Tag Archives: friends

Pine Valley and Tuacahn Ampitheatre

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Still on Wednesday! After the house, the temple, lunch and a quick trip into Joann's (fabric sourcing) we took a scenic drive out to Pine Valley. On Anne's wall is a painting of a small church which still exists in this quaint little community.

From one side of the red rock cliffs to snow dusted mountains, the scenery certainly is a treat. As we came into Pine Valley, having climbed in altitude, the hills are covered with more snow and there is still plenty of the white sparkly stuff on houses and shaded yards.

 

Now before I go on, I must share the painting as painted by Roland Lee in 1987.

 

Here, today hidden amongst the now grown pine trees is this little hidden gem built in 1868. According to the National Register of Historic Places, it was designed after the New England chapel pattern by Ebenezer Bryce, a ship builder who said he was building it like a ship.

 

Back in the car when clear across the other side of town through Snow Canyon up through some beautiful estates and can I just say, some very spectacular bronze art on the roundabouts!

 

Here we ended up at the Tuacahn Ampitheatre, all natural, red rock backdrop. Tiered seating and stage, home to the Performing Arts College, this place would be an awesome acoustic experience for concerts, plays and more.

 

Another great day!

Kat xo

 

Winter Range Wrap Up

Posted on by kathousekelli70

The week began with Sunday being somewhat wet and miserable still with folks hoping it would dry out ready for Winter Range to start last Monday.

Heading out to the range later that day to register and pick up packs, it as sunny but cool and the waddies were desperately trying to create drains around vendor tents and pump water off ranges.

 

Monday and Tuesday were for Wild Bunch. Ten stages were done, along with some long range side match and speed. Our posse for Wild Bunch was Half-A-Hand Henri, Long Swede, Dixie Bell, Constable Nelson, Rooster Cockburn, Medicine Creek Johnny, Big Foot Billy, Deadwood Fred, Wolf Gang, Haole, Paniola Annie, Kid Rich, Shirttail Bess, Mad Dog Mark, Mar-Lynn, Matchlock, Ottercreek Bushwacker, Yellowstone Vic, Flyin' Shootist, Brushy Creek Bill, and Major Pain.

 

Tuesday afternoon was spent helping out with the Doily Gang Clinic, giving some coaching to ladies wanting to improve their transitions. I Posse'd with Dixie Bell and Whirlwind Wendy and we had 10 beautiful ladies to teach. I spoke to a few of them throughout the week and seems all are happy to have taken away something from the clinic and are excited about their matches.

Wednesday, it's warm up, side matches (which we didn't do this year), shopping, eating, catching up with more cowboys and the opening ceremonies. The fly over of 11 war birds lead by Lt. Col Scratch in his Nang Chang was spectacular and I bet those Cowboys that were chosen to go for a ride were absolutely loving it!

 

Thursday, Friday and Saturday were main match days. Four stages each and at the end of the 12, Jack and I were pretty satisfied with how we had shot our matches and would eagerly wait to hear the results. We had a great Posse, Posse 30! Alvira Sullivan Earp and Virgil Earp (our Aussie friends), Bois D'Arc and Tacky Jackie (Oklahoma friends), Chugwater One Shot, Coal Train, High Country, Honest Henry, J.B. Corn (and his lovely wife Aurora who kept all our scores for us), Just Marshall, Kerman Kid, Lazlo Scarr, Little Joe Dalton, Marshal Law, Pill Peddler, Sgt. StroDog, Standpat Steve, Valrico Kid and of course Jack and myself.

 

Friday night was Saloon night and this year they had craps tables, black jack, Texas hold 'em and the infamous Doc Holliday (we saw him when visiting Tombstone a few times) with his Faro table and regaling people with his stories. You handed your chips in, when you were ready to leave, in exchange for prize tickets of which I was lucky enough to win a voucher with Wild West Mercantile!

