Author Archives: kathousekelli70

Wickenburg, AZ

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Packed in the rain this morning and headed towards Wickenburg. A stop we have made in the past coming to Winter Range when we've flown in to LA.

The Cowboy Cafe was on the horizon for brunch, when what do my wandering eyes did appear?! It's no longer there and in its place a saloon 😦

So it was the Twin Wheels Cafe that took care of us with bacon, eggs, toast and coffee. Great little cowboy cafe with bits and pieces, film photos etc on the walls.

Now if you have never been to Wickenburg before then you must make a visit to the Desert Cabelleros Western Museum. It's a must see. Didn't go there this time but visited in 2011 and 2012.

We also keep missing the 'Cowgirl Up!' – Art from The Other Half Of The West. This exhibition is on around 21st March and always out of sync for us to take it in.

 

The town of Wickenburg was named after and founded by Henry Wickenburg, a Prussian born prospector who discovered the Vulture Mine. Wickenburg is one of Arizona's oldest towns. It was a gold mining town in the 1800's and is now famous for its annual Gold Rush Days event and Team Roping competitions amongst others.

 

Anyway heading down the road it appears some of the weird cactus trees are starting to flower and then 10miles out of Kingman, yes there is snow on them hills! Last time we came through Kingman in 2013 it was hotter than hell and 108F/42C.

 

Stopping here in Kingman for the night. Have a good one!

Kat xo

For more information about Wickenburg, The Museum or Henry Wickenburg, check out the following links!

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Wickenburg

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wickenburg,_Arizona

http://westernmuseum.org

 

Winter Range 2015 – The Week That Was

Posted on by kathousekelli70

What a week it has been!

We started out Sunday week ago shooting at Cowtown – Fire and Ice. It was a good warmup for the week ahead and got to shoot with some new cowboys and cowgirls.

Monday and Tuesday were Wild Bunch match days. 5 stages each day with 30 pistol, mostly up to 10 rifle and 4 up to 12 shotgun per stage. We had a go at Wild Bunch long range rifle and some speed events for giggles.

 

Tuesday evening was the Classic Cowboy Dinner at the Buffalo Chip Saloon in Cave Creek. This year honours went to Classic Cowgirl “Squawty Bawdy” and Classic Cowboy “G W Ryder”.

Wednesday it was onto Warm Up match and speed events. Back into the cowboy guns and ready for the main match to begin.

Thursday – start of main match and not too bad. A little slow and 1 miss for the day. Jack had a few issues with jacking rounds out, we are 2 for 2 at the end of the day.

 

Friday – Red Shirt Day in honour of all troops serving or have served. A fly over occurs before each wave of shooters commences (for those that have never been to this event there will be x amount of posses that start early, mid or late in the day).

 

The flight team of 4 commences their flyover in formation and part way over one will peel away from the other 3, representing the lost men and women of service.

 

Had a couple of really good runs this day and one very happy cowgirl. Jack continuing his streak from the day before is not particularly happy – and he did have some really good raw times.

Friday night is saloon night with side match awards, followed by Bingo and Poker.

Saturday – last chance to finish the match strong, the weather was a bit drizzly and a tad annoying. Dropped 2 shots on stage 12 and I knew it was going to hurt. All in all, I was pleased to have shot my best Winter Range yet and all would be revealed come Sunday.

 

Saturday night of course is banquet night. I entered the costume contest with the 'Alamo Ball' 1879 gown and won 1 st place Best Dressed Lady and to top it off my seamstress skills assisted a 1st place Best Dressed B-Western Lady for 'Lil McGill'.

 

The Top 16 Mens and Sweet 16 Ladies shooters are also announced for the showdown on Sunday morning.

For the Men's – Blackjack Zac, Cobra Cat, Cody James, Deuce Stevens, Fast Enuff, Frederick Jackson Turner, Gateway Kid, Hell Hound, Matt Black, Ole Short Tom, Ranger McDuffie, Robyn DeVault, Single Barrel, Skin Dawg, Slick McClade and Texas Slim (alternates were Lead Ringer, Colt Faro, Oklahoma Dee and Bogus Deal)

For the Ladies – Bonnie MacFarlane, Crazy Little Woman, Echo Meadows, Kathouse Kelli, Lefty Jo, Lilly Long, Mame, Panhandle Cowgirl, SASS Kicker, Shamrock Sadie, Spur Broke, Sunshine Marcie, Texas Tiger, Tillie Dyes, Two Sons, Whirlwind Wendy (alternates were Etta Mae, Addie Rose, Victoria Diamond and Molly Magoo)

Come Sunday morning the light drizzle cleared and we had one change in the men's lineup and only 12 jittery but keen cowgirls to give it a go. Overall the final two were 'Slick McClade' and 'SASS Kicker'. Congratulations to both of them.

