Howdy Chuckwagon Friends

Yesterday was such a busy and draining day for me.  The fast turn around from the High River show to Ponoka, the trip home to pick up horses, oats and supplies, Ponoka dinner venue, and a husband under the weather all adds up.  So I made sure I got some good sleep last night. My head hit the pillow at 8:30 pm.  Getting good rest is one thing that I am more in tune with.  Several years ago, I refrained from napping and early nights and got fairly run down, and came down with a cold.  So not a  good thing when on the road.  I learnt my lesson.  

The Ponoka Stampede.  One of a kind.  This is their 80th year running, and the venue we attended last night, was honouring the past legends.  Rick’s late Grandpa Tommy Dorchester is included with that group.  So proud of him and the legacy h has left behind.

Here in this photo, he heads for home at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, The Calgary Stampede.

As I was walking towards the infield to watch Cody’s race, these guys up in a sponsor booth just had to have their photo taken.  So I obliged.  They look like they were having a great o’l time tonight.  It wouldn’t be a successful show without faithful fans such as these.

Tonight, Cody and Rick were off the number 1 barrel, just in separate heats.  Cody was in the first heat and Rick in the fifth.  What a nice turn and run he had.  He crossed the finish line first by only a horses head maybe.  Good enough for 18th on the day.  I’m sure Great Grandpa Tom is watching down on him.

Tonight, Cody had Chanse Vigen hold his leaders and Chance Flad throw the stove.

You know, no driver likes to see a knocked down barrel. Tonight it happened to “Team 23”.  It happens to everyone at some time or another.  But I have to tell you something.  I was listening to the radio yesterday on my way back to the Ranch.  And there was a message that set in.  It spoke of very famous people over the years.  Thomas Edison, and Albert Einstein, to name a couple.  The message being said, was that these such folks were famous.  And most people know what they are famous for.  But what most do not know, is that they failed, and failed and failed again, in order to achieve what they did in the end.  They never gave up, and each time they got better and better and better.

So despite the 5 second penalty assessed, our horses ran their hearts out for us.  They posted a 1:13.65 which in turn would have been a day money run.  We have to dwell on that for positivity.

Our Grandson Coy has found a new job.  Collecting cans and bottles for spending money.  Most kids on the circuit have done this at least once in their lifetime, including Coy’s papa Rick, his uncle Cody and his mom Amy and auntie Kaylee.  It’s a great way to learn about responsibility, hard work and money all at the same time.

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and “Team 23”

P.S.  Don’t let today’s troubles bring you down.  Don’t let life’s little obstacles keep you from trying.  Don’t let your fears keep you from dreaming.  Don’t give up for any reason.  BELIEVE IN YOURSELF