Tag Archives: friends

The Great Spaghetti Western

Posted on by kathousekelli70

By definition 'a western film made cheaply in Europe by an Italian director'.

 

The GREAT Spaghetti Western however, was not in Europe but the great state of Texas (Leonard, TX) directed by the Texas Ten Horns.

A neat little range that is slowly growing. Great facades and buildings that allow for shooting under cover should the weather be inclement and a couple of open ranges. Plans are in place for expansion so we look forward to attending this range again!

 

Only a few hours drive, we arrived Friday finding the motel and the range without any hassle. We checked in and caught up with some cowboy's and cowgirl's, watching some already commence with side matches.

Stages were set simply with a great mix of target shapes and sizes. This was going to be fun!

 

Jack and I also got to meet these little treasures! We had met their Dad 'Texas Jack Diamondback' and eldest daughter 15yr old 'Darlin Diamondback' up in Thurmont, MD last year. Adding to the Diamondback family is 7yr old twins 'Dixie Diamondback' and 'Dazzlin Diamondback' along with 10yr old 'Daisy Diamondback' they are all just so sweet and I'm looking forward to making the little ones their dresses for End Of Trail. Now if we can just get Mom to shoot!! 😉

 

Saturday morning with safety briefing, pledge of allegiance and a spectacular rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Chiquita Bandita! Outstanding!

Five stages done by lunch time, everyone is fed, watered and released back into the field for side matches or just catching up. Of course where would we be without 'spaghetti and meatballs' for dinner!! Side match awards were given out also.

 

Then we caught up with Hawkshaw Fred and Annie D Vine and got to see the riding habit (previous blog post) in all its glory! It's perfect, fits her, length is spot on, I couldn't be happier – best of all was the smile on her face!

Sunday, last chance for another spectacular day with the Ten Horns. Five stages done and dusted! Thank you to our Posse Marshal, Billy Boots who headed up Posse 3 – Big Iron Patnode, C R Hicock, Colorado Jackson, Creek County Kid, Forty Dawg Kid, Highland Scottie, Jackaroo, K D Steel, Kathouse Kelli, Krazy Legs Kay, Lefty Wheeler, Longhandle Slim, Marshal Kidd, Red Knee, Roy's Creek Dan, Sassy Boots, Sharp Shootin' Leroy, Silver Sam and Snake Oil George.

 

Another spectacular lunch with Tiramisu cake for lunch dessert. O…M…G! Yum!

Raffle drawings and prizes were given away before and during the awards. I didn't get to see a clean match pin but the conchos given for 2nd and 3rd winners and the 1st place champion are a great idea for a change.

Congratulations to all cowboy's and cowgirl's that placed in or won their categories. Creek County Kid and Kathouse Kelli took overall honours for Men's and Ladies. Good work CCK!

 

Thanks again to the Texas Ten Horns – a great little match! If you didn't get there you missed out and should look to go next year!

 

'Once Upon A Time In The West'

Kat xo

Texas Ten Horns http://www.texas10horns.org/index.html

Molly's Custom Silver (buckles and conchos) https://www.mollyscustomsilver.com/

Spaghetti Western pic found on Pinterest.

Spaghetti western definition courtesy of Google.

 

2nd Amendment Theme Park

Posted on by kathousekelli70

I saw a picture on Facebook that said, “it's not a shooting range, it's a 2nd amendment theme park!” or words to that affect.

When you are involved in a shooting sport and especially one like Cowboy Action, that's what it does feel like! It's always amusing, we are always having fun, you gotta line up, there's rules and safety requirements and probably the only thing missing is height limitations!

Last weekend we headed to Red Castle and played up there, weather was sensational, with hints that summer is on its way.

Whilst neither of us shot particularly well that day, it's still a chance to test yourself, hone your skills and workout any issues – so it's not all about shooting clean all the time. 😉

 

Today we went to play with the 1911's. Not a full Wild Bunch practice but the pistol is what I need work with anyway and that's the point. Practice on where your weakness is to improve your overall match. (Hope you're paying attention!?) 😉

It was a little on the cool side after the cold front came through the night before but that's okay, hand warmers, gloves, extra layers – it's all good! Any day shooting is a good day – rain, snow or shine! Especially with the Territorial Marshal's as they are lucky enough to have facades that you can close up to the weather and run heaters should we require it! Feel pretty damn lucky to have the opportunity to call this a 'home' club when we are over here.

