Tag Archives: sunshine and fresh air

JacknKats Place

Posted on 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!!

My interpretation of Monument Valley

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

Everything’s ‘normal’

Posted on by kathousekelli70

As normal as it could be haa haa, whilst I sit eating ‘burnt offerings’ for my dinner before I go to work this afternoon.

Yes, burnt schnitty it is!

I’m like a bower bird today flitting from one shiny object to the next. (Jacks background comment- ‘stop doing other things while you are trying to cook!’)

Jacks been playing with his car, working things out in it. I picked up my embroidery machine and put the other two in for their service.

There is still some ironing left to be done but otherwise I’m almost ready to rock and roll it and get to some cutting out for the next projects!

It’s Day 2 of the push-up challenge for Headspace and I’m over halfway with today’s pushups. 155 completed yesterday and on my way to the final 89 left to be done for the 177 today!

The weather is clearing from much rain to glorious days in the low 20’s (71-73f), who said it was winter here? Think we missed it! 😂😂

Anyway, we hope you are having a sensational day no matter where you are in the world.

Keep smiling!

Kat xo

Hell On Wheels

Posted on by kathousekelli70

2019 Hell On Wheels got underway last Thursday in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

This year it is hot, the stages are utilizing every square inch of the bay – meaning you are going to have to get moving between positions – the glare of the quartz dirt is full on but the stages themselves are good sequences.

Thursday was Warm Up’s and side match day, with an adhoc Doily Gang clinic put together with Shamrock Sadie, Lefty Jo, Honey B Quick and myself for 6 lovely ladies!

Friday its an early start as we head to the range for a 91F day (33C) and 6 stages. We are done by lunchtime before too much of the heat sets in although with all the running around we are really feeling it anyway.

Jack is shooting black powder this match, so plenty of smokey fun for him.

Saturday morning again an early start although its only in the 80’s, more running, fun and laughter. The final 6 stages are done and we will see how it all turns out Sunday. Thanks to a great posse – Grizzly Grumps, Murky Mick, John Sawman, Trudy Hart, Outlaw Josey Wales, Paladin Pete, Pinewood Kid (we missed you Pinewood Rose!), Sandhiller, Panhandle Kate, Sentry, White Raven, Pick, Tin Lizzy, Velvet, Slickbald, Jack and myself.

Saturday evening we spent time with friends – Charlie Wagon, Pearl Starr, Clancy, Wild Horse John, Saginaw Sue, Jack and myself – at Accomplice Beer Company at the historic Cheyenne Train Depot. Pouring your own beer and only paying for what you’re pour, sensational place!! A great concept and not the first time we have been here. Of course, Clancy, Pearl Starr and myself had to have a ‘Margarita Sista’s’ token margarita whilst together.

Sunday morning and we head for brunch with Wild Horse John and Saginaw Sue before heading to the range for awards. Once again with 13 Aussies in attendance we faired quite well against the competition.

Stats: 208 shooters – 14 or 15 clean shooters – Grizzly Grumps, Murky Mick, Mystic Meg, Coyote Baz, Clancy won from prize draw – Senior Duelist 2nd, Sam Balin – Lady Gunfighter 1st, Sister Sarah Carnegie – Frontier Cartridge 1st, Henry Moon – Gunfighter 2nd, Deadly Downunder – 49er’s 1st, Charlie Wagon – Lady 49er’s 2nd, Clancy – Senior Gunfighter 1st, K C Woody – Senior Frontier Cartridge 2nd, Jackaroo – Lady Wrangler 2nd, Pearl Starr – Lady Wrangler 1st, Kathouse Kelli.

  • Lady Wranglers
  • Jack, 2nd Senior Frontier Cartridge
  • The Gamblers contingent.
  • With our honorary Aussie, Aspen Filly

Hell On Wheels 2019 overall champions for the Men’s was Cobra Cat and for the Ladies, Kathouse Kelli.

Hell On Wheels overall Ladies and Mens

Yet again, we had fun and enjoyed it. Now its time for packing, checking, shuffling, re-packing etc.

See you on the trail somewhere!

Kat xo

End of Trail – Part 2

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Its now Thursday night and should be catching some zz’s as tomorrow we have the early start!

However, let me quickly catch you up.

Yesterday, Wednesday – Started out the morning with the Doily Gang Clinic, instructors this year, Shamrock Sadie, Lefty Jo, Honey B Quick, Iron Maiden, Sassy Dancer, Cooncan and myself Kathouse Kelli.