 

Saturday is of course the day of relief I guess, the match is done and everyone now gets to enjoy the Banquet and side match awards. Costume contest is on and I had the pleasure of being a judge this year. I stepped aside from my judging duties for Pea Patch to step in when a couple of ladies presented in costumes I had made for them. Costume Judges this year were myself, Goodness Grace, Cowtown Scout, Skinny and Capt.

 

The shoot off participants for Wild Bunch and cowboy were announced. Making it into the sweet sixteen with 3 other Lady Wranglers meant it was going to be a close match for us all.

 

This brings us to yesterday, I had one run in the shootout with fellow Lady Wrangler and my main competition Echo Meadows. She shot well and made it through to the next round after I left 3 plates up.

For the Ladies the shootout was won by Molly Magoo and for the Men's, Slick McClade.

So onto the awards and first up the SASS Wild Bunch presented the Wooly Award to the Winter Range Board for their 2016 match.

For Wild Bunch, the overall winners were Captain Sam Evans for Men and Texas Tiger for the Ladies. Jackaroo placed 9th for Wild Bunch Senior Modern and I finished 3rd in Ladies Traditional.

This year's Cowboy match had 111 people from 749 shoot a clean match! That's no misses, no procedurals etc! Outstanding effort and was achieved by three of the Aussie's – Frank James, Renegade Ty and Rooster Cockburn.

Out of the 10 Australians participating, 8 of them (sorry if you did too Renegade Ty but I didn't catch that one) placed in their categories. Constable Nelson, 8th Place in Forty Niners. Frank James, 9th Place in Senior. Alvira Sullivan Earp, 5th Place in Ladies Silver Senior. KC Woody, 7th Place in Senior Gunfighter.

Jackaroo finished 7th Place in Silver Senior and 60th overall! He shot a great match and wasn't too far off me.

I'm ecstatic, I achieved my goal for this match finishing 1st Place Lady Wrangler, 2nd Lady overall and placed 57th overall.


AND the 2017 Winter Range US National Champions overall with a huge congratulations goes to SASS Kicker for the Ladies and Deuce Stevens for the Men.

Here's congratulations to all the competitors who placed at Winter Range and we will see you again somewhere down the road for the next one.

Kat xo

 

All Done and Dusted

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Just a quick one before I get changed up from shooting into Victorian loveliness.

It's been a great week of sunshine and clear skies, we couldn't have asked for more!

 

Around 760 shooters will now be eagerly awaiting the outcome tomorrow. It's been another awesome Winter Range and it will be what it will be. Good luck to all the shooters and hope you have achieved what you came here to do.

To all the new and first time participants I hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your time at Winter Range and for those who haven't been yet – never be afraid to go to a big match!!

Tonight will be side match awards, shindig, costume contest and announcement of Top 16 Mens and Ladies!

Cheers!

Kat xo

 

Road Trip Commenced!

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Yes folks it's that time of year again where some 760 shooters will mosie on in to the Ben Avery Shooting Facility for the US Nationals of Cowboy Action Shooting.

 

We are just outside of Santa Rosa, New Mexico having stopped earlier in Amarillo, Texas for lunch, still heading for Phoenix, Arizona. Now at 5000ft even the water bottles are feeling it! Lol!


Tonight we are in Old Town Albuquerque. After gathering supplies for the tonight and a bit for next week, we will head down into Arizona tomorrow.

Ran into Misty, Roxy and Amber in Edgewood Walmart. Walked straight past looking for something when they said hello, not once but twice before I realised! 🙂 how embarrassment!

We have 8 Aussie's shooting Winter Range this year and plenty of cowboys and cowgirls to catch up with!

Exciting times ahead! Stay tuned!

Cheers big ears!

Kat xo

 

Texas Women Are Texas Proud

Posted on by kathousekelli70

I have previously done Texas themed corsets for Petticoat Parker

 

Krazy Legs Kay

 

And here is the latest for Shotglass!

 

It's now finished after insertion of steel and bottom binding done. Some Texas arm bands for Texas Jack Daniels (just because) and others for Petticoat Parker's husband Red River Raider.

