Oh my gosh, where do I start. This chuckwagon spring training business is such a busy time. Preparing, training, packing, yard work, grocery runs, making meals…you name it, I do it! But…I love it. Especially when we have family, friends and our hired workers around to share our day with.

This month we had some very special visitors come to the Ranch. We welcomed Carter and Sheila Rycroft and family to join us for the day. And what a beautiful day it was. Rick and Carter met just a few short weeks ago. During their reminiscing of the family life back in Grande Prairie, where they both grew up, Rick invited Carter to come on out to try his hand at outriding.

Well, I tell you what, Carter could have a summer job in a minute. He had no problem mounting the horse and riding a few laps. I know he’s a great curler and he could be just as good an outrider if he wanted to be. Carter, his wife Sheila and his daughter Leah also got to experience a ride in the chuckwagon. What a thrill for them all.

As time would have it, spring training comes to an end and it’s time to hit the road. But before departure this year, we had to have a Summer Send-off party for family, friends and neighbours. We also had to celebrate my second “25th” birthday again. What a lot of fun we had.

I was surprised with a most interesting curvy cake made by Tammy Lewis, Rick’s brother Greg’s wife. What a talent she has.

I thank all of you who came out to enjoy the evening, especially all my adopted kids from over the years.

Another big birthday surprise was this nice birthday greeting from George Clooney. Gee whiz…I wonder how he knew it was my birthday?

Well, we finally departed on holiday Monday and headed north to the City of Grande Prairie. Left the Ranch at 7:30am, arriving at an excellent time of 2:15pm. Was a smooth trip, with no hiccups to speak of. Got the corrals made and water buckets filled, unloaded the horses, finished setting up camp for the ponies.

Then it was time to set up the trailer and fall into bed. But then we noticed the water tank on the back end of our trailer was half hanging down. For Pete’s sake! Those darn highway bumps coming up here! Especially that HUGE one down at the beginning of the Smoky Bridge. MAJOR! And not much for warning. Rick knew about it, so I did slow down. Even then it did some damage. So glad for Darwin with Express Mobile RV Repair who came to our rescue. He will get it repaired and we’ll be good again. I believe what they say, everything happens for a reason, we just may not know why at the time.

And just before I sign off, I want to encourage you all to share this blog with your friends. It is accessible to anyone. Just share the link to travelintrailer.com and come along for the ride.

This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind…let it be something good.