Tag Archives: TX

Mary-Lou Does Christmas!

Posted on by kathousekelli70

As Mary-Lou July reminisced with her 'sista' Mary-Lou June this week, both still separated by continents, she bugged the hell out of me about getting out again.

So I sent Mary-Lou July with Jack to the Ten Horns this weekend. She was so excited to go visit for their Christmas shoot and party. I hoped she would be on her best behaviour but as always with Mary-Lou July, life IS like a box of chocolates and you never know which one you're gonna get – more than likely the nutty one!

 

She had me make her a new costume especially. I wasn't exactly thrilled about the 'cat' fur she decided she wanted but with the addition of 4 bells she found (don't ask), I guess she is ready for anything. At least the Ten Horns might have a chance of hearing her coming before they get to endure the nonsense.

Jack being a good sport, took his antlers she found for him (no reindeer were hurt during this process and they definitely aren't Rudolph's!) and they headed out early this morning.

The Texas Ten Horns had a good turn out of 61 shooters on a glorious sun shiney day. It was so good to see Smokin' Limey out and about too even though she wasn't shooting! And Pistol Packin' Pami, so glad you came and hung out with them on the posse.

 

The afternoon followed 6 great stages with their Christmas party! What a hoot!, gifts going in all directions! Buckles and conchos given to the clubs top hands, overall yearly champs and so on. Congratulations to Hillside Hannah and Dirt Hill Bill for overall club championship points winners!

 

Mary-Lou July was over the moon with her first shooting match, Jack said she had taken on some good tips from me and she managed to finish 5th overall yesterday and 1st overall today. Thanks to the RO's for putting up with the antics and silly lines she started with.

 

Jack finished 14th overall on Saturday and 7th overall today. Good one Jack!

She probably won't be back but thanks for bearing with her!! It's all good fun but I can't subject her to folks too many times, lol!

Merry Christmas!

Kat xo

P.S. A very special thanks to Hairtrigger Hayes and One Chance Fancy for hosting our stay Saturday night. Was a great night chit-chatting, we will definitely do it again. Love and hugs to you both.

 

Into The Woods

Posted on by kathousekelli70

…lf you go down in the woods today, you better go in disguise……

Well this wasn't no nursery rhyme and you might say we were in disguise….if you call a weekend away in 'normal' clothes, disguise! Haa haa!

What a great weekend of down time spent with our very good friends Texas Mac and Texas Flower at their little ranch and I do say little with tongue in cheek.

It might be a cosy little old farm house but their surrounding 'woods' as Flower calls it, is not so little at all!

We arrived Thursday to a warm afternoon. Still in shorts and tshirts we were able to enjoy Margarita's on the deck before enjoying steaks from the grill – a revamped, repurposed old wood stove!

 

Friday morning it had turned chilly, so suitably dressed, the four of us ventured (on the ATV) out after a hearty breakfast into the woods, checking Mac's hog traps, learning of the history of the property, checking out the cows and looking for deer.

 

Now Tinder or e-Harmony has nothing on Scrapings! The dating service for deer. (I learnt this on our little exploration) Bucks will rub glands under their eyes against an over hanging branch along a path, scrape the ground clear and urinate in the middle of the spot. Doe's will come through and if so inclined, will follow the trail to the Buck. We saw many scrapings along the way through all Mac's trails.

 

After visits to old house sites, Mac's storage, to me was just a divine old run down house with spectacular timbers, (Thought of Bertie Winchester and her woodworking but that's another story to follow) we then headed down to the pond and back around to the house for late lunch.

 

The afternoon followed with chatting about costuming and the men folk doing a bit of shooting in the back yard. Flower and I eventually ventured out to see what they were up to and tested out the new .22 rifle and had a go at shooting outlaw!

 

Soon it was time for Margarita's although we didn't spend too much time outside this evening.

Baseball and more costuming chats ensued after dinner.