 

Awards were done and dusted in a couple of hours. A big congratulations to 'Tillie Dyes' for taking 1st place in Lady Wrangler, 2nd place me! 'Kathouse Kelli'! 3rd 'Echo Meadows', 4th 'Mame', 5th 'Pinto Annie', 6th 'Renegade Roper', 7th 'Miss Behavin', 8th 'Six Packin Jan', 9th 'Misty Moonshine' and 10th 'Winchester Mariah'

For Wild Bunch I placed 3rd in Ladies Traditional – 1st Place went to 'Texas Tiger', 2nd 'Dixie Bell', 3rd me, 4th 'Lacey Doyley' and 5th 'Shotgun Shannon'.

 

Phew! An awesome week finished off with a great dinner at Abuelos with none other than Judge Roy Bean, Justice Lily Kate, Shotglass, Texas Jack Daniels, Squawty Bawdy, Hipshot, Hawkshaw Fred, Hot Tamale, Aspen Filly and her sister Nancy. Thanks for the invite, Jackaroo and I thoroughly enjoyed it and everyone's company.

 

 

Kat xo

 

 

On To Phoenix, AZ

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Up at dawn to a clear crisp morning in Stanley, New Mexico. We are on the road to Phoenix.

 

We will stop in Winslow, AZ……take it eeeeeeasy, take it eeeeeeeassy……I was standing on the corner of Winslow Arizona, such a fine sight to see…….sorry, stopping for lunch 🙂

 

Anyway had our bit of fun and back on the road again. Going to avoid Flagstaff and instead turn South from Winslow and head down through Clints Well and across to Camp Verde.

It's a beautiful drive down through the Coconino National Forest (7000ft) and road is not too windy, didn't get to see any deer or elk though.

Reached Camp Verde but think we have bypassed the Fort post where the camels went through.

Onto Phoenix arriving at 4pm into the rooms, hit the shops for groceries, now ready for a drink and prepare for Fire and Ice tomorrow. Yee haa!

Welcome to the land of cactus and hot air balloons. Hopefully we will get to see some of the balloons up this week heading to the range of a morning.

 

Shopping is done, room is good – they have been updated since last time here. It's drinks time!

Cheers!

 

Kat xo

Oh, and we had a “discussion” about the camel post and Camp Verde and which trip it was?! It was 2012 AND after some research it wasn't Camp Verde, AZ but Camp Verde, TX! Haa haa haa oh well, I knew which building I was looking for, flags, camels and buffalo in paddocks and that wasn't here!

 

3 States In A Day

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Leaving Oklahoma to head for Winter Range, SASS (USA) National Championships.

It's a bleak looking morning 42F and as we head west, hit fog just before we leave OK state line and hit the Texas panhandle.

 

Car projects keep me busy as we travel……….is this the way to Ammmarillo…why yes, yes it is. 2.5hrs into the trip and still 88miles til we reach Amarillo where we will probably stop for lunch.

 

Wasn't long before sunshine started to peak through the fog and blue skies were on the horizon. Yeah, bring it on!

Oklahoma is flat but it sits at an elevation of 1140ft, we've already risen another 1800ft and by the time we get to Albuqurque will be at around 5500ft.

Lunch at Amarillo and it's tshirt weather – 71F, ahhhh 🙂

 

Welcome to the Land of Enchantment! State number 3 by 2pm. We'll make 'Singin' Sue' and 'Shanley Shooter's place by about 4.30pm where we stop for the night with our gracious hosts and then on to Phoenix, Arizona tomorrow!

Cheers!

Kat xo

 

Oklahoma….Mum’s Shop Came In Handy

Posted on by kathousekelli70

When I get to Mum's it usually always ends up with a 'trip to the shop' ie: her fabric and trim stash cupboard.

Last time it was brightly coloured ric rac braids that I thought I could use to trim Wild Bunch outfits. She didn't really care, as long as I could use it.

