Wishing all our friends and family a very Happy New Year!
Where ever you are in the world we wish you peace, happiness and good health.
May 2020 be your best year yet for whatever you have planned.
Shoot well cowboys and cowgirls – always stay humble and kind. (Thank you Tim McGraw, great song)
Kat and Jack xoxo
Merry Christmas to you
Happy Holidays too,
Or Happy Hanukkah maybe
Santa’s been under the tree.
Though gifts, it’s much more
It’s beliefs that’s for sure.
Give thanks and love your own way,
Enjoy family and friends on this day.
Be merry and eat
Relax, stay off your feet.
From our house to yours
From across the shores,
We wish you happiness and health
And some New Year wealth.
May your year have been full of adventure and the year ahead be even better!
Much love
Jack n Kat xo
Three very festive looking hats tees heading to the range! Crackers is looking decidedly very safety conscious! Good work Crackers!
Have a great day! Shoot straight if’s ya shootin’ this weekend!
Kat xo
I had the pleasure of creating another beautiful gown for Annie D Vine prior to our leaving Oklahoma last December, unbeknownst to her, it was to be a surprise Christmas present.
Hawkshaw Fred had been in contact earlier with some details of a gown seen in the Court House Museum in Tombstone and we began discussing the Judge and School Ma’am concept.
They had seen a gorgeous bronze/copper and silver gown on display and so with what photo’s Fred had, I began pouring over the details to see how this could be interpreted for them.
Fred’s own idea was for him to portray a Judge of the time period and we discussed all things of robes, his research and ‘passementerie’ detailing.
The gown shown, belonged to a Miss Estell Maxim. She was the school ma’am n Tombstone circa.1884. From the photo’s it appears to be of a light silver grey silk with a bronze jacquard.
With similar fabrics sourced, I was ready to get to it. Not able to find an abstract design such as the diamond pattern from that era we settled on a bronze jacquard rose print that finished up quite nicely.
It features ruching to the back section, pleats/folds in an asymmetrical line to the overskirt. When part way through the construction of the skirt, I had been looking at the photos again only to realise that there appeared to be additional pleating underneath the very edge…….well of course I re-did it and added a pleated section!!!
The bodice carries the ruching in its details on cuffs, sleeve cap and front detail. The buttons were my challenge, photos only show so much and in keeping with what I could see it was determined that I should have fabric set behind a button. I managed to find a pearl and crystal button that I was happy with (after attempting, dimensional paints on others! she says rolling eyes) added a small amount of bronze paint antiqued and now I was satisfied.
Back to the Judge. Hawkshaw Fred had decided he would portray a Federal Judge, Robert Sloan. Sloan was an actual judge in Arizona and later became Governor of Arizona Territory (prior to it becoming a State).
His research took him to Judge’s robes and decided on a red lined robe, paying homage to John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. It was presumed the red was a throwback to robes worn by jurists in England.
His robe was worn over a grey suit and waistcoat, accessorized with a bowler hat, gold watch chain with a PH Dorrett watch and scarab fob. Both attached to a Sharpes four barreled Derringer carried in the waistcoat pocket. A great eye for detail, I love how Hawkshaw and Annie arrive at their costume stories with fact and great accoutrements from their antique collections!!
Along the theme of their presentation the Judge describes how Miss Maxim had requested his opinion on the content of a book recently published by a new author, Mark Twain. Miss Maxim was concerned about reading this book to her students as it contained such notions of playing hooky from school, not doing chores and fighting. Again to Annie’s credit, she was carrying an actual first edition of Huckleberry Finn!
School teachers at the time were not allowed to be married, smoke cigarettes, drink intoxicants of any kind and could definitely not be seen in any Saloon or illicit establishment for any reason. She would also be mindful that she should not be seen riding in a carriage nor accompanying any other man than her brother or father! But with a Judge? Surely no one would question her integrity!
And so we have, the Judge and the School Ma’am (or Schoolmarm). Hawkshaw Fred and Annie D’Vine won first place Best Dressed Couple at SASS World Championship, End of Trail 2019 and also at the Southeast Regional in Huntsville, Alabama.
I am so proud to have been a part of Hawkshaw’s vision of recreating this one. Congratulations to you both!
Hugs
Kat xo
We made it up to Millmerran and the range just outside of town near Captains Mountain. It is hot, dry and dusty. Might I add – the flies are horrendous!! Sticky little buggers!
After unpacking and setting up in the cabins the week was ready to start!
Tuesday saw a few of us get to helping in the office and handing out shooters packs to other competitors. Having fun catching up with one and all.
