There is no pleasure in
having nothing to do;
the fun is in having lots
to do and not doing it.
~John W. Raper~

I really don’t know where September went, it seems like only yesterday we were celebrating Labor Day. I’m convinced that without a doubt, it’s time for me to re-evaluate my life and slow the pace down a notch. Each day flies by without me ever catching up with myself, and if we could somehow extend the hours in of each day it would work for me. I think it’s about time for me to pull some of my irons out of the fire, and stop and smell the roses a bit. Unfortunately that day is looking to be a long ways off, and thanks to the once again record breaking number of entries we’ve received for the 2009 Western Cowman Photo Contest I’m going to be busier then ever.

Yup, once again we have busted by last year’s 582 entries by a bunch. I’ve spent countless hours tearing through a staggering array of envelopes containing some very remarkable photos. I won’t divulge just yet how many we’ve gotten this year; let’s just say it looks like the judging might have to be done in shifts. I’m looking forward to sharing the results with everyone. Unfortunately this year with all the entries we had, they did not yield any for our People’s Choice category - next year we will work a bit harder at getting the word out.

Because it is October and Halloween is just around the corner we’re taking you on our trail to a very special pumpkin patch. Turn to the article about “Joan’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch” and see how one special family turned a part of their ranch into one of the most creative Pumpkin Patches in California. Lowlines are gaining popularity with ranchers across the country and we bring you the scoop on why as we tour some of the West’s best Lowline herds in the piece titled “Lovin those Lowlines.” This issue is packed with so much more for your reading pleasure.
I need to take a deep breath and begin heading for the trail into November. In the meantime, dust yourself off, enjoy the last few days of porch setting with a witches brew in hand, and enjoy this month’s issue as those leaves begin to drop….Happy Trails.