 

I pulled them out of the cupboard numerous times this week and put them away again. Will I, won't I. Well….why the hell not!

In fact, why not go the brightest one you can find?!

So my Oklahoma inspired outfit of skirt, corselet and top has finally been completed. I bought the fabric early last year but that's beside the point.

Not only does it feature the acquired gaudy coloured braid of the perfect matching colours but the outfit has state symbols from Oklahoma.

Here comes your history lesson. Stay with me, it's short this time. 🙂

Now originally Mistletoe was the State flower, chosen in 1893 is the oldest Oklahoma emblem however was later changed to the Oklahoma Rose.

Well that would have been too much of a mix so I have chosen the State Wild Flower for my top which is the Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) for botanists and flower nerds out there. Just quietly, Grams would have wanted to know the botanical name. Bless her.

 

I did not forget the mistletoe and as I was searching for the State Bird – Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Muscivora forficate) – might as well keep going with correctness! Lol! So the original 1893 emblem and the bird are featured on my skirt.

 

To top it off, the fabric is the closest matching colour blue I could find to the flag and I have embroidered the symbol from the flag on the corselet and the alternating panels on my skirt.

In case you didn't know and I hear you wanting to know more, you know you want to – The Oklahoma State flag features an Osage (pronounced ) warrior's shield on a blue background. Across it lay an olive branch and calumet or peace pipe with 7 eagle feathers decorating the shield – both or all 3 symbols of peace. The design was officially adopted as Oklahomas flag in 1925 however the word 'Oklahoma' was added beneath the shield in 1941. (Have seen the original hanging in the State Capitol building!)

That's it! Lesson over! Hee hee hee, will post a pic after I wear it next week.

Have a good one, be kind to your mother……she might have extra trim!

Kat xo

P.S. Finally got my Aussie fabric made up to so it will be featured next week also!

 

The Liberated Woman

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Now I say that very casually, as it was still late 1890's when 'Sporting Costumes' went through a change for women.

With women now being able to be 'wheel women' amongst other sports, came an introduction to ditching the petticoats and skirts.

This arose out of a 'safety' factor so you didn't end up A over T and being very unladylike during an untimely dismount from your bicycle.

I had looked at the cycling costume before but it wasn't until 'Tacky Jackie' asked if I would make her one that I got more interested in it again. I quickly bought the pattern and got fabrics and away we went.

In my research I had found pictures of ladies in skirts on their bicycles with large hats or boater style hats. Still looked a little impractical but I have seen a friend riding her original antique cycle in complete skirt ensemble! So it is possible.

 

Wasn't what we were looking for though. Wanting the more practical version of Turkish bloomers and basque, this would bring 'Tacky Jackie' and 'Kathouse Kelli' into practicality fashion of the late 1890's.

This picture found at the below link from the Metropolitan Museum, you will find a few other pic's at that site of this particular suit. It is original and I do love the detailing on it.

 

However, I feel this picture probably says it all! Probably more what I perhaps would have been like, had I been allowed out of skirts back then! Lol!

 

The pattern used for these is Laughing Moon Mercantile #110 Ladies 1890's Sporting Costumes – with Leggings. It has a great bibliography, descriptions and excerpts from fashion books from the era. Too much for here today.

So, Jackies choice was a small check print cotton. She didn't want a wool fabric so this is what we created,with a contrast belt and collar in black. She has cream lace dickie, black buttoned leggings and of course the ensemble wouldn't be complete without her new boater hat.

 

I had fabric that I had bought from the lovely 'Aspen Filly'. A small houndstooth wool, the perfect colour for keeping dust unnoticeable whilst out riding. I'm waiting on a neat buckle to go on this one.

 

Haa! Bloomers on with leggings! I'm now waiting on a button hook to come as this was a chore doing it without one!

 

I also had enough fabric for a Hunting Basque (included in the same pattern) so now I can interchange the two of them. Waiting on an antique hunting buckle for this one and have yet to make an appropriate hat. I want to put a dead bird on it but can't seem to find them yet. Will keep looking.

 

So there you go! Something different and unusual compared to my other gowns but now it's back to corsets and shooting outfits for now.

Will get photos of us wearing them later!

