filmed and I guess will be posted some place. I know, I for one always enjoy watching myself.

Summer and her mother are coming in tonight. Summer started college last year and will graduate this year.She had so many AP classes that she entered college as a Junior.  I was unable to convince her not to do so, but she took the LSAT and will enroll in law school.  At least she doesn't want to be an attorney, but she wants the degree.

Today will be fun. Flower Boy  is doing a great job backing me up, and Candy is going to help me spot on Saturday.

I will post again from the arena, not to wake Tedi and head out, in the snow, ice, wind and sleet.  Show dogs are my life.

Evan

Hoping to finish before I got tell people what to do with their dogs when they die, the people not the dog.

Candy left to go help with the picture of her dog, Ed left to take a comfort break, and so far no one is bitching at me.  

I doubt the Futurity Maturity will be finished before I leave, but I will do the best I can. Ed says he will post. 

Bob has the bitches in there, it looks like eleven.  There they go, and a big group of double handlers.  Zac in front, and walking again. If you handle, walking is so much harder than letting them go on a loose lead. 

Bob counts them off, and takes a group of eight, and the second group, and off they go at a slow trot, and again.

Now we have Tedi, Candy and Ed here with me. That is all this booth will hold, and no one can get to us.

I have to go do a seminar,so I will find out who wins and post later.

Evan

Amateur Futurity Dogs and more

We seem to have trouble getting them in the ring, and Tom had to walk to the table to tell me.

I saw John Ayuotte, and I clam no ability to spell names. Next year I might get Dragon and dictate to my computer. I do it at work,and it is great.

Evidently none of the Amateur Futurity class has shown up. I just called them to the announcer's table,but I would guess none of them all nine, aren't showing.  They are holding up the show, and in my mind, they should get rid of the class.  At the National, everyone should compete equally.

Amy came by, after her big win yesterday. Stacy Hayano is sitting next to us.  Daryll is here Amy's husband and holding the dog. 

The Futurity Winners are taking a lap now.

Kris Fasano has a puppy off to the side.  

One amateur in the ring America Ferara.  Val Maning.  I knew she would be here.  She won.

They are starting Maturity in a minute. I called for the dogs.

I am watch Jonney Walker Red outside the ring with George. That is a quality dog.  He is in the Maturity.  Karen Taylor is getting ready to double.

Free For All is in With Diane Brown is in first. Now George with Johnny Walker Red.

Kelly with Black Hawk.

Jeff has Wyatt Earp.  Nancy with Just Say'n.  Next is Rough Roder with one of the Osters, Lenny with Levi, and the Lindsay with unknown, Iron Throne and Cindy with Gift of The Magi, Channing with do you think I am Sexy, now Zac with Jingle Bell Rock, and that's the class.  Candy is spotting for me.  I like Having Flower Boy here for protection, but Candy is faster.  

Ken is walking down to look at all of them.  It looks like twelve,so far.  I do like what I see. Ken is taking the first on individuals.  I see Dawn, but she talked to me yesterday but not so far today.  

There are a lot of people here, but still quiet. Val Manning is here now, and talking about her win.  

I ran into Bob, I won't say where, but we talking about his new suit.  That alone would dictate against taking the assignment.  He is having a good time, and looks good doing it.

It is different not having him at the table.

Ed is a fly killing champion. He has done two so far.Ken is working the class, down and back. and no one is even milling around.  

Autumn Dugan is in there now with Iron Throne.  Hallie came by to tell me where to go for my presentation. So many people tell me where to go. Now Reggie, a Bart son, and of course with Candy here, we took notice.

I guess Paula isn't here, and I also  miss Jerry Graham. I see him at home now and then.

Now he has a group of five and sets the rest aside and starts to work with those.  Ken is walking this group.  Now the second group of six, (only  five in the first group).  When you handle you want to be in a  larger group, ot have more of a chance to win. Walking.  

I have to go do the Educational program, so Ed doesn't want to take over. I will check with Candy. 

Now the first group,and in front is Diane.  She and Tim astound me how young they look.  

He put Lennie with someone and he has Levi. And Ken moves them. And Ken has four,and Lennie in front, Maria, then Nancy and Autumn.  Ken takes his four down and back.  Now Rough Rider, Next Reggie, (Just Say'n), nice dog.  and then Autumn with Iron Throne, and again with that one.  Now Ken goes back to the center and walks down the four and tells them to "take it easy" and off they go. No speed control, and I like the second one best, but Ken leave them like that.

Levi, wins the Maturity dogs.

Evan