The ‘Cowgirls & Calibre’s’ shooting clinic with Kathouse Kelli, Pearl Starr and Clancy saw 13 lovely ladies come for some tips and transitions. All walked away with some more knowledge, even our more mature and experienced ladies. Unfortunately an afternoon thunderstorm hit which didn’t allow for any actual shooting critique to be carried out.
Wednesday headed in to the Pat Garrett match. Jack shot first and with an immediate issue with ammo did not make for a great first stage. I was offered to shoot a Single Shot rifle so changed categories and shot for the very first time with a Modern Single Shot. Jack acquired some ammunition that would work for our 38-55 and carried on.
By this stage there has been nightly antics, whip cracking and attempts at karaoke at “Redneck Central Y’All”
Thursday rolled around and now it gets to the serious stuff. It begins with a very early start and Opening Ceremonies with the first four main match stages to follow. The afternoon is for Hannibal Challenge, speed events and Saloon night – oh wait, maybe that was Wednesday night.
Friday and we are in to the second lot of 4 stages. The redneck sista’s made an appearance around camp with Mary-Lou June taking out the 1st place in Cowboy Fastdraw whilst Mary-Lou July held her plaits back! Funny girls.
Bingo was enjoyed that evening before retiring for the final four on Saturday.
The final four are done and dusted come Saturday afternoon. As a new Lady Gunfighter I had way too many misses than I cared for but danged if didn’t have a hell of a lot of fun doing it! Jack had a pretty good run at it albeit a little bit disappointed at times.
With that being said when Saturday evening rolled around to the banquet we were both pleasantly surprised to be in the Top 16 Mens and Top 8 Ladies. Congratulations to all!!
The L.O.C.A.S. Cowgirl of Honor awards were announced with Meggs in 3rd, Pearl Starr 2nd and our seasoned lady of the sport Mrs H in 1st place for 2019. Congratulations ladies for all your fabulous efforts throughout the years.
The Costume Contest ensued with a good number of entries.
Sunday morning and its time for the shootout!
Congratulations to the Top 16 Men – Hoss Rustler, R C Shot, Charlie Wagon, Trapper, Drop Bear, Bat Masterson, Waco Kid, Trooper (who had already left), Rooquero, Jackaroo, Mad Dog Tannen, John Slocum, Marshall Jack Malone, Reckless Kelly, Haymaker, Lightning Jack Kane and Deslaredo (1st alternate).
For the Ladies Top 8 – Clancy, Pearl Starr, Miss Chevious, Lil Backfire, Kathouse Kelli, Alvira Sullivan Earp (unable to participate), Sister Sarah Carnegie, Arizona Pearl (didn’t shoot), Lucky Strike Lass (1st alternate), KT (3rd alternate).
Congratulations to Pearl Starr and R C Shot for taking top honors for the shootout!
This years 2019 Chisholm Trail SASS Regional champions and SSAA Australian Open were Clancy for overall Ladies and Hoss Rustler for Mens. Outstanding effort, both of you a huge congratulations.
Jack finished 1st in Elder Statesman and 11th overall. Congrats to 2nd place, John Slocum and 3rd Rooster Cockburn.
I finished 2nd in Speed Rifle and Shotgun. Placed 1st in Pat Garrett Ladies Modern Single Shot (thanks Allie for the loan! xo) and 1st in Lady Gunfighter. Congratulations to my fellow Lady Gunfighter, Sister Sarah Carnegie.
Happy Trails to all cowboys and cowgirls, until we meet again.
Kat xo
While I sit here in the passenger seat and prepare for the trip to Millmerran. Oh and yes, I actually have time to do a blog! Who’d of thought!!?? 🤣🤣
It’s the time of year where cowboys and cowgirls gather for a week’s worth of fun at the Chisholm Trail Australian SASS Regionals.
As usual we are loaded to the hilt and ready to play!
Jack got a tow at put on and cracked on with making a parcel carrier for the gun cart. Thank goodness he did 😳
Anyway, not sure on reception out at the range and I imagine it won’t be any different to previous years – intermittent at best.
If you’re headed to a match, shoot straight! If you ain’t, then have a sensational week. Oh and be kind to your Mother. Hee hee
Kat xo
Did you miss me?? Lol!
Wow where does time go some days, oh I mean weeks!
Of course I’ve been busy, have been working, playing and trying to get sewing done.
Been visiting family, especially Mum and Dad xoxo
Jack and I have been house hunting! Now that right there is excitement plus!
We’ve been to a few club matches and suffice to say the Gunfighter practice is starting to come together. The thumbs and fingers are starting to get coordinated, so my new challenge is enjoyable to say the least.
I got a Cricut, so everyone’s getting pj’s 🤣🤣 it’s got so much capability, look out for more creativity from that as well. Look out Christmas!!!
