Chapter 5---
Every year, since about 1968, Robin and I have attended the National Finals Rodeo. It was in Oklahoma City, until 1985, when it moved to Las Vegas. We've watched so many cowboys and cowgirls try their hardest to win the coveted World title, in their events. It's the most awesome rodeo in the country. Ten go-rounds in ten days. Fifteen of the top contenders in each event.
We've stayed in so many different Hotels, that we can't remember them all. The last six years or so, we were in the Signature Suites, Embassy Suites and now in Marriott's Residence Inn. So comfortable and convenient to everything. The hotels that we choose, don't have casinos and are a lot quieter and smoking is not allowed, so it's very pleasant. We get a room that has a little kitchen in it, so we can prepare some of our meals and make coffee, anytime. We're not big on gambling or partying, so mostly we come to see the rodeo. During the day, we go to the different Trade Shows and do some of our Christmas Shopping and usually have a meal between 2 and 4 and then either come back to the room for a rest, or get ready to go back to the rodeo. We always drive and take the round about way, to the Thomas and Mack, getting there around 5. Before the traffic gets too bad. We also stick around, after the Bull Riding, until they have ran all of the extras, for the evening and then we leave, taking the long way back. When you get into your 60's, routine helps your memory. If we parked in a different parking spot every night of the rodeo, we wouldn't ever find our car, so we park in about the same row and under the same "Black 6" lamp pole. It works for us.
My dad bought seats, when the rodeo was in Oklahoma City and we've held onto them, all these years. We are still hoping to upgrade, in the future and pick up a couple more seats. We would love to share this love of rodeo, with our kids and their kids.
One of our neighbors, Les Shepperson, won the sixth go round in the Steer Wrestling and is setting high in the average....he may win the World! That would be terrific. He's a good hand and can surely stop and put down those big steers.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
Chapter 3
I'm not very good at keeping on a schedule....so, I missed blogging in November, all together. I enjoy blogging about life and often come across inspiring testimonials through friendships, acquaintences and everyday people I may meet. I basically enjoy writing about my personal journey through life. The downside, is that with my failing memory, I've lost track of some of the funniest times. But bear with me, I may think of them, yet. I'm not senile, but I do have a bad case of CRS, (can't remember sh&*.
My team of Belgians, Charlie and Judy, have taught me a lot about myself. #1. I'm not a quitter. #2. I'm willing to learn new things and share the knowledge. #3. This lesson in life may have been a little easier and less stressful, at an earlier age.
Charlie weighs in at 1960 and Judy weighs 1930. That, folks, is two tons of power in front of my 200# wagon. I wonder if that means 4000 Horsepower??? Whatever. The point is: I have not put enough pounds behind them to make them too tired to want to pull. They are magnificent, though and are always eager to go. Charlie makes me work a little at catching him and getting the halter on, but Judy makes up for it, by dropping her head and nuzzling me. They both like horse treats and that's what I use to catch them. I was feeling very good about trying out one of my buggies. I caught and haltered Judy and got her harnessed, then took her to the buggy and tried to remember what I'd learned, in Ohio. I hooked up some straps and snaps and put different lines on her bit and fastened the buggy shafts to her. I did not know exactly how to do that, but I had some pictures, so I compared my hitching to the photo and they looked a lot alike, so I (with Joely's help) got her on the road and ready for a ride. It was WONDERFUL!!! I just knew that in the next few weeks, that I would be able to drive her downtown to get my mail and groceries, just like the Amish.
We got to Joely's house and it was time to load the Grandkids and take them for a buggy ride. We went a little further up the dirt road and it was going great. It seemed like the right time, to turn around, go through Joely's gate and go down to the highway and back around to our corral. When we got to the gate and Ryan jumped down and opened it, Judy started acting a little differently, like something was bothering her......that was an understatement! We had to go a little downhill, as we were going through the gate, and the sh&* hit the fan. Because I had not hooked the shafts in the right place, the buggy was hitting her back legs, so in defense (?), she began to kick the buggy and buck and run off, down the hill. This sweet, gentle giant was trying to kill us! I know that you've never had ahold of a 1930 pound, big and scared, Belgian mare, so you cannot know the sinking feeling, when you realize that you cannot stop her. Joely helped me on the lines and we got her turned into a tight circle and Joely and Madeline jumped out, as we got her stopped. Joely went to the head and snapped the lead rope onto the halter and I got out to unhitch/unharness everything. Judy was still frightened, even after taking the headstall off and she got away from us and ran away with the buggy. She flew through one fence and ran all the way back to the barn. When we got there, there was a scratch on the front of the buggy and some stressed wood on the back of the shaft loop, but no marks on her. Too late, but I talked to Alvin Yoder, the previous owner and learned, that I had the shaft loops too far forward and that made the buggy come too close. God has his arm around me, yet again and prevented anyone from being hurt or killed. It re-injured my right knee, from when I was putting salt out and my cowdog, Dot, fell into it and hyperextended it. I'm still walking with a limp, but I'm walking.