Have a good one! Kat

 

http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/159074?rpp=20&pg=1&pos=1&ft=bicycle+suit&img=1 1896-98 Cycling Suit. Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~ug02/hendrick/women.html The Possibility of Mobility: Women

http://www.lafnmoon.com/product_p/p110.htm 1890's Sporting Costume, Laughing Moon Mercantile

 

 

Meandering Through The Sculptures

Posted on by kathousekelli70

It's a beautiful Monday and an expected top of 21C/70F but already it's feeling rather warm.

I've been waiting for a gorgeous day to come and take photos of the bronze statues that adorn downtown Edmond. Before venturing out today though I wanted to try and find out more about them and locations first.

I happened across a video on You Tube by Edna Parrish which not only show many more sculptures but interviews and how the public art came to be. You can catch it at the link listed below.

Ms Parrish also mentioned the Edmond Convention and Visitors Bureau (see web link below). The ladies we met were lovely, gave us plenty of information and sent us on our way with an armful of maps and other Oklahoma places to visit in our travels across the country.

So the first bronze statue 'Las Brisas' was right across the car park at the Pelican Aquatic Centre.

 

Round we went into Hafer Park and found the 'Big Wish', that was easy to find. The 'Art of Peace' was eventually found after a walk around the duck pond and checking out a fat little squirrel moving in and around the trees.

 

Now some of them were a bit like a treasure hunt but we eventually got some sort of a system and sense of direction so we weren't doubling back on ourselves too much.

Next we found the OU Medical Center – handy to know where it was in case we ever need it – where 'Root and Wings' appears on the corner of 2nd and S Bryant.

 

Then 'Spirit of the Prairie' seemed like such a known location but we had never seen it and were trying to work out how we could have missed it. Well happens to be in a car park of one of the shopping outlets and have never driven in there. There they were, both elements 'The Thrasher' and 'Next Winters Bread' standing at the entrance of the building,

 

Onto 'Anglers', again hidden a little in a business park, such detail in his cute interpretation. Perhaps a little girl with her grandfather off to a nearby creek?

 

'First Star' is almost hidden by a hedge near the bank and again on a road that we travel almost every week! Although you could be forgiven for not seeing it.

 

This one is gorgeous! 'She Ain't Heavy', a little boy perhaps lifting his little sister or friend up to reach an apple on the tree. Looks like he has one in his pocket already too.

 

'Raven A and Raven B' are at the front of an OnCue gas station/service station on Broadway – passed it – have never seen it. Have now!

 

It's nearing lunch time so we head to the downtown area of Edmond. We parked near Edmonds first school where two statues of kids reading books reside. I didn't get a pic of the plaques and can't seem to find what they are called.

 

'Lady Liberty', a centennial celebration recast, sits on the median on Boulevard.

 

Further on down Boulvard and we find 'Journey II', a brief interlude of ducks or geese in the street median. I'm sure the Postman was wondering what I was doing running across the road to take a photo.

 

Down to Downtown Edmond and begin the walk to lunch via the bronze statues and back.

'Wishing Well' a bronze by an unknown artist.

 

'Jester' a bronze by Victor Issa.

 

Cross the road and 'Woman With Shawl', a bronze by Shirley Thompson Smith.

 

Up to the next corner and you will find 'Face Fragment II, III, IV. Wonder what ever happened to number one?! These are bronzes by Susan Evans, a little more on the abstract side.

 

We did see a couple of gorgeous murals, one over near the school and the other on the side of the building on Broadway. Gorgeous work, if I have it right, this one is 'Historic Edmond Mural' by Bob Palmer. (?)

 

Just around the corner and it's 'Paper Aeroplane', also known as Journeys of the Imagination. I really liked this one because of the little boy obviously daydreaming about his paper planes and the ability to fly and soar in the sky!

 

Side bar here, Ye old barber shoppe, they still exist! Shut today but a peek inside the window and it's like you've stepped back into the 50's with this little gem.

 

'Pastoral Dreamer' which makes me think of him lying in a field of tall grass gently waving in the wind.

 

Then it was time to stop in at Sweeney McGanns pub for a quick beer and half a hamburger each. Yes they are big enough to share. Sometimes we forget and regret. Today we remembered though and felt somewhat more comfortable for the afternoon!

What did we see next? Oh yeah! Many more, these are the rest of the bronzes we saw today just in this short space of time.

Did I tell you I hate frogs? There are frogs on the middle lilly. I really don't like frogs…..

The eagle was amazing, so much detail in his feathers.

