Monday, June 30, 2008

Convention Sales List


LHHR's Mist At Dawn - DOB: May 2006
Grand Champion, Broken Blue
4 legs (3 BOB, BOSV)
Proven
MAD has a special place in my heart, serving as my showmanship rabbit for many events. She's been through 2 Round Robins (Master Showmanship) where 18 other "non-rabbit" showman showed her -- she did very well. She's currently on a litter, 7 of 8 living, all showable broken blues. We are liking the type on this litter, so we are going to keep a doe and replace her.
MAD has a great head, nice crown and ear. She is deep, wide, good length of body and good shoulder. She has great full/wide hindquarters, but she does slope. She has a mixture of lines, primarily consisiting of Milkhouse and Velotta. I really am looking for the most appropriate home for her, if I turn you down, please do not feel bad.

LHHR's Easy Summer Breeze - DOB: June 2007
Grand Champion, Steel
7 legs (6 BOB, BOV)
1 Reserve in Show & Honorable Mention in Show B
17th SJD @ ARBA Convention 2007 Michigan
One smokin doe! Her show debut started in September 2007 where I showed her at Crescent City. At 10 weeks of age she ate up 2nds in the California competition, showing her promise as a show doe. Taking her to Michigan at a very young age, she was the smallest/youngest doe in her class, but placed 17th with respectable comments from judge Kevin Hooper. Since, she's eaten up 6 Best of Breeds, 2 recently at Oregon State Convention. They are all at larger shows. When she hasn't won, she comes in 2nd or 3rd to a respectable doe ahead of her.

Easy Summer has nice type. She's deep, has width to balance and good length of body. I like her shoulders, midsection and hindquarters. She's a bit finer in bone than I'd like. She needs a better head/ear/crown package to balance all that body she has but she comes from good headed animals so if bred to a nice buck I don't see that being a big issue. She continues to hold superior flesh and fur condition at a year old. She has been bred for a late July litter. [I may keep her around for a second litter... not sure yet]

LHHR's Habanero - DOB: November 2006
Grand Champion, Bkn Chestnut
8 legs (3 BOB, 3 BOS, 2 BOSV)
Habanero hit the show tables with a bang, winning BOSB at Emerald Empire 07', loosing to our BOB Stitch. The following week out she was BOB at Pear Blossom and continued her show wins from there out. Her last show winning BOSB at Crescent City, she sustained a leg injury in the show coop and so we retired her. We were very fortunate for her to make it and she handled the stress well. She was on our entry sheet for Michigan, but because of the injury, she never went.
Habanero has a great head/ear/crown for a doe. She has nice shoulders, good depth and pretty good hindquarters. I haven't posed her in a long while (due to the fact I dont like handling her a lot because of her leg). She's lost some flesh condition since being retired. She's due for a late July litter.

LHHR's Pacific Pride - DOB: January 2007
Bkn Opal, NBS
Pacific Pride has never been shown because when she opened her eyes at 10 days, she obtained "nest box eye" and despite our best efforts, she went blind. She is however from Velotta's Renee (4 legs, 6th at Texas) and Velotta's Waltor (10 legs, 22nd / 88 at Texas). She has a nice head/ear/crown for a doe. I haven't pulled her out in a while but I always loved this does type! I really wished she could have made it to the show table. She's due for a late July litter.

LHHR's Secret Score - DOB: January 2007
Reg. pending, Chestnut
1 leg (BJR)
Secret Score was a doe I especially liked. She placed well at Oregon State Convention (after winning her first leg in California) but I decided to retire her to motherhood, due to her larger size and level-headedness for a litter. She's got a great great head/ear crown. Very wide, great shoulders and hindquarters. Very nice topline and bone. She hasnt ever really given me a good coat of fur... It's been longer and more harsh than I like it but I like her body better which is why she's stayed. She's due here next week for an early July litter.