For now it’s back to cowboy shirts, corsets, vests, gowns and more – even a kilt! 😉
Love y’all, take care of each other wherever you are.
Kat xo
As normal as it could be haa haa, whilst I sit eating ‘burnt offerings’ for my dinner before I go to work this afternoon.
Yes, burnt schnitty it is!
I’m like a bower bird today flitting from one shiny object to the next. (Jacks background comment- ‘stop doing other things while you are trying to cook!’)
Jacks been playing with his car, working things out in it. I picked up my embroidery machine and put the other two in for their service.
There is still some ironing left to be done but otherwise I’m almost ready to rock and roll it and get to some cutting out for the next projects!
It’s Day 2 of the push-up challenge for Headspace and I’m over halfway with today’s pushups. 155 completed yesterday and on my way to the final 89 left to be done for the 177 today!
The weather is clearing from much rain to glorious days in the low 20’s (71-73f), who said it was winter here? Think we missed it! 😂😂
Anyway, we hope you are having a sensational day no matter where you are in the world.
Keep smiling!
Kat xo
It’s been a casual start to today and seeing as I have no car projects, it’s time for another little history lesson.
Hays was established in 1867, however prior to this, was located near the territories of Arapaho, Kiowa and Pawnee. It was claimed by France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and became part of Kansas Territory in 1854.
Fort Fletcher was established by the US Army in 1865 (southeast of present day Hays) to protect stagecoaches traveling The Smoky Hills Trail.
In 1866, it’s name was changed in honor of the late Brig. Gen. Alexander Hays.
In 1867, with the construction of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, Fort Hays was moved northwest to better serve the railroad.
Then there is more history about a town called Rome, Hays City being formed, Rome was abandoned after cholera outbreaks and so became Hays!
A frontier town, it had its fair share of violence infamous in the American Old West. Some 79 outlaws are said to be buried in Boot Hill north of town by 1885. Wild Bill Hicock served as sheriff for a brief stint in 1869.
Germans settled in Hays around 1886, having a great influence on the culture of the town.
We continued south to Wichita, which began as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail in the 1860’s. It was a cowtown and frequent stop for cattle being driven from Texas to Kansas railroads.
The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railways ran through her during its cowtown days and across the Arkansas River was the usual entertainment of brothels, saloons and lack of law enforcement. Wyatt Earp was one lawmen who at some point got Wichita back on the straight and narrow.
As early as the 1920’s and 30’s it also became known as ‘the air capital of the world’ becoming a US aircraft production hub.
So named after the Wichita people, the Keeper of the Plains monument is spectacular! We have been and visited this in person previously but here is a great sunset pic of it.
Check this out! The first ever Pizza Hut building!
Many fast food chains actually started in Wichita, Pizza Hut in 1958. The building is now located within University grounds.
We exited the I-35 to Wellington but we’re again disappointed the Chisholm Trail Museum is closed and with over an hour til opening time we had to continue on our way.
We continued to Edmond, formed during the April 22, 1889 Land Run. It was named after a Santa Fe railroad traveling freight agent. Well it was the name of the train depot was prior to the town being established but was adopted for the town name also.
The first public schoolhouse in the Oklahoma Territory was completed in August of 1889 and still stands as a historic monument on 2nd street.
The ‘Edmond Sun’ located down the street in the opposite corner is the states oldest continuing newspaper dating from July 18, 1889.
And so it is time for last catch ups, washing and packing before we head for Dallas and departure tomorrow.
Kat xo
Photo Credit:
Stagecoach Robbery by R A Davenport/Hip Postcard
Cowtown – Cowtowns Kansapedia – Kansas Historical Society
Pizza Hut building – Wikipedia
Edmond Schoolhouse – Edmond Historical Society
Leaving the cowboy state of Wyoming and our gracious hosts, Wild Horse John and saginaw Sue this morning, we are headed for Sidney, Nebraska as our first stop.
Sidney is the home to the very first Cabela’s store – it’s always a good time waster going into a Cabela’s!
Not only one of the best fishing, hunting and outdoor stores but awesome displays of taxidermy adorn each one. Bit like a museum!!
It all started in 1961 for the Cabela’s and now 57 years on, they are still going strong.
Back on the 80, passing through lush green farmland, we are heading across Nebraska and will soon head south to Kansas.
Whilst a fair bit of the first stretch was seen through the back of my eyelids, we passed familiar places such as Fort Cody Museum, Golden Spike at North Platte, past Gothenburg, famous as one of the Pony Express post’s!
The temp has risen to a rather warm 98F (36.6C), even the cows are standing in any water they can to cool off.
Entering the ‘sunflower state’ we continue South to Hays for the night.
Kat xo
The Adventures of Jack n Kat 