Was a great clinic, we had 2 shooters each to offer transition tips for pistols and more with long guns as well. Shot a couple of stages for critiquing and all in all, think they were all pretty happy to say the least when we were done. Thank you ladies for coming and glad we can offer something back to the sport for all.

Yeehaa ladies! Hope you are having great match’s!

From there it was grab some pictures of stages ready for main match. Go take a few runs at speed events. Pearl Starr and I then spent a couple hours in the LOCAS tent and in the down time helped Shamrock Sadie with a ‘craft task’ for later in the week.

Open ceremonies were held late in the afternoon. Alvira Sullivan Earp carried the flag for Australia! Legendary Lawman for Canada. Bloody Mary for Denmark. Chrissy Carson for Netherlands. The Kiwi Kid for New Zealand and in his uniform for the United States of America, Cash Cassidy.

With the anthem sung, the Wild Bunch, Match Directors, 111 first time attendees recognised it was on to the announcement of new Regulators. The 2018 Class of Regulators included many great recipients with none other than my very own Jackaroo!! Way to go man.

Two more from Australia – RC Shot, Mrs H, our Oklahoma friends – Flat Top Okie, Missouri Mae, Dutch friends – Dutch Bear, Justice Anne, Texas sweetheart – Sopapilla Sue and many more!! Congratulations to you all!

As the beer flowed, the Margarita party started at Hot Tamale’s and then it was time for sleep as Main Match was due to start today.

Now we arrive into today, Thursday – First day of main match. Jack and I are in Posse 21 with Red Haymaker our illustrious posse leader, Pepper Shot, C N Double, Captain Clark, Cowboy Jon, Deadly Don, Estancia Kid, Fast Fingers, Garrison Joe, Gilly Boy Hellbender, Huachuca Slim, James Colt, Lil Rob, Longcolt, Mick E Mouse, Old Frenchy, Sharpeye, Sunshine Belle, Jackaroo and myself. A big thanks to Nacho Momma for keeping score for all of us!

Four stages on the mid wave – 9, 10, 11, 12 were shot today with some degree of difficulty and success, blue skies, sunshine and a hell of a lot of New Mexico dust! Once we finished we shot the Posse shoot and we have a pretty good running time for that at the moment!

With weary feet, smiles as wide as you can get, we head to have lunch then back to the Motel for rest, relaxation and cleaning dust out of guns, nose etc. Haa haa haa

Coupled with a chat with Clancy, the occasional beer and a bit of hand sewing to finalise costume it is now getting late. Oh and a bit of cream puff for dessert. (groan after creammmmmm)

Charlies Spic n Span, Las Vegas NM ultra large mega cream puffs!

It is time to hit the hay, for the posse rides early in the morning with first shots down range at 7.30am.

Night peeps! Here’s to another awesome day tomorrow. Make it count! We are all still in the game! It ain’t over, til it’s over!

Hugs

Kat xo

The Gamblers Club Match

Posted on by kathousekelli70

A great day was had on the sunny Gold Coast today with 22 shooters in attendance.

 

We had a couple brand new cowboy's that certainly held their own. Congratulations Marksman and Itchy Trigger! A couple who hadn't been for a while and Trailrider was up from Canberra and came out to play!

 

We actually got 6 rain free stages done today! Yee haa!

 

Had a blast! See you on the trail!

Kat xo

 

Heading North

Posted on by kathousekelli70

From Newcastle to Gold Coast in a day, means around an 8 hour plus trip. Unlike days of old, it’s now mostly double highway, bypassing the coastlines and beach town views.

What would you find along the coast should you go the old route?

Newcastle

Beautiful beaches like Nobbys, Merewether and more.

Bogey Hole is a convict-built ocean bath. Also known as Commandants Baths, the sandstone/conglomerate rock was constructed in about 1820 intended for the personal use of Lieutenant-Colonel James Thomas Morriset.

Fort Scratchley today is a historic site and popular for watchers of whales migrating. Now a museum, it was built in 1882 to defend the city against a possible Russian attack. (Hmmm first time I’ve ever read about that!) The Fort never fired it’s guns in anger however, until 1942 during a Japanese submarine attack.

Seal Rocks

Further North you can find other popular surf spots such as Seal Rocks and Treachery. I frequented that area in another life.

Seal Rocks was originally named for its fur seal colonies that have not inhabited the area for many, many years, apparently they are being seen again in the Port Stephens area.

Popular for some awesome surf breaks, Seal Rocks and Treachery are very much a surfers paradise and still remains very uncommercialised.

Forster-Tuncurry

The twin towns on the coast about 20-25mins East of Mum and Dads at Taree.