LHHR's Maid Dignified - DOB: July 2007
Grand Champion, Bkn Chestnut
6 legs (4 BOV, BOSV, BJR)
This doe is one of my favorites! Her first show out in Red Bluff she wins BOV (with Easy Summer winning BOV solid). Judge Allen Ormand was distraught that he couldn't pick two does as BOB and BOSB. He ended up going with Easy Summer, and thats the way the judges have chosen ever since. Personally, I love this does rock hard-to die for body -- she's got it all. Width, Depth, Length of Body, excellent shoulders, midsection, loin and hindquarters, a very nice topline and an excellent coat of fur/flesh to top it off. She is lighter in bone than I'd like, but I'm being very picky. She has a great crown and ear, perfectly placed ... but her head is not wide enough to balance with that rockin body she has. She's due for a late July litter.
I will not quote prices until litters are born and established. I have 3 Bkn Blue Jr. Bucks from MAD I would almost [thrown in] as breeding pairs -- I would rather them go to show homes than pet/4-H out. Sire is Buster Blue, who was 11th BJB at Convention last year. Great for starting dilutes, and have possibility of carrying chocolate -- among other things. Most details are outlined on my for sale page, and other pictures/additional info can be viewed on the does pages of my website. Any questions, please e-mail me at mellenti@onid.orst.edu

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Keepsake / Washington State Convention Pictures / Thunderstorms ?

Yesteray evening as I got home, we had a huge Thunder & Lightning storm.... but along with it came HUGE winds.... we sustained minor roof damage (shingles missing and our chimney is... well in need of repair due to a flying table umbrella). I have never experienced anything like it before. Some forest fires were started, which is causing major smoke air... cannot see the mountains around us. We hope they are put out soon!
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This picture is WAY zoomed in, top of Rainier that you could barely see through the clouds
The moutains around Clear Lake on White Pass
One *very* small section of the show room. I was sitting down across from Lisa Davis & Becky Jone's Mini Lops. Robin Gamroths French Lops are parked there on the floor
Not sure what mountain range this is... but from my hotel at night.... way zoomed in.... they were so beautiful!
Ellensburg as you came out of the desert... lol
I always thought my dad was joking about this... but the windows say "Eat more Fries -- They give me Gas"
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We have a new bunny in the barn!

Welcoming Stormie Haven's Keepsake, a Bkn Chocolate Chestnut Sr. Buck :) He dates back to LHHR's Afleet Alex (GC Bkn Black buck). He's from Stormie Haven's Arctic Storm (Bkn Chocolate GT Steel) and RD's Nutbrown Hare (Reg. Chestnut). Where I was too exhausted to get pictures this evening, I will soon! For now I will post a picture of him from his breeder.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

And you want me to sleep when?

Last Thursday, my cousin brought over 3 Mini Rex to be transported to WA State Convention. I had spent the day getting ready and by the time that evening came around I had everything ready and in place to go for the morning.


Headed out around 8 AM, smooth driving and trip up... the truck actually got 20 MPG from Grants Pass to Brooks (just outside of Portland). Got on 205 to stay out of Portland and head for The dalles, over to 97 and on up to Ellensburg. LONG trip I might add..... 8 - 9 hours, only stopping twice, once for gas and once to run/stretch! I got there though, early enough to set up the rabbits.... after finding a place in the back corner of the showroom. Just as I was headed over to the Judges Conference, Roger showed up. If I hadn't so much to do after WSC, carpooling would have been a logical solution for breeders who are only a half hour or less from each other. :)


Judges Conference was neat. Chuck Pelham from MI did a presentation, along with a breeder from Iowa, Mike Ritter on Netherlands and Armando Cabrera on Hollands. I had to leave at the break; I was very sad to miss Eric Stewarts presenation on Mini Rex fur.


Not convinced I got a whole lotta sleep Friday night, but I functioned on Saturday which was nice. Vanessa introduced me to the Hill family and I found all the breeders I needed to meet up with for transporting rabbits... although I waited till that evening to do so.

Mini Lops weren't first up, but they were right after Satins with 113 entered! Wholy Moly! I'm not even sure how mine placed, about mid-class I do know. Crazy mingling occured during judging, which could account for not remembering my placements! I then brought in my cage I brought for breeding, I got Landen and let him settle in, while I decided to breed Pacific Pride and Habanero to him. Habanero was easier, Pacfic Pride I think got bred, although I really was distracted for the most part. Whatever happens, happens. I then met up with Helen to drop off the Mini Rex, the Higbee's to drop off Tanner's four rabbits, and Kathie, to drop of the 5 for Amy.


