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Comancheria Days

Posted on by kathousekelli70

What a sensational weekend with the Texican Rangers for Comancheria Days 2018, Texas State Championships.

Thursday was met with fine and glorious weather. We shot 4 stages of Wild Bunch and then cowboy side matches including the ever entertaining 'Blazing Saddles'.

Jack finished 8th overall in Wild Bunch and I was 15th overall.

Friday we were on the late shift and the weather again proved to be fairly warm with a moderate breeze. Shooting stages 7, 8, 9, 10, then 6. It was all over and both Jack and I had finished clean for the day.

 

Catch ups, drinks and eating BBQ dinner at the range that night with side matches. It was still quite warm and there was a good turn out.

I won a few side matches and decided that even sharing with Jack, I didn't need all the cups I won. My new little mate, Givem Hale was going to get one when I saw him Saturday. That kid just pulled at my heart strings for sure!

 

Our shooters on Posse 14, made up of none other than Tex, Cat Ballou, Chee-ee, Toothache, Texas Mac, Texas Flower, Brett Cantrell, Wild Sage, Ramblin Rose, Mad Dog Too, Ranger Tays, Abilene, Little Bowly, our Posse Marshal – Bootstrap Richard, Mysterious Mc Rae, my new little gem – Givem Hale, Jackaroo and myself. Thanks to Mindy (Givem's Mom) for keeping score for us all weekend!

At times I have attracted 'small gems' as I like to phrase it and Friday when I heard this sweet little voice ask Tex (and you really couldn't get any better than one of the youngest asking one of the founding SASS members!!!!) 'is this Posse 14 sir?' And Tex obliging in telling him it was and if sure was to be on it then he had found the right place. To which an answer of 'yes sir I am' followed.

My head spun and my heart did a backflip when I heard it and I headed over to say hello and find out just how old this little man was. He is 8! Givem Hale is his alias, I love it! and all the while we spoke he had his hat off across his chest and it was yes ma'am, no ma'am, pleased to meet you and all. That kid had me wrapped around his little finger straight away. ❤

I went back and told Jack how sweet he was and headed straight back over to give him an Australian hat pin, his first on his new hat. Might I add right now, Givem has only been shooting for 4 and a half weeks and I think everyone on our posse was amazed at how this young man was shooting his .32 pistols, a .22 rifle and ….. Wait for it…. A 20 gauge single shot shotgun. We were all in awe!

 

We were into it on Day 2, with a stiff cool 20mph wind hitch seemed to get colder as we progressed through stages 2, 3, 4, 5 and back to 1 before the sun decided to come out and stay out. However, we were much better off (extremely!) than those that decided to attend the Nebraska State match!

 

Jack had a few unfortunate events during this half of the match and I finished strong with a clean match. It was now up to score tally's to see where we placed overall.

 

The banquet was held at the Lady Bird Johnson Pavillion, costume contests were held and awards presented. Congratulations to all who entered and those who placed, there were some great costumes and many good stories. (I'm still giggling about Scarlett Mascara and Rhett Valet!! Very clever Hawkshaw Fred and Annie D Vine with your skit!)

It was on to prize drawings, giveaways and awards! To everyone that participated I hope it was the match you were wanting and you finished well.

Jack finished 6th in his category, congratulations to his fellow Silver Senior competitors, 9th , 8th , 7th , 5th , 4th , 3rd , 2nd and in 1st place and the 2018 Texas State Champion – Aberdeen.

 

Congratulations to all my fellow Lady Wrangler competitors. In 4th Okie Fenokie, 3rd and the 2018 Texas State Champion is One Chance Fancy, 2nd Misty Moonshine and 1st was myself.

 

I finished 1st lady overall and 6th overall from 318 shooters. Was very happily surprised to hear my name in the top 10!

Jack was also awarded 1st overall out of state champion at 36th place, so he was pretty pleased that we were able to have a photo together.

 

Congratulations to the 2018 Texas State Champion's – 1st overall men's Matt Black and for the ladies Panhandle Cowgirl.

 

A huge thank you to the Texican Rangers for hosting another fabulous Comancheria Days!

Kat xo

 

Port Neches – Beaumont, TX

Posted on by kathousekelli70

We spent the day with a leisurely breakfast, fresh air and sunshine before taking a ride with Texas Mac and Texas Flower, first via Nederland and Tex Ritter Park, then to Cowboy Harley Davidson and on to Gladys City.

 

Spindletop – the first place oil was discovered in Texas. So named for the small bursts of escaping gas that rose, ghost like from the ground and appeared like spinning tops.

The actual gusher was called the Lucas Gusher which is actually situated across the highway from the reproduction on the Lamar University grounds. The reproduction gushes water during re-enactments and other celebrations.

 

Here on the University grounds sits the small replica town of Gladys City, representing businesses from the 1901 boomtown. The man behind the plans for this “industrial utopia”, Pattillo Higgins, never actually saw his dream realised. As the news of the oil strike spread, buildings seemed to spring up over night in a haphazard fashion for the workers and their families, in a seemingly unorganised vision of what Higgins intended.