Saturday, after breakfast we took a trip into Coldspring. It's Trades Day which is a weekend of markets with anything from handcrafted items, homegrown cosmetic creams, quilts, jewellery, horseshoe items, you name it. We walked the stores around the square of which almost all of them are still the original buildings and marked historical.

 

We lunched at 'The Mason Jar' and headed to the historic jail and hanging tree. Being Halloween, the jail was not open to the public unfortunately, and I hear it still has the original trap door and hanging rope in there but it is set up as a haunted house for people to visit of an evening.

 

A quick stop at the store and we headed to a friend of Mac and Flower's who has an awesome collection of Roy Rogers, John Wayne and other western memorabilia. Thank you to Wayne and his daughter Gail for allowing us to come visit his own little 'museum' and showing us his wife, Barbara's antiques and her special pieces in their home. Wayne was such a fan of Roy Rogers that he had actually got to meet him as well and we were able to pour through his photo albums and marvel at all the pieces he had collected over time. Really appreciated that visit!

So a much cooler evening made it necessary for the chimenea to be lit if we were going to enjoy the fresh woods air and margaritas outside. It was now down around 50F.

 

We ate dinner inside but later went back out to enjoy our first S'mores experience!! You heard it right, we had not had S'mores before and I for one was not leaving no matter how cold it was, or how full I was from dinner, without experiencing one. Funny thing! Jack hadn't even roasted a marshmallow on an open fire!?! So firsts all round!

 

What a great weekend with the Butler's in their little slice of country heaven. It was great to be able to spend more than a few hours with you both.

Kelli xo

 

One Hell Of A Weekend!

Posted on by kathousekelli70

What a great weekend Jack and I have had! We took off Friday after lunch down to Leonard, TX ready for a weekend of shooting.

We got shooting and then some this weekend!

Saturday we headed to the range where the Texas Ten Horns hold their club matches and then some. Shooters numbered around 44 or so for 6 great stages.

 

With a serving of hotdogs thrown down and the match scores dealt with, those who were willing and able, through the heat, had a crack at the 'Super Stage'! What a hoot!

 

Essentially 2 stages joined together, use another set of pistols and another rifle – so all in all, 4 pistols, 2 rifles, 1 shotgun, ammo count 48 rounds.

Here's the scores from that day, Jack in 9th place overall with me in 5th!

 

Rest up, 'cause we're doing it all again Sunday! Well all but the super stage.

 

It's another warm one, although we did have a little cloud cover today making it slightly more pleasant for a bit, we ran the same 6 stages again.

 

Let's just say Sunday Jack and I switched places – I finished 9th and he was 5th overall. He had a good day and some days, well, we're only human! Lol!

 

Off to Mexican for a very entertaining lunch! You meet some very interesting and/or funny people doing this sport. Let's just say I thoroughly enjoyed it and have spent most of the time laughing.

 

This morning we packed up and headed back across the border to Albany, OK. What great facilities and hospitality! 32 shooters came out to play on what is the hottest day for the weekend.

 

Two posse's got to it and soon we had got through 6 stages and were heading to the arena and upstairs dining area for a spectacular feed! Pasta, bread, cookies, brownies, cobbler and ice cream – all home made by the lovely Calamity Dibar (I'm sure Iron Tomahawk Kid helped too 😉 ) he certainly made sure we were all fed and watered.

 

Jack and I had switched places again. I finished 5th and he in 8th overall.

 

Thanks so much to the Texas Ten Horns and the Red River Valley Cowpokes for a great match weekend. We will be back!

Kat xo

P.S. Did you know Hannah won a buckle at state!?! Haa haa haa

P.P.S. Had to throw that in there, some will know what it means – funny lady, my face is aching after this weekend!

 

 

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.

 

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

 

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!

 

Texas-Oklahoma

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Playing catch up!

Last weekend was fabulous, spending time with Texas ladies, shopping for fabric in Houston.