These two are just in a side street but I remembered the 'Song of Songs' from when we signed paperwork at Keller Williams offices for our place.

This is only 35 of the some 120 statues located in and around Edmond. We did see some more Downtown but were a little abstract. Don't get me wrong I like some abstract art but I was really out to see the bronze detailed sculptures this time more than anything else.

Phew! What a day. If you ever get the chance or the inclination, go check them out.

Cheers

Kat xo

(Monday 9th February)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oXlZ76imhw Statues of Edmond OK by Edna Parrish

http://www.visitedmondok.com/publicart.htm

 

 

Edwardian Hat Making

Posted on by kathousekelli70

I was asked by a couple of ladies from the club if I would like to Attend an Edwardian Hat Making class at the Oklahoma History Centre. Well yeah! A day out, didn't have a shoot on and to learn something new? Of course!

So today was the day. Met up with 'Sagebrush Sadie' and 'I B Real Slow' at the History Centre and together with 5 other ladies we sat and listened to Barbara regale us with stories of her various persona's she plays whilst giving education classes, history enactments etc. A lovely lady.

 

This class was well worth it just for her stories, however did learn new tips for making Edwardian hats. Time period you might ask? 1901 to 1910.

You know, the big hats with feathers, flowers and as much as you can fit on it just about.

 

Well not being one to be totally unprepared I did some research into gowns and period clothing from this time as I usually sit well in the 1870'-1880's. I didn't know whether there would be choices I would have to make so I searched for ideas so I could make a hat and later make the clothing to match.

I was getting a little ahead of myself because all supplies were of the same colouring of which I am grateful for the tuition anyway. NOW however (and I know I could have worked it out for myself should I have wanted to engage in this time period) I am wanting to indulge one day in an Edwardian outfit and of course up to 1910 still fits with SASS ladies.

Now I have visions of loveliness in cream lace and fabrics of muted colours with trims and a gorgeous voluminous hat of epic proportions!!

So thank you to Sarah of the Oklahoma History centre, in charge of class schedules and the lovely Barbara and her other volunteer assistants for a great day.

Oh! Did I tell you we got to make a hat pin as well? And 'Velvet Glove', Barbara also knows the secret of 'flag wire'! I have to make more.

 

Thank you lovely ladies for inviting me to go with you today, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Cheers

Kat xo

P.S. Lunch was provided with class and had the backdrop of the Oklahoma State Capitol with the Winnie Mae of course!

 

Work Shirkers Wednesday

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Shirk – avoid or neglect responsibility. Slang for dodging work!!

A great start to the day and out for the monthly mid week Cowboy Practice Match. We had a roll up of 10 brave souls for 6 stages but really the weather was quite nice for the first 4 stages until the temperature started to drop significantly. Good fun as always!

We installed the next window into the Mercantile before hand and now only have 1 left to do – well partially anyway. It's progressing well.

 

If we get approval and time, keep your eye out for other added props at Land Run or the Southwest Regional – Red Dirt Rampage.

We have been privileged to be able to add a little Aussie spirit into the Territorial Marshal's club. Thank you!

Kat xo

 

 

Practice In The Sun

Posted on by kathousekelli70

…….I'm proud to be an Okie from Muskogee, a place where even squares can have a ball…,,,,we still wave old glory down at the court house, and white lightning's stil the biggest thrill of all….,, Just a bit of Merle Haggard on the way to the range. As you do!

It's beautiful t-shirt weather, so we're off for some practice! Don't worry, it's supposed to get cold again and normal winter temps by Thursday.

We got the range all set and after some reasonable practice and seeing a few cowboy's, it was time to pack up and move on out.

 

A late stop for Pops famous Edmond Burger, well I think they are. Cheese, mushrooms, bacon……yum! And Tuesday's they are half price. Jack had an OKC Burger. A zero calorie soda is pretty pointless when you have a burger but I really like the Jones Zilch Vanilla Bean Soda!

 

We've been to Pops a few times, still a great icon on the Route 66 and visited by many. Some days you can wait 45minutes to get a table in here.

 

With over 500 varieties of sodas and some great food it is frequented often by travellers and in particular bikers. Summertime, holidays and weekends will see the car park full.

 

Man, that was almost an advertisement blurb right there! Lol!

 

Hope you've had a good day, no matter what the weather.

Kat xo