Category Archives: Lifes a Dance

Lifes a Dance

Feelin’ The Love

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Had a nice visit with Dad and Mum yesterday.

Was surprised to see Aunty Wendy, Aunty Shirley, Aunty Susan, Fiona, Peter and Rosemary, Cheryl and met Betty from down the road. Oh and of course my little brother Chris rocked up just before we left.

Mum had made a cake and we got spoilt with scones, jam and cream!

Loved it, thanks Mum! After all the flurry of talking and the past achievements that she was showing off – we didn’t get a photo together!! 😥😥

We headed for Newcastle then to the baby girls, Peter and Tighan. Had fun with them that’s for sure!

Had a great day, hugs to you all from us!

Kat xo

Coastal Creep

Posted on by kathousekelli70

We headed out early this morning and wound our way down the coast where roadwork still remains after who knows how many years now.

It seems these roadworks have been going on since I was a kid making our annual pilgrimage to the Gold Coast for holidays.

It’s hazy as well from nearby bushfires in the Clarence Valley. The bushfire season up and down the eastern coast is the worst it’s been in about 20 years.

Fires have been happening already in the past few weeks as far south as Ulladulla region again and we haven’t even hit Spring yet.

We pass many Rural Fire Service trucks heading North to assist.

Next stop, Cundletown to visit Dad and Mum and a few family.

Then it will be further south to Newcastle and the grandgirlies for the night!

Tomorrow we will head west for Gunnedah and get set for Buffalo Camp this weekend.

See you on the highway.

Kat xo

Gold Coast Happenings

Posted on by kathousekelli70

From Borobi the Commonwealth Games mascot….

To your everyday comic koala….

The Gold Coast beaches are still surprising Jack and I with spectacular weather for walking.

Covering a few miles each day walking through parks and back along our gorgeous white sandy beaches…

…to walks along ‘Millionaires row’ and back along more beach front.

Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach have kept us entertained with everything from beach weddings, car park bathing (you heard me right), model photography in cool waters and cappuccinos in nearby coffee shops.

The winter weather is truly spectacular with much less humidity and rain than we experience during Summer.

Hope you are enjoying your days wherever you may be. Make each one count.

Kat xo

Beachcomber’s

Posted on by kathousekelli70

The weather is just superb here at the moment and in need of some exercise, I convinced Jack to come walking with me.

We set out this morning after breakfast towards Broadbeach and beyond. Through the park at Broadbeach are exercise machines so we stopped at each station to add to the workout.

We kept on to Kurrawa Surf Club, ditched the runners once there and proceeded back along the sand. How good it feels to have the sand between our toes again. Despite the water being rather fresh! There were a few brave souls in the water.

What a view and an hour well spent!

Kat xo

First Leg

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Well I never want to hear the name Stella again, please don’t call your child that I heard that name enough in 2hrs past! 😂😂 poor baby, couldn’t keep still in a fit.

Had a pleasant fly over the West rim of the Grand Canyon. A diversion due to weather we were skirting around it was an exceptional view!

Lake Havass coming into Las Vegas was also a spectacular sight but didn’t get pictures of it.

Here’s to the next leg, hope the dog behind me doesn’t start bouncing off the seat like the previous precious little one. 🙄😬😂😂

Kat xo

Bluebonnets and Candy Corn

Posted on by kathousekelli70

A strange combination but really, they aren’t together, just together for the same wearer!

Petticoat Parker’s new Texas blue bonnet and flags corset, reticule and matching arm garters for Red River Raider.

Getting set for Halloween later in the year, she also has her candy corn ensemble as well.

Fun stuff!

Kat xo

Let’s Go Swimming!

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Made from Ageless Patterns 1893 Swimming Costume pattern these cute swimsuits are sure to keep a certain cowgirl cool for Summer shoots.

When Dirty Nerdy gets these it will suit her personality down to the ground.

I’m sure in 1893 the suggested fabrics were blue flannel! A far cry from these whimsical patterns that Dirty Nerdy acquired.

My favourite?! The pin up girls of course followed by the Liberty fabric.

They were fun to do, probably make a couple changes next time I do this pattern but I love them.

Kat xo

West to East

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Well that does sound like we are travelling a lot further across the country but no, just a few states.

Wyoming, on through Nebraska, dropping down into Kansas and further down into Oklahoma.

As we came into Kansas yesterday we found the historical marker indicating the geographical centre of the country.

 

We stopped in Belleville, KS for the night and walked from the motel to the BelVilla family dining. A little home style restaurant, licensed, nothing flash about the decor but great food and awesome service. I asked the girl if I could keep the menu, a newspaper style print with a beautiful old courthouse and water tower on the front.

 

If you know me then of course I wanted to find this building. Jack and I headed into the downtown district after breakfast. Belleville was established in 1869, some old buildings came into view but alas no old courthouse just the white Art Deco version in the town square. We drove in and around a few streets, asked two old guys (one at a workshop and one driving the USPS truck) and both have only been in the area for a couple of years and couldn't help.

As Jack filled the car with gas, I did a search on the phone and when he returned all I could work out was that it had been burned down and replaced with the current one and also that Belleville was known for the 'world's fastest half mile high bank dirt track!'

A race track for midgets and sprint cars. As we got back on the road there on the left was the Highbanks Hall of Fame and Museum so we stopped in for a quick look.

