Tag Archives: Australia

What’s in a New Year?

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Jack and I wish all our family and friends, near and far, a wonderful, happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! May 2016 bring you all the joy and blessings you deserve.

 

We spent New Year's Eve at Ripley with some of the Queensland cowboys and my little one – shooting 4 stages, enjoying dinner and drinks afterwards with a few ringing in the New Year with a black powder salute.

 

Our New Year will hold a healthier Jackaroo, more travel and living each day to the fullest. You never know what's around the corner so make each and every day count – 365 days for 365 new memories.

Use them wisely 😉

Love to you all

Kat xo

 

Bundaberg – Beer, Rum and Friends

Posted on by kathousekelli70

It would be remiss of us to visit Bundy (slang for Bundaberg) without making a trip to the Bundaberg Distilling Company, home to Bundy Bear and Australia's famous Bundaberg Rum.

 

We are staying at my good friends Tania and Stephen and whilst they were working on the Friday I took Jack to the Distillery, past the site of a house fire (hmmm was in Wyoming the next one I was near……I promise I had nothing to do with them, just spotted them both times!!), Bargara to the beach and lastly, the Bundaberg Ginger Beer factory.

 

The distillery was great and the interactive self guided tour we took was sensational. When I last visited in 2010 this didn't exist!

The Bundaberg Rum story actually starts in 1888 when a surplus of molasses was turned into rum. We saw the beginnings of the immigrant Chemist, George Hurt's application, initially to CSR Sugar, ended up landing on managements desk at Milliquin Sugar Refinery. How fortunate they were and in 1949 he gained employment with the company.

 

George Hurt's work – of course along with many others since – was instrumental in the manufacturing of and improving the flavour of the famous Bundy Rum.

 

Did you know? That in World War II it was our American friends that decided Bundy rum was good with cola, and so began the Rum and Coke as a pre mixed drink.

 

I was so impressed with the 'Recovery Road' rum bottles, an initiative dreamed up by the BDC marketing team after the floods in 2013. Rum bottles labelled to honour 171 flood affected streets and a bottle given to every resident in those streets, the rest? sold to consumers and funds raised went back into the community.

 

Exceptional work!

 

Next, we made a brief visit to the Brewhouse aka Bargara Brewing Company and did the usual tasting pallet. They also do some great little pizzas here and is going to be a good spot for weekend lunches.

 

Paid a visit to Bert Hinkler's house in the botanical gardens. An avid aviator, Bert made a few world records, was a Sqn Leader and his English home was eventually moved from Southhampton, England – piece by piece – and reconstructed in its current location in the Bundaberg botanical gardens in honour and recognition of his time in the aviation industry.

 

Then came the rains, sampling of beers, trying to take selfies and enjoying great company.

Bundy it was good seeing ya again!

Kat xo

13 Dec

….it's been a hectic and interesting week and a half since this weekend. Thanks for being patient. Xo

 

You know you’re in Australia when…..

Posted on by kathousekelli70

You come across places like 'Jackass Creek', see oversized kangaroos, and where a 'pie n Coke' can have multiple meanings.

The great Aussie tradition of a pie and Coke – the tradies smoko, the halftime footy lunch, the hangover remedy (remember that one Dad!?!), or just a bloody good idea for an unhealthier version of a lunchtime stop when you have a pie shop staring you in the face!

Normally paired with a splash of 'dead horse' (slang for tomato sauce/ketchup), this Aussie delicacy is favoured by most. I went for the steak and mushroom variety while Jack took in a curried steak.

 

I must say Beefy's of Gympie, outstanding!

Cheers

Kat xo

10th December, 2015 (WordPress still thinks I'm in the States and its yesterday, so sorry if any confusion)

http://beefys.com.au/beefys-gympie/

 

Australian Nationals 2015

Posted on by kathousekelli70

A quick trip to Harrington, catching up with an old friend from school (Heidi was the cool friend with red gym boots!) and we made the trek south again to Newcastle staying another fun filled night with a certain little princess sporting her new Frozen dance skirt.

Monday we headed to the range and over the next few days got stuck into 'building' in the bunkhouse. We finished lining it with timber panels, beading, installing shelving and a new corner to the existing, sort-of-a-shelf. We made and installed coat racks, cutting 3 from the old one and making another 5.

The sewing machine also came in handy for hemming curtains for the window, dressing room and showers.

 

We got the guns back into our hands and got the muscle memory happening and seemed reasonably happy with a practice. Things were looking okay.

Come Thursday the campers are definitely rolling in and the fun is beginning, side matches and Warm Up match were held on a particularly warm Friday! 42C/108F

Beers, catch ups and posse marshal walk through was done and dusted.

94 shooters fronted up Saturday and Sunday with, thankfully, cooler and sensible shooting weather days. 6 stages held each day. Movement, reloads, and good stage design.

Don't know what it was though but with only 2 clean shooters for the match, the rest of us had too many misses!