We decided (Robin did) that when a ranch horse causes problems, he ties him up for a while and lets him think it over....so....we tied Judy inside the arena and let her think things over. Robin tied Charlie up, too, because they nicker and paw at the fence, when they are not together. Separation anxiety was what we called it when the kids were little and didn't want me to leave them with a babysitter.
I didn't get to harness them for a few days, but knew that I had to, as soon as I could, or I was going to stay scared. You know....get back on the horse that bucked you off and all that. So, I harnessed them both and hooked them to my Forecart and drove them around the arena a few times and up and down the road a few times and then took my husband's advice and tied them up to the arena fence, with their halter ropes. I was teaching them patience! I left them there for a couple of hours and went to unharness them and when I got to the arena, I could see trouble, with a capital T.....they had gotten the safety latch over one of the rails of the portable panels and then backed up, so that it was very tight. I had to call for help, again, and Robin had to lift the latch off, while I led the team forward. He did a little muttering and swearing, but I caught "wish I'd gotten the hitch rack built."
It's been a new experience for me, but I'm not giving up. I may have to go back to Ohio for a refresher course, but I love driving them. It's such a peaceful, simple way of travel (when things are right) and just makes me feels blessed for having family that are willing to help me through all these trials. One of these days, when it's right, we'll full a wagon with hay and take them all for a hayride.
Chapter 4
I've recently been remembering when I was a little girl, then in grade school, then High School. I had a big brother and a little brother. I thought the moon rose and set with Lee. When he spoke....I listened. I always thought he was so smart and that if he said something, it was true. Because I had a younger brother, as well, I didn't let those feelings be known, but I love when Lee calls and we talk about the past or the future. It is a bond that single children will never experience. Yes, there is Sibling Rivalry and it's a bit&*, but it's always helped having a big brother that loved me.
My mother and grandmothers had so much, harder work than me. Washing, cooking, ironing, baking, feeding many hired men (3 meals a day) and still being "Mommy." My grandmother was still cooking and baking for men, when she was in her 70s. I am very thankful, that I got the chance to be a witness to their hard work and learn from them. My mom was so happy, when she got her first electric iron and gas stove. I try to never take things for granted, because I am fortunate to have most of the newest gadgets and kitchen/household appliances.
God has been so good to me and Robin has been the best partner any woman could have. We've been married 45 years and hope for many more. At the moment, we are in Las Vegas, for the National Finals Rodeo. We've been coming to them, since about 1968 and still enjoy them. We don't drink or gamble, so usually stay in hotels away from the Nightlife scene, We come to see the rodeo! It's a good place for him to lay around and get some rest, which he doesn't get at home or at Steer Ropings. We see a lot of old friends and go shopping at the Cowboy Christmas. We usually go to a couple of movies, too.
I'm not very good at keeping on a schedule....so, I missed blogging in November, all together. I enjoy blogging about life and often come across inspiring testimonials through friendships, acquaintences and everyday people I may meet. I basically enjoy writing about my personal journey through life. The downside, is that with my failing memory, I've lost track of some of the funniest times. But bear with me, I may think of them, yet. I'm not senile, but I do have a bad case of CRS, (can't remember sh&*.
My team of Belgians, Charlie and Judy, have taught me a lot about myself. #1. I'm not a quitter. #2. I'm willing to learn new things and share the knowledge. #3. This lesson in life may have been a little easier and less stressful, at an earlier age.
Charlie weighs in at 1960 and Judy weighs 1930. That, folks, is two tons of power in front of my 200# wagon. I wonder if that means 4000 Horsepower??? Whatever. The point is: I have not put enough pounds behind them to make them too tired to want to pull. They are magnificent, though and are always eager to go. Charlie makes me work a little at catching him and getting the halter on, but Judy makes up for it, by dropping her head and nuzzling me. They both like horse treats and that's what I use to catch them. I was feeling very good about trying out one of my buggies. I caught and haltered Judy and got her harnessed, then took her to the buggy and tried to remember what I'd learned, in Ohio. I hooked up some straps and snaps and put different lines on her bit and fastened the buggy shafts to her. I did not know exactly how to do that, but I had some pictures, so I compared my hitching to the photo and they looked a lot alike, so I (with Joely's help) got her on the road and ready for a ride. It was WONDERFUL!!! I just knew that in the next few weeks, that I would be able to drive her downtown to get my mail and groceries, just like the Amish.
