Howdy Chuckwagon Friends

Its been busy around here.  I don’t think there is ever a time when its not!  Not in this business.  We packed up and headed out of Saskatoon on Monday, departing at 8:3o am.  Was a good drive, not much traffic on the roads.  We arrived down south in Medicine Hat by 2 pm.  Along our journey we stopped in a little town called Kyle on Highway 4.  I so desperately had to stop to go pee, as well as fuel up the trucks. I am thinking I will have to cut down on my consumption of liquids on travel days.  So Rick tells me.  While we were stopped, a friendly voice came from around the corner and called my name.  I couldn’t believe my eyes!  It was Neville Jemott, a long time friend from back in Grande Prairie days, when we lived there.  We haven’t seen him and Frieda for years.  What a nice surprise!  We couldn’t chat long, as the horses needed to get going, but we will definately connect later.

I am proud to be living in a free country that I am.  Before the evening performance begins, the Canadian Anthem is sang.  It sends shivers through my body when I hear this. We are a very lucky people here in this country.

The Medicine Hat and Exhibition Association, arranged to bring in kids from the surrounding schools to come and meet some drivers on  the grounds.  We were available to give the kids a barn tour,  to just see what it is we do. Many of them are city kids and have no idea, and have not seen a horse or smelled horse manure.   They had many questions and loved getting to sit up in the Chuckwagon Box. Rick does a superb job of teaching.  Who knew?

Even when there is a schedule to follow, there is always time to change things up a bit  A 2nd annual Golf Tournament took place yesterday.  Because Rick does not golf, I got to go and join other Chuckwagon Drivers, swinging their clubs on the golf course to raise money for a Humaitarian Group.  I was auctioned off and purchased by sponsor Rodeo Ford!  What a great bunch of guys.  A day well spent by all.

Even though we are on the road, I am always trying new recipes.  The kids requested some salad……………..and so they got salad!  I needn’t a recipe,as  I just started adding many things together and came up with this.  It was a success!

We are very happy and proud to be carrying the tarp of none-other than MacAurthur Ranches.  Jim, our sponsor contact, brought his 87 year old father out to the races tonight.  He was thrilled to have watched his name go around the track.  We thank them for believing in us!

Ricks hook tonight was Air, Ranger, Vegas and Stash.  Cole rode Andy and Chanse on Skippy.  Chanse had a bit of issues with Skippy turning to the left when he was to get on.  This cost him some time getting out onto the track behind Rick.  Which in turn made him late to the finish line giving us a 1 second penalty.  We placed 25th on the day.

Cody had a bit of a slow start tonight. The horn blew, and I’d swear the horses had earplugs in and never heard a thing.  They just kind of stood there.  Very frustrating.   The outfit finally got going, and he managed placing 30th on the day.  Better tomorrow.

There were two happy little girls tonight.  One received the free mini chuckwagon give away, and our friends from The Hat brought their kids by to feed some carrots to the ponies.

So thankful for all that I’ve got!

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  Forget what hurt you, but never forget what it taught you.

Howdy Chuckwagon Friends

Its been a long day.  Morning chores, breakfast, a quick nap for some, packing for me and a couple of visits with some friends, all before the Chuckwagon Races started at 2:15 pm.  An early race day.   We depart tomorrow for Medicine Hat, so we pack up as much as we possibly can, so we can get an early start on the day tomorrow.  Supposed to be 26 degrees down south tomorrow.

I’m sure missing my snuggles with our new grandson baby Ryker.  I’m so thankful for FaceTime, as we can see each other.   Today was Kaylee’s birthday, Rykers mom, our 2nd daughter.  We chatted for a bit, and I got to talk baby talk to him.  I won’t see him for another few weeks yet.

While harnessing Speedy today, I took a selfie of him and I.  We’ve had Speedy for some time now and he is a favorite in the lineup.  A little lovin goes a long ways!

Cody had a pretty good show this weekend. Today he was 23rd and ended up 16th overall.  He’s heading on up!

Rick came flying off the 4 barrel this afternoon!  And was he flying!!!  The Team was “dustin on er!” as one might say.  But then, Rick was pulling around the 3rd and 4th turn.  Speedy somehow got off beat with his steps and wobbled just a bit. All things were good but it cost us some time.  It definitely could have been a day money run.  Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda!  Just glad all is safe.

The hook was Nickle (LL) Speedy (RL) Law (LW) and Trick (RW) with Cole riding Andy holding the leaders and Chanse on Stadium.  The boys did well all weekend.

A Shout Out goes to the Vern and Lisa Nolin family at capturing their first show on the WPCA tour!  Good for them.

Well the chuckwagon wasn’t quite as muddy as yesterday, but Rick likes to keep it clean at all times.  Our little friend Talance hung out to chat with Rick for a bit.

There is always time for kids.  My little friend Talance and I took a break from all the chores and just sat to enjoy each others company, a beverage and a candy or two.

Tomorrows a busy day on the road to the bright lights of Medicine Hat.  Looking forward to some more beautiful weather down south.

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.

 

 

Howdy Chuckwagon Friends

My hubby must have been pretty tired last night, cause when I crawled into bed…………he was snoring.   And Ricky doesn’t usually snore unless he’s over tired.  The days are busy when we begin our racing days.  Most days we try to get in an afternoon nap.  I’m thinking he’s not getting enough rest.

I was out early this morning at 5:45 enjoying my morning walk/run/stairs routine.  Along my journey, I passed this sign.  But what intrigued me was the red robin that was sitting below. I often am very aware to my surroundings.  I strongly believe that birds, butterfly’s, coins and such are signs from loved ones whom have passed before us.  I’m not quite sure about this bird today, but he did pique my interest.

Team 23 begins chores before the races at 4:00 pm.  Today we had some extra little helpers mixing the feed for me.  Thanks to Haleigh and Talance.  They are huge Rick Fraser and Team 23 Fans!

These sky’s are not quite what we like to see rolling in at 5 pm.  Unfortunately, the weather is out of our control.  The rains did arrive just before the first heat began at 7:15.  So out came the mud pants ,coats and rubber boots to keep us somewhat dry for the evening.

Well, even though the rains came down, the games must go on!  It just makes for 3 X’s more work afterwards for all the crews on the grounds.  So thankful for the access to good clean water because there is so much to hose down.  Right from the harness, to the wagon, to the horses and even the driver!

Rick’s hook tonight was Keenan on the Left Wheel,  Vegas on the Right Wheel, Air on the Left Lead and Ranger on the Right Lead.  Cole rode Drama tonight with Chanse on Corn Whiskey.  Ricky said the team went pretty good. He just about had a chance to go down to get the rail coming around the first turn, but then decided he just didn’t’ have quite enough room to do this.  So around he went, 3 wide all the way.  Cole had a bit of difficulty with Drama, which in turned caused them to be late.  We received a 1 second penalty for that.  We placed 25th on the day and sitting 12 in the average.

Cody is doing pretty good here.  Tonight he split 14/15 with Mike Vigen on the day, and is sitting 15th in the average.  I’m feeling like a pretty proud mama today.  That’s my boy!

Speaking about proud……………this young lady looks pretty proud to have received our 3rd mini chuckwagon giveaway here at Prairieland Park.  Thanks for coming out to watch all 36 chuckwagons of the World Professional Association.  

Along with the rains, comes the mud!  And no driver is exempt from getting down right dirty.  Nothing a good outside hose can’t help with, along with one loving wife!

AND THAT’S NOT EASY!!!

Well, despite the mud and the rain,  Team 23 and 48 stick together like glue and enjoy each and every moment that passes by.

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  BE STRONG!  Because things will get better.  It may be stormy now, but it never rains forever.

 

 

Howdy Chuckwagon Friends

I was pondering later today, of what I was going to blog about.  My day was very low key.  The crew got busy with the morning chores, and I got to  work making breakfast.  I like to change things up a  bit as to not be too repetitive with our meals.  This morning I made whole wheat breakfast wraps.  We get our protein in with the eggs and ham, I throw in some veggies, peppers onions and mushrooms.  Top it off with some cheese, salsa and maybe  even some Franks Hot sauce.  Our Team 23 Crew never complains about eating.  They Love what they get!

Every Chuckwagon Team has many spokes to it.  The Team is what makes the wheel go round.  Kim, is one of our “Team 23” members.  She is a great hand doing any and all jobs with no complaints.  Kim works alongside Rick making sure all the horses are cared for to her utmost ability.  This is Kim’s second season with us.  Here she is trimming Vegas’s fetlock hair.  You would think he was a draft horse with all that extra hair.

 

tonight’s crowd here in Saskatoon was a good one.  We are so glad to see so many fans out, as we are competing with Garth Brooks.  He’s in town putting on a few shows.  Which would you go see if you were here?  Or would you do a double-header?

I know what this fella prefers…………………Chuckwagon Racing of course!

Allie, Cody’s gal is one great helper.  Her and I bring the outriding horses to the track for the riders.  Its a busy job when you have one in each hand.  As long as they are behaving, things are good.

Our outriders are no shortage of entertainment on the trail!  They gather before the races and all do their thing to prepare for the evening.

Chanse is our stove man.  His job is to take the stove out of the stove rack before the horn blows.  Be sure to have it on the ground, then throw it into the rack when the klaxon sounds, then mount his horse, riding his horse around the figure 8 pattern, racing to stay within 150 feet of his wagon crossing the finish line.  Chanse is one of the best ever!

Rick hooked the same boys tonight, Air, Ranger (leaders) Keenan and Vegas (wheelers). Cole rode Trixter again, with Chanse on Stadium. The crew started good, but Ranger seemed to stop turning part way around the barrel, so it slowed the whole outfit down a bit.  We posted a 24th on the day.

Cody was just a bit more speedy than his dad tonight.  He placed 22nd on the day.

 

Well I’m so proud of these 2 men in my life!!!  Rick is one of the best drivers in the chuckwagon world.  He has learned so much of his talent from his late grandfather Tommy Dorchester, his late dad, Dave Lewis, is late, Uncle Dallas Dorchester.  And now he is passing his talent on to our son Cody.  And I believe in my heart, Cody will be a champion one day soon too!

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.

Howdy Chuckwagon Friends

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the warm weather  in Saskatoon.  I Love the Heat!  Today it was very warm, but with quite a heavy wind.

Yesterday, we had very little wind and it was very hot.  I couldn’t tell you the daytime high, as I never look at the temperature gauge, I just look into the sky for my weather forecast.  Despite the warm temps, our Team 23 and Cody’s crew had to hook some outfits for practice.  We had a 2 hour window to prepare and run 5 outfits between the both of us.  To make it even busier, all the 10 or so outriding horses were rode as well.

One of my jobs along with Team 23, is to help prepare the chuckwagon horses for their practice run, by putting their collars and harness on, along with their headstalls as well.

 

The outriding horses get saddled and bridled, and await their turn for our outrider Cole to take them for a fast lap.  We call this fast lap, “blowing them out.”  I tell you what, Cole was one tired fella, after riding 10 or so horses yesterday.  But then again, he’s in great shape and makes things look pretty easy.  He is doing very well for his second season on the tour.  Here in Saskatoon, he is hired to ride all 9 heats behind several different drivers.

 

I think I’ve mentioned it before, but will again, “I love my mornings!”  Always so peaceful and quite.  And this is the time I like to do my workouts.  Today was no different.  I ran/walked around the park, and then over to the bleachers at the grandstand.  I lost count of the steps after going up and down several times.  During this time, there are a few race track folks exercising their horses.  But other than that, its pretty quite around there.

I just never know what I will come upon on my daily journey.  Today, this set of wings was lying on the grandstand stairs. It makes me wonder what happened to this poor bird.   Life can be like this sometimes, where our soul just doesn’t have it in us anymore to continue on,  yet our outer body remains.

So it couldn’t have been a nicer night for our first night of racing in  Saskatchewan.  Our son Cody was in the first heat so he had to be ready.  Cody was off the 1 barrel tonight and had a good run to put him in 15th spot on the day.

Every sport needs judges and ours is no different.  Dale Haroldson climbs high on a platform, to get a bird’s eye view.  There are judges stationed on each turn, first, second, third and fourth, as well as others in front of the infield.  There are also cameras to film the race and review.  The human eye can only see so much.

We got a good chuckle tonight.  Just as Ricks heat was pulling in to race, a cat decided to do his duty on the home stretch.  The cat had no idea that his 9th life could have ended if he had been much longer.  All was well though, he scooted off before the wagons came around.

The boys ran a great race tonight.  Rick hooked Spirit, Spin, Cowboy and Glory.  Cole rode Trickster holding the leaders and Chanse Vigen rode Stadium throwing the stove.  Our tarp sponsor tonight was Driving Force.  Rick ran a clean race and placed 2nd for the day.  We are very happy about that.

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  Signs from the soul should come silently, as silently as the sun enters the darkened world.