The original town had no saloon, for he and especially his wife, were involved in the temperance movement. Stella Higgins wanted no part of any drinking, gambling or prostitution within town limits. Of course saloons did exist further on the outskirts of town where I'm sure many an oil man may have squandered some or much money on these pleasures.

Mac and Flower are involved with re-enactments of this part of history in their town. Whilst the reproduction Gladys City does have a saloon, it is often changed into a tea room during these shows where high tea, fan etiquette, and discussion about the temperance movement can be participated in.

When Spindletop (Lucas gusher) first gushed in 1901, it did so for 9 days before being capped. During that time an estimated 800,000 barrels oil were lost.

 

The buildings depicted within the city are – Walkenshaw Steelworks, Barber Shop, R.C. Grinnell's Log Cabin Saloon, Guffey Texas Post Office, A.L. Gibson's Dry Goods Store, General Store & Living Quarters, Beaumont Oil Exchange, Edgerton's Photography Studio, T.A. Lamb & Son Printers, Gladys City Drug Store, Gladys City Oil Gas & Manufacturing Co., Nelson & White Engineers, Southern Carriage Works, Broussard's Livery Stable and the Lucas Gusher Monument.

 

There are many artefacts within each of the buildings and is worth a quick little visit and walk through history.

 

After a quick bite at Depot Hamburgers it was back to the house for the men to take a nap and a quick spot of sewing.

This evening we went to Port Neches Wheelhouse Restaurant. A popular waterfront restaurant and tiki type bar huts that seemed to be well patronised for a Tuesday night.

 

The barges, tugs and later a ship came through the river access. When the ships come in the bell at the bar is rung and there are half price 'ship shots'! A blue concoction of vodka, gin, rum and something but surprisingly was pretty good!

 

So the views were great! The food spectacular!

 

Jack and I thank you Mac and Flower for an interesting and exceptional evening. Actually, a fabulous day!

Kat xo

 

Ambush At Tomahawk Pass

Posted on by kathousekelli70

In the little town of Jonesboro (and Hodge), Louisiana, a gathering of cowboy's and cowgirl's came together for 'Ambush at Tomahawk Pass'. The SASS Louisiana State Championships for 2018.

As reported yesterday the range conditions quickly turned to mud and quite cool temperatures for the match but today's muddy, cold mess at least brought sunshine and clear blue skies with it.

 

Moving on from yesterday, our Posse of Stumpman, Mustang Toni, T-Bone Dooley, Ellie Gant, Ramblin Rose, Mad Dog Too, Roy Sackett, Cherokee Gal, Short Tree, Shakey Nate, Cornbread Dan, Hotshot Cotton, Hot Lead Lefty, Deuce McCall, The Arizona Ranger, Jackaroo (as Posse Marshal) and myself, all worked extremely well and it was a pleasure to shoot with each and every one of you.

Think our posse had at least 4 clean shooters. Out of the 108 shooters, 25 shot clean with Jack and I both pulling off a clean match ourselves.

Congratulations to the other Cowboy shooters! (Yes I did say Cowboy, Jack decided to shoot a few categories less than his usual) Slick McClade 1st place and Louisiana State Champion, Mr Black 2nd place and Jack 3rd place, finishing 6th place overall!

 

Check out the neat Posse Marshal gift too, a jacket with their alias and embroidered match name on it. What a nice and different idea.

 

Cogratulations to my fellow Lady Wranglers! Dew R Dye in 2nd Place and Nellie Blue in 3rd place and the Louisiana State Champion.

 

To round out the match overall Men's – Slick McClade and overall Ladies – Kathouse Kelli.

 

To the Overall Louisiana State Champions – Slick McClade and Nellie Blue – a huge congratulations to you both.

 

Once again, a very huge thank you to the Jacksonhole Regulators for a great match and hospitality.

Look forward to seeing y'all on the trail somewhere.

Kat xo

 

Be Seen In Green

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Green and cream. Tea dyed lace and broderie anglaise pair well with this green floral of Annie Hicock's.

She has made a shirt for Fast Fingers while I do the matching skirt and corset for her.

For this one I've coordinated a green check to create the skirt trim, the sash and the binding edge's for the corset.

 

It's coming together nicely Annie! Looking forward to seeing you coordinated pair on the range at Land Run!!

Kat xo

 

Bienvenue en Louisiane

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Welcome to Louisiana!

 

We arrived in Louisiana on Wednesday afternoon to pleasant weather albeit a little overcast.

It's time for Ambush at Tomahawk Pass, the Louisiana State Championships hosted by the Jackson Hole Regulators.

Thursday, we are ready for Wild Bunch and Side Matches. Had some good runs during side matches and considering how long it had been since we've shot Wild Bunch, it wasn't bad either!

It was warm and humid which brought on a big change with some storms coming down from the North.