After being sworn in to the 'Royal Order of the Safety Pin' we headed out to the first stop – High Fashion Fabrics.

 

We lunched at Saint Dane's Bar and Grill after, then headed on to some more stores!

 

Got most of what was on the list! Win!

We spent two great days shooting with the Thunder River Renegades with some Mexican food and drinks thrown in for good measure.


Don't you just love TJD's new pinup shirt?!


Sunday afternoon it was back on the road to Oklahoma.

It's been head down, bum up this week and today we had the Territorial Marshals club match. Yippee! shot good today and so did Jack, we finished 5th and 7th respectively out of 55 shooters.

It's on again tomorrow instead of Wild Bunch, as we head for Sand Springs next week and the Oklahoma State Championships.

Cheers

Kat xo


 

Texas Bound

Posted on by kathousekelli70

This past week has been flat chat, getting into sewing, reloading, friends visiting, shooting clinic, club match and a practice day thrown in for good measure! Take a breath……

 

Well now, it's the beginning of September and a fabric sourcing expedition had been planned with Shotglass and Green Eyed Gypsy in Houston. Where did the time go?!! So we are on the road to Magnolia, Texas to catch up with these lovely ladies and a few others!

We hit the road early and started the days trip, passing through Waco around lunch time, where would we be without a stop at Magnolia Market at The Silos! Fixer Upper, my most favourite DIY show with Chip and Joanna Gaines! We just had to make a stop there after seeing the progress from buying the silos to creating this market space.

 

The grilled cheese sandwich and coffee from the food van setup were sensational and we sat with a couple of ladies from Roanoke, TX Peggy and Paula. Peggy has a friend from Queensland! We chatted for a while about cowboy movies, Fixer Upper and their art! A lovely chance meeting.

 

Back in the car we kept on to Magnolia, (sheer coincidence) to Shotglass and Texas Jack Daniels home!

 

Yours in shiplap, tin, timber and more

Kat xo

 

https://magnoliamarket.com

P.S. As I post this this morning, the few others has turned out to be Squawty Bawdy, Justice Lily Kate, Aspen Filly, maybe Nellie Blue will meet up with us too!

 

Old Fort Parker, Groesbeck, TX

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Not many Australian's could claim they have shot out of an 1836 Fort block house and today this became reality for Jackaroo and I.

'On May 19th, 1836, a band of Indians came to Parker's Fort asking for beef, water and a place to camp. When greeted by the Parker's the Indians attacked, taking five captives! The most famous of these was 9 year old Cynthia Ann Parker. She was adopted by a Comanche family, grew up to marry Chief Peta Nocona and later gave birth to the last great Warrior Chief of the Comanche's, Quanah Parker' (as quoted from the Old Fort Parker web page)

By the way, Cynthia Patker is buried in Lawton, Oklahoma.

For the start of Senior Games (being held at Old Fort Parker hosted by the Old Fort Parker Patriots) we attended Long Range in the block house. How cool is that! We borrowed a 30-30 and ammo – thanks Kow Katcher and Bent Barrel Betty and then had a go at the 45-70 single shot, longest barrel I've ever seen, rifle and had a ball! 4 from 5 shots on each rifle. Got to be happy with that.

So below this is the block house.

 

And this is the view from the port where we shot. See the far white targets, right in the back of the picture? The hanging 'sight' target and then the two squares and the circle? That's what we were shooting at across the whole range.

 

Then after this we waited for rain to cease before Wild Bunch and side matches could begin. As luck would have it, it did, and we were able to complete 4 stages and the side matches with only very muddy surrounds but no extra rain!

 

Tomorrow will begin 5 stages and hopefully the weather will stay dry until at least we are finished.

Until then, (as Mister Skye would say) shoot straight and keep your powder dry.

Kat xo

http://www.oldfortparker.org

http://oldfortparkerpatriots.weebly.com

 

Convention Close Out

Posted on by kathousekelli70

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.