We got to Joely's house and it was time to load the Grandkids and take them for a buggy ride. We went a little further up the dirt road and it was going great. It seemed like the right time, to turn around, go through Joely's gate and go down to the highway and back around to our corral. When we got to the gate and Ryan jumped down and opened it, Judy started acting a little differently, like something was bothering her......that was an understatement! We had to go a little downhill, as we were going through the gate, and the sh&* hit the fan. Because I had not hooked the shafts in the right place, the buggy was hitting her back legs, so in defense (?), she began to kick the buggy and buck and run off, down the hill. This sweet, gentle giant was trying to kill us! I know that you've never had ahold of a 1930 pound, big and scared, Belgian mare, so you cannot know the sinking feeling, when you realize that you cannot stop her. Joely helped me on the lines and we got her turned into a tight circle and Joely and Madeline jumped out, as we got her stopped. Joely went to the head and snapped the lead rope onto the halter and I got out to unhitch/unharness everything. Judy was still frightened, even after taking the headstall off and she got away from us and ran away with the buggy. She flew through one fence and ran all the way back to the barn. When we got there, there was a scratch on the front of the buggy and some stressed wood on the back of the shaft loop, but no marks on her. Too late, but I talked to Alvin Yoder, the previous owner and learned, that I had the shaft loops too far forward and that made the buggy come too close. God has his arm around me, yet again and prevented anyone from being hurt or killed. It re-injured my right knee, from when I was putting salt out and my cowdog, Dot, fell into it and hyperextended it. I'm still walking with a limp, but I'm walking.
We decided (Robin did) that when a ranch horse causes problems, he ties him up for a while and lets him think it over....so....we tied Judy inside the arena and let her think things over. Robin tied Charlie up, too, because they nicker and paw at the fence, when they are not together. Separation anxiety was what we called it when the kids were little and didn't want me to leave them with a babysitter.
I didn't get to harness them for a few days, but knew that I had to, as soon as I could, or I was going to stay scared. You know....get back on the horse that bucked you off and all that. So, I harnessed them both and hooked them to my Forecart and drove them around the arena a few times and up and down the road a few times and then took my husband's advice and tied them up to the arena fence, with their halter ropes. I was teaching them patience! I left them there for a couple of hours and went to unharness them and when I got to the arena, I could see trouble, with a capital T.....they had gotten the safety latch over one of the rails of the portable panels and then backed up, so that it was very tight. I had to call for help, again, and Robin had to lift the latch off, while I led the team forward. He did a little muttering and swearing, but I caught "wish I'd gotten the hitch rack built."
It's been a new experience for me, but I'm not giving up. I may have to go back to Ohio for a refresher course, but I love driving them. It's such a peaceful, simple way of travel (when things are right) and just makes me feels blessed for having family that are willing to help me through all these trials. One of these days, when it's right, we'll full a wagon with hay and take them all for a hayride.
Chapter 4
I've recently been remembering when I was a little girl, then in grade school, then High School. I had a big brother and a little brother. I thought the moon rose and set with Lee. When he spoke....I listened. I always thought he was so smart and that if he said something, it was true. Because I had a younger brother, as well, I didn't let those feelings be known, but I love when Lee calls and we talk about the past or the future. It is a bond that single children will never experience. Yes, there is Sibling Rivalry and it's a bit&*, but it's always helped having a big brother that loved me.
My mother and grandmothers had so much, harder work than me. Washing, cooking, ironing, baking, feeding many hired men (3 meals a day) and still being "Mommy." My grandmother was still cooking and baking for men, when she was in her 70s. I am very thankful, that I got the chance to be a witness to their hard work and learn from them. My mom was so happy, when she got her first electric iron and gas stove. I try to never take things for granted, because I am fortunate to have most of the newest gadgets and kitchen/household appliances.
God has been so good to me and Robin has been the best partner any woman could have. We've been married 45 years and hope for many more. At the moment, we are in Las Vegas, for the National Finals Rodeo. We've been coming to them, since about 1968 and still enjoy them. We don't drink or gamble, so usually stay in hotels away from the Nightlife scene, We come to see the rodeo! It's a good place for him to lay around and get some rest, which he doesn't get at home or at Steer Ropings. We see a lot of old friends and go shopping at the Cowboy Christmas. We usually go to a couple of movies, too.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
October 6, 2012
Below Pax, is Villa, about 1917, which was the year they got married. Not sure where it was taken.
