Farewell, Mr. T

Occasional clouds, but very little rain for a long time.

 According to the DNR, we're nearly halfway to peak fall coloration;

  because of the drought, colors this year 

won't be as spectacular as in the past

 

 

 but there is still some gorgeous foliage in the neighborhood.

 The apple trees look like they're decorated for Christmas.

 Before the snow flies, Steve has been biking the trail that runs from the Carlton water tower

 through the woods to Scanlon.

 The flurry of seasonal celebrations continues (one last gasp before we all retreat to our igloos for the long winter).  Juju, Momo, Arabica and Cheeky 

 boarded the Goatmobile for a trip to the Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association Harvest Festival at Duluth's Bayfront Park

 where the Goat Ladies of the North 

 

 sponsor a major attraction.

 The new umbrellas proved useful in the occasional gusts of freezing rain.

 On the following Saturday Steve was at the Mutt Strut in Cloquet

 taking photos for the Friends of Animals newsletter (which he edits)

 and hobnobbing with celebrity judges Champ the Bulldog, Miss Cloquet, and the Northland News Center's Michelle Lee.

 Winners of the pet and owner look-alike contest.

 And then on the next Saturday Billy Barnard's Trio entertained at the Homemade Festival, sponsored by TJ's Country Corner in beautiful downtown Mahtowa.

 where one could get blitzed on thimble-sized samples of homemade beer and wines.

 Barb's entry, her famous chevre,

 won the People's Choice Award.

In goatie news, Awe Baby from Split Rock Farm was visiting Mr. T.

 We're hoping -- but aren't sure -- that they made some cute little babies before Mr. T left on Sept 23 for his new home.

 

 He was just a little feller when he first arrived in December 2008

 and had to be encouraged to enter the barn

 and meet the girls

who were bigger than he was.

 Barb had to bend over to pet him.

 But the 90-pound weakling soon grew into a magnificent Charles Atlas of a buck

a Hunka Hunka Burning Love (as Elvis put it) around the ladies

proud papa of many of the world's most beautiful goat babies

master of his Gentleman's Club domain

 and all-around suave, debonair winner.

Farewell, Mr. T!  We know you'll be happy -- and a lot more active romantically -- at your new home.