SASS Convention | The Adventures of Jack n Kat

A little delayed in getting this out but we will do it anyway.

So Wednesday (7th Jan) as we saw, started with breakfast at Schilo's and then a bit of a walk along part of the Riverwalk. Bit of goofing off at a Mexican Restaurant with a photo opportunity. Hmm might make a good prop for Wild Bunch?!

We made a visit to the Alamo epitaph, the souvenir shop and garden and after a couple few drinks catching up with Cowboys and Cowgirls, returned later to view the exhibition in the shrine – Firearms of the Texas Frontier.

Interesting fact: there are several State and International flags in the Alamo with tags and a number on them. So enquiring minds set to find out from one of the curators or volunteers what they meant. The numbers represent how many 'Texians' originated from that particular area. For example England 11, Tennessee 16, and many others from Pennsylvania, Ireland, Spain to name but a few.

Then onto the long barracks to view the video and artefacts including William B Travis ring that he hung around infant, Angelina Dickinson's neck, prior to the battle. Susanna Dickinson's and her daughter Angelina were one of the few women and children who survived the massacre at The Alamo.

Thursday 8th called for dress up, Convention Opening breakfast and Awards preceded with the colour guard. Many seminars were to be attended within The Menger and of course visits down the road to the convention centre for vendors, book signings and stage shows.

The Marriachi band provided some entertainment in the mean time.

Got plenty of walking in between and photo opportunities for the public as we paraded the streets in our Victorian and cowboy clothing.

Here we are with Lily Marie in the Menger foyer. Gorgeous paintings and antique furniture just right for our gowns.

Thursday evening was cocktail hour with the acknowledgement of the 2014 Hall of Fame Inductees. Congratulations to Chuckaroo, Half-a-Hand Henri, Two Sons, Cowboys and Indian Store – Jim Bowie and Palewolf Brunelle (who was unable to attend) for all your efforts in the world of cowboy action shooting.

Friday 9th and time for more dress up, seminars, vendors, sitting in the bar and of course the Victorian Tea (I was lucky to gain a ticket for this and would never miss it at another Convention!).

Petit Foires, finger sandwiches and a selection of teas were the perfect afternoon setting for elegantly dressed women AND a few gentlemen to enjoy conversation and literature readings by Green Eyed Gypsy. Her excerpts from Texas Dames were very interesting to listen to and now I have to find and purchase the book!

Upon entry to the tea, we were given a blue and yellow ribbon to be worn. Stamped TEA into the velvet ribbon and a Texas star stud at the bottom, mine appeared to be upside down! Certainly made for easier reading in any case! Lol! There was to be a surprise associated with this 'purpose fault'. I won an 1880s garment drafting machine!!! Excited much, as I admired Velvet Glove's in Hot Springs, AR late last year and now I have one of my very own! Thanks also must go to Calico and Garnet Rose for donating this special prize.

There were other lucky seat and door prizes for others. Such a fun afternoon with thanks to Justice Lily Kate, Shotglass, Green Eyed Gypsy, Squawty Bawdy, and Aspen Filly – hopefully I haven't forgotten anyone.

Caught up with Flat Top Okie, Missouri Mae, Roy's Creek Dan and Highland Scottie for dinner that evening and a visit for the gents to partake in a cigar in the humidor at the Menger. A photo op with local constabulary! Too funny and I had to email it to him also.

The Pyjama Party and Pool Party were moved into the ballroom due to quite a cool and misty night. There certainly were some characters there and I heard it continued with Frederick Jackson Turner playing his guitar and entertaining the stayers in the foyer after they all left the Ballroom.

Saturday 10th and the blue gown. Pictures with Jackaroo and Wild Horse John before sitting to read for a while, which must have looked quite amusing to some.

So here I was sitting elegantly on the edge of the sofa, as one does when unable to manoeuvre petticoats and skirts much (I can be very ladylike when I need to be – who'd have thought! Lol!), reading the SASS Chronicle BUT it was on my iPad and I know there was a guy wandering through the hotel who I saw out of the corner of my eye take a photo. Too funny. Got the Chronicle read though.

On to Miss Tabitha's Victorian Undergarment show, her Flirtatious show yesterday regarding fan, parasol and handkerchief etiquette in the 1800's was very interesting and entertaining so this show was sure to be just as entertaining.

Miss Tabitha didn't disappoint, showing the different types of undergarments worn for the perfect silhouette from 1830's through 1890's. Her lovely assitants – Cat Ballou, Velvet Glove, Peaches O'Day, Bloomin' Yankee and Princess Rita (?) with a special appearance by Tex in his union suit.

Beautifully made gowns with some from disassembled antique gowns reusing embellishments and lace from the actual gowns to hand dyed fabrics, feathers and lace to match. Just stunning!

Then it was time for the Alamo Ball! With many in attendance the costume contest started early and then it was cocktails, dinner, announcement of costume winners and Victorian dancing! Thanks to Cowtown Scout and Jackaroo as my dancing chaperones for the evening. Was good fun and don't think we managed to dance on anyone's toes!

Ladies Best Dressed winners were, in 1st Place – Green Eyed Gypsy, 2nd Place – Kathouse Kelli and 3rd Place – Bloomin' Yankee. I thought at best I would place 3rd with these two exceptional dressmakers, with many more years of experience in 'period correctness' than I have, so I was absolutely stoked to place 2nd!!

Phew! And that folks is the wrap up for SASS Convention!

We headed home on the Sunday making a brief stop in Denton to meet with Lil McGill and hand over the Annie Oakley outfit and pick up gear from Boomstick Jay.

What a weekend, made some more friendships with Cowboys and cowgirls from different parts of the world.

Here's a shout out to Misty Moonshine, Slipnoose, Amber Oakley, Roxy West and all the other cowboys and cowgirls that make these big events work for all the enjoyment of the rest of us.

Cheers

Kat xo

P.S. Alamo is Spanish for cottonwood. 🙂

Oh and you can't take photos inside the Alamo so can't show you the firearms displays, the flags, the frescos on the stonewalls etc.

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A couple of hours and the odd snooze later we hit the state line and entered into Texas at Gainsville, front porch of Texas, says their branding.

Quick stop for coffe at Macca's and we are back on the road with Tracey Byrd entertaining us.

I wish I had been able to get a picture! A truck just drove past with Woody hanging on for his dear life on the aerial. Love it, love Toy Story and remembered Woody and Buzz hanging off the back of the removalists truck. Sorry, slight side track there.

It's been almost 3 years since being in Fort Worth, hmm should have looked up where the fabric outlets were again. Maybe I can con Jack into it for on the way back.

'…thats somebody's dream, somebody's hope, somebody's world gone up in smoke…..' Haa haa haa that was appropriate timing for that song as I thought about the fabric stores and my chances. We'll see!

Just passed the Texas Motor Speedway, they've even held the Red Bull Air Races here.

Stopped in at Haslet, just outside of Fort Worth to visit and get Jacks shotgun repaired. Had lunch at the Catfish Grill with 'Goatneck Clem' and 'Capt. Sam Evans'. It's amazing what you can learn in one lunch. Like how their aliases came to be due to family ties within Texas, the Alamo, Fort Worth and Spanish exploration on the river near their ranch. Fascinating and amazing!

But now it's back in the car and heading for San Antonio (pronounced San Antone by some) Had a bit of a hold up round Austin in late afternoon traffic but got through.

We are staying at The Menger Hotel and arrived here at 6pm. It's been drinks, catch ups with other Cowboys and dinners with semi-unknown Cowboys and Cowgirls before returning to the room for the night.