Tag Archives: Australia

January – Procrastination

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Procrastination – noun – the action of delaying or postponing something (and I liked this bit of the definition) your first tip is to avoid procrastination.

Now we all know that is sometimes easier said than done! I can find many ways to my delaying doing something that I should be doing. Sometimes it’s just not ‘to get out of’ doing it, it’s because I just need to wrap my head around the project a little longer.

So, I decided I would attempt the Historical Sew Monthly 2016 challenges, thinking it could help me stay focused on getting projects done while not in my ‘natural’ environment so to speak. Wink, wink. 😉

I did find this one a little hard as I really don’t have any here with me. There is fabric still in Oklahoma that I could pass off as procrastinating on.

So for this portion I managed to complete 4 corsets that really needed to be done as some needed to be sent to the US.

 

I also had in the list a version of Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman dress for a Texas friend, Skedaddle. Now although I could say it is period, I would prefer to say silver screen inspired.

 

Needless to say it’s done and waiting on button pieces to arrive from the US so I can make the 45 covered buttons that will complete this dress. If you are looking for an awesome alternative to paying for a covered button service and still want metal shanks, I can highly recommend Button Biz

……..many days later, yes been busy with Jack trying to sort him out, cutting out, sewing and helping a friend get back on track with sewing. Procrastination at its finest.

Cheers

Kat xo

 

Change of Sport

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Last week before New Year we took some time out with the “kids” and went for a round of Putt Putt golf.

 

We had lunch at the tavern first and then hit the watercourse for some fun.

Well for 4 rather competitive players it was always going to be interesting from the outset.

 

It was a race at the start between Jack and Nick, Curstin and I later regaining a little (not really for me) with a 'hole in one' each.

 

We continued along the course completing silly putting requirements….

 

…and taking silly photos.

 

Jack soon took the lead, much to our disgust, shooting a total of '6 hole in one's' for the course.

 

The final result? 1st Jack, 2nd Curstin, 3rd Nick and yes, me, last. If I can smash it I'm fine, putting has never been my strong point.

A great day out. 🙂

Kat xo

 

 

Australian Outback Spectacular

Posted on by kathousekelli70

New Years Day and we went to the Australian Outback Spectacular, High Country Legends Show.

If you live in Australia or QLD or visit, then you really should at some stage take in one of the dinner shows, as it was shall we say, “spectacular”!

 

Now having been to the Dixie Stampede in Branson, Missouri our expectations were a little high but we were pleasantly surprised. It cannot be compared to the Dixie Stampede as they are both different shows but when you look at efficiency of service, food and entertainment as a whole, then the Aussie's faired equally.

A three course meal started with Roasted Pumpkin Soup, beautiful piece of rump steak, gravy, mashed potato, carrots, beans, corn and a roll finished with apple pie, cream and salted caramel sauce. Drink choices were water, lemonade, beer, and red or white wine.

Pre entertainment as we waited in the Brumby Bar was Reg singing Australian hits from through the years and then Bluey organising people by the colour of your hat band whether you were going to barrack for (blue) Bogong High Plains or (red) Warrego Station. So off to Warrego we went.

 

The show was great. Worked around a team from Warrego Station travelling to the high country down in Southern NSW and VIC for a camp draft, it was filled with Aussie humour, singing, trick riders, and stories about Tom Kruse who ran the mail contract through to Birdsville in 1947-1963, May Wirth who at 7 was sold to a circus, Bluey and his border collie dog Boof and the legend of the stagecoach to Omeo in the Victorian Alps.

The special effects were awesome, especially as they continued what was happening in the arena onto the (wall) big screen wih beautiful film footage and back into the arena again.

 

Congratulations R M Williams and the whole Outback Spectacular team, an awesome production!

You aren't supposed to take photos apparently even though it says in one spot on the internet, without flash. I truly couldn't help myself especially with the final piece and the Australian flag.

 

Cheers from down under

Kat xo

P.S. In the camp draft events etc, Warrego Station won! Go QLD.

 

http://outbackspectacular.com.au/the-show/high-country-legends/the-stories.aspx

http://www.rmwilliams.com.au/rm-the-man/RM_TheMan.html

 

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