JacknKats Place

Posted on October 5, 2020 by kathousekelli70

Yep, so it’s been awfully quite in Jack n Kat’s world what with COVID and all.

This past couple of weeks (and another to come) we should have been in the United States for Comin’ Atcha, Talledaga Speedway, Alabama and more, then that got cancelled with not being able to leave the country.

So we were to go to Chisholm Trail here, then that got cancelled.

I was going to cancel my leave but tired me having still worked during all the so called lockdown’s etc I was ready for a break. And hey! After the past six years of not having to work and then a year of part time – full time work has been an eye opener again!! 🤣🤣

So….I decide to keep two of my weeks leave and have a break with Jack. Let’s get some outdoor stuff done we say! Sure! Then thankfully we got quotes for some work to be done instead of assuming our very active and young brains could make our older and in Jack’s case much older body could keep up with our intentions.

Suffice to say it was still a very busy two weeks as I take every moment this evening of my last break for a very long time and head back to work tomorrow.

So what did we achieve?

Well it started with nights of painting the mural ready for the pool backdrop. 18ft long and 4ft high. Meh, did I bite off more than I could chew? Procrastination was taking hold about small difficult sections. Hence the horse and rider being the very last 6” x 6” done. He is my most favorite piece now!!

So the rest was organizing gardens and getting them set for ‘Pandora’ the garden fairy to arrive and work her magic revamping, planting and guiding me to be a good green thumb!

We worked our butts off moving plants, shoveling dirt configuring plantings, getting it just so for future garden happiness in a minimalistic care style for me.

The tidying up process prior to gardening and paving guys coming in. Ie: that was NOT Jack and I!

The after effects from Pandora’s magic! Oh and Scottie and Ian the paving guys. 🤣

The after effects, including painting of fences I might add and new bamboo screening.

So now it’s time to tidy, reinstall pool fence (‘cause you know I’m gonna change that up to glass later!) for safety and regulation, seal pavers, install mural and a bit more mood lighting before return to work.

What else got done during the staycation? Well a bit of shooting, hanging with friends, visit to IKEA to start the next renovation, hung a couple new blinds in newly painted window frames, checking and waiting on bar install, oh did I tell you I finished the reupholster of the bar stools? Did that, bit of sewing bit of crafting and just downright enjoying being home with the man. 😉

Hugs y’all!

Kat xo

Chisholm Trail 2019 Part 2

Posted on October 7, 2019 by kathousekelli70

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.

From Left: Betsy Wesson, Pistol Packin’ Pixie, Lunateak, Arizona Pearl, Kathouse Kelli, Pearl Starr, Clancy, Little Shot, Whiskey Lil, Sally Skull, Miss Pinky
In Front: Stitch Em Up, Lil Backfire
(not in photo – Alvira Sullivan Earp, Mrs H, Guns n Roses)

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.

Mary-Lou June and Mary-Lou July
Doing it for Rednecks around the world.

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.

Working Cowgirl and Working Cowboy
Whiskey Lil & Marlboro Man

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

Thanksgiving And Chisholm Trail

Posted on November 23, 2018 by kathousekelli70

When an invitation was issued for Thanksgiving in Texas (after a great weekend with Texan friends) and a pending trip lining up perfectly with Thanksgiving yesterday, there was no better way than to combine both.

The Kendrick family and friends were a great bunch! Somewhat rowdy, drinks flowing, plenty of food – sounds like our family gatherings in Australia. Feeling right at home, thank you Anne, Fred, Niki, Amy, Lorin, Misty, Colin, Chris, Kelly, Kimberley, Elaine, Debbie and Gene for making us feel right at home.

With appetisers, huge turkeys and side dishes galore it was time for snoozing on the floor or couch in front of the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins game. Dessert followed before we left for Anne's place and watched the highlights of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

After a hearty breakfast this morning we headed back to Oklahoma via Bowie, Texas. As we stopped to take pictures of the big Bowie knife, police are helping wrangle a wayward steer across the top end of the park, without too much success it seemed. Was a funny sight, watching them run across the park!

Our actual intent for going this way instead of the I35 home was to go through Duncan, OK and visit the Chisholm Trail

I'm sure many a hardworking cowboy spent Thanksgiving somewhere in the Chisholm Trail corridor during the cattle drive era. Enduring long rides, vast open spaces of grasslands as they drove the cattle forward through Texas, Oklahoma and on in to Kansas perhaps the chuckwagon cooked up the odd turkey or two as a treat for them.

Not quite there, we made a short stop at Comanche to look at their Centennial Plaza. April 1, 1866, 1,800 longhorn cattle were driven through to the railhead of Kansas on the trail mapped out by Jesse Chisholm the previous year.

Over the coming years some 4,000,000 head of cattle moved over the Chisholm Trail (US Highway 81 corridor).

We arrived at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan to a beautiful bronze statue of a cattle drive out front with a path laid out for 'The Beginning of Trail' following the trail through rivers, creeks, ranches from Brownsville, Texas through to Abilene, Kansas.

