OUR FIRST REGIONAL AWARD

I can not take all the credit with Trouble's Regional win.  There are so many people that were
involved in achieving this title.  First, I need to "thank" Marsha Tjeerdsma, Catley Crue, for sharing
her lines with me and getting me involved with CFA.  Second, I need to thank the "Big Man Upstairs",
because when Trouble was just 2 weeks old, we lost most of our farm to a tornado.  My cats were
spared, thank goodness. Our dairy cows, however, did not fair so well.  Then I must have had an
Angel watching over me, her name is Diana Heinzen, TNT Purrfect Persians.  Had it not been for
Diana and Carol McGrath, Trouble would not have been Granded. With all the destruction to our
farm, I was not able to go to any shows for a year and these ladies took it upon themselves to
Grand Trouble for me.  A debt I doubt I will ever get repaid......Thank-You ladies!

  Then it was time to get Trouble home and it was Aug.  So being August and Trouble was in AZ, I
couldn't fly him back home, I had to go get him and bring him home.  Once again, Diana invited
me to stay at her home for the weekend and then leave for home on Monday.  We had a great
time and hope to go back for a visit!  Trouble and I flew home and started his "Run for the Regional"
in September.  This leads me to the next 2 people I need to share this award with.  First is
Carol Fengel, Katzenfur Persians.  Carol and I started showing at the same time and we both
received our First Regional this year!!!!  Carol let me meet up with her and ride to shows
together, so "Thank-You" Carol.

  Last, but certainly not least, is Sue Bloomquist.  What can I say or do to ever "Thank" Sue for
showing me how to achieve this award?  She unselfishly taught me how to do a "proper" show bath,
although I will never do as good of a job as she does, as she is a Master at grooming!  She let me
spend many nights at her home so I wouldn't have to "get up with the chickens!" And since I don't
drive in the cities, Sue made sure I got to the shows!!  She believed in Trouble as much as I did and
for that I "Thank-You" so much Sue, for everything!

  I also need to Thank my daughter Courtney and my son's girlfriend, Nicole, for doing such a
wonderful job taking care of things at home so I could be gone to the shows.
"Thank-You" Courtney and Nicole!

  I also have to "Thank" all the judges that used Trouble in their finals, it was a joy to hear all the
nice comments you made about Trouble.  It is much appreciated.

  Thanks to all that cheered us on, it was an unforgettable year!