 

The gentleman was just opening up the doors as we were looking at the display out front. We went in for a short visit.

 

This picture shows a photo of the track at the top and below it a painting of the track. The Belleville High Banks dirt track is 23 ft high on the bank and 80ft wide, you can't walk up it but can certainly run at 140mph in these little cars!

 

There are some great displays, cars and memorabilia for the car enthusiast to stop and have a look. Donation for entry.

Back on the road and we are heading for Marysville and the Pony Express station. This is, as a sign said in a paddock, Pony Express country. From Washington this section of the highway is known as the Pony Express Highway.

 

A quick stop in Hanover, the visitor centre is closed but we saw the Pony Express Station on the Hollenberg Ranch just east of town. It is said to be the only one still on its original site. (Seems contradictory now when you get to the next stop! lol)

 

Next stop Marysville. The Marysville Pony Express Station is the only original station still on its original site. Home Station No.1 has been many other businesses over the course of history but has been lovingly restored and stripped of modern fabrications back to its original limestone walls.

 

The 18″ thick limestone walls, original openings for light and ventilation with a replacement roof – 12 years after the pony express ran through – the original roof had been burnt in a fire.

This station allowed riders to stay in bunks within the barn, often up to 10 days until the next mail came in, or they could stay at the nearby Barrett Hotel.

 

During the 19 months the Pony Express ran for, over 35,000 pieces of mail were delivered via 200 relay stations. The number of rides/mileage made is enough to circumnavigate the world 3 times over.

 

Mary set us up for a short video when we entered and Shirley gave us the rest of the tour through many wonderous antiques, machinery, vehicles, reproduction stagecoach, popcorn machine, dioramas and much more!

 

What a sensational stop, she suggested the Wagon Wheel for lunch near the statue and glass panels. We headed there next and had a great lunch with a quick visit to the statue in the 99F heat. The glass picture panels are great, the picture changes with your movement.

 

We continued our journey south through the great Kansas plains and farming land. Corn……..corn………..and more corn. I'm sure there is more to the crops than that, just seems like that is all you see. 🙂

We made it! We are back in Oklahoma.

Kat xo

 

 

Wild Horse Haven

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Our time at Wild Horse Haven wrapped up this morning as we prepared to get back on the road towards Oklahoma.

It has been a wonderful, relaxing, entertaining week and a half with John and Anna. Jack and I cannot thank you enough for your hospitality.

I managed much sewing, a little reading and movie watching. More relaxation than I am normally doing. We enjoyed the balcony drinks, dinners and Cheyenne hill views under this great big sky.

Despite a very much cooler on the 4th July evening, the fireworks displays Anna and I watched as the stormy skies gave way to dark orange sunset's were, as always, spectacular!

Last nights pink sky setting couldn't have been a more perfect and fitting farewell.

 

Hugs and thank you again dear friends.

Kat xo

 

Pawnee Station

Posted on by kathousekelli70

In the small town of Nunn, Colorado is the Great Guns Shooting Club where the Pawnee Station Annual shootout was held this past weekend.

 

Friday we headed down from Cheyenne for side matches and check out the ranges for the match. We had did a couple warm up stages, ran the speed shotgun, rifle and pistols 3 times and helped out where we could.

 

I spent some time with Agarita Annie discussing transitions and suggested runs on a few stages before it was soon time for Jack to do the Posse Marshal walk through.

 

Saturday morning and we are up bright and sparky early to go join the rest for Day 1 of the main match. Posse 1 headed by Jack, with myself, Wild Horse John, Wildcat Cliff, Lil Chicadee, Buzzard Wawkin, Duelly, Kid Canyon, Semi Colon, Home Range, Prairie Wind, Prairie Lightning, Prairie Sheriff, Blazen Vaquero, Sonora Blaze and Rooster Rick.

 

The sky was blue and cloudless, the sun bright and scorching as we set down into the 'bowl' for stages 1-5. A slight relieving breeze came through around stage 3.

Jack didn't start off crash hot but finished out the first 5 strong and I was clean.

 

Beer and relaxation was looking good for the end of day 1.

It's like dejavu as we head out Sunday morning for stages 6-10. Water was being consumed at a fast rate by all competitors and we were finished when the breeze started around 11.30am.

Clean match for me and just 1 miss the previous day for Jack. We had a great posse and even with 3 little Buckaroo's we got through our stages with everyone working efficiently.

 

Lunch was again provided by the barbecue place in Wellington. Saturday was pulled brisket and succulent turkey on buns and for Sunday lunch it was superb, fall off the bone, rubbed ribs. Sensational!

Awards started soon after and got done by about 2pm. Congratulations to the Pawnee Station Vindicators for another great match.

Jack was 1st in Silver Senior, 2nd Neuces Slim, 3rd John Mosby.

 

Congratulations to my fellow Lady Wrangler in 2nd place Pauline Mosby.

 

Jack had won Speed Pistol in the side matches and the Cowboy Challenge.

I took 1st overall with Avery Wade 1st cowboy overall in 2nd place! Congrats cowboy!

 

Thank you to all involved wih putting the match on. I know your number were down with other shoots on and it not being a state titles this year but your range beautification efforts, target placement and stages were great.

Kat xo