Sunday, I was unbelieveably tired but I managed to make it to the showroom a bit early. I learned that I hate birds, and that McDonalds coffee sucks. Ugh. Mini Lops were up..... placements a bit better than yesterday, but not much to mention. I think Maid Dignified was 5th or 6th... I only remembered her because I had to wait around for her to get off the table... lol. I receieved a nasty bite from her the day before (which is scarring now). She wanted to be bred very badly, hence, I used Ashton, and that didn't take very long. Easy Summer was a different story, she didn't want to be touched (which she was wayyyy ready after OSC so maybe I missed it), but I will breed her to one of the boys here at home. I returned Ashton and fed/watered my rabbits and cleaned my carriers a bit as they were going home with that person who's running for Dist. 1 Director again (seriously, don't vote for him....) Drove to my sisters house in Chehalis and visited with my nieces. The couch was uncomfortable.... getting roughly about 4 hours of sleep. I have some pictures from that weekend, will download and post later.


7 AM I left for Corvallis. Around 7:25 I woke Amy up and we met off the freeway and I picked up Keepsake (more info to come soon!). I then proceeded through minor Portland traffic...pretty flowy but slow for I-5. Arrived in Corvallis around 11 AM. I checked in and went and dropped my bags off. Meeting at 1, got my advising appointment to register for this fall's classes. Went smooth. I got a hotel and stayed the night because the following morning I had to report for 4-H OSU Summer Conference. I was selected as a finalist for the Oregon delegation.

Summer Conference, I checked in -- stayed in Buxton, part of the quad. I knew my roomates but after I packed up I went to the bookstore to get a book I need for summer homework. When I returned my roomate had arrived. We chatted and almost missed the welcoming meeting at 3 pm. We then had a bunch of random games after dinner, county meetings and lights out came around sooner or later. I actually got some sleep, which was nice.
Thursday, we had classes all day. I was signed up for OSU Events, Building Leadership, Discover Wildlife and Vet School Tour -- random, and the first three I didn't even sign up for. After classes was the pool party. There while I was waiting for my roomates to finish up in Dixon Rec, another START session was happening where I met up with some of my friends who were also registering. Got to bed around 1:30 and woke up at 5... you do the math.

My Congress interviews were promptly at 8 am. There I was with 24 other individuals who had been selected as finalists (out of 50 who applied). There was money for 17 people, but they wanted to take an even 12. To relieve stress, we played games and had pictures taken. My first interview went very well -- I was happy when I walked out because I knew it felt good :)
My second interview, didn't go so well -- the harder interview with the questions you dont expect... but I made the best of it... and even if I had horrible feelings going back down stairs that I had ruined my chances I still came back into the room we were in with a smile and continued playing games.

Went back to the dorms, got re-dressed and went to lunch. After my Vet School Tour we had 2 hours of community service. I signed up for work at Avery Park. It was very hot, and sneezy as you had to get friendly with the plants to dead-head them. Dinner was very relaxing after a long three days! After Dinner there was a dance, bowling and billards.

Woke up, breakfast was in the lounge but I was so nervous I couldn't eat. So I got some of my things ready, got dressed and we walked to Reser Stadium. There, where we were just supposed to get our picture taken outside, the conference committe decided to take a tour. We walked up the stairs through the main building and out the holes to come halfway up the staduium, and to proceed all the way to the top. Having gone to football games before, it wasnt anything new for me but the cardio workout was nice. We then went all the way down and onto the turf for a picture with Benny (the Beaver) -- back up halfway, and back out. We then went on over to the Alumni center for our recgonition brunch. I got scattered from my roomates but I found other kids from my county to chat with while I waited for my turn to go in. I sat with two of the interviewers and kids I loved getting to know.... good times.

Us state ambassadors were signed out, as I'm almost 19 I can't be in 4-H anymore... lol. New members were inducted and then the State Leadership award was given out to friend Brett, who unmistakenly deserved the award. He's going to Atlanta as part of the design committee team.

Then it was time for National Congress Trip winners. As they named off names, I began counting how many were up there and how many spots left. I was so busy counting I almost didn't hear my name called.... I'm going! Along with other members I know will make the times great :) We leave on Thanksgiving morning out of Portland, straight into Atlanta, Georgia. We'll be there for 5 days, and I should only miss one day of classes? I'll have to check my calendar to make sure. Either way, I know I will have a lot of fun and I was so happy that I got picked!

We then had freetime -- dont have to be out of here till the morning (now today) as I finish writing this. The only time I could even touch my laptop.... I'm going to meet up with my friend and roomate Aimee for breakfast and head on home. That's my story in a blog. I will have pictures from WSC and more info on Keepsake to come soon!

