Howdy Chuckwagon Friends

It rained all through the night.  Not that I heard the pitter patter on the roof, as I was in a very deep sleep due to being so tired, but someone had mentioned all the moisture, as well, the nearby river has risen in the past few days. A bit of a reminder of the flood a few years back.  We do not wish to experience that again.

Team 23 were up and at it this morning in the rain, cleaning stalls, refilling buckets with fresh water, bedding with new straw and feeding hay.  Once all was completed, the lights were shut off and the barn is quiet again and the horses enjoy a good rest on their fresh bedding.

Morning coffee visits at the Dorchester barn and baby Ryker was the center of attention.  Uncle Garry was enjoying his turn of cuddles and didn’t quite want to give him up to soon.

Soon after, Rick and I cleaned up and headed out to the children’s hospital along with Trick Rider Payton Bensmiller and Outrider Kale Lajeeunesse.  This is an annual visit that we make while we are here in Calgary at the Stampede.  It’s one visit that is near and dear to our hearts.  We come away from this with a new heart of gratitude.  These families endure so much day to day yet never complain.

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Soon after returning from the hospital, we had a young lady scheduled to come to see us.  Shelby and her dad, along with their friends came for a meet and greet with us and the horses.

A little birdie told us it was Shelby’s 11th birthday today, so we bought her a cake to celebrate. She was very happy about the cake, but even more excited to meet the horses.  Shelby and her friend Lily, met every horse in the barn.  But in the end, Shelby’s favorite, was outriding horse Andy.  They just seemed to connect with one another.

Little time left of the afternoon,  so Rick lied down for his nap and I got busy in the kitchen.  I have one more breakfast to serve, so I decided I would make the Christmas Morning Wifesaver.  This is a delicious meal of bread, ham, cheese, eggs and milk all in one.  I`ll pop it in the oven in the morning and serve with some fresh fruit on the side.

Before the race night began, Chanse Vigen (outrider and chuckwagon driver) and I got a snapshot together.  This young man is as old as Rick and I are married.  I remember the day he was born.  Chanse is like a son to us as he`s been up and down the chuckwagon trail for years. He is one heck of an athlete, and we are proud to call him our friend.

The day was darkened by all the clouds in the sky.  It was overcast all day long as they called for plenty of moisture.  And this time it was true.  The rains came down and the track got wet, and more wet, and the wet turned into soupy mud.  And you guessed it, more and more laundry to do.  Hey, but I`m not complaining, I have some appliances available to use.  Life is Good!

Our hook of horses tonight off the 4 barrel, were Nickle, Speedy, Devereux and Law.  Chanse and Cole rode Stadium and Andy.  From my view on the chutes, I couldn`t see what happened.  From Rick`s perspective, it wasn`t good.  Rounding the top, the barrel went down.  Darn it.  We were hoping for maybe another Day Money run.

As soon as the outfit and all the horses returned from heat 1 , it was time to begin to clean all the tack, horses and driver.  If you get at it right away, its much easier to get all the mud removed.

With all the crew working on the cleaning, it didn`t take long to get done, and still have time to go watch the evenings races.

You never know who will pop in to say hello.  This evening we got to chat with Mr. John Scott of Longview. He`s a great friend that we cherish.  Kaylee worked for John a few years back, and Rick has worked with him on the movie The Assassination of Jesse James.  John is a very down to earth kind of guy.

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue,  with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And Dreams are Forever.

Howdy Chuckwagon Friends

The days are counting downward now.  Hard to believe that we have only 3 more race days left of the Calgary Stampede.  Time sure does fly by when your having fun.

Our daughter Amy and son Coy arrived last night, joining us for the rest of the show.  I was informed that Coy just had to get here to see his Nana.  We normally spend lots of time together, so Chuckwagon season cuts into our time.

I was on  morning breakfast duty, so while the Team got busy with chores, I fired up the grill and got at it.  The request was breakfast wraps.  That’s what I made along with the quick ever hash browns from Costco.   They come in a mini carton.  You just add boiling water, let them sit for 15, throw them on the griddle to fry, and then their ready.  I believe everyone was satisified, because there was not a crumble left to put away.

Rick and I had no venues or appointments to attend, so we took advantage of this and went up to the trailer to sleep by 10:30 AM.  While here in Caglary, the pace is fierce.  Early mornings and late  nights.  So naps are crucial.

Tyler, our friend came by during our afternoon chores. You see, we met Tyler last year during our annual visit to the Childrens Hospital.  Tyler is a fine young man, who frequents the hospital daily for dialysis.  He spent the evening with our Team enjoying the races and just hanging out.  We will be heading to the hospital tomorrow for this years visit.

 

Our day money run from yesterday was fantastically exciting!  With that comes a trip to the Stage in front of the crowd the next day to receive a trophy for your success.  We were so very honored to receive this achievement.

Rick had to look his finest, so I pulled out his newest starched jeans from the closet.  He needed a bit of help from relative Maxine to pull apart the legs.  Cowboys love to have their jeans pressed, starched and with a crease.   Here on the grounds we have the Cochrane Cleaners sitting on site, picking up and dropping off laundry daily.  This is Ricks treat during the Stampede. Nicely pressed jeans and shirts.