Below Villa, is a picture of Van, Villa, Pax and Billy. I think it was taken in the 60s.
This is Herma, in the early 40's
I didn't spend as much time with my Irvine Grandparents, as I did with Herman and Grace Werner. My Nana Grace was the absolute BEST grandma anybody could have. It wasn't that she spoiled me with material things, but she spent lots of time with me. While she was doing the wash, in the washhouse at the Spearhead, she taught me how to make mud pies! How fun was that? The photo below is Herman and Grace (we called them Big Oscar and Nana Grace) and it was taken on one of their many trips. Possibly to Africa or Australia.
L to R: Sunny, Pax, Lee
The bottom photo, was the only Portrait that we have of Mom, taken in the 80's. I surely do miss her.
We have some friends from Texas visiting with us and helping us with some of the cow work and we took them to Story, WY last night, for a great dinner. When we stepped outside, there was 3-4 inches of very wet snow. It was snowing so hard, the road was a mess and visibility was about 5 feet in front of the car (or beside it!) and we had 65 miles to go. It got better, the closer to home we got, but it snowed off and on, all night long. 25 degrees when we got up this morning. This is typical for our early Fall, but since it was 80 degrees on Weds, I wasn't ready for it. I'm such a wuss when it comes to winter, I wonder why I call Wyoming my home? I don't like 85 + degree weather and I don't like it to get below 50 and I really hate the d...... wind. But, since I've lived here my whole life, I wouldn't know what to do without cold, snowy days that I get to spend inside and work on Photographs, Cards or quilting. If I lived in Florida, say, when would I get a chance to work on my hobbies?
This past week, my neck yoke, double tree, etc. arrived and I got them put on my wagon and drove the "kids" up the mountain, for six miles, to our cow camp at the Carr Springs. The next day, I set out to put salt out for the cows and it was a dream come true. I got to spend time with my Belgians, listening to the rattle of the wagon and the clink of the chains and get "up close and personal" with Mother Nature. It's amazing how unafraid the animals are, when you don't have a motorized vehicle. I had the most wonderful day; except for the rough road and rocks, which almost threw me out a few times. My hands, arms and back were very tired on the way back down the mountain, so one of the Texans, Doug, drove them for the last three or four miles. What a relief that was. I am going to have to build up a few of those muscles, before the next adventure.
Now, I'm going to back up to where I left off, on my last post....
My mother and dad worked hard on the ranch and I remember being bundled up in coats, scarves, overshoes and sleeping bags, to keep warm. We had sheep and fed them cake, so we were taken along. Three kids, born in 1948, 1949 and 1951! Back then, the diapers were cloth (Birdseye) and probably at least two of us in diapers at the same time for quite awhile. Lee was the oldest and he was a good "big" brother, until Pax got old enough to side with him and gang up on me. Photo is Dad, Lee and me, about 1951, I think.
I have a lot of good memories, though. Here is a photo of Lee, our Grandfather, Pax (holding me) and our cousin, Edna. I'm not sure if it was taken at Cow Camp or the Pat O'Conner Place.
Edna, Frank, Lee and I spent a lot of time together, in the summers when they lived at Dugout (Pat O'Conner Place). I always heard my Elders refer to 'the good old days' and now I have those, too. My life has so many memories, that I'll never be able to get them all down on this blog. I would like to add, that I have many more good memories than bad ones. I will be skipping around some, here and there, but only because my CRS kicks in, at the worst times. For those of you that are not familiar with the disease, CRS stands for can't remember sh_ _ ! Fortunately, though it isn't as unforgiving as Alzheimer's. I usually remember things, in the middle of the night.
At the end of the summers, we would travel to Buffalo and stay with Big Pax and my grandmother, Villa, for the Johnson County Fair. Lee and Pax would get in the Kids Pony Races and Edna and I would be in the Barrels and Poles. We always rode our horses in the parade and Villa always put on a huge picnic lunch, one of the days of the fair. I think we ate a similar meal at Vi Duncan's on one of the other days. It was always fun and I made some good friends.
Came across a few more photos, that I would like to share, at this time. The first one, is a photo of Big Pax, on upper Meadow Creek, with a Mule deer over his horse.
Below Pax, is Villa, about 1917, which was the year they got married. Not sure where it was taken.
Below Villa, is a picture of Van, Villa, Pax and Billy. I think it was taken in the 60s.