Into the Center we went into the Campfire Theatre, an animatronic introduction of Jesse Chisholm talking round a campfire with a cowhand named Tex.

Jesse Chisholm was a trader of furs, the first cattle drive followed his wagon wheel ruts to Abilene. From there it become a common route forged in history as cattle were driven from 1866 through 1875.

The Campfire was very well done but then we went into the main theatre for 'The Chisholm Trail Experience'.

An experience it was! Sight, sound, smell, feel! I kid you not, a great little short film – As the cottonwoods sway in the breeze, so too can you feel the breeze. As the rider comes through from behind, you can feel the hooves as he passes by. During the roundup, you can smell the dirt and whilst the cattle freak out and stampede during the storm, so too do you feel the thundering of hooves, the rain on your face and lightning effects!

The displays are exceptionally done and the two beautiful galleries house some significant pieces of artwork and sculptures. At present there is a special photograph exhibition 'American Farmer'. His works are gorgeous, he has definitely captured the character of each farmer.

Of course we visited the gift shop and then headed North to Kingfisher. Kingfisher is home to another Chisholm Trail Museum. There is one in Cleburne, Texas also.

CLOSED

Dang it! Trip out here another day during the next couple of weeks then.

Off the trail for now.

Kat xo

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Texas

Posted on November 1, 2018 by kathousekelli70

A different kind of red, white and blue, we are headed for the great state of Texas today and will end up in Lockhart mid to late afternoon.

We left with drizzly skies, car accidents and wet roads from Oklahoma this morning but the weather soon cleared to sunshine and blue skies and great flowing freeways.

We stopped in Waco for lunch and a jaunt to the Harley shop – Adam Smith’s Harley Davidson of Waco. Not as catchy as say, Toad Suck Park or Fort Thunder but an impressive store just the same.

Oh, and Cabelas, Cavenders and Joann’s! Yeah, ripper! Picked up Joanna Gaines (Fixer Upper) new book, Home Body. That will come in handy later 😉 plus fabric at a ridiculous price for couch revamp.

Got a call in with Belle Vaquera and life is good. 🙂

On to Lockhart where we will spend the next few nights for Battle of Plum Creek at Comanche Valley Ranch, previously known as Agarita Ranch. Looking forward to many catch-ups and a great match.

‘Lockhart was the site of a victory of the Texans over the Comanche, at the Battle of Plum Creek in 1840. It was originally named “Plum Creek” but was later changed to Lockhart.’

‘It gained another claim to fame in 1999. The Texas Legislature proclaimed Lockhart the “Barbecue Capital of Texas” and has four major barbecue restaurants’

We visited one last time we were here and it was really good! Lockhart has also been used in various films and the Dr. Eugene Clark Library is one of the oldest operating public library’s in Texas.

Have a great weekend y’all , wherever you may be!! Giddy Up!

Kat xo

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Chisholm Trail 2018

Posted on October 2, 2018 by kathousekelli70

What a sensational week!

We arrived in Millmerran (well actually Captains Mountain), QLD for a weeks worth of shooting, catching up with cowboys, cowgirls and partying.

Monday afternoon we headed down to check out the new ranges and see if we could assist in any way. Whilst Jack spent time down on the range, I unpacked, organised and commenced socialising.

The cabins are great and there are a heap of people arriving for camping. In to the tavern for dinner that evening with Chuck and Pearl Starr, meeting a new cowboy action shooter that has just moved to the area. We wished him all the best and hope they get to the range real soon.

Tuesday and Pearl and I headed to the office to assist Flipper where we could with getting packs finished and registering people as they came in. This followed with Butterscotch Schnapps into the ‘early’ evening and a very quick trip to bed.

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Had a blast with Clancy and Pearl Starr amongst others.

Wednesday – Pat Garrett match began early followed up with the ‘Cowgirls with Calibres’ coaching clinic, held by myself, Clancy and Pearl Starr. With 20 lady shooters from juniors to the more mature, we spent the afternoon giving them some tips on technique, transitions and critiquing. Pearl, Clancy and I take the opportunity to thank all the ladies for attending and we hope you enjoyed the clinic and got much from it. We already have half the class full for next year’s one!

Thursday – Warm Up match followed by speed events and then the Flamingo Sista’s (not to be confused with Flamenco) came out for a visit. Mary-Lou La ChaCha (aka Mary-Lou June) and Mary-Lou LaBamba (aka Mary-Lou July) hit the camp stomping in their flamenco style with pink, pineapples, flamingo’s and all!

Friday – With a great kick off with the opening ceremony, Bill The Kid and Barb Wire were presented with gold watches for 20 years of service to Chisholm Trail. Their dedication across the years for assisting Virgil Earp and Alvira Sullivan Earp and now the friends of Chisholm has not gone unnoticed. We all appreciate the work and effort you have tirelessly given to all the shooters over the years.