While waiting to go on stage, we met these fine gentleman.  We stopped to shake their hands and say “Thank You” for their service for our country.  Rick and I believe it is so important to recognize these folks for what they do.

As we went up on stage to accept the trophy, I managed to take a snap of our Chuckwagon Track Announcer on the big jumbo tron set up for the crowd as it was a little tough to see him way up in the Eye in the Sky as they call it.

The box seats are great viewing spots for many of the sponsors to see the races from.  They get a pretty close up view of all the action from there.

Rick decided to hook our barrel 3 and 4 outfit consisting of Nickel (LL) Speedy (RL) Devereux (LW) and Law (RW).  Chanse and Cole rode Die and Ernie.  All went very well posting a time of 1:15.13 which help up for first place right up until the last heat ran.  Then we moved to 2nd but we will still take that and are very happy how the horses ran.

Our little fan Talance from Saskatchewan was in the crowd tonight and had to send a wave off to one of her favorite drivers of the show.

Nothing is more special than grandkids.  Our 2nd daughter Kaylee and husband Chris arrived with their little one, baby Ryker just before the races started.  So after, we got some cuddles and lovin time in as this little has grown from the last time we seen him.  So much fun!

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  The quieter you become, the more you can hear.

Howdy Chuckwagon Friends

My day has been a long one.  I so enjoy my quiet mornings, and today was one of those days.  I got up at 5 am to go and throw a couple of loads of laundry in, then headed to the barn.  The quietness was almost deafening.  There was no one else around.  Only the horses in the barn, and they are quiet too.  When the lights are off and there is no action in the barn the horses rest.

I brought the oats into our shed row to feed morning oats.  When I came in with the wheel barrow full of the horses feed, the sound from the ponies is like a sound of none other. Immediately they know that you are there to feed them their breakfast.  Altogether, they let out a few whinnies, then prance a little in the stall, until each of them have their bucket filled.  It gives me such a pride within myself, to know that even though they can  not talk to us, there is definitely communication between human and equine.  I hope to get this on video some time to share with you, so you too can experience just a bit of what we do.

Our delicious breakfast prepared by the Dorchester crew filled our bellies for the morning. This is day 6, and I can tell, everyone is getting a bit tired and sluggish.  Coming into Calgary for the 10 days of racing is grueling, not to mention the 6 days of Ponoka before this as well.  Its a long stretch, and you tend to keep on running on adrenaline, just because you know you have to.  But its a good adrenaline.

Rick and I took time to have our photos taken with Dave, our friend and retired cpl. , along with 2 of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police members.  They partake in the opening ceremonies of the afternoon rodeo.

This afternoon, Rick took his Chuckwagon over to Warwick  and the crew there were a huge help in repairing the axles.  They needed just a bit of straightening after the mishap.  The wagon arrived back just in time for the evenings races.

Not long before race time, I had enjoyed a few minutes of visiting with my friends, Mack, Kim, and Mylene.  Lots of laughs with great people.

 

Before the races begin, our national anthem is played by the Calgary Stampede Show Band.  Here, outrider David Bensmiller proudly stands  with head cover removed as he looks on at the army helicopter in the sky which displays our beautiful Canadian flag.

Again, it looked like we were going to be rained totally out.  We did get some moisture during the race but not much.  Rick decided to hook Spirit (LL), Spin (RL), Cowboy (LW) and Law (RW).  Stadium and Andy were rode by Chanse and Cole.  Rick had a great barrel turn then headed out onto the track, stealing the rail.  They ran hard and ended up with with a time of 1:12.05.  This running time was good enough to win Day Money.  Top spot is always good and we are very thankful to achieve it.

I must confess, these last few days have been a roller coaster of emotions.  But obtaining the day money run today sure hit the spot in happiness.  It was what we needed to boost our spirits.   So very, very grateful!

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  Don’t let the silly little things steal your happiness.

Howdy Chuckwagon Friends

Day # 5 and we are at the half way point of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, The Calgary Stampede.  Time sure does go by fast here.

It was our barns turn to make breakfast this morning.  We share making the morning meal with Cousin Troy Dorchester’s crew next door.  Alternating through the week makes life much easier.  Today I whipped up some french toast along with some bacon, eggs and some fruit salad on the side.  We cook on the griddle right down by the barns.  The clean up is fast and easy.

Once the dishes were cleaned and put away, I scooted on up to the trailer to have a nap as I missed having one the day before, due to the business of repairing the chuckwagon and such.  A couple hours of shut eye and I was good to go.

I made some new friends today.  Some gals on the Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon committee, put together an  afternoon of food, drinks and pampering for the ladies of the Chuckwagons.  They lined up some fine folks to come to the grounds and provide us with their services. Such a nice gesture for us all.  It was fun to clean up and enjoy some lunch, a much needed massage, a freshening of makeup, a new hair style and a refreshing beverage to boot.  WE WERE SPOILED!