This is Herma, in the early 40's
When we were at the Spearhead, one time, Lee had a friend with him and they told Pax, that if he would crawl through a culvert, first, they would give him half interest in it. Haha. Lee was always the instigator and being the oldest, we thought he was the wisest and would usually go along with him. Another time, at Meadow Creek, we went over the hill and went swimming by ourselves. Lee knew that Mom would come looking for us, so he told us to pile our clothes up on the bank, and hid underneath the bank so she couldn't see us. OMG! When she realized that we hadn't all drowned, we got in big trouble. Another time, Lee said that we should walk up to Cow Camp, because Villa would give us some cookies. We didn't make it to Cow Camp, but when Mom found us, she made us walk home and if we slowed down, she would honk the horn and make us walk faster. We usually didn't try pranks like that more than once, though. My God, she must have had her hands full, with us running all over the place. We were never indoors and usually found trouble, every day or so. One more time, we found some baby skunks and put them in Dad's two-horse trailer, so we could show Mom!!! It stunk so bad....it's a wonder that we all survived our childhood.
L to R: Sunny, Pax, Lee
We all learned to drive, at a very young age. When we fed the sheep or bulls, Dad would put us behind the wheel and put it in Granny and we were supposed to drive in a big circle. This still does on today, with our Grandkids, a little. They like to sit on our laps and steer. Some things do get handed down from generation to generation.The first photo, below, was taken at the UC Ranch, west of Alcova. It is Big Pax, Pax, Van, Villa, Me, Herma, Grace and Herman.
Below, is a photo of Mom. Looks like it may have been at Douglas, too. Her horse's name was Warbonnet.
Well, now you know a little about my family and I hope you've enjoyed reading. If any of you have a memory about one of my siblings or parents, I hope you will comment on this blog or better yet, give me a call.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Okay....I'm doing a blog or blogging. That said, all I can think of is, "Huh?" Now what do I do? How do I make a page look like the other bloggers pages? Guess I will start with a few lines pages about myself.
I am a short, senior citizen....which means I either haven't been a senior citizen for very long or I'm not very tall. Actually, I am in my early sixties, but in two more years, I will be in my mid sixties. I am 5'2", with eyes of blue and white hair, which I inherited from my lovely Grandmother, Nana Grace. I was born and raised in rural Wyoming. I now live about 35 miles from where I was born. My life has been a full one, but I have been very blessed and am very happy.
I had two brothers, one older and one younger and they loved to make my life as difficult as they could. They always teased and tormented me, until they usually had me crying or tattling on them. Most of the time, I was the one who got punished, though and I'm going to try and upload a picture of my punishment. This was not a corner, but I was not allowed to get down or speak or play. I don't have any photos of my brothers sitting on this chair.....don't know if they every did. Anyway, after tattling a few times and being punished, I found out ways to get even, instead. I won't go into a lot of detail, but I will say, that after 30+ years of therapy, I know that, #1---I'm not adopted and #2---that they really do love me.
My dad and mom were ranchers, sheep ranchers, in those days and were not afraid of hard work. They took us with them on all the work, because there was no place else for us and they wanted us to learn the ways. And we did. One time, we were shearing sheep, in the Spring and we wanted to go to the Trackmeet at our school, so we did....on horseback. It was a long day, but worth it. We all learned to ride, as soon as we could walk. We spent a lot of time horseback, even when we were playing. We loved being outdoors and would invent games, like: The Lone Ranger and Cowboys and Indians; of course, I was always the bad man that they would chase, or the Indian that stole the money! Also, my horse kicked up if I tried to make him run and the boys loved to see me try.
I'm gonna take a break, but will be back, soon!
I am a short, senior citizen....which means I either haven't been a senior citizen for very long or I'm not very tall. Actually, I am in my early sixties, but in two more years, I will be in my mid sixties. I am 5'2", with eyes of blue and white hair, which I inherited from my lovely Grandmother, Nana Grace. I was born and raised in rural Wyoming. I now live about 35 miles from where I was born. My life has been a full one, but I have been very blessed and am very happy.
My dad and mom were ranchers, sheep ranchers, in those days and were not afraid of hard work. They took us with them on all the work, because there was no place else for us and they wanted us to learn the ways. And we did. One time, we were shearing sheep, in the Spring and we wanted to go to the Trackmeet at our school, so we did....on horseback. It was a long day, but worth it. We all learned to ride, as soon as we could walk. We spent a lot of time horseback, even when we were playing. We loved being outdoors and would invent games, like: The Lone Ranger and Cowboys and Indians; of course, I was always the bad man that they would chase, or the Indian that stole the money! Also, my horse kicked up if I tried to make him run and the boys loved to see me try.
I'm gonna take a break, but will be back, soon!
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