Utah friends, Part I. . . . . . . .

Prior to posting about my fabulous visits to amazing blog friends over the past 

several days, I just wanted to share these lovely animals I met during the Utah

 part of our current trip. 

Above is no-name llama (actually he's #1,2 or 3 of the collective Three Amigos)
 who seemed to enjoy me tousling his beautiful fibre coat - below is Strawberry, 
the friendliest goat who apparently was ready to eat anything 
offered. . . . . . . including my hand!  
I learned a 'goat tip' many years ago after one snatched my granddaughter 
Jasmin's school paper and chewed it up as we watched speechless! 
They are always hungry it seems so don't pet them with your passport 
in your hand!

We are still in Colorado enjoying the very pleasant town of Fort Collins. 

Perfect, clear, comfortable weather, away from heavy smoke due to the

 wildfires we experienced on the way to the airport in Salt Lake City, Utah.  

I'll be sharing highlights of this special trip when I return later this week

and have faster Internet.

At the State Fair. . . . . . .

We hadn't been in many years and must admit it was a 

few hours of fun, even moments of nostalgia, in 

yesterday's brilliant sunshine.

We wandered through the midway rides, watched the children

having a great time, while families stuffed huge 'snacks' 

the likes of which I refuse to even describe!

At last, a more healthy 'snack', however we opted for a dish 

of maple walnut ice cream churned by a John Deere tractor!

We looked, our taste buds wondering just how yummy a scone or 

a muffin has to be to gain a blue ribbon!

For me the only real disappointment was not being able 

to get up close and personal with the livestock any longer. 

Due to animal-borne illnesses where children became 

ill some years back, state laws have changed disallowing 

handling of chicks, ducklings, bunnies etc. Hand washing 

when exiting the livestock buildings is enforced. 

This handsome young bull was the closest I came to a 

large animal - he was in the Children's Barnyard and out 

of reach to probing little hands. . .petting zoos are

now a definite no-no.

Loved the displays of arts, crafts, cookery . . . such 

talent from North Carolina's great artisans.

Next time I'll share the gardens and floral displays at 

the State Fair. 

I was greatly impressed - not quite the world famous 

Chelsea Flower Show of London, but truly beautiful, with 

colors and designs that knocked my socks off!