Kat xo

P.S. Everything is bigger in Texas, including their hearts!

 

How Time Flies

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Wowsers! We are already nearing the end of the first month of 2017! Time flies when you're having fun.

Sooooo what have we been up to?

 

Well, Jack and I have been enjoying the pool and getting in some exercise. (because it's warm in the bottom half of the world at the moment) albeit feeling like a lukewarm bath some days as the temperature has been a little unforgiving.

We have been out for lunches and movies a few times to get us out and about. That gives Jack a break from boredom and my eyes a break from the sewing machine. (I'll leave the sewing for the next blog…..'cause I'm still going!)

We have had a few shoots and will have the last two coming up this next couple of weekends before thinking about packing up for the next adventures o/s.

Jack has dealt with the bit of excitement (not how he really felt) of replacing dishwasher, and having burst pipes to deal with, carpet and swollen cabinetry replacements.

We have enjoyed brief moments with friends, family and really enjoyed the grand kiddies catchup on Boxing Day. Little treasures they all are and growing so fast.

My youngest was here again for a week which was both a pleasure and fun! I did manage to convince her to help me with a bit of sewing too for which I'm very thankful……..I need to teach Jack to sew…..well at least straight stitching.

We are looking forward to another eventful, jam packed, fun year ahead and can't wait to share more adventures with you soon!

 

Hugs to all!

Kat xo

 

Merry Christmas!

Posted on by kathousekelli70

As 2016 draws to a close, I am reminded of the many adventures, scenery, museums, memorials, shoots and miles I have travelled to and from with Jack.

It has been another exceptional year that started off a little rocky whilst we waited for Jack to have his heart surgery. We can be extremely thankful for fantastic medical care and rehabilitation as it allowed us to continue with further adventures.

There are many around the world who are not in the best of health and to those we know we wish you all the very best in health and good spirits for a wonderful Christmas and New Year with your families.

The last couple of days has been spent with friends and today with Miss 20, we have had a day of eating, drinking, more eating and for her and I – baking Christmas treats for the Boxing Day gathering of Jack's kids and grandkids. It's been phone calls to family, messages, laughter, love and chilling out.

 

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

 

Lots of love and hugs,

Kat and Jack xo

 

The Gamblers 2016

Posted on by kathousekelli70

'It's the most wonderful time of the year…….' Come on, couldn't help but throw in a Christmas tune there! Haa Haa Haa

Last weekend was The Gamblers, Christmas Club Championships. It was 'the season to be jolly' with two stages set up on the one range, 26 Cowboys and Cowgirls put their rigs on ready for some action.

 

They set to 'rocking around the Christmas tree' alternating the posse between a stage with movement and a stage shot all from one position.

 

Many of us were 'dreaming of a white Christmas' as the temperature crept up to 39C/102F. However, as cowboys and cowgirls do, we keep having fun whatever the conditions!

 

Of course, the usual banter and laughter is ever present, along with some steely glares. (The latter has to do with safety's on unfamiliar shotguns, she says rolling her eyes, sigh)

 

Getting into the final couple of stages and its 'do you hear what I hear?' Thunder and lightning is starting to roll in and with metal baffles overhead it's time to hurry this posse up and get done before the storm comes through.

'Joy to the world' ….the day is done…..let all….pack up….your gear (were you singing that to the tune? 🙂 Haa Haa)

'O come all Ye faithful' inside for the rest of the festivities. We all gathered for the after party with the Budweiser flowing and the chatter getting more animated. A spectacular feast as always prepared by Mrs Claus and her elves (aka Trixie, Prairie Joy and OK Carrol), full of ham, chicken, egg, potato, watermelon salad, prawn and mango salad followed by scrumptious tarts, cheesecake and pavlova! Well done ladies, well done!

 

Oops! Nearly forgot the decorating assistants Marlboro Man and Lucky Strike Lass for the set up of tables, tinsel and Bonbons!