 

So from our theme park, to yours, whatever keeps you amused or wherever you may be, go get 'em pilgrim. (that last part was in my best John Wayne voice……in my head anyway lol!)

Kat xo

 

Land Run 2017

Posted on by kathousekelli70

The last few weeks a posse of Territorial Marshal's spent time sprucing up the range, getting targets straightened and new ones made, new buildings and decking done, trees trimmed and so much more.

Land Run was coming and everything has to be right for the 300 odd shooters that would come to the Indian territory for one of the country's best SASS shoots.

The pre-shooting posse – our match directors and dedicated helpers shot the weekend before with glorious weather one day and a thick fog the next. Thankfully they didn't have to shoot in rain.

As the wind came sweeping 'cross the plains and with it the horsepower (of a different variety) carrying shooters from afar, so did the spectacular weather for the match.

 

Thursday, side match day and the ranges are a buzz with people catching up, chatting, hugging, laughing and that ever sweet sound of lead on steel.

 

Friday after opening ceremonies, 12 posses headed to their designated start stage. At the end of 6 stages I was clean and Jack had had 1 miss. There was a one in, all in shootout with new shooter Gabby Gertie shooting clean to take the title!!! Yay Gabby! A brisket dinner ensued and the. It was home for rest and an even earlier start on Saturday.

 

Our posse this time was fabulous, although we did miss Wild Horse John not being able to be here with us. We had Angus Red, Asa Smith, Bronco Lumpy, Cal Cogburn, Captain Lee, Copperhead Carson, G Rowdy Hook, Gin Dee, Insanity Jane, Jackaroo, K.C. Ranger, Kathouse Kelli, Kylie Coyote, Loco Vaquero, Moonshine, Prairie Drifter, Rusty Dove, Sally Ranger, Silver, Stonewall, Trent, and Vallian.

 

Saturday and it's the final chance to make or break! 6 stages complete, clean for me with a rifle reload and round the world on pistol. Happy days! Jack had a mishap 'P' and a miss to add insult to injury. He did have a great match otherwise.

 

Saturday night would be the tell tale of all. The foyer of my most favourite museum, the National Cowboy and Hall of Fame Museum has a bar set up and the costume judging was underway in a far corner. Once the doors opened at 6 we all headed in to sit down for dinner and the final hour of costume judging.

I must add that we had many spectacular costumes and accompanying stories this year, you were all amazing but I couldn't give everyone a plaque! Thank you for all those who did enter. There were plenty of fine dressed gentleman and ladies that did not and I hope you partake in the future.

With guns and other prizes given away, raffles from guns donated back for auction to raise money for Just L and awards done and dusted. There were many happy Cowboys and Cowgirls at the end of the evening and I congratulate you all!!! 57 clean shooters!!

 

Jack was very happily surprised to place 1st in Silver Senior! Awesome job man! Congratulations to the other Silver Senior's – Creek 2nd, Greasy Creek Slim 3rd, Matt Valentine 4th, Snake Oil George 5th, Half Fast Len 6th.

 

I placed first in my category Lady Wrangler alongside my good friend Belle Vaquera in 2nd, my lovely costume judge and friend Cheeka Bow Wow in 3rd and the one and only Misty Moonshine in 4th! Congratulations ladies.

 

I also placed 15th and 1st lady overall, with Creek County Kid taking the men's.

 

Another fabulous shoot in the Sooners and Boomers state!

Kat xo

 

What About Wednesday?

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Yesterday started out with practice day, Wednesday 'work shirkers' found 13 Cowboys head out to the range to partake in 6 stages.

We did one of single target engagement, a Nevada sweep next and then a 5 round alternate with a 5 round dump. Repeat each stage twice, giving you a chance to perfect on the previous run or change things up. It's good for checking yourself, your equipment and well, really…..just an extra day to have fun shooting!

After burgers and beer, Jack and I headed for the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, my all time favourite, to see the headdress exhibition before it finishes this next month.

As we headed down the main passage way the current short exhibition is 'The Artistry of the Western Paperback'. Featuring artists who illustrated covers etc for dime novels and more. Of course we had to get pics of our heads in the photo opportunity novels!

 

Then we made our way into the exhibition hall where the 'Power and Prestige: Headdresses of the American Plains' is housed. There is no photography in this exhibit but I did take notes!

Around the walls are some beautiful photos of tribal chiefs and warriors. There are also some drawings that were done by captured Indians being held in forts. Many depicted warriors and horses.

The headdress, like other forms of clothing or jewellery in other cultures, is a symbol of prestige, power, wealth and position in a tribe.

Some of the headdresses were made with the traditional eagle feathers with porcupine quills, horsehair, leather, silk and/or beads. There were smaller ones made with deer tail and one split horn piece covered in weasel fur. This one (photo courtesy of National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum website) made using ring-neck pheasant feathers.

 

There are also 5 distinct styles of headdress; flared, swept back, stand out, straight up and trailer. The trailer headdress are exquisite but I would think there would be a fair bit of weight in these also as they are the ones that usually reach the ground. There is an exceptional exhibit of one in another section of the museum that we have seen before.

As we made our way to the next exhibition I spied a familiar bronze statue. It was indeed a Frederic Remington! (Remember the Winter Range trophies from previous blog?!!) here is a collection of Frederic Remington works including, bronze, drawings, art and facts and tales of the artist himself. A chance meeting I do declare! 🙂

 

On into the 'Hollywood and The West' exhibit. What a stunning collection of photography by John R Hamilton. (Also no photography in the exhibit.)

His many views through the lens of some very scenic sunsets, snow, monument valley backdrops, are beautiful but it is his candid shots of the many western actors that he captured both during filming and off set that makes for an excellent (photo courtesy of National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum website)

 

For movies from the silver screen era such as Hombré, Silverado, El Dorado, Stagecoach, The Searchers, Sergeants 3, Revenge and more. Featuring none other than John Wayne, Paul Newman, Kevin Costner, Henry Fonda, Kirk Douglas, the 'rat pack', and of course the lovely ladies Shelley Winters, Anne Margaret, Bridget Bardot and a very young Natalie Wood.

 

From here we could see another interesting exhibit with that all familiar cowboy accoutrement – the bandanna. Aptly named 'A Yard of Turkey Red: The Western Bandanna' just had to be viewed while we were here. (Photo courtesy of National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum website)

 

The neckwear that became the most recognised cowboy attire, was usually used to keep dust and dirt out of the cowboys face whilst herding cattle. They kept their best bandannas for outings and like other species, some were more colourful in hopes of attracting the ladies.

Turkey red was a colour produced for dyeing cotton with the root of the rubia plant. An arduous process apparently in the 18th and 19th century, it was imported to England from the Middle East in the 1700's. Later even cochineal was used to dye and produce magnificent reds also. Indigo also featured in later years.

Around the walls the photos and cabinet cards feature Cowboys sporting their bandannas and although black and white you can clearly see the distinctive patterns on them.

The display cases house a number of different bandannas, some dating back to pre civil war (paisley pattern)1865. The thing that caught my eye however was a bolt of fabric still with its stickers on it. A gorgeous red with cream and what appeared to be navy, continuous floral design motif. Made by SH Greene Warwick of Rhode Island, it was gorgeous and I found myself looki at the end of the bolt to see if I could work out how many yards were left on it!

It was interesting to note that many of the later bandannas had dot or geometric designs on them. The paisley design came in around 1808, so named after the town it was produced in – Paisley, Scotland. However paisley is an English word for buta or boteh, the teardrop shaped design is actually of Persian origins. As we know it is probably the most significant or recognisable detail on the bandanna.

Later productions of bandannas had pictures and were often used for souvenirs or advertising. There was a bandanna with a castle featured but I didn't get the details of this one. I did however find on the Internet that a bandanna with Washingtons picture on it was produced in 1776.

All in all a great way to round out the day!

Kat xo

 

Cold, Shoot, Wet, Shoot, More Cold

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Why…..on a shot weekend…..does it need to be 30-48F/sub zero to around 6C.

Holy moly! Yesterday started off cool but pleasant, hmm not too bad we think, take jackets, hand warmers etc, all good.

A short time later, a slight breeze picks up – create wind chill.

The northern cold front moves in – temperature plummets again.

Add a little of that moisture stuff – yay drizzle as well.

Anyway, still had fun, 36 shooters, 6 stages shot, just meant a bit more cleaning of guns after and despite the fumbles had a respectable finish. Happy days! Thanks again Territorial Marshal's for a fabulous club match.

 

This morning we get up earlier – need to travel 2 hours to get to Sand Springs.

Again, cool but pleasant with hopes of it clearing. Scarf included in the mix of items today. Legs were warm yesterday so it's pants and chinks again – hmm toasty.

Have high hopes of cloud clearing and sun breaking through on the way. Just after Macca's picking up breaky, the sun is rising and I'm excited.

We get onto Zinc Ranch and we see 5 deer, (pic of 2 from the pack) and it's a great day to be here.

 

We end up with 30 shooters, 6 stages, a better day than yesterday shooting wise, really happy days. Great posse, weather consistently cool, everyone's rugged up and making sure all shooters are soon deposited back into their warm coats and gloves. Thanks to Indian Territory SASS for a great day.

 

Worn out, warmed up, nice and cosy. Hoping for some warmer days for Land Run! Less than two weeks to get your entries in, then another two weeks on til we have approx 300 shooters take part in this awesome event.

See you down the trail soon

Kat xo

 

Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Friday we left behind our Aussie friends, such wonderful hospitality and thank you ever so much for showing us just a few of the sights of Utah. Can't wait to visit again to see more. ❤ 🙂

Heading up through Arizona to Jacob Lake, we made a quick stop at La Fevre overlook – 6700ft. The snow is now rock solid ice but the scenery is sensational.

 

We saw a coyote through the next beautiful sections but given I was typing, missed the opportunity for photo. He was beautiful as he stood out against the snowy backdrop, looking back over his shoulder towards the other side of the road. I wondered if he had a mate close by or whether something had chased him.

 

Through Jacob Lake and now heading to Marble Canyon, we wound our way through the Kaibab National Park only to pop out the other side to red rock cliffs, desolate ground and straight roads again.

 

From Grants, I drove the rest of the day to Moriarty where we parked for the night at the usual stop – Sunset Motel. New Mexico turned on a spectacular sunset behind us as we drove through Albuquerque.

Out early this morning we stopped at Tucumcari for breakfast and hit the road again. It's 62F, sunshine, country music and highways.

 

Made it! We are back in Oklahoma, after another fabulous trip!

Kat xo

 

Zion National Park

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Thursday and it's time to head out again! Yes, we are cramming in as much as possible in the few days we have here.

Zion National Park, a must see, when visiting the St. George, Utah area. A wonder of beauty, red sandstone and rugged terrain.

Winding roads lead to nine various points of interest, walking trails and many many photo opportunities. We went up through the 1 mile tunnel capturing some stunning scenery along the way including deer to the side of the road, a missed photo opportunity for those.

 

Returning through the tunnel we made our way along from the Zion Lodge and through to The Grotto Trailhead. The walking trail here would lead you on and up the path to Angel's Landing. A trail that reaches the summit with the final path being a mere 2foot wide and a chain fence (sorry I mean a chain between two posts and so on!) to hang on. With correct footwear, bit more fitness and during summertime I would think about attempting that one!

 

Onward to the Temple of Sinawava. We did the 2 mile Riverwalk trail. Ambling along the canyon alongside the river, the water and it's pale emerald colour which is in fact perfectly crystal clear and exceptionally cool. Yes of course I put my hand in! 🙂

 

After we got done there we headed back into Springdale to Wildcat Willie's for a great lunch, a beer and well, ended up buying some of the beer glasses!

 

Next it was get back into town and onto Dixie and TL's for dinner. What a fabulous evening, not only for drooling over every corner of their fabulous home, but for the exceptional company and guests – Dixie, TL, Virgil, Allie, Pat, Twelve Mile Reb, Dusty Garnet and Juan Bad Hombre.

Oh and thanks for the use of your sewing machine Dixie! Love your sewing room 😉

Kat xo

P.S. We did go past the cowboy range where Dixie Desperado's shoot at the Southern Utah Shooting Sports Park! We will come back to shoot one day, enjoy your Wild Bunch club match tomorrow.

 

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