The opening was completed with Corporal Argan and his bugle skills! He also gave us our early morning wake up calls with either the bugle or trumpet performances. You Sir, are a gem and we enjoyed it immensely! First day of main match is under way and 6 stages is a huge undertaking, finishing around 3.30pm.

Saturday – First thing this morning the LOCAS (Ladies of Cowboy Action Shooting) gather for a group photo and we think we have most everyone. 8.30am and its get moving to your assigned posse for the 2nd day of main match.

Today we are on the “beach”! The new top 4 ranges are extremely hard going and the stages are full of movement, so it was somewhat survival of the fittest to get through these ones. We had perfect, warm weather for the entire match with just a light shower on the Monday evening. So no actual relief but what more could you want!!!! Would take a hot day any time over a rainy shoot day.

We had awesome posse’s 11 & 12 – Slap Happy, Henry Sharps, Jackhammer, Little Ditty, Bob Younger, Jim Younger, Pistol Dawn, Capt. J C Jackson and his wife Miss Kitty, Rooquero, Chic Chic Boom, Hoss Rustler, Marshal Jack Malone, Sidewinder, Kitty Pearl, Johnny Behan, Sam McGee, Deslaredo, Sambucca Kid, Lonestar, Amazed, Carter Moss, Mister Longcolt, Sassy Lilly, Dr Death, Buck n Bull, T Bone Trev, Deputy Dude, Weasel, DJ, Wonderinghans, Ugly, Halliday Kid, Jack and myself.

Saturday evening was time for shindig. Almost all the cowboys and cowgirls in attendance for Chisholm Trail invitation/SSAA Australian Nationals were there for the evenings festivities. The first Cowgirl of Honor awards for LOCAS in Australia was held and then dancing, partying ensued with the announcement of the top 16 mens (Henry Sharps, Chuck, R C Shot, Deadwood Gunslinger, Mungo, Drop Bear, Bat Masterson, Bindi, Hoss Rustler, Trooper, Red Morgan, Frank James, John Slocum, Rooquero, Mad Dog Tannen (replaced by 1st alternate Ricochet aka Jackaroo), Painted Mohawk) and top 8 ladies (Clancy, Amazing Grace aka me, Pearl Starr, Lucky Strike Lass, Harley Quinn, Lil’ Backfire, Miss Chevious, Meggs).

Sunday – Shootout! The best of the best go head to head in the shootout and when all is said and done Henry Sharps finishes on top for the men and myself for the ladies. The beach does not offer any relief and we are digging in heaps. Pity I hadn’t shot like this the whole weekend!!!

The awards were had and Ricochet aka Jackaroo finished 2nd in Silver Senior. Congratulations to Painted Mohawk, 1st and 3rd, Pistol Peter. Jack was a Posse Deputy also and received a fantastic hip flask in memory of the shoot and for his assistance.

I finished 1st in Ladies Traditional Lever for Pat Garrett, 1st in Lady Wrangler, and won the shootout. Congratulations to the other Pat Garrett ladies!

To my fellow Lady Wranglers, Lucky Strike Lass in 2nd place and in 3rd, Amazed. Pearl Starr, myself, Clancy and Lonesome Dove also received these fabulous wine glasses in recognition of our contribution to the sport and for that I would like to make a special thanks to Kat Balloo and Whiskey Rae.

I would say this would be my worst match in 3 years, however not one to let things get the better of me, it is time to regroup and get refocused. I accept with grace and honor.

To the overall top man Henry Sharps and top lady, Clancy, we congratulate you both on a superb job. Clanc, as I’ve said, the best cowgirl on the day showed up. You have worked hard to get back to top form, congratulations!

Hope you all had a superb Chisholm Trail/SSAA Australian Nationals. There were many who were visiting for the very first time and I sincerely hope it was a match you could be proud of your performance. Jack and I look forward to seeing many again next year!

See you on the trail somewhere!

Cheers

Kat xo

Thanks to Still Memories Photography and to Susan Jacobs Photography for many, many great photos taken over the weekend for all the shooters! Your work is appreciated!

Mermaid Beach to Millmerran

Posted on September 23, 2018 by kathousekelli70

Monday and it’s time to check out of beach weather, surf, and seagulls to head for Millmerran, land of dust, ticks, and kangaroos.

We will travel there today to help out with last minute setups and catch up with cowboys and cowgirls from near and far.

Here’s a quick schedule for the week.

Mon-Tues – help where necessary, get measurements for new prop
Wed – Pat Garrett match and coaching clinic
Thu – Plainsman and side matches
Fri – 1st day of main match
Sat – 2nd day of main match and shindig
Sun – shootout and awards

Will try and keep you posted but phone service is very limited or none.

Have a great week ahead!!

Kat xo

The Adventures of Jack n Kat

SASS Adventures, Costuming, Travel & more

Tag Archives: Chisholm Trail

JacknKats Place

Chisholm Trail 2019 Part 2

Thanksgiving And Chisholm Trail

Texas

Chisholm Trail 2018

Mermaid Beach to Millmerran