However, we had a great Posse and paired up with Posse 4 we had as much fun as you could get! Posse 3 and 4 – myself, Jackaroo/Ricochet, Chuckwagon and my Margarita Sista Pearl Starr, Gopher, Squints, Kitty Pearl and Sidewinder Sam, Dam Sam, Walker, Tom Mix, Henry Moon, S.O.B., Hoodoo Brown, Tin Star, Black Jack, Holy Ollie, and Sodbuster – if I have it right. (First time I haven't taken a photo of our posse list so I did get it right)

Saturday night we had the shindig and gambling.

 

Then Sunday it was all over bar the shouting. Jack finished 1st in Senior and 6th overall. I finished 1st in Lady Wrangler, 2nd Lady and 8th overall. There was 1 rank point and 0.07sec between Jack and I.

Above photo's courtesy of S.Sedger.

A big congratulations to RC Shot and Jazzi Jess, Men's and Ladies Overall Champions for this years 2015 Australian National Championship!

Congrats!

Kat xo

 

Broken Hill, NSW

Posted on by kathousekelli70

We are now on our way along the Silver City Hwy taking us to Broken Hill in far west New South Wales.

We had a couple of nights in Mildura and a chill out day. Got 4 corsets finished and one sent away to its new owner. Piping done and pinned for a “yellow” project and more bling and stars for the “teal” project.

 

Now, if I just get my hands on an overlocker/serger this will also include completion of a pair of pants as well and will be into other projects! Never a dull moment, love it.

Yesterday afternoon we enjoyed a swim at the Motel, 36C/98F, although there hasn't really been enough hot days for the pool to warm up fully so took a little while to get used to the water, suffice to say it was very refreshing!

 

Then on recommendation we found the Curry and Tandoor Indian restaurant. Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh, Naan Bread, Samosa's – perfect, hot, fabulous food. Beads of sweat on Jack's brow a good indication it was good!

 

A leisurely start to the day, will take us around 3 hours to get to Broken Hill. Broken Hill is a mining town – still mining – in fact the BH in BHP Billiton is for Broken Hill (I learnt something new off Google today). It has been referred to as 'Oasis of the West', 'Capital of the Outback' but more commonly known as, and what I've always know it as, 'The Silver City'.

Broken Hill was named by Charles Sturt (the explorer) in 1844 whilst discovering the Barrier Range. Silver ore was discovered there in 1883 by a boundary rider named Charles Rasp. It was/is mined for silver, lead and zinc.

'We're on the road to nowhere……..' It's one of those long highways of nothingness travelling out here.

 

We've past a heap of wild goats, the odd emu and the only kangaroos we've seen so far were roadkill.

Made a quick pit stop at Coombah at a little servo (service station aka gas station) and met a couple from the UK who spend time visiting many countries but spend a good portion of their time in the US in Florida. Maybe we will see Susan and Martin somewhere again.

 

So we are now in Broken Hill at our friends, Lusty Pearl and Slap Happy (aka Phil and Helen Grossi), they are Still Memories Digital Photography and cowboy pards.

Tonight (Tuesday) We are down at the Palace taking pics of the Muscle Cars that are participating in the Aussie Muscle Car Run. This is a charity run for Leukemia Foundation, 7 days, 2,218 kilometres.

 

The Palace is famous for featuring some of the filming of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert both here in Broken Hill and some in the little town of Silverton on the outskirts of town.

The Palace has also just had a tribute show to Priscilla called Broken Heel. The shoe sits in the foyer of this unusually Australian ornate painted hotel.

 

Wednesday was spent chillaxing and applying more bling and cutting out of leather work for a costume whilst watching Boondock Saints. A BBQ s Ned off under the Bali hut at Stonegrill@Grosso's. Love it. Thanks for having us guys, was great to catch up with you again!

Kat n Jack xo

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_Hill,_New_South_Wales

https://www.facebook.com/StillMemoriesDigitalPhotography/

http://www.aussiemusclecarrun.com

http://thepalacehotelbrokenhill.com.au/#!/index

 

End Of Trail, Day 1 & 2

Posted on by kathousekelli70

After arriving in Edgewood Monday afternoon and checking in, Tuesday morning brought purpose to this next week of shooting.

It was Warm Up Match. We completed 8 stages for the day. All going good so far. The range is set up with some great stage design, a reasonable amount of movement this year but targets are still generous in size and distance. It will be an interesting match!

A wall honouring previous World Champions has been put together in the Belle Union Saloon. A fantastic tribute to our overall Cowgirl and Cowboy World Champs since SASS began. Some have passed, some don't shoot anymore, and some are multiple champions.

 

There is also a special tribute to the late U.S. Grant (SASS#2) who did so much for our sport and we were lucky enough to have had the pleasure of shooting with him.

Well done to all involved with putting this all together.

Prize draw is different this year too with everyone receiving a ticket in your pack to be placed in the jar relating to the prize. There is anything from guns, ammo, rigs or clothing vouchers to be won.

Into Wednesday and it's going to be another warm one today. This morning there is the cowboy flea market, time to visit vendors and peruse their wares, and, if you care to, take part in the odd side match as well.