Tuncurry is the smaller of the two towns and began around 1875. Tuncurry means ‘plenty of fish’, originally a timber milling area it is a beautiful sleepy little fishing town.

Forster being the larger town of the area, boasts beautiful beaches and surfing spots. It is a very popular Summer holiday spot being only 4 hrs North of Sydney.

Best fish and chips are found in coastal towns where it’s coming in fresh daily! No trip to Forster happens without fish and chips heavily salted and wrapped in paper! Yum!

Port Macquarie

First visited by Europeans in 1818 when John Oxley made it to the coast from his interior explorations.

It became a secondary crime penal settlement for convicts in 1821.

In 1823, the first sugar cane to be grown in Australia started here. Now that is interesting, as a kid, I only ever knew far north NSW and Queensland as the sugar cane country! Well there you go, learn something new ever day!

Anyway, lots of history there and gorgeous beaches also.

Up into further North NSW, the only remaining old section of Pacific Highway still goes through Coffs Harbour. Really don’t think there is anywhere for them to bypass this section but who’d want to miss the Big Banana attraction!?!😂😂

Coffs Harbour

Home to Big Banana, banana plantations (being superseded by blueberries), sugar cane regions, beaches and porpoise pool.

Was named after John Korff when he sought shelter from a storm in 1847, later accidentally changed to Coffs by an administrative error by a surveyor in 1861.

Many resorts and marinas here, very big tourist area.

Further there is Grafton, Byron Bay, Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads before crossing into the sunshine state.

Soooo much coastline to explore and then from Coolangatta up is beach after beach after beach!

Get some sand and surf into ya!

Kat xo

P.S. with Drive thru and a couple quick stops it took us just on 9hours.

Shooting with The Gamblers

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Saturday passed with a down range kind of day! After a busy few weeks assessing and establishing we are almost there!

The weather was rather warm but nothing that a good ole icy pole can’t fix. Ooo brain freeze!

We had a great group of 17 turn out despite the heat.

Six stages with The Gamblers, saw Jack on top!! Woo hoo! Go man.

Things are starting to look good for The Duel Downunder!

Club Match Feb 2nd 2019

Hope you had a good one no matter where you are!

Kat xo

Auctions

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Jack and I are getting sorted and trying to find cheaper alternatives to new furniture etc that we know is not in the ‘yet to be delivered’ lot.

We found a new source with Lloyds Auctions online and scored pretty well this past week. We picked up 8 outdoor chairs for the back patio for the princely sum of $65 (with auction buyers premium add 12.5% = $73), 3 black mesh backed office chairs for $15 (with one going to my hairdressers son as we only needed 2) and a brand new, still in the wrapping, 7 layered, commercial grade queen mattress for $500 (RRP$3950) 😳😜 absolute bargains!

Back to the outdoor chairs. So with a few extra bucks for cleaner and oil annnnnd a little bit of sweat and elbow grease, the chairs are looking pretty nice! Hmmm one chair short of the can though so we will have to go to the hardware store for more.

Before

Cleaned

After – thinking another coat will be required after they dry.

Not a bad days work in between chasing the dog a couple of times because he snuck out to go the neighbors and annoy their dog before returning when found! Lol!

They are a little patchy in colour but I figure I can pass that off as a ‘rustic intention’.

And THAT my friends is Boxing Day! Almost time for a swim!

Cheers

Kat xo

P.S. dog behaving now while I am outside typing this.

Aus Update

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Its been a crazy week since we landed back here!

Rustled up the keys to our unit and had Jack freaking out over space and where we are going to fit everything. Ahhhh, but someone has already worked out many, many space saving ideas – Pinterest is my best friend! All will be fine.

We had a fun weekend with The Gamblers last weekend for their Christmas and Club Championship shoot. Thanks surely go to Dug Deeper and Trixie for hosting us the couple of nights. Cracker enjoyed the midnight feasts and breakfast desserts! or maybe that was me!

IMG_1072

Jack and I didn’t shoot but once again, spotted, kept score etc and enjoyed everyone’s company. Jack was slightly jet-lagged this time taking himself home early on the Saturday evening while I hung out with the rest until the end. Great time!

Congratulations to Chuck Wagon and Clancy for being Overall Club Champions, Trixie and Lucky Luke for Most Improved and to everyone who placed in their category.

From here we headed back up North to Chuck and Pearl’s where we spent the next few days before the house sit. I reacquainted myself with the gym and it was so nice to be doing it with my bestie, laughing, hurting, having coffee after, pool when we got back home, Margarita’s in the afternoon. What more could two girls want, really!

