The weathermen do their best, it is just not good enough.
There could be days of rain or cold without them warning us.
 At times at a class or any herding event it rained or we froze!.

Keep foul weather gear available to you at all times.
Training and trialing go on no matter the weather.
 The exception is if the facility is rendered unusable.

Foul Weather gear...

For you I suggest the following:
1. A lap blanket
2. Rain gear including water proof boots.
3. Gloves
4. Scarf
5. Hat or some other head covering.
6. Extra pair of socks.
7. A sweater and/or a second jacket.
8. A clean towel.

For your car/truck:
1. A gallon of environmentally safe antifreeze.
2. Chains that fit your current tires.
3. Air pressure gauge and/or small compressor
4. Flares and reflectors.
5. Jumper cables.

For your your dog:
1. A gallon of drinking water.
2. A day's food ration.
3. A bath towel.
4. Bedding

Fall is trying to get here but summer is on the fight not wanting to give it up. Summer is loosing and is a bad looser, trying once again to drain out the life of everything before it is defeated but using its favorite weapon the heat wave. A couple of its favorite weapons, the foxtail and stinging nettle barely showed to to help it with its fight.

Fall has started its offensive: shorter days, school has started, herding trials have begun and soon Halloween will be here. But alas even fall has already started losing its grip. Xmas for dogs is in the planning stages. Winter trials are planned the Ewes are pregnant.

Even this year has begun to lose its grip: a formable force; soon a new year will be born. West Nile virus, gas prices, housing bubble burst, economy freak out, and the change of presidents have been dished up and served. These things soon to be digested have already provided a lot of energy for 2008 and done the job of making sure that this year will not soon be forgotten.

But 2009 has already began promising things: a new puppy, a lamb crop, a new president. Well this ought to be interesting. Yes, I have noticed that 2009 has already began growing, a fetus in the womb and soon tobe born.

I can not help but be amazed by it all as I continue to do my part. Yes the more things change the more they stay the same. Centuries pass yet mankind continues to struggle on its path sometimes forgetting that it has a past thus repeating some of its journey ( covering the same ground twice ). But has something new been added ? Are we really wondering if we are a parasite on this world and need to cleanse this planet of our presence because of the damage we are doing to it? I think not! We are part of our planet's life and as such some should give thought to what would happen to it if we where not here.