Monday, June 16, 2008

Kokomo's litter

I don't have pics, but Kokomo has 2 Chinchillas, 1 Blue Chin (neck is staying silver) and 2 Frosted Pearls :) All are uniform & fat. We will keep the best doe in the litter. We haven't had frosted pearls in a long time, so we're leaning towards those.... but keeping type first, we'll see what we have in a few weeks!

MAD's babies are all the same color and simlar in markings, so distinguishing one from the other is really hard. But we think we have a doe picked out for ourselves, we have to go through the other does in the next couple of days and pick one out for Tanner. There are also a couple promising bucks, I'd like to see them go to show homes if at all possible.

I have to get my rear in gear and start packing tomorrow, regardless. Thursday will be spent in town and Friday morning we are leaving. Which leaves just 2 days to pack for being gone for 2 weeks. :)

Sunday, June 15, 2008

It's final!

Was actually final last Sunday, but for various reasons I haven't shared my news yet!

Braving the gas prices, yet again, I am going to Washington State Convention this weekend! Call me crazy or insane for first going, but second driving a truck instead of an economical car. But there are just so many rabbits we are taking (showing 4) several going presold, some will be for sale and some does we are taking along just to breed. After convention, I will be spending a week in Corvallis, so theres lots of luggage and other things I need, which is why we are taking the truck.

I am showing Boomerang, Summer, Maid Dignified and Exclusive Getaway. I would like to see how they do in bigger competition, knowing that last years WA St. Conv. brought over 100 competative ML's.

I am bringing Pacific Pride and Habanero to be bred. I will determine later if I want to breed Easy Summer and Maid Dignified, to retire them into motherhood. It would be the logical choice, since I'm only going to one more show and thats at the end of August.

Texas Fortune (blue chinchilla jr. doe) and MBB (bkn blue jr. doe) are being dropped off to the Higbee's to go to Utah to live with Tanner of Bradbury's Bunny Barn.

5 rabbits (Klara, Sour Cream, Taco Man, KI, and SCI) are being dropped off to Kathie Simmons to make their long adventure to San Diego, CA. They will arrive around July 14th. There are now 3 new states with Vienna Mini Lops!

4 Vienna juniors are coming for sale. I dont know how much interest I will get with them, but I'd still like to bring them....

Im just excited to get to a show that I've never gone to, yet heard a lot about.

Posting from my laptop now, and have intentions to bring it along, posting pictures and updates asap since it will be awhile before I will be back home. :) lots of pics, I promise ;)

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Babies.... and Juniors :)

Kokomo's litter! There are 5 of them :)




Milk Tip - ready to be bred next weekend!

Secret Score, has been bred to Lil' Hollister :)


Exclusive Getaway (was 2nd and 3rd in Newport -- we'll see how she does in Ellensburg)
SCI - Chestnut VM doe

KI2 - Chestnut VM Buck

KI - Chestnut VM Doe

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Kokomo Kindles!

Kokomo kindled this afternoon! 5 of 5 kits, 3 which are colors less familiar to us... certainly not the regular.... chestnut. :)

She was bred to brother Miami, blue chinchilla, GC with 6 legs.

We hope for good babies from this cross, as Miami has left to live with Vanessa of Velvet Touch Rabbitry and Kokomo will go to live with the Petersen family of Mourning Son Rabbitry at the end of August.

Will get pictures and have color updates within the next few days.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Newport Pictures :)

Boomerang relaxing after a long weekend
Historic Nye Beach
Yaquina Head Lighthouse (yes, up at the very top, 200 ft!)
About half-way up, looking down - not for the weak ;)
The oil/work rooms connected to the lighthouse
Don't let it fool you, it is 200 ft tall!
Roger presenting Carl Hanhart, Julie Forestler (Karyn Fegles recieving) and Jackie Alu plaques for being inducted into the OLRCB Hall of Fame
Just before sunset
Roger "claims" he was getting fur out of his mouth, but we all know he was really picking his nose ;)
Roger "helping" Randy judge those darn AFL"s. Doug Frantz and Muriel Keyes were also of help :)
Boomerang in the A show ready to rumble!
The cranky queen, Easy Summer
The other queen, Maid Dignified
She was challenging me to a fight here.... showin me what she's got ;)
The Newport Bridge (there is more, but this is the tallest part)
The ocean between the bushes :)
A construction site left by some kids that visted just before me