IMG_1224

For those of you that may have met Cracker or not, he has been having many adventurous travels – thinking he might be taken by aliens. Had to explain to him, he is the alien in a foreign country, they aren’t coming to take him, so no foil hats required. He has soothed doggies, tormented elves and has been watching auctions for me. So somewhat helpful despite the redneck character.

We are slowly getting sorted in some sort of order and soon will be not living out of a suitcase for a long while.

Missing my crafting and sewing but won’t be long until I have a great workstation to do it from!

Better get back to some job hunting!

Love and hugs

Kat xo

 

 

Bullets and Rails 2018

Posted on by kathousekelli70

The Plum Creek Shooting Society hosted the Battle of Plum Creek – Bullets and Rails 2018 this weekend at the Comanche Country Ranch owned by landowners Lyman and Nancy who have kept it running as an outstanding cowboy range facility.

This year the shoot is based on famous train scenes in western movies with even a silent movie start in the Livery.

After much rain in previous weeks, it appears the range has been mostly spared and the ground is soft under foot but not boggy.

Day 1 was Wild Bunch and side matches which went off in fine sunny weather.

Day 2 rolls around with a clear cool start and more sunshine expected to continue. The mornings proceedings start with welcomes, pledge of allegiance, pledge to Texas, prayers and 'Patience'. Patience is a cannon but I couldn't tell you the details of her magnificence but if you asked her caretaker, Artiman, I bet you he could tell you more than a story or two.

 

Under the intricate instruction of Artimans artillery commands he and his fellow cowboys, come recruits get Patience ready for action. (You have to go to the Facebook page to see her in action). Now ready for firing, me holding iPad to video, I realise I don't have earplugs and only the capability to plug one ear hole, well….you can see by the video, that I still was not expecting the result! My ears were ringing for a good while!

 

We all moved off to our respective start stages for Day 1 of the Main Match and commenced stages 2-7 with our posse of Texas Ghost, Lady Ghost, Oklahoma Dee, Kansas City Sneed, Lefty Wheeler, Krazy Legs Kay, Texas Drifter, Chisos, Red River Raider (and the ever spectacularly dressed Petticoat Parker), G W Ketchum (thanks Suzie for keeping score all weekend), Six Goin South, Kickshot, Jack and myself.

Last night was the banquet and I assisted Six Goin South and Lorilei Longshot with a costume contest in the Parlour House Reception whilst men gathered in the Saloon next door. Congratulations to all who attended and placed.

 

Side match awards were given. A neat train whistle, theme appropriate for the shoot. I walked away with 4 so I may share with Jack if he wants to play trains! Haa haa haa!

 

Thanks Lyman for putting together your band and playing too. Music was great!!

Day 2 of the Main Match and we are set to finish stages 8, 9, 10 and 1. We had thunderstorms last night and the range has seen a massive downpour that has created better environments for pigs! Lol!

It is boggy as but the match officials are hurriedly running around clearing water and laying bags of sawdust as best they can, After a delay, we started at 9.15am to finish the match.

Lunch was on – fajitas – and might I just say the lunches and dinner the crew put on the whole weekend was outstanding especially lunch today. Awesome job and it was very much appreciated.

Awards got under way and the prizes were railroad spikes. Not just any old railway spikes I might add, these are the real deal. Actual 1800's railway spikes from Texas railroads.

 

Joe Darter gave a little trivia behind them before they started the awards. He 'acquired' these from somebody he knew that had connections. All the spikes are uniquely marked and highly collectible. The makers of the spikes would mark their initials or other carvings into them. If you were injured during other railway work back then, you usually ended up with one of these jobs also. All these spikes are marked, engraved with the shoot name and some with Champion on them.

Special awards made by Two Spurs and in keeping with the railway theme were given to our, shall we say, more mature cowboy and cowgirl at the match. Cherokee Clay and Lady Ghost received these awards for 'Most Train Rides'. Such a neat idea.

 

Jack with a jam in his rifle today finished 3rd in Elder Statesman. Congratulations 1st Skyhawk Hans, 2nd Wildcat Bob, 4th Dusty Mines, 5th Lefty Wheeler, 6th Little Bowley, 7th Ranger Tay.

 

Congratulations to my fellow Lady Wrangler shooter in 2nd place, Krazy Kat.

 

There were 16 clean match winners from 203 shooters for the match. I had a clean match!

Congratulations to Oklahoma Dee 1st man overall and I won ladies overall AND finished 2nd place in the match right behind him!

 

Thanks to all the crew at Plum Creek Shooting Society once again for a great match.

Kat xo