 

Entertainment for the evening was performed by Rex Rhinestone and his fiddle with accompaniment on the spoons by Marlboro Man. Most excellent!

 

Onto Awards and thanks must go to Chuck and Pearl Starr for preparing them. Our leader, Dug Deeper, made announcements and did the honour of presenting awards. Congratulations to everyone!!

 

Ricochet (Jackaroo) came 2nd in Silver Senior, 1st Place congratulations to Johnny Behan and 3rd Place to Mad Mick.

 

In Lady Wrangler category congratulations to 2nd Place, Ex Sighted, 3rd Place, Tequila Sunrise.

 

Overall winners for The Gamblers, were Mad Dog Tannen and Tequila Sunrise.

 

For the 'Outlaws' (non club members), overall winners were Painted Mohawk and Amazing Grace (Kathouse Kelli)!

 

Thank you to all The Gamblers for a great time as usual!

Feliz Navidad!

Kat xo

 

Red Dirt Rampage 2016

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Red Dirt Rampage, SASS SW Regionals 2016, was held this past weekend with the most sensational weather we could have hoped for at this time of year.

Congratulations to the Match Directors, Flat Top Okie and Missouri Mae, and all of the Territorial Marshal's for their help, in putting on another exceptional match.

Thursday started out as foggy but cleared to gorgeous blue skies. I sent Mary Lou July out to do warm up and get the cowgirls and cowboy's revved up for the weekend.

 

I think all she did was confuse and scare a lot of them! Haa Haa Haa! All in all, a ton of good fun.

 

Main match days Friday and Saturday, it had its ups and downs for me but Jack had a great weekend, cleaned the match and some great times! Was nice for him to have a win for a change!

Virgil and Allie shot with us on our Posse. Pretty sure they had a great time on and off the range.

Posse 19 consisted of myself as Posse Marshal, Jackaroo, Wild Horse John as Deputy Posse Marshal, Virgil Earp, Alvira Sullivan Earp, Calico Calie, Denton Dancer, Wildcat Cliff, Capt. Lee, Trent, Cowtown Scout, Buffdriver, Nana Quilter, Witchita Southpaw, West Okie Wayne, and Silver Sam. We had visits by Wild Horse Johns wife, Saginaw Sue who is great at keeping us checked at the unloading table, and Erica, Wildcat Cliff's daughter. Hopefully we've convinced her to take up cowboy shooting!

 

It was great to visit with so many good folks again as usual, we didn't stay for the shootout and brisket dinner on the Friday evening but heard everyone enjoyed it.

As usual the Saturday evening banquet was held at the National Cowboy & Hall of Fame Museum. The gathering presented a number of opportunities for some great costuming and many went home with some trophy photos from that.

NOTE: costuming is a huge part of our sport.

There are so many real life cowboys, cowgirls, western genre movie stars of the past and more recent western tv shows to base costumes on. Be creative, have a great story, it truly is a pleasure to see and hear people's interpretation, inspiration and love for what they do.

It is always hard to round people up to enter the competitions and I hope more people participate in future. I hope you have been inspired by some of those who entered this year. Myself, Cowtown Scout and Wild Horse John were impressed. I must thank them for assisting me this year as I still learnt more from them in what to ask the contestants, thank you.

 

Guns were given away, other prize draws occurred and it was down to the awards part of the evening. There were 52 clean match awards handed out and Jackaroo was one of them this time!!

Allie won Lady Silver Senior!

 

Jackaroo as I mentioned, had a clean match and won Silver Senior category and finished 15th overall, an extremely good finish! Yay man.

 

I won ladies fastest rifle, fastest pistol and won Lady Wrangler category, overall finish doesn't rate a mention (let's just say I'm a little disappointed in my performance). A huge congratulations to all the other Lady Wrangler shooters!

 

Overall winners and this years South West Regional Champions must be congratulated!! C.S.Brady and Missouri Mae!

 

Congrats to all who won, placed, and just came to have fun and catch up.

Kat xo