Shortly there after, Jenn and I headed on over to the Indian Village to meet up with my friends Maureena and family to join in and learn some of their traditional ways of living.  I tried my hand at cutting the meat to smoke and Jenn worked at cutting  leather and beading.  We had so much fun and plenty of laughs.  These people are a joy to be around as they love to laugh and are very proud to show others their heritage.

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Close to race time, the clouds burst open and the rain came down again.  More mud makes more laundry.  But on the up side of things, the rain stopped for the races, and the nice big machines are there for us to use.  So you know what I’ll be doing tomorrow.

Tonight, there was a redraw.  This means that all the Chuckwagon outfits got re-seated into different heats according to their running time excluding all penalties.  Because we received a no time the other night, this put us automatically into the first heat.  The good thing about this is that we get all our chores finished much earlier.

Rick chose to hook Air on the (LL), Ranger on the (RL), Cowboy (LW) and Glory on the (RW).  Chanse Vigen and Cole rode Earnie and Die.  Rick managed a good start around the top barrel,  but then came just a bit to wide on the bottom barrel.  The judges noticed he was beyond his chalk line coming to the track and assessed him with 6 seconds in penalties.  OUCH!!!  That hurts.  Looking for a better run tomorrow.

So hard to realize that Cody is 25!  Hmmmm, double that, and its hard to believe the age of me!  Cody and Team 23 enjoyed a very delicious Ice Cream cake. He’s one heck of a kid and will one day be a Chuckwagon Champ.

Babies can bring so much comfort, and Rick found this little bundle of love just a few doors down.  Little baby Harper Cosgrave, Charleigh and Colts little one is just a sweet heart.  This year alone, I believe there will be 6 or 7 new little ones born into our Chuckwagon families on the road.  Its a Great thing.  They will keep our Chuckwagon Heritage alive!

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  LIFE’S roughest storms prove the STRENGTH of our anchors.

 

 

Howdy Chuckwagon Friends,

It is the day after.  The happenings of yesterday seem so surreal today.  For me, looking back, it seemed like it all took place in the blink of an eye.  But then I ask myself, did it really happen?  Did Rick really tip over the chuckwagon going over the bottom of 1 barrel?  Yes he really did.  And  only by the grace of God, is he and our horses fully fine with no injuries.

Rick and I watched this video together.  It was good to see in slow motion to assess what we thought had happened.  In the end, things worked out for the good.

Today is a time for rebuilding of the wagon.  And rebuilt it will be.  A few of the other competitors have offered their chuckwagons if need be.  How good is that?

As I wrote my blog  last night in the quietness of my trailer, I heard a snap that came from the back bathroom just outside the back end office.  I was excited!  I knew exactly what it was.  Not wanting to investigate till morning, I finished up what I was doing and headed to bed.  First thing when up and at it, this is what I found……………………………………….

……………One Big Fat Mouse.  This little creature snuck in from the Ponoka grounds and traveled his way to the big City Lights of Calgary.  I knew he was in there with the toilet paper mess he had made and the eating from the snack drawer.  But I got him and I got him good.  No more mice in this trailer.

Back to the incident, we can’t thank each and every one of you out there enough, that came out to help in one way or another.  The Chuckwagon and Stampede Committee members, the Media members on the ground, our Chuckwagon Family, Friends, Fans, Sponsors and Family.  Rick and I have been overwhelmed with all your helpfulness of gestures, from phone calls, Facebook messages, texts, hugs and more.  Each and every one has touched our heart.  We are so thankful the outcome of the incident was what it was.

We had to take a photo of ourselves this morning, just to let you know, we are all okay.

After morning chores, Rick and I took some time to visit with a friend, and then it was time to get to work.  Our sponsors, The Mavericks provided us with some awesome companies to help us through the process of welding, macining, making wood pieces for the seat.   By race time, the Chuckwagon was ready to roll.  Excellent Team Work by all involved.

It is always a pleasure to have friends pop by.  Today, Rick and I enjoyed a surprise visit from long time school mate and boxer, Willie deWit and family.  Another good friend, Shelby and her mom Chris stopped in to check in on Rick. Making sure he was okay.

Tonight’s races started out with a big old black sky that opened up on us.  Just enough to make it muddy for a few more loads of laundry tomorrow. Rick hooked the same outfit as last night, Spitit, Spin, Cowboy and Glory, with Stadium and Andy ridden by David and Cole.  Coming off the 2 barrel, with Kirk Sutherland on the inside on 1, Chad Harden on 3 and Chanse Vigen on 4.  Just a split second before the Klaxon Horn sounded, our team moved just a bit forward.  Minor!  But just enough that the judges called it a false start which in turn is a 1 second  penalty.  The race was ran, and boy did they go and go hard.  Rick drove them around the barrels and onto the track, and by the 3rd turn you would have thought the burners were turned on.  Rick and the team pulled away from the other wagons and crossed the finish line in a 1:12.77.  This would have been a day money run without the 1 second assessed.  So we settled for 4rth and that is just okay to.

Again, I would like to express our thank you, to all of the messages we have received by way of email and texts.  We have yet had time to read them all.  We may not respond to each and ever one, but just so you know, we will have read them.  Hearing from you means so much and we cherish you all.

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being excited about what could go right.