 

This afternoon's Opening Ceremonies begins with Handlebar Bob as fabulous MC, introducing the Wild Bunch and proceeding with the colour guard of flags for nations represented at the 2015 World Championships.

 

The Star Spangled Banner was sung beautifully by Miss Autumn (Starr?) who has performed at the famous Carnegie Hall.

SASS Scholarship awards were handed out to some very worthy applicants by Justic Lily Kate, the new 2015 Regulators were announced by Hipshot (and to note, our good friends from Texas – Texas Mac and Texas Flower were part of this years recipients) the Judge was presented with a beautiful portrait photo from Major Photography in appreciation of their 20th year of SASS attendance, providing posse and action photos to Cowboys.

 

In closing Misty Moonshine gave a short eulogy type/let's remember US Grant tribute and a poem by Lassiter about remembering how to be cowboy and the spirit of the game, basically.


 

The canon went off with a bang and we all dispersed to pay respect to US Grant, hit the bar, eat and on to the Cantina for Margaritas!!

 

A good time was had by all and we look forward to a great weekend of shooting.

Aim straight and have fun fellow cowboys n cowgirls!

Kat xo

P.S. Among the vendors today, there is one called 'The Old Pine Box' they make beautiful pine box coffins…..I know, I know but I thought it was amusing and took Jack back by there because he always says he wants 'to go out in a pine box' – simple.

http://theoldpinebox.com

http://www.sassnet.com/EoT/

 

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

 

 

Pavlova – The Aussie Fave

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Now there is nothing like learning a new skill at any time is there?

I’ve never made a pavlova before. The Aussie iconic dessert. No time like the present when you have a Christmas party to attend……tomorrow!

Can’t be that hard can it?

Step 1. Internet research for the recipe, because remember I said I’ve never made this before. Check – a couple of recipes found.

Step 2. Go to shops buy beaters, hmmm I really miss my kitchen aid. Try and guess what caster sugar equivalent is here. Bingo! Got that one.

Step 3. Try and find appropriate Aussie fixings for topping. Nup, no passion fruit to be found and can’t even buy the pulp in a can. Bugger! (Typical Aussie phrase when something’s not going right) well, looks like it is cream, berries and white chocolate sauce for this pav!

Step 4. Apparently to get this right is to allow the eggs to come to room temperature. Are you serious?! I managed cookies while enebriated last weekend surely I can make a pavlova this week while non-intoxicated!


Momentary pause – 3 beaters in the box? 2 ‘normal’, one whisk? Wait one, while I read the destructions people. Bit flash for a set of $12 beaters! Haa haa haa.

Okay, let’s go, I can’t wait for room temperature eggs, I’ve got better things to do!

Step 5. Separate whites from yolks. 8 to be precise. First success.

 

Step 6. Beat until they are light and peaking. You know, like the foaming crest on a wave. (Okay maybe I have had a little too much tequila already)

Looks about right.

 

Step 7. Gradually add caster sugar, aka granulated white cane sugar.

Meh, looks about right and doesn’t feel ‘grainy’ as they say. So think I’m on the right track so far.

Step 8. Vinegar, vanilla essence……..appears I’ve lost the vanilla essence or don’t actually have any! Hmm to add the vinegar or not then. What the hey, let’s do it. Maybe agave will work? Does it really need to be any sweeter than all the sugar already added anyway?

Oh yeah, tastes pretty, bloody good.

Step 9. Add cornflour aka quick mixing all purpose flour, make extra drink and get this baby in the oven!

Step 10. Looks and tastes like I expect it should so far (the boss approves). Fingers crossed!

 

Ahhhhh! An hour later and the crowd goes wild! Looks like success! Yee haaaa!

Now it says leave in oven with door open for 6hrs to cool and then shouldn’t collapse or crack. Righto.

So people, we are off to Fort Smith tomorrow for club shoot and then home to decorate this wonder before taking it across the road for the party. Hopefully it doesn’t collapse.

You will have to wait to see the finished product then.

Cheers!!

Kat xo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EOT Opening Ceremonies

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Not much done today, we didn't go shoot side matches but headed out after lunch and strolled through the vendors and visited with many.

Opening ceremonies were on at 5pm. Italy, France, New Zealand, Canada, United States and Australia were all represented with 2013 World Champion, our own Aussie and friend, Savage Sam bearing our flag for the parade of colours.

There were SASS Scholarship presentations, new Regulator presentations and a stirring speech by Coyote Kay for an additional scholarship presentation for the Coyote Calhoun Scholarship Fund.

2014 End Of Trail was declared open by SASS #1, Judge Roy Bean.

The after party with supper hosted by the Dooley Gang and Margaritas were happening again down at Hot Tamales.

Tomorrow is the first day of Main Match, we are on Posse 22 and start on the mid rotation but will be out there for the day. Let's go!!!

Good luck to all the Single Action Shooters attending 2014 End Of Trail, we wish you all the best of luck for great competition and most of all FUN!

Yeeeeee haaa!

Kat xo