It bucketed down towards the final stage. The ground was getting slippery and not looking flash for today (Friday).

 

With the tornado warnings for the North and the massive rain dump, thunder and lightning last evening, we were set to start the match in wet and muddy conditions.

This morning we awoke to cloudy skies but no rain. It is cold and such a stark contrast to yesterday!

 

At times I think we were breathing more steam clouds than Mustang Toni's black powder loads!! 🙂

We got through it though – look at the range! Empty! It's darn cold!

 

Banquet and side match awards tonight. Final 5 stages tomorrow. So far – Jack and I are both clean.

Kat xo

 

Neapolitan Dreams

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Mmmm some delectable pairings of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla fabrics for Pinky Jo has seen me spend many hours ironing small hems on 30 odd yards of frills.

 

They've gone from flat to fabulous froufrou in a shorter time thank goodness!

 

With these luscious frills now on the skirt, it's on to finishing the top and coordinating floral corset. Needs fluffy petticoats rather than a hoop though.

 

Always looking spectacularly pink, I think you are going to love this one Pinky Jo!

Kat xo

 

Whirlwind Week

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Back in Oklahoma it's back to a busy week of shooting club matches, practice days and rounded the end of the week with a trip to Arkansas for their club match today.

Last Saturday Missouri Mae and I ran a shooting clinic for 11 keen shooters. By all accounts it went well with those reporting they'd learnt some new things and we're happy to receive new tips. I wish them all the best for their future of shooting!

Sunday was a great day for them to follow up on their newly acquired skills with The Territorial Marshal's club match. Jack and I had a blast shooting with these guys again and there was an exceptional turnout of 65 shooters.

 

Wednesday, besides being a much cooler day, was practice day and for 11 of us that showed up for that we got through 6 stages pretty quick and headed off to 'go eat'!

Yesterday Jack decided we should head to Arkansas to shoot with Judge Parker Marshal's at Fort Smith.

We drove into town from the West and was looking for the new Marshal's Museum but alas it still hasn't started construction. It is reported to be opening in Sept 2019.

There is some new mural art on the sides of buildings that I noticed.

 

The club match today was good, attended by 15 cowboys and cowgirls.

Six great stages with everything from single tap to multi tap sequences and a variety of target sizes and distances. We are both pretty happy with today's effort.

 

For now, it's plan, pack and get ready to get on the road this week to Louisiana, then on through to Texas before heading back into Oklahoma for Land Run.

Look forward to seeing you on the trail somewhere!

Kat xo

 

When In Texas….

Posted on by kathousekelli70

It's go bold, go big or go home! Lol!

So here I present the 'I Love Texas' outfit that I made for Pistol Packin' Pami.

You would have seen it boldly worn at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix at Winter Range 2018! (Tuesday over there)

Others desiring this similar theme were a little disappointed when I said I couldn't do a corset for them because 'somebody else' was already getting it.

Pami wanted a Texas flag corset incorporated with blue bonnets and the main part to be like the flag. We put our heads together and came up with the star embroidered on the blue, the red and white on the left as per the flag – perfect – and at the back the two middle sections would be white and feature the Texas state flower, the Bluebonnet. (The 'lupinus texensis' the bluebonnet was adopted as the official state flower by the Texas legislature in 1901)

 

Pami, being a colourful character who I treasure, loves colour and so we went with a red top with a small blue and a white frill in a style she is familiar with.

 

Her flamenco styled skirt in red features a blue frill with white embroidered stars, the white frill has a smaller version of the blue bonnets and a plain red frill – see where I went with that? Keeping it in similar order to the flag itself.

 

With, of course, a quick little headpiece to boot!

 

The final product and one very happy cowgirl! You look amazing my friend, can't wait to see more photos of you in this outfit on range.

 

Somebody please post more pic's on Facebook so I can see it in all her glory!

Kat xo

 

When In Lawrence….

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Here at 'Beerandbullshitcorner' it's all fun and games!

 

This morning after the pups woke us up, it was breaky time for them, breaky time for us and I decided I needed to clean the back and side patios. Knowing that it was green waste recycling week, I picked up the previously pulled thistles but not content with my view from the window – or the spa – I decided to keep going and pull out more, totally filling the green bin for Tuesday pick up. The grass is still a little on the long side but the thistle and milkweed has gone.

 

Jack and I, being light on the wifi at the moment, took to playing the Wii today with a few hits of tennis and then some awesome games of ten pin bowling. I tried out some boxing, canoeing, downhill ski jumps and then got put in my place with the fitness set calling me a 'couch potato' and that I need to balance more working on my core. How rude! Probably some truth to that at the moment though haa haa haa.

As the day drew to an end, we enjoyed a spa and a sampling of Garry's home made Blonde Lager! Noice one Garrrryyyyyy! (Lol, if you watched any othe the cricket you would have heard that before) It was exceptional, we shall talk more about what you did! 😉

 

Ahhh the serenity!

Hope you are